Tascam DP-02 Digital Portastudio - 8 Track

Tascam DP-02 Digital Portastudio - 8 Track Review

Tascam DP-02 Digital Portastudio - 8 Track Feature

• Two XLR mic/line inputs with phantom power for condenser microphones^Eight-track recording at uncompressed 44.1k/16-bit audio quality^Portastudio-based interface with volume fader, pan, effect send, high and low EQ controls per channel^EQ frequency button to access high and low EQ shelf frequencies^USB 2.0 interface for transferring tracks, mixes and backup files to a computer
• Two XLR mic/line inputs with phantom power for condenser microphones
• Eight-track recording at uncompressed 44.1k/16-bit audio quality
• Portastudio-based interface with volume fader, pan, effect send, high and low EQ controls per channel
• EQ frequency button to access high and low EQ shelf frequencies
• USB 2.0 interface for transferring tracks, mixes and backup files to a computer

With a classic, well-known interface that's easy to pick up by new users, the 8-track Tascam DP-02 Digital Portastudio sports dedicated controls for level, pan, effects send and EQ instead of the menu-cursor interface found on most other recorders. You can make music with two hands with the DP-02--just reach and twist a knob when your creativity strikes. The DP-02 records to a 40 GB hard drive, and it includes a multi-effect processor, stereo reverb and CD burner for CD masters and song backup.

A pair of CD-quality XLR mic inputs includes phantom power for condenser mics and a direct guitar input. High and low EQ controls for level and frequency are provided for every channel. It also includes a multi-effects processor, stereo reverb, even a dedicated stereo channel for recording your mix. You can transfer tracks and mixes to a computer using USB 2.0, or burn a master disc in the CD drive.

The easy-to-use, 8-track Tascam DP-02 Digital Portastudio with simple knobs and faders (see a larger version of the image on the right).

Key Features

• Two XLR mic/line inputs with phantom power for condenser microphones
• Eight-track recording at uncompressed 44.1k/16-bit audio quality
• Portastudio-based interface with volume fader, pan, effect send, high and low EQ controls per channel
• EQ frequency button to access high and low EQ shelf frequencies
• USB 2.0 interface for transferring tracks, mixes and backup files to a computer
• Dedicated stereo master track for mixdown
• Internal metronome and bar/beat display for song position
• Headphone output
• Stereo line outputs on RCA analog and S/PDIF optical digital connectors
• 40GB internal hard drive
• Multi-effects processor with guitar, bass, vocal and drum programs
• Stereo reverb processor with send/return controls for multichannel mixing
• Built-in chromatic tuner
• Built -in CD-RW burner for CD mastering and song backup

The Tascam DP-02 makes recording simple by matching 8-track CD-quality recording with a Portastudio interface – so you can ditch the menus and concentrate on the music. A pair of record-quality Tascam mic pres features XLR inputs with phantom power for condenser mics and a guitar in for direct recording. Each channel gives you dedicated controls for instant access to fader level, record arm/track mute, pan, effect send, high and low EQ. There's also an EQ frequency button for finer control over the mix. Two effects processors are included in the DP-02. A multieffects processor on the input provides great-sounding overdrive, flange, delay and more for your guitar, vocal, drum and bass tracks. In addition, there's a reverb processor on a send and return for adding hall, room, plate or chamber reverb to your mix. The DP-02 is loaded with great Tascam extras like a chromatic tuner, metronome, and bar-and-beat display for getting around your song. The DP-02 records two channels at a time to a built-in 40GB hard drive. When you're satisfied with your production, arm the dedicated master track for your stereo mixdown. You can transfer your tracks and mixes or backup your song to a computer through a speedy USB 2.0 connection or burn it to a CD with the slot-loading drive. No other workstation makes recording so simple, affordable and fun as the Tascam DP-02.