This device, as well as its’ smaller siblings are really intended to be a quick, portable musical sketchbook. Describing it as “clunky” is a bit critical. Yes, it’s menu-driven and takes a few minutes with the user manual to navigate. Once you examine the menu it’s very intuitive. As a “sketchbook,” this, and similar portable multitrack recorders are highly useful, even if you have a killer DAW setup. I travel with one of these to quickly capture those spontaneous moments of inspiration. Unlike any computer or even tablet, you can fire this up, engage the (very decent) on-board mics and preserve that fleeting chorus or hook or other “brain droppings” that evaporate as quickly as they come. No interface, no usb mic, no new session to start…..etc, etc…. Just “point and shoot….” Pure simplicity. While an ambitious full production can certainly be done on standalone units like these, it’s typically not the intended use, although I’ve seen some very impressive YT videos that show that it can be done. Any competent producer could take this unit and a couple decent mics and produce a broadcast-ready result. You also scoffed at the 44.1k sample rate, which is unwarranted, since that’s the CD Redbook specification and captures a frequency response up to 22,000hz….well beyond human hearing. The bit depth of 16 is also within that spec of high resolution. While you wouldn’t employ this device to capture a critical, world-renowned artist performing their swan song, it’s miles ahead of the primitive cassette devices and budget R2R portables of the past. Taken for what this unit is and many similar devices, they’re incredibly useful and fun to use. Plus, the creative process is, IMO, better realized without the distraction of touchscreens, a mouse, and monitors. Great songwriters from the recent past (Paul Simon, Jim Croce, Gordon Lightfoot,…….) would have killed to have one of these!! Anyway,…..my two cents. Cheers
You make good points-I think this unit is built for a very specific application, which is pure audio recording, and it works well for that. But I have to argue that the editing interface especially is ridiculous, and in my experience, very hard to get accurate results from. I think for a lot of people (including myself), this is very much a dealbreaker. I understand how some people are able to use devices like these to their full potential, and I too have seen videos about people who've made full albums using these, but for my workflow, it's just not practical. It used to be, and that's why I bought it all those years ago, but now that I'm doing much more advanced work, it's just not practical to use something like this. So, I think this Tascam is usable for very simple things, and it works well for that, but as soon as you start trying to do more advanced work on it, THAT'S when it becomes an incredibly clunky thing to work with. Of course, there are solutions to all of these problems, which I'm sure you're aware of. FOR ME, it's faster, easier, and more efficient to do everything through a computer, and that's the perspective I'm viewing this from. In any case, you make good points and I understand what you're saying, but for my use case, it doesn't work too well.
Fair point. In the 1990s/early 2000s (which I wasn't alive for so no first-hand experience), Roland made a series of "V-Studio" products; the most top-end could record 8 tracks at a time, something a computer couldn't do. These were mostly targeted towards home studios, because commercial studios sometimes had the money for actual computers. This was also the advent of DAWs which film composers were really taking advantage of, no longer having to orchestrate by hand and use "punches and streamers." I remember watching a talk by a film composer (can't remember who it was) and they were saying that when they first started working, they were an assistant to Hans Zimmer, who "told [them] to go into a closet and learn Cubase" - in the late 1990s. I get it, products like this Tascam (and others) have their place, but so many "industry standard" (which is a very subjective term) workflows use DAWs... that's just my opinion.
Alot more people are using portastudios than we think. Heck, cassette multitracks are hot again. Computer DAW is not for everyone, and many people are rebelling against it. These, esp the larger units like the DP-24 & DP-32 are very popular. Not obsolete at all....
Ok, fair point-"obsolete" is a bit extreme, but I don't know a single producer who uses one of these; but I get it, people are wanting to use them because of their ease of use compared to a DAW. However, the reason why I state this is because every producer I've talked to about this seems to think that these ARE obsolete. Now do I agree? Mostly, but not 100%. I think these units for sure use obsolete recording formats (44.1k for example). The main reason why I switched to a DAW was because I was using a Roland VS-2000CD (I would have totally done a video on it had I not taken it apart...) which was (and still is) a pretty obsolete piece of gear-it was introduced in 2001 I believe, and was one of the last V-Studio models they made (aside from the 2400CD and the 2480CD). I took a recording class from the university (because they offer classes for the public to take) back in 2019 that used Logic, and that's what convinced me to switch. So long story short, yes, you are right-many people are still using these, and will continue to do so, it's just the "other side" of recording technique, if you know what I mean.
