Product: TASCAM DP-004
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted
11/06/2009
at
02:35am
by
Liverpool Folkies
General
:
8
Portable four track digital recorder with internal stereo microphones. This is a great unit for those of us who cut our teeth on the original four track tape recorders a decade ago.
Connectivity
:
10
USB connectivity. This is the secret weapon of the DP-004, when you connect to your computer, the unit sows up as an external hard-drive - no software plugins or complicated download screens - simply open up the folder and drag the tracks (stored as WAV files) to your desktop or into any DAW. Perfect!
I/O
:
9
The dedicated inputs on the rear of the machine are only 1/4 (no balanced XLR) but serve their purpose well, however I much prefer the internal condenser mics. The unit has three sensitivity settings, from low to high. Again, tascam have dropped us a nice trick here. On high, the unit is super sensitive - make sure all electrical devices near the machine are off and unplugged, or you WILL get hum, but the capture is great to my ears. On low the unit is perfect for band recordings, and I have several hours worth of rehearsal practises with a nine piece dance band in a small room with almost NO peaking. Very versatile.
Power
:
6
Battery or AC powered, so far I've only used rechargeable batteries on the unit as it doesn't come with a dedicated AC adaptor (black mark right there tascam), however I have one on order so I'll be able to see the performance on that when it arrives. The batteries will last you a good few hours of continuous recording, however, constant menu flipping does decrease the battery life.
Technical specs
:
No Opinion
TASCAM website for these :)
Other
:
No Opinion
Overall
:
8
I'd get another one of these in a heartbeat (even over the new DP-008 which is coming out). I play lots of folk music and I'm a songwriter, as well as being in a few bands, so the portability and versatility of the mic inputs is a godsend. A simple unit that does (almost) exactly what it promises, well worth it for anyone who likes the hands on approach to recording, but likes to get ideas down fast.
Product: TASCAM DP-004
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted
09/17/2009
at
08:04am
by
Phatlac200
Email: phatlac2003 at hotmail<dot>com
General
:
8
Portable Digital Pocket Studio; I/O Meters; Clip indicators; Pastic and Metal Casing suitable for the road; On board mixing, bouncing, mastering
Connectivity
:
9
USB 2.0; 1GB SD card included
I/O
:
8
Switchable input for guitar or mic on input A; Variable input selecter (LMH); Assiginable inputs for mics (internal and external).; Both internal and external mics can be used simultaneously.
Power
:
8
AC or battery powered. No phantom power.
Technical specs
:
9
CD Quality; WAVE ouput for tracks; Direct monotoring via line out (with volume)
Other
:
9
No software or additional add-ons. Totally stand-alone for recording, mixing, bouncing, mastering, and storing to SD card. Computer only used for tranfering mix or tracks to to computer for post processing.
Overall
:
9
I have recorded a few songs with it via the inputs, not the internal mics. Recording is clear and usable for a demo CD. User interface is a bit clunky, but works - not 100% intuitive, but I am a novice at recording. File transfer to computer was easy enough. I own a few TASCAM products and you get what you get - no nonsense, no frills recordings. With the right post production software, recordings can be really great. Would have been great to include the power adapter.
