TASCAM is releasing the DP-004 Digital Pocketstudio, bringing the Portastudio up to date by basically removing the cassette deck, making it tinier and tossing on a load of more modern features. But can we really be expected to believe that DP stands for Digital Portastudio? We interviewed TASCAM watched an old episode of Aqua Teen Hunger Force to find the truth:

Frylock: Okay . . . then what's your real name?
DP: Bros call me DP, short for donkey-puncher, get it?
Frylock: Yeah . . . I do.
DP: Sometimes I'm donkey puncherelo, or D-to-the-P, or Big DP, or uh . . . King Donko of Punchstania.
Master Shake: Dude, the player. Dude party! Party Dude!!! PD!!!
Frylock: No, I need your real name. What your mother calls you.
DP: Ah . . . You know what, just try DP.
Master Shake: Dude pal! That's what you should be . . . cause you're my dude . . . pal!
DP: Dude, your buddy here is givin' me a rash.
Frylock: He usually doesn't drink this much.
Master Shake: I out-party you!
Frylock: Shake, will you sit down?!
Master Shake: PD, I know how to throw . . . down!
Dude, and I almost said throw up . . . but I didn't . . I hold my booze! My booze!!!

Like the Portastudios, the DP-004 does away with digital menu based system, opting insead for a row of knobs to set levels and pan. Unlike the Portastudios, the DP-004 records to a 1 GB SD Card, utilizing a pair of built-in stereo condensers. For more standard multitracking, there is a pair of 1/4" jacks built into the rear, suitable for microphones and switchable for guitar level inputs.

If four tracks isn't enough for you, you can bounce tracks to consolidate them and make room for more. You can also use an autopunch feature to record over bad parts of good takes -- or if you're Edward Malus, for those times you're too busy to put on that bear costume on and scour Summerisle. In addition, you've also got track editing and an undo function.

The Digital Pocketstudio features built in mixing. You can set your levels and make your panning adjustments and record your mix onto a stereo master track. Then you're ready to transfer your tracks and mixes over USB 2.0 to burn to CD or share online.

It's smaller than a paperback book, so you can literally bring it anywhere where you can bring a paperback book . . . and then some! It's great for on-the-fly creative sparks and simple recording.

Fast Features:

• Connections:
• Two 1/4" unbalanced mic / line inputs
• Switchable guitar input
• Headphone/Line output
• USB 2.0 connector
• Recording:
• Four-track digital multitrack recording
• CD-quality 44.1kHz/16-bit WAV recording
• Records to SD Card media (1GB card included)
• Autopunch, repeat and record undo
• Dedicated stereo mixdown track
• Physical:
• Powered through AA Batteries or optional PS-P520 power adapter
• Battery life: About 8 hours recording, about 8.5 hours playback (alkaline batteries)
• Dimensions: 6.1" W x 1.3" H x 4.2" D (155mm W x 33.5mm H x 107mm D)
• Weight: 2.8 oz (360 g, w/o batteries)