@@thenetworkmystery Yeah, I do agree that no studio, or producer is using these porta-studios. It's just that for the home musician, these are surprisingly well suited. I use my Yamaha AW4416 the most, a serious piece of gear (give the specs a read), but I concede these porta-studios are most attractive to the home musician, and can sound wonderful. I stare at a computer all day at my job, sometimes a change of pace is kinda nice. I think we agree....
@christophermcburney2457 OMG!! I totally forgot about the Yamaha AW4416-I've heard of it before though! Back in the day I was thinking of getting one, but decided to get the Roland... I started recording in GarageBand when I was like 6 years old, so the DAW is also most familist to be because I've been using it for 12 years. So that's my justification, but I have also used PortaStudios and the like for a long time, too.
@@thenetworkmystery Yeah, the AW 4416 is a beast, and still has a following. The only downside was since it saves song data in a proprietary Yamaha architecture, you couldn't share tracks with computer DAW (no USB also), however, a fella in the AW4416 FB forum has written software he sells for like $30 that converts to wav files, and by removing the hard drive of the AW4416 (easy and external), you can upload all tracks to computer DAW (or rip CD). It's still quite a machine with big specs.
My dp006 is my saving grace. I have adhd and am unable to learn how to use ableton live or any other daw.i tend to hit hard walls early on for many of my hobbies. I bought a 006 and just yesterday picked up a zoom r4, which is the easiest recorder ive ever used. I could imagine how people with learning disabilities can benefit from this.
Thank you for your perspective-I'm serious. One of the biggest drawbacks of DAWs is that they've been developed for so long that the interface can become convoluted and it then becomes hard to use. I think in your case, absolutely use hardware; it sounds like it's working very well, which I'm glad to hear! This review was simply my single (quite subjective) perspective on hardware, and comments like yours are perhaps needed most, so thank you. I might consider redoing this video in a simpler way when I'm less busy.
I've been doing audio production for 35+ yrs. I agree with you 100% about Ableton. Trying to get it to cooperate doing the simplest of tasks is maddening. I've been using the DAW that comes with Divinci Resolve for the last year. Simple and intuitive, after a short period of time it's pretty easy to figure out. And it's free to use. Yes free.
These are great units. I bought a regular DP-008 (no EX) back in 09’ or 10’ and it’s pretty much the only thing I’ve recorded music on for the last 13 or so years. I know virtually nothing about computer recording 😂 #oldschool
Yeah! Glad to hear you're still using one of these. Although I'm pretty much fully digital, I won't be getting rid of mine anytime soon, it does come in handy sometimes! I've gone through SO MANY digital recording units (since I was about 8 years old), and this one's the only one I've kept, certainly for good reason!
@@thenetworkmystery for sure!! The only issue with mine as of recent is that the unit will shut off if I wiggle the power adapter plugged into it. Thinking it’s some sort of electrical connection issue (probably an easy fix) But I’m looking to buy another one to have on hand, and want to upgrade to the EX.
Well...Thank You, Friend! I was almost ready to purchase this unit! I bought the Roland VS 880...In the 90's and found it a bit complicated at first. But I got the hang of it relatively quickly! (I actually upgraded to the VS1680 and Finally their 24 track VS)! I don't believe that Any of those Units Were As Complicated as what you're explaining in this video! I don't have the space for a Large Recorder or a DAW! BUT...I'm definitely crossing this TASCAM Off my list! 🙏
I am having a bit of trouble understanding this comment. I think from a DAW-centric perspective, the VS is an incredibly complicated system. Hardware devices like the VS are always going to be complicated for those used to using a DAW. It's just an obscure piece of gear, with very complicated steps to, for example, do automation. I don't remember my VS very well anymore, because it's been gone several years now. I will say, it was great while I had it, because I didn't have a very powerful computer at the time (a 2010 iMac). The VS models you mentioned are also older; the VS-2000CD was one of the last ones released, in 2001 I believe. The 880 and 1680 were released several years prior, in the mid-to-late 1990s.
