TASCAM DP-02: Cassette Portastudios Ride Off Into The California Sunset
January 28, 2008
I'd guess that over 90% of musicians who have ever dabbled in home recording over the past quarter century have owned or at least used one of TASCAM's legendary Portastudio 4-track cassette recorders. Winter NAMM 2008 marked the first ever absence of cassette Portastudios at a NAMM show with TASCAM opting instead to show the all new DP-02 hard disk recording unit alongside the DP-02CF, the same unit sans effects, a CD Burner, an internal hard-drive, and $200 extra dollars on the price tag.
Though the cassette 4-track is nearly committed to history, the DP-02 aims to provide a fitting and familiarly formatted digital replacement.
Visit TASCAM's official website for more information
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Tascam:
Multitracks:
Winter NAMM 2008:
I still have my Tascam 424
anyone want it?
I WANT YOUR TASCAM DP-02
Hi my name is Tyler. I have been looking around for one of these and it seems that they are all around $499.99. I would be interested in buying a barely used one. Please e-mail me at tbuck620@gmail.com if you still have it and want to sell it?
DP-02 CF review
Had mine for about a month now. They are practically giving these away on eBay, because early machines have a printing error on the unit and the box that calls it a "portastud!" Must have been some disgruntled employee's idea of a joke or something.
I chose the flash model, because I have my own CD burner and effects, and like the fact that there are no moving parts inside the box that will eventually fail. The one gig flash card they supplied is really only good for one song though, so you might consider two or even four gigs unless you don't mind starting fresh each time you record.
Anyway, I really love the sturdy metal housing and the layout of the unit, but I have already had a couple problems which may be due to the fact that it was from an early production run. One of my two mic inputs has already gone out, and, even worse, the unit tends to freeze up and become unresponsive during recording. The only remedy seems to be pulling the power and restarting, which of course destroys all your unsaved data.
Still enjoying the DP-02 overall, but would suggest buying from a reputable dealer, in case you have some of the same problems I have had. Doubting I can send mine back to the guy I got it from on eBay, but for $260 bucks, I still can't complain.
I had a Zoom MRS-8 before this, but two years later, I still hadn't really figured it out! However, after about five minutes with the Tascam manual, you pretty much have the whole thing wired. If you have any basic recording experience, even with a previous cassette four-track, you will be up and running in no time on the DP-02.
Tascam DP-02 Portastud
I just bought my new DP-02CF (Portastud) and haven't really gotten it to work. I've been pulling my hair off trying to get it to replay. I don't get anything back after recording. I have connected it to a computer, a sound system, have used amps for monitoring and I don't know what else to do. I have followed the instructions, but nothing comes out. If anyone can tell me a hint of why it isn't replaying I will appreciate it. If I have done everyhthing, then I will return it and get something else then. It just seemed like something worthwhile for new ideas.
Newbie
I have the same problem ! Very frustrating ! Have you gotten an answer from anyone? I sure would like to know what I am doing wrong.
I just bought my new DP-02CF (Portastud) and haven't really gotten it to work. I've been pulling my hair off trying to get it to replay. I don't get anything back after recording. I have connected it to a computer, a sound system, have used amps for monitoring and I don't know what else to do. I have followed the instructions, but nothing comes out. If anyone can tell me a hint of why it isn't replaying I will appreciate it. If I have done everyhthing, then I will return it and get something else then. It just seemed like something worthwhile for new ideas.
DP-02
This machine works great. Excellent fidelity, reliable operation. Flawless USB download to my WAV editor makes this one of the best decisions I have made in terms of recording. I can download tons of files to my editor, which makes the eight tracks or ping-pong option moot.
Good job Tascam.
tascam dp02 easy to use? No!
I bought this as I was led to believe it was very easy to use but I find it is not! I read the manual and followed the instructions to record - drum machine went down fine, but then when I tried to record a bass, it was not there! I meticulously followed the manual but found I could not get the damned bass to record! I sat tearing my hair out before quitting. Give me old portastudios - you plug an instrument in, root it and locate it, tweak it and record! Not so with this - it is a frustrating machine but I do admit I only I have just got it. Any tips for me would be welcome!
Another negative is you cannot eq and mess with the tracks until they have been recorded - annoying if you wanted to set up your sound first, as I like to do.
FX When Mixing
Just got my dp-02, my first venture into home recording and enjoying it. I do find the manual to be a bit incomplete and vague certain issues. My question is wondering if anyone can guide me as to how mix in the effects (not the onboard reverb) but the others (delays, etc) when mixing/mastering?
Thanks.
tascam DP-02
I've had mine (bought on ebay) for about 3 months and after having a pocketstudio 5 for about 6years. I think it's great and value for money £281 + carriage.
I have had problems when burning cd's though. It will only burn 1 then displays an error and I have to switch it off and start again. Not really a problem as I can burn more on the computer. tascam uk say it's an import and not covered by the uk after sales. Not really the sort of thing that warms you to them. Still I like the unit and would recommend it.
Sound Quality? (CF)
How is the Sound Quality on it, especially the CF one?
(Compared to direct-recordings into a PC via f.i. Cubase?)
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