All user reviews of 4/5 for the Tascam DP-008

Connectivity is sufficient (2 inputs IN) that can record two tracks simultaneously.
External microphones can record live (not tested)
The backup is on a removable sdram.
The general characteristics are sufficient for home studio use

UTILIZATION

For me, the strong point compared to competitors.
No need to read the manual, the ergonomics are excellent and everything makes sense. The operations are reduced and the "pots" facilitate physical settings.
The only downside is the lack of "action" for recording. The only disponbibles units are the units of time (minutes, seconds and 10zièmes) damage.

SOUNDS

Little breath, gain correct.
Very satisfactory

OVERALL OPINION

I've had it 2 months and I use it all the time for backtracks for live recordings ... it is used as a magneto classic, simple and intuitive.
I had the Boss BR80 which has more features but usability is questionable. The TASCAM DP008 records and returns, there is "only" but it does it well. I recommend it.

The Tascam DP-008 is affordable and portable. It is small and lightweight; take it with you anywhere to record. It records and allows you to get your files into your computer via USB. It does have a built in microphone preamps. These preamps are not the best in the world but they will do just fine with a decent microphone.

UTILIZATION

You can record up to 2 tracks simultaneously with the dP-008 and it has 2 XLR mic inputs both with phantom power. It comes with a chromatic tuner and metronome built into it that was a great extra unexpected feature to have in a unit for this price range. This portable recorded is also durable, out of all of the times that I have used it; it has been dropped and even stepped on before while in a bag of mine and it never stopped working.

SOUNDS

I love how you can run this with AA batteries so that no matter where you are you can make music and do not have to always have it plugged in. It does come with a power supply though so you don’t have to worry about using batteries all the time or going out and buying the power supply.

OVERALL OPINION

As far as effects, you will not get many of them just some reverb. It would have been nice to have more effects but at this price I am surprised it has reverb and 2 band EQ controls on each channel. All of the knobs on the front of the unit are pretty well made and feel like they should be on an expensive recorder. The track wheel that works the screen functions is even pretty good and not cheaply made. If I could make one change with the DP-008 it would be to make the display screen a little more vibrant. It looks dull when looking at it in all light sources. But that is something minor compared to how great this affordable recorder actually is.

- How long have you use it?
3 / 4 months but very occasionally

- Have you tried many other models before buying it?
Not

- What is so special that you like best
Can record a demo pretty quickly and a backing track to practice on a solo instance.
I think it has a tuner which is a nice touch

- What is so special that you like the least?
1. On the one hand we can only record two tracks simultaneously. It can generate some who would like his group in a registry renewal decision
Moreover 2.By way the menu navigation is not particularly intuitive and it is often necessary to resume the manual for some operations
3. The metronome is not loud and I get around the track by recording a pb battery

- How would you rate the quality / price?
Excellent, I never imagined 10 years ago have an 8-track digital home

- With experience, you do again this choice?
Yes !!!!!

As a side note, there are two types of entries for each track (line and microphone)

• 8-track • 2-track recording • Simultaneous (2) XLR inputs with phantom power • (2) 6.35 jack inputs, one that can switch to guitar input (direct) • 1 pedal to the punch-in ( order of registration) • RCA Output • 1 stereo mini jack output for headphones / • Supply 4 R6 (AA) batteries (included) or PS-P520 Transformer (optional, as 30 euros) • chromatic tuner + metronome integrated • • Stereo Reverb Controls Volume, Balance and 2-band EQ for each track • Registration • Backup 44.1kHz/16-bit SD and SDHC up to 32GB. • USB 2.0 Connection to export files / 2GB Card • The mix SD, USB cable, Batteries included • 2 • omnidirectional electret microphones backlit LCD audio inputs and outputs Mic / Line A / B (balanced): XLR- 3-31 Input Impedance: 2.4 kOhm Nominal input level: -8 dBu Maximum input level: +8 dBu Mic / Line A / B (asymmetric): 6.3-mm phone jack Input Impedance : 10 kOhm Nominal input level: -10 dBV Maximum input level: +6 dBV Guitar Input A (switch in position GUITAR): 6.35 mm connector jack Input Impedance: 1 Mohm Nominal input level : -10 dBV Maximum input level: +6 dBV Line Output (Unbalanced): RCA connector Nominal output level: -10 dBV Maximum output level: +6 dBV Headphone Output: Connector on 3.5mm stereo mini-jack mm Maximum power output: 2 x 20 mW (for 1% THD + N, 32 Ohm load)
Audio characteristics Frequency response (input Mic/Line-> Line Out): 20 Hz to 20 kHz Distortion (inlet Mic/Line-> Line Out): <0.05% Signal to Noise ratio (of entry Mic/Line-> Line Out):> 81 dB
Windows Minimum: Pentium 300 MHz or faster 128 MB RAM or higher USB port (USB 2.0 recommended) Mac OS: Power PC, iMac, G3, G4 266 MHz or faster 64 MB RAM or higher USB port (USB 2.0 recommended) USB Host Controller recommended: Intel OS: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 Macintosh: Mac OS X 10.2 or later
Additional features Built-in microphones: 2, electret, omnidirectional Recording Media: SD card (capacity: 512 MB - 2 GB) or SDHC card (capacity: 4 GB - 32 GB) File system: System partition tape: TASCAM owner Partition Audio FAT: FAT32 USB: Connector Type Mini-B compatible with USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 (USB 2.0 recommended) Input DC IN: 5 V DC (AC adapter PS-P520 only, sold separately) Batteries: 4 x LR06 [aa] (alkaline or Ni-MH) Battery life (measured with alkaline batteries): Recording: approx. 5.5 hours (phantom power off) Playback: Approx. The 6 hours battery life may vary depending on conditions of use consumption: 2.4 W Accessories supplied: 2 GB SD Card Cable: USB LR0P6 4 alkaline (AA) Dimensions (W x H x D): 221 mm x 127 mm x 36 mm Weight: 0.61 kg (without batteries)