@@thenetworkmysteryYour video and other videos about the TASCAM made the TASCAM seem much more complicated than the Roland VS RECORDERS. ALSO I absolutely HAVE TO Be Able to do PUNCH INS Via a pedal!! If this unit doesn't have that option...I can't use it. I would GREATLY APPRECIATE it if you are familiar with other 8 track, easy to learn (It's been almost 25 years since I've recorded) with a punch in/out pedal jack. Thank you for the great video and your time! bob
I clicked on this because it purported to review a unit I have. It turned out to be a review of several other units plus a vast array of opinions I don't have and haven't had a chance to generate. There was considerable digression due likely to being unprepared with the narrative throughout the presentation. I do that, too 😃
Something you should know is if u plan using the SD card in your phone always format it to portable memory then format it in the tascam as I put in a new SD card into the tascam made a track then went to put it in my phone then realised it wasn't gonna play in my phone so had to format it lost the track but don't need to do it with a computer
is there nothing on the market newer than this? I'm looking for a portable track recorder. (but not tiny). is this really the most recent thing available?
Thanks for the review. Really good stuff! I'm thinking of getting one of these for simple demos rather than using my phone. I have a Presonus Studiolive SX32 but I only use that for serious sessions as it just ain't very portable... You mentioned a 4Gb recording limit, is that per song or the total amount of space you can use on the card?
It's a little more complicated than it should be, let's be honest. The file transfer partition size actually DECREASES from 4 GB if you go any smaller than a 16 GB SD card. Tascam has a chart in their manual that shows the amount of storage for songs and file transfer. It goes like this (highest to lowest): - For a 32 GB card, the song partitions can be 2, 4, 8, or 16 GB, and the file transfer partition is 4 GB. - For a 16 GB card, the song partitions can be 2, 4, or 8 GB, and the file transfer partition is 4 GB. - For an 8 GB card, the song partitions can be 2 or 4 GB , and the file transfer partition is 2 GB. - For a 4 GB card, both are 2 GB. - For a 2 GB card, both are 1 GB. - For a 1 GB card, both are 512 MB. - For a 512 MB card, both are 256 MB. I really hate how it works, but it was their thing from way back in the 788 days, and continued till the DP-32SD in 2017, which I think was the last Digital Portastudio. Hope this helps!
Sure sounds perplexing! I'll probably still get one at some point. As you say these things are becoming obsolete and as a consequence are fairly cheap on ebay. I'd jump right in and get a Tascam model 12 but want the portability of a battery powered device like this. Thanks for taking the time to reply.
Hi, thanks for the very helpful review! What do you consider the best modern alternative for this Tascam DP-008EX if i want a portable multitrack recorder device in 2022? I don't really like using a DAW (or a computer in general) for my music recording.Thanks in advance!
If you're looking for a VERY small one that's only a few tracks, their recently introduced "Portacapture X8" seems like a good one - tascam.com/us/product/portacapture_x8/top Otherwise, the Tascam Model 12 (or 24) is a really good option. Not only can you use it with a computer, but it will fit your requirement because it also works WITHOUT a computer. So look at that, too.
@@thenetworkmystery Thank you for replying back! I'll check out the Portacaptur X8 and The 12 & 24 model. And also, what do you use for recording nowadays? fully using DAW? and have you also use other similar portable recording device from other manufacturers (roland, boss, korg, zoom, etc) ? many thanks in advance!
@@riftman6666 I've been using Logic Pro almost entirely for recording since 2019 when I gave up on Roland's 20-year old junk (I had a VS-2000CD at that time as well as the DP-008EX). I actually took a class through the university about audio production in Logic Pro, and at the time I was still using the Roland and GarageBand. When that class was done I immediately stopped using my Roland and bought Logic. I might do a video on the switch from hardware to software at some point, it was a huge upgrade from 20-year-old hardware! Sometimes I will take out the Tascam to do stuff with the internal mics, but it's mostly in storage right now not being used.
