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Tascam DP004 Digital Pocketstudio Recorder based on 30 years of cassette Portastudios! Though based on Tascam's long line of cassette portastudios the Pocketstudio brings users into the new-age of digital recording with four CD-quality tracks and features like Undo and Repeat that wouldn't be possible on your past generation, cassette portastudios. Much like those easy-to-use Portastudios, the Pocketstudio sports a similar row of knobs to set levels and pan instead of confusing you with menu screens. The Tascam DP004 is able to record two sources at the same time onto it's removable SD memory. A stereo condenser microphone has been designed into the unit to make it simple and ready to record in any situation. Record concerts, rehearsals and sudden songwriting inspirations when they occur. Dual rear panel 1/4 inch jacks provide connection to dynamic mics or other stereo or mono sources. Inputs are switchable to a guitar level signal for easy recording. The DP004 allows you to build up your arrangement until you've filled up all four tracks. The Bounce feature allows you to consolidate tracks and make room for more overdub layers. Also available is an autopunch feature for fixing problems, track editing and an undo function. Mixing is also built into the Digital Pocketstudio. Once you set levels and pan, record your mix onto a dedicated stereo master track. You're able to transfer your tracks and mixes to a computer over USB 2 for CD burning and sharing online. Despite its go-anywhere compact design, smaller than a paperback book, the DP004 is simple enough for students, songwriters and musicians who want to keep their recording process simple and creative.
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Technical Details
- Two 1/4 mic/line inputs- Switchable guitar input
- Headphone/Line output
- USB 2 connector for connecting to your home computer
- Records to SD Card media
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By Mr. Amazed (Mexicali, Baja California Mexico)
I ordered and received this unit through the mail to replace a BOSS MICRO Unit that I had. My needs for recording are simple, so This little unit does the trick. In terms of having more recording options it its better than my previous pocket studio. The only thing That I missed was the lack of effects and that it doesn't include pre-programmed rythms and effects. Instead, it has a built-in metronome and a tuner. I find myself most of the time thinking of new musical ideas and always carry a guitar with me, so a portable unit is a must. In many respects I found it better than my last portable studio-recorder, like ease of use, recording source options, recording levels, etc.. One last thing: I always check and compare to similar items before buying, but for some reason I later found an 8-track pocket unit from the same brand, which was being offered for a few dollars more at an online site nevertheless I'm still happy with my pocket studio.
When it came to recording with it It performed reasonably well considering that it is an on-the-go portable studio. Nice size, it uses SD cards, but if they are more that 2 gigs you have to use the format options to partition the SD card as if it were 2 or three hard disks(partitions) which is fine with me.A last difference I found is that it can record two separate tracks at once instead of 2 sound sources into a mono track which happens with the Boss Micro BR.
As with other pocket recorders, you can always back up your tracks to a computer via usb, though there is no specific software to interact with the unit, as if it were a recording interface (that would be nice!).
By Woody68
I thought this would be complex to use because it does so much. However, after thoroughly reading the manual I found it fairly easy to use. Though I haven't done any track edits or mastering, the record and play back process is pretty simple. Tracks and inputs are fairly easy to manage with dedicated controls and menus. When the time comes, I feel I can easily record and master a complete song with this thing. It's very portable and doesn't need a computer to work.
By 4 a.m. Reader (Texas)
Got this for Christmas...having a blast with it. I agree with the reviewer Gabriel Heiser that it can be a little cumbersome at first, but the more you play with it the more automatic those steps become (kind of like learning Windows for the first time). You need to follow the manual very closely. Also, print a copy of Gabriels' steps to get you started. The free short videos on YouTube by ProAudioDVDs were really helpful too. If you really get stumped, buy their DP-004 instructional DVD.
I will tell you it's all worth it. I like this MUCH better than the cassette version. The sound is clean, and you aren't limited to just 4 tracks since you can bounce them to one track (mono) or two tracks (stereo) over & over. The built-in mics are very high quality IMO.
I also like plugging my guitars and drum machine directly in to the 1/4" inputs and recording each instrument track with my headphones on. Or, if your guitar amp has a headphone jack, you can use your amp for direct recording from it. Be sure to test between a headphone cable and a guitar cable. In my case, the Yamaha drum machine worked better with a guitar cable, but the amp needed a headphone cable from its' headphone jack. You can get those cords and adapters from Radio Shack.
Some reviewers have complained about hiss in the background. I've found that only happens when you play guitar through your amp recording from the amps' headphone output. If you plug/record directly into the DP-004, that goes away. Also, be sure to unplug the guitar from the DP-004 when you bounce the tracks to eliminate hiss and/or turn the input A or B level knobs down to zero. If you want effects, you can play through an effects pedal (IE the DigiTech RP70 or RP90) DigiTech RP70 Guitar Multi-Effects Processor. I have the RP80. You can record directly through that and not even use your guitar amp if you use headphones (kind of cool). Also you can do finishing touches with Audacity on vocal/instrument tracks via USB transfer, then slip them right back in on the DP-004.
It's also fun to hook it up to a home stereo (again, Radio Shack cords) and blast the results out loud. Also if you do that, the quality is better for mixing if your headphones are plugged in to your stereo. The quality through the DP-004 headphone jack is so-so. I also recommend getting the power adapter and just using the batteries only if needed. I bought a like-new Sony PSP-100 Power adapter fairly cheap from someone here on Amazon for under $10. I'd also recommend buying a larger SD card...at least 4GB or bigger.
In my opinion, if you can program a universal remote, you can handle this.
UPDATE: 3/25/10
I liked this thing so much I decided to upgrade to the DP-008 8-track version. Since I like to overlay many guitars, some keyboard, vocal, bass, & drum tracks, I found I outgrew the 4-track. In my opinion, if it's just you and an acoustic or electric guitar with vocals, you're fine with just a 4-track. But if you have a band you're recording with this (in my case, a one-man band) for mixing many instruments, spend a little more for the 8-track version.
By aaron
I bought this to transfer music from my drum machine to my pc,and it works great! The other custmer reviews are relly helpful, like getting a psp power cord($3 here on Amazon compared to $30 for the tascam one) and one on quick steps to get recording fast, since the directions are kinda hard to follow. (At least they were for me) For the price it's hard to beat.
By B Lee Handy (Madison Heights, MI)
Buyers Beware,
(Please see Edit to this original review at bottom of page)
I have been the proud owner of the cassette
version of the Tascam 4 track, for years.
I decided to up grade to digital.
Well I have to admit I have only spent about
4 hours working with my new Tascam DP004.
However you would think after 4 hours, I would
be able to do more than just play and listen
to the demo song. I went through the MULTI-page
quick start section about 6 times, and still I
was not able to record my first track.
It is NOT user friendly.
I have to be honest, I'm not an IT guy or an engineer.
Maybe that is the problem. I happen to be a musician.
This piece of merchandise may be more attractive
if Teac/Tascam offered LIVE online support.
I think it is necessary.
Helpful Hint to other buyers:
All of the volume controls must be turned up extremely high
to operate the DP004, unlike the suggested average volume
settings in the instruction book.
Edit to original review:
All of the above is true, however if
you take the time to learn this 4 track recorder, you will be
very happy with it.
It takes a considerable amount of work to learn how to use this
4 track recorder. However there is a lot to it. So it should take
awhile, considering all it does. Now that I have gone through the
pains to learn it, I would rate it a "AAA"
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