UTILIZATION

I find it very easy to use and very complete. Before, I had a Roland VG880EX and an old Portastudio to K7 so I used to use these animals but it is very simple. Furthermore, it is truly portable and robust! The buttons are quite small so I recommend the "fat fingers" but they are very good if you consider other products such as miniature type BOSS BR or Zoom H2 (I also). The pros: * Very compact (fits in the pocket of a big bag of guitar without becoming unusable) * Very easy to use: there are 5 minutes away * Solid and well built (for my taste) * Complete level "registration" : It&#39;s very easy to move in time with the scroll wheel with which you can scroll through the hours, minutes, seconds to choose depending on the degree of accuracy ... We can identify two points of the song easily and save them. We can then make continuous loops and re-record the same passage of a song without affecting the rest. It&#39;s classic but well done. * I think all the basic functions are accessible by a key and most advanced in 3 hits max. However, do not think you&#39;ll replace Cubase! I think we see it as a tool components, which can take anywhere and use anywhere. It&#39;s very complementary to a POD for example. I like the idea that there are not too many options at the con as the product competition. It is not everything, but he does it well. Because the drum and amp simus ZOOM ... I have already given. * There are 500 levels of undo. Basically, you can record 500 shots and then return the 267th in 2 clicks! A stroll through history and presto! * The manual is in paper and in French! Me I&#39;m a little crazy but for some it matters so much to be said * all + big criticisms that were made to the DP-004 are corrected. The flats (mainly due to size): * For "transfer" of the tracks you have to press a little manipulation. It would have been simpler to put it directly on the buttons rec ... * To make an instant return to zero you have to press two buttons ... With VG880EX there was a button ... But hey, given the size we will not complain either (and then the buttons are off). * I find the output level a bit low for headphones for my taste ... * There are a few blows on the headphones when you push the level to 9-10, he could put a better quality amp on the headset jack but ... It is not critical. * The batteries do not last very long ... but I bought the PSU (29euros) so I do not care. Otherwise must provide for rechargeable batteries.

NB: Very handy button that allows entry Mic-ligne/Guitare to move from an impedance of 10 kOhm to 1 MOhm on the jack: So, anything goes (guitar electro, bass, electric guitar ...) no need of DI box.

SOUNDS

* I find the A / D and D / A great! * The preamps are as good, of course, they add a little noise at the end of races ... Well there is no miracle either. The result is very clean and very transparent, and there you need to gain my SM58 without adding noise. Because mics, I hesitated a lot with Zoom R16 because I like my ZOOM H2 but I&#39;m not disappointed. Same is clean and transparent. * The reverb makes a huge plus. * I have not tried the equalizer, but does not need it is a good sign right?

OVERALL OPINION

I&#39;m very glad I did not have long but I think we&#39;ll be very old with my boyfriend as 4-track K7. Sure some will say that the R16 ZOOM offers plenty of opportunities for more than just dough ... But I&#39;ll tell them to beware. I admit that the H2 had fouttu a slap but overall I remain wary with ZOOM. Brief mount small models on the couch is great. If you want to do more, buy a real sound card (8 inputs rack) and a real sequencer (Cubase, ProTools, Logic). Like: Size, solid housing, ease of use, the undo-history and its very clean and very transparent. I do not like: The key combination to mute ... it&#39;s still difficult to assign functions to the REC (REC / PLAY MUTE) ... it is they can change it by reprogramming the firmware ... One can dream. The volume a bit low in the earphones ... Obviously I bought right away, this toy is a blast. NB: There can only record two tracks at once, so it is especially dedicated to the solitary musician.

8 tracks, 2 tracks simultaneous recording, recording on SD or SDHC cards (up to 32GB, 2GB included), records and accepts only 16-bit 44.1khz, runs on 4 AA batteries or an optional adapter (ps- 520), 2 jack inputs, 2 XLR inputs, phantom power, footswitch input, stereo condenser microphone built. Tuner (very functional), metronome, reverb, 2-band equalizer.


UTILIZATION

The unit itself is very well designed, very intuitive, very clear. What is less clear is the transfer of files (tracks, Masters or tracks) with the computer. Nothing complicated, just that it lacks clarity: I thought that by buying enough to connect and then draw in the recorded tracks. You actually have to export the tracks you want from the tascam partition of the memory card to the FAT partition for transferring files ... Mind you, it has its good sides, it grows to the organization.
CAUTION, the unit is sold without AC adapter and an adapter that is specific to tascam. I suggest you buy it if your 8-track will eventually exploded against a wall due to nervous breakdown ... This thing eats batteries like it grew on trees, you stand about 5 hours with 4 batteries and it runs fast!
Overall it is very pleasant to use.

SOUNDS

Level effects, the minimum service in these times: 2-band EQ and reverb. I like the reverb, it makes it really good and it can be adjusted very precisely, there are 6 types (Hall 1 and 2, room, studio flat 1 and 2).
The microphone is just good, I put him fair. Say it is very useful when you want to save battery without running vampirize past 2am in a sudden phantom power.

No superfluous, no surprises either.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for a month and is a very good "Portastudio" whose role is clearly not replace your favorite sequencer. Its strong point is its small size, add simplicity, reliability, phantom power, you have everything you need to capture moments of inspiration without having to slip through microphone stands to light a computer speakers, 42 different devices and varied and more ... Oh and buy the adapter is essential!