Probably not, but you can try. It only "supports" up to 32 GB. One of two things (I think) would happen if you tried to put in a bigger SD card than it supports. 1. It would error out saying "Only cards up to 32 GB are supported" or 2. It would make the partitions as if the card was 32 GB and then have a bunch of unallocated and unusable storage space. But like I said, you're welcome to try, but I don't know what would happen!
So u only get four GB of memory ..iv filled up two SD cards since I got mine a few months ago and now I know why .... I love the work flow I figured it so easy it works how I expected it to...I only make tracks that last five minutes tops and I record the parts in how it's mixed down so I don't nearly need to do anything for the mix down most of the Time and if I do it's only muting and in muting drums I only really use auto compression as iv messed up a few tracks with normalising and messing about with compression so I just use auto
Yeah, right, the 4 GB file transfer partition is incredibly small, especially since .wav files are so big. That in my mind is the biggest limitation of this device.
You sure can! Menu>Import/Export>Export Track, and select the individual tracks (not the stereo 1/2, 3/4, etc.). Each track will export as its own .wav file.
I'm not familiar with Zoom recorders, but I did play around with an R8 once. remember that the R8 had several more export options, and MAYBE (don't quote me on this) that it could record more tracks simultaneously. The DP-008EX is also an older unit, and thus, is slower to export, has limited sample rate (i.e. 44.1k) and those are the limitations I see when I use it.
I have a question for anyone who might be able to answer..... I recorded my track into the 008ex. Used good quality cables, and set the level knobs slightly past halfway. I mixed down the track and then mastered it. When I sample the auto master (natural sound and maximum), there is a prominent, audible buzzing sound. When I toggle the auto mastering off, i don't hear the buzz, but when it's on, the buzz is there. I double checked my cables and volume levels, but it's not clipping or anything. Anyone
I think this has to do with the "Normalize" feature which is automatically enabled when you do Auto Mastering. I have had the same issue. You might bring the audio into a DAW like Logic or Audacity and raise the level there.
Has anyone recorded synths with this unit? Would I set it to mic/line or guitar for the input? Also, say i record 8 songs for an album. How do i make sure they're all mixed and mastered at the same level? Like when i want to make an album, how do i check to see if all the songs are the same and not have some that are louder than others? I'm very new to recording, so i appreciate any help.
Yes, you can record synths. Just make sure to use a stereo output and plug a pair of 1/4 inch cables to both inputs A and B. You would use the LINE/MIC setting for this. Addressing your second question - You could do a number of things to make sure they're all at the same level - this is part of the mastering process. You could either: 1. Go through the mixdown/mastering process on the actual unit, select "Manual" and try to normalize them and see if there is fuzz. You could also use Auto and select the lowest preset. 2. Use a DAW (something like Logic or Audacity) to normalize them all, or even better, a mastering software like Wavelab. Hope this helps!
@@thenetworkmystery I'm hoping your video will show me how to download to a computer better than the manual does (i haven't viewed the entire video yet)
Unfortunately, I don't show how to do that in this video, this is more of a review than anything else, sorry!! You've just given me a good video suggestion though :)
These auto CZcams chapters are very annoying, please disregard them-they are not very accurate.
This device, as well as its’ smaller siblings are really intended to be a quick, portable musical sketchbook. Describing it as “clunky” is a bit critical. Yes, it’s menu-driven and takes a few minutes with the user manual to navigate. Once you examine the menu it’s very intuitive.
As a “sketchbook,” this, and similar portable multitrack recorders are highly useful, even if you have a killer DAW setup. I travel with one of these to quickly capture those spontaneous moments of inspiration. Unlike any computer or even tablet, you can fire this up, engage the (very decent) on-board mics and preserve that fleeting chorus or hook or other “brain droppings” that evaporate as quickly as they come.
No interface, no usb mic, no new session to start…..etc, etc…. Just “point and shoot….” Pure simplicity.
