Tascam DP-008EX – 8-Track Digital Portastudio

Product Information

The DP-008EX can supply phantom power for condenser microphones, even when operated with AA batteries. (Notice: Operating time becomes shorter when used with phantom power supply. We recommend connecting TASCAM's BP-6AA when using phantom power.) Locate features: Move to a certain time position, or return to zero or to the last recording position with one key press Effects routing is less obvious than I expected, and the settings are sometimes not obvious at first glance because they are displayed on such a small screen. There are significant compromises on the display side of things that can sometimes be frustrating although the effects, when you get them, are limited but not bad quality. This is however a notepad, and reviewing it as a studio is somewhat missing the point.

If an item can not be repaired, a similar alternative product or cash discount (as defined in this policy) will be offered Both models record to widely available SD/SDHC card media (2GB card included). In addition, both models can connect to PCs via USB2.0 for high-speed data transferring. All song ideas can be transferred via USB or SD card readers to and from the units at any point in the recording process. Files can be used in correspondence with DAWs. However, the Gear4music extended warranty scheme provides an enhanced service, and is designed to offer a higher level of protection than many 'free' warranties offered by some retailers and manufacturers. The DP-008EX has two XLR/TS inputs with phantom power for condenser microphones to connect external microphones, an electric-acoustic guitar or a line-level device like a synthesizer. With an optional conversion cable a tablet device like an iPad will be able to connect. Recordings are written to widely available SD/SDHC card media (2GB card included). All song ideas can be transferred via USB 2.0 or SD card readers to and from the unit at any point in the recording process. Numerous eiting functions are also available. For customers in outlying areas of the country, the price of the Extended Warranty may be marginally higher, due to the potential for higher collection and redelivery transport costs.The reverb processor also has its own button to the left of the screen, and makes use of the four 'F' keys in the same way as the EQ. The options are simply Hall 1, Hall 2, Room, Studio, Plate 1 and Plate 2, with a Time option ranging from 0.2 to 3.2 seconds and a 0-100 level range. Sound & Usability The DP-006 and the DP-008EX are built with two condenser microphones directly in the front of the units. Record vocals or acoustic guitar anytime without the need for extra equipment or set-up time. TASCAM held many evaluation tests to secure the best sounding microphones and structures. Modeled after the top-selling DR series microphones, you can be assured you're receiving top-quality, Moreover the DP-006 was designed with a tripod mount for versatile set-up and placement. The DP-008EX records to widely available SD/SDHC memory cards, there's even a 2GB card included. Connect it to your computer with USB 2.0 for high-speed data transferring. Features Pros: Just about everything about it. It's a great way to get ideas down and the sound quality is very good.

Get it right at source. Your recordings will be optimised thanks to the included chromatic tuner and metronome. These highly useful tools ensure you're in tune and in time so you don't have to waste precious time re-recording at a later date. Streamline your equipment and workflow The DP-006 and the DP-008EX both feature ultra light-weight designs to ensure portability. The DP-006 is 360g, and the DP-008EX is 610g. (Without AA batteries) Recording media: SD/SDHC card (2GB SD card included): No moving parts inside mean high reliability and no noise from internal drives etc.

Specifications

The allocation of hardware buttons for most common functions is very commendable, and the only ones I really felt were missing were a high/mid/low sensitivity switch for the input levels, and another switch to select between internal and external mics. Reverb effects include: Hall1/2, Room, Studio, Plate1/2. Reverb time and master level can both be adjusted. Cons: None really, but I personally would like it to be a bit larger in size. Only really because the controls and buttons are quite small. Then again its very transportable. Both models supported file import/export by Wav format. Also, mono file and stereo file are available. This feature offers various advantages. For example, at first, you import an instrumental song which created by a DAW. Then, your ideas capture by the DP-006 or the DP-008EX. After recording, these ideas can export from a DP, you can be editing and mixing raw song data and recorded data on your DAW.

Simple, intuitive user interface: Use real knobs and buttons for frequently-used functions or easily navigate through the menu The DP-008EX's built-in mastering effects will provide high-quality master-like file creation. The mastering effects include 2-band EQ, Multi-band compressor and Normalize effect. Finalize dynamic and powerful sounding songs by utilizing the DP-008EX's mastering effects. Another great thing about this device is its ease of use. Its interface is fairly straight-forward and user-friendly. Cons

Your Easy 8-track Music Studio!

Use a single-band or multi-band mastering compressor and a normalizer to master your mixes manually