While an ambitious full production can certainly be done on standalone units like these, it’s typically not the intended use, although I’ve seen some very impressive YT videos that show that it can be done. Any competent producer could take this unit and a couple decent mics and produce a broadcast-ready result. You also scoffed at the 44.1k sample rate, which is unwarranted, since that’s the CD Redbook specification and captures a frequency response up to 22,000hz….well beyond human hearing. The bit depth of 16 is also within that spec of high resolution. While you wouldn’t employ this device to capture a critical, world-renowned artist performing their swan song, it’s miles ahead of the primitive cassette devices and budget R2R portables of the past.
Taken for what this unit is and many similar devices, they’re incredibly useful and fun to use. Plus, the creative process is, IMO, better realized without the distraction of touchscreens, a mouse, and monitors.
Great songwriters from the recent past (Paul Simon, Jim Croce, Gordon Lightfoot,…….) would have killed to have one of these!!
Anyway,…..my two cents. Cheers
You make good points-I think this unit is built for a very specific application, which is pure audio recording, and it works well for that. But I have to argue that the editing interface especially is ridiculous, and in my experience, very hard to get accurate results from. I think for a lot of people (including myself), this is very much a dealbreaker. I understand how some people are able to use devices like these to their full potential, and I too have seen videos about people who've made full albums using these, but for my workflow, it's just not practical. It used to be, and that's why I bought it all those years ago, but now that I'm doing much more advanced work, it's just not practical to use something like this.
So, I think this Tascam is usable for very simple things, and it works well for that, but as soon as you start trying to do more advanced work on it, THAT'S when it becomes an incredibly clunky thing to work with. Of course, there are solutions to all of these problems, which I'm sure you're aware of.
FOR ME, it's faster, easier, and more efficient to do everything through a computer, and that's the perspective I'm viewing this from. In any case, you make good points and I understand what you're saying, but for my use case, it doesn't work too well.
Who says digital portastudios are becoming obsolete? They are the future. Being tied to a computer sucks.
Fair point. In the 1990s/early 2000s (which I wasn't alive for so no first-hand experience), Roland made a series of "V-Studio" products; the most top-end could record 8 tracks at a time, something a computer couldn't do. These were mostly targeted towards home studios, because commercial studios sometimes had the money for actual computers. This was also the advent of DAWs which film composers were really taking advantage of, no longer having to orchestrate by hand and use "punches and streamers." I remember watching a talk by a film composer (can't remember who it was) and they were saying that when they first started working, they were an assistant to Hans Zimmer, who "told [them] to go into a closet and learn Cubase" - in the late 1990s.
I get it, products like this Tascam (and others) have their place, but so many "industry standard" (which is a very subjective term) workflows use DAWs... that's just my opinion.
Alot more people are using portastudios than we think. Heck, cassette multitracks are hot again. Computer DAW is not for everyone, and many people are rebelling against it. These, esp the larger units like the DP-24 & DP-32 are very popular. Not obsolete at all....
Ok, fair point-"obsolete" is a bit extreme, but I don't know a single producer who uses one of these; but I get it, people are wanting to use them because of their ease of use compared to a DAW. However, the reason why I state this is because every producer I've talked to about this seems to think that these ARE obsolete. Now do I agree? Mostly, but not 100%. I think these units for sure use obsolete recording formats (44.1k for example).
The main reason why I switched to a DAW was because I was using a Roland VS-2000CD (I would have totally done a video on it had I not taken it apart...) which was (and still is) a pretty obsolete piece of gear-it was introduced in 2001 I believe, and was one of the last V-Studio models they made (aside from the 2400CD and the 2480CD). I took a recording class from the university (because they offer classes for the public to take) back in 2019 that used Logic, and that's what convinced me to switch.
So long story short, yes, you are right-many people are still using these, and will continue to do so, it's just the "other side" of recording technique, if you know what I mean.
@@thenetworkmystery Yeah, I do agree that no studio, or producer is using these porta-studios. It's just that for the home musician, these are surprisingly well suited. I use my Yamaha AW4416 the most, a serious piece of gear (give the specs a read), but I concede these porta-studios are most attractive to the home musician, and can sound wonderful. I stare at a computer all day at my job, sometimes a change of pace is kinda nice. I think we agree....
@christophermcburney2457 OMG!! I totally forgot about the Yamaha AW4416-I've heard of it before though! Back in the day I was thinking of getting one, but decided to get the Roland... I started recording in GarageBand when I was like 6 years old, so the DAW is also most familist to be because I've been using it for 12 years. So that's my justification, but I have also used PortaStudios and the like for a long time, too.
@@thenetworkmystery Yeah, the AW 4416 is a beast, and still has a following. The only downside was since it saves song data in a proprietary Yamaha architecture, you couldn't share tracks with computer DAW (no USB also), however, a fella in the AW4416 FB forum has written software he sells for like $30 that converts to wav files, and by removing the hard drive of the AW4416 (easy and external), you can upload all tracks to computer DAW (or rip CD). It's still quite a machine with big specs.
Hell yeah
My dp006 is my saving grace. I have adhd and am unable to learn how to use ableton live or any other daw.i tend to hit hard walls early on for many of my hobbies. I bought a 006 and just yesterday picked up a zoom r4, which is the easiest recorder ive ever used. I could imagine how people with learning disabilities can benefit from this.
Thank you for your perspective-I'm serious. One of the biggest drawbacks of DAWs is that they've been developed for so long that the interface can become convoluted and it then becomes hard to use. I think in your case, absolutely use hardware; it sounds like it's working very well, which I'm glad to hear! This review was simply my single (quite subjective) perspective on hardware, and comments like yours are perhaps needed most, so thank you. I might consider redoing this video in a simpler way when I'm less busy.
I've been doing audio production for 35+ yrs. I agree with you 100% about Ableton. Trying to get it to cooperate doing the simplest of tasks is maddening.
I've been using the DAW that comes with Divinci Resolve for the last year. Simple and intuitive, after a short period of time it's pretty easy to figure out. And it's free to use. Yes free.
Haha. Dont worry dude ...he's not gonna cancel you . "Redo the video".....haha . You are trippin@@thenetworkmystery
These are great units. I bought a regular DP-008 (no EX) back in 09’ or 10’ and it’s pretty much the only thing I’ve recorded music on for the last 13 or so years. I know virtually nothing about computer recording 😂 #oldschool
Yeah! Glad to hear you're still using one of these. Although I'm pretty much fully digital, I won't be getting rid of mine anytime soon, it does come in handy sometimes! I've gone through SO MANY digital recording units (since I was about 8 years old), and this one's the only one I've kept, certainly for good reason!
@@thenetworkmystery for sure!! The only issue with mine as of recent is that the unit will shut off if I wiggle the power adapter plugged into it. Thinking it’s some sort of electrical connection issue (probably an easy fix) But I’m looking to buy another one to have on hand, and want to upgrade to the EX.
Well...Thank You, Friend! I was almost ready to purchase this unit! I bought the Roland VS 880...In the 90's and found it a bit complicated at first. But I got the hang of it relatively quickly! (I actually upgraded to the VS1680 and Finally their 24 track VS)! I don't believe that Any of those Units Were As Complicated as what you're explaining in this video!
I don't have the space for a Large Recorder or a DAW! BUT...I'm definitely crossing this TASCAM Off my list! 🙏
I am having a bit of trouble understanding this comment. I think from a DAW-centric perspective, the VS is an incredibly complicated system. Hardware devices like the VS are always going to be complicated for those used to using a DAW. It's just an obscure piece of gear, with very complicated steps to, for example, do automation. I don't remember my VS very well anymore, because it's been gone several years now. I will say, it was great while I had it, because I didn't have a very powerful computer at the time (a 2010 iMac).
The VS models you mentioned are also older; the VS-2000CD was one of the last ones released, in 2001 I believe. The 880 and 1680 were released several years prior, in the mid-to-late 1990s.
@@thenetworkmysteryYour video and other videos about the TASCAM made the TASCAM seem much more complicated than the Roland VS RECORDERS. ALSO I absolutely HAVE TO Be Able to do PUNCH INS Via a pedal!! If this unit doesn't have that option...I can't use it. I would GREATLY APPRECIATE it if you are familiar with other 8 track, easy to learn (It's been almost 25 years since I've recorded) with a punch in/out pedal jack. Thank you for the great video and your time! bob
I clicked on this because it purported to review a unit I have. It turned out to be a review of several other units plus a vast array of opinions I don't have and haven't had a chance to generate. There was considerable digression due likely to being unprepared with the narrative throughout the presentation. I do that, too 😃
I mention other units, but it is by no means a review of those units--because I don't have them.
Never had one of these. Interesting machine, nice review👍
Thanks!! I still use it!
Thanks for the review, it was helpful
Of course!!
Something you should know is if u plan using the SD card in your phone always format it to portable memory then format it in the tascam as I put in a new SD card into the tascam made a track then went to put it in my phone then realised it wasn't gonna play in my phone so had to format it lost the track but don't need to do it with a computer
Good to know!
Hi, thanks for video. If I connect to computer does this model recognize as external input/Output using Logic Pro?
It does not; devices like the Model 24 do.
@@thenetworkmystery Thanks! Same with model 12 too?
is there nothing on the market newer than this?
I'm looking for a portable track recorder. (but not tiny).
is this really the most recent thing available?
Get the Model 16 or the Zoom Livetrak L12 if you want a more modern platform.
For starters, my problem is that the mics face the "engineer."
Yes, that is a problem if you aren't recording yourself.
Thanks for the review. Really good stuff! I'm thinking of getting one of these for simple demos rather than using my phone. I have a Presonus Studiolive SX32 but I only use that for serious sessions as it just ain't very portable... You mentioned a 4Gb recording limit, is that per song or the total amount of space you can use on the card?
It's a little more complicated than it should be, let's be honest. The file transfer partition size actually DECREASES from 4 GB if you go any smaller than a 16 GB SD card. Tascam has a chart in their manual that shows the amount of storage for songs and file transfer. It goes like this (highest to lowest):
- For a 32 GB card, the song partitions can be 2, 4, 8, or 16 GB, and the file transfer partition is 4 GB.
- For a 16 GB card, the song partitions can be 2, 4, or 8 GB, and the file transfer partition is 4 GB.
- For an 8 GB card, the song partitions can be 2 or 4 GB , and the file transfer partition is 2 GB.
- For a 4 GB card, both are 2 GB.
- For a 2 GB card, both are 1 GB.
- For a 1 GB card, both are 512 MB.
- For a 512 MB card, both are 256 MB.
I really hate how it works, but it was their thing from way back in the 788 days, and continued till the DP-32SD in 2017, which I think was the last Digital Portastudio.
Hope this helps!
Sure sounds perplexing! I'll probably still get one at some point. As you say these things are becoming obsolete and as a consequence are fairly cheap on ebay. I'd jump right in and get a Tascam model 12 but want the portability of a battery powered device like this. Thanks for taking the time to reply.
es una maquina hermosa y funcional
Sí, todavia funciona para algunas cosas!
Hi, thanks for the very helpful review! What do you consider the best modern alternative for this Tascam DP-008EX if i want a portable multitrack recorder device in 2022? I don't really like using a DAW (or a computer in general) for my music recording.Thanks in advance!
If you're looking for a VERY small one that's only a few tracks, their recently introduced "Portacapture X8" seems like a good one - tascam.com/us/product/portacapture_x8/top
Otherwise, the Tascam Model 12 (or 24) is a really good option. Not only can you use it with a computer, but it will fit your requirement because it also works WITHOUT a computer. So look at that, too.
@@thenetworkmystery Thank you for replying back! I'll check out the Portacaptur X8 and The 12 & 24 model.
And also, what do you use for recording nowadays? fully using DAW? and have you also use other similar portable recording device from other manufacturers (roland, boss, korg, zoom, etc) ? many thanks in advance!
@@riftman6666 I've been using Logic Pro almost entirely for recording since 2019 when I gave up on Roland's 20-year old junk (I had a VS-2000CD at that time as well as the DP-008EX). I actually took a class through the university about audio production in Logic Pro, and at the time I was still using the Roland and GarageBand. When that class was done I immediately stopped using my Roland and bought Logic. I might do a video on the switch from hardware to software at some point, it was a huge upgrade from 20-year-old hardware!
Sometimes I will take out the Tascam to do stuff with the internal mics, but it's mostly in storage right now not being used.
Check out zoom r8 similar but far more better in a long go...
Can you use a 256 GB SD card on this machine?
Probably not, but you can try. It only "supports" up to 32 GB. One of two things (I think) would happen if you tried to put in a bigger SD card than it supports.
1. It would error out saying "Only cards up to 32 GB are supported" or
2. It would make the partitions as if the card was 32 GB and then have a bunch of unallocated and unusable storage space.
But like I said, you're welcome to try, but I don't know what would happen!
Out of curiosity would this be sufficient for recording a podcast on the go for interviews and such vs using a phone etc?
Yeah I think it would be great for recording podcasts and interviews! Just be aware if the limitations described in the video though.
So u only get four GB of memory ..iv filled up two SD cards since I got mine a few months ago and now I know why .... I love the work flow I figured it so easy it works how I expected it to...I only make tracks that last five minutes tops and I record the parts in how it's mixed down so I don't nearly need to do anything for the mix down most of the Time and if I do it's only muting and in muting drums I only really use auto compression as iv messed up a few tracks with normalising and messing about with compression so I just use auto
Yeah, right, the 4 GB file transfer partition is incredibly small, especially since .wav files are so big. That in my mind is the biggest limitation of this device.
Why can't you just get a 32 gig sound card😮
Is there a way to slowdown a recording?
There is not.
If I wanted to record just 4 tracks of guitar say, can I export the 4 individual tracks as wav files to a pc ?
You sure can! Menu>Import/Export>Export Track, and select the individual tracks (not the stereo 1/2, 3/4, etc.). Each track will export as its own .wav file.
Thank you.
what do you think against Zoom R8 or even H4n pro please
I'm not familiar with Zoom recorders, but I did play around with an R8 once. remember that the R8 had several more export options, and MAYBE (don't quote me on this) that it could record more tracks simultaneously. The DP-008EX is also an older unit, and thus, is slower to export, has limited sample rate (i.e. 44.1k) and those are the limitations I see when I use it.
I have a question for anyone who might be able to answer.....
I recorded my track into the 008ex. Used good quality cables, and set the level knobs slightly past halfway. I mixed down the track and then mastered it. When I sample the auto master (natural sound and maximum), there is a prominent, audible buzzing sound. When I toggle the auto mastering off, i don't hear the buzz, but when it's on, the buzz is there. I double checked my cables and volume levels, but it's not clipping or anything. Anyone
I think this has to do with the "Normalize" feature which is automatically enabled when you do Auto Mastering. I have had the same issue. You might bring the audio into a DAW like Logic or Audacity and raise the level there.
Has anyone recorded synths with this unit? Would I set it to mic/line or guitar for the input?
Also, say i record 8 songs for an album. How do i make sure they're all mixed and mastered at the same level?
Like when i want to make an album, how do i check to see if all the songs are the same and not have some that are louder than others?
I'm very new to recording, so i appreciate any help.
Yes, you can record synths. Just make sure to use a stereo output and plug a pair of 1/4 inch cables to both inputs A and B. You would use the LINE/MIC setting for this.
Addressing your second question - You could do a number of things to make sure they're all at the same level - this is part of the mastering process. You could either:
1. Go through the mixdown/mastering process on the actual unit, select "Manual" and try to normalize them and see if there is fuzz. You could also use Auto and select the lowest preset.
2. Use a DAW (something like Logic or Audacity) to normalize them all, or even better, a mastering software like Wavelab.
Hope this helps!
Great review!!
Hey, thanks so much! I'm glad you found it useful!
Mine came with a power cord
Great!! I bought mine used though, so I'd imagine that's why it didn't. It was a cheap accessory, so wasn't a big deal.
@@thenetworkmystery I'm hoping your video will show me how to download to a computer better than the manual does (i haven't viewed the entire video yet)
Unfortunately, I don't show how to do that in this video, this is more of a review than anything else, sorry!! You've just given me a good video suggestion though :)
@@thenetworkmystery It would be great if you could have that video done by yesterday. Haha.