A necessity of all songwriters, a perfect music sketch pad with built-in microphones for multi-track recording anytime, anywhere
Song ideas can happen anywhere. With the TASCAM DP-008EX, you'll be ready. Jot down ideas for your songs using this professional sounding multi-track recorders. For extra battery life, you can add TASCAM's BP-6AA external battery pack.
A user interface that enables intuitive operation similar to cassette MTR
Easy to operate, just like a cassette MRT, with recording preparation achievable in just two steps after turning the device on. A high-quality microphone is already built-in, so there is no need for an external mic. Each track has a designated knob so that users can intuitively operate each track without having to rely on the screen. SD/SDHC cards are used for recording media, allowing data to be transferred to the computer via USB.
Choose DP-008EX for more sophisticated music production
If you wish to obtain a higher-quality music sketchpad, the DP-008EX comes recommended. In addition to the XLR inputs that enable condenser microphones to be plugged in, the DP-008EX comes equipped with an input equalizer and reverb, enabling simple sound production. The mastering function can increase sound bass. With these functions in place, you can wow your band members with high-quality demo files from the DP-008EX.
A multi-recorder that anyone can use to easily record song ideas
Adding the DP-008EX into your production system will increase the scope of your music production infinitely. The music sketchpad that can easily accumulate ideas will capture that melody as it pops into your head, with a high audio quality, further enhancing your music production.
Features at a glance
- Eight mono tracks
- CD-quality recording (44.1kHz/16-bit)
- Two tracks simultaneous recording/ eight tracks simultaneous playback
- Dedicated stereo master track available
- Record to SD/SDHC card (Up to 32GB)
- 2 Built-in omni-directional condenser microphones
- Microphone sensitivity can be selected from 2-positions (Low/High)
- Two TS 1/4" or XLR mic/line inputs
- INPUT A can connect high-impedance instrument directly (Like an electric-guitar)
- Phantom power supply
- Independent LEVEL/PAN/Reverb SEND knobs for each track
- Two RCA unbalanced line inputs
- 20mW/ch headphone output
- Footswitch ready with polarity switching (Notice: can't use RC-3F)
- 128 × 64 dot-matrix LCD with backlight
- Four AA batteries operation up to 6.5 hours (when recording, using the eneloop battery)
- Insert effects for input channels (2-band shelving EQ, compressor, exciter, de-esser)
- Mastering effects (2-band shelving EQ, multi-band compressor, normalize)
- Auto analysis mastering function
- 2-band shelving EQ for each track
- Reverb effects (Hall1/2, Room, Studio, Plate1/2)
- Optional AC adapter ready (TASCAM PS-P520)
- Can connect an external battery pack (TASCAM BP-6AA)
- Direct locate function by jog-wheel
- Repeat playback between IN/OUT point
- Track edit functions（COPY PASTE, COPY INSERT, MOVE PASTE, MOVE INSERT, OPEN, CUT, SILENCE, CLONE TRACK, CLEAN OUT)
- Bounce function allows recording of more six tracks
- UNDO/REDO (UNDO HISTORY) function
- Chromatic tuner and metronome included
- High-speed data transfer by USB2.0 connection
- Backup and restore songs
- File import/export by WAV format (mono/stereo)
- Export stereo master file as stereo WAV format
- 4GB SD card included
DP-008EX APPLICATIONS
One of the greatest strengths of the DP-008EX/DP-006 is that, compared to using a computer, you can easily use their built-in microphones to start recording quickly. By using their other functions, though, you can also make recordings that are even better, as we describe below.
Spec description
| Recording media | SD card (512MB to 2GB), SDHC card (4GB to 32GB) |
| File system | TASCAM original (MTR partition) / FAT32 (FAT partition) |
| INPUT A/B | |
| XLR | |
| Connectors | XLR-3-31(1：GND, 2：HOT, 3：COLD), BALANCED |
| Input impedance | 2.4kΩ |
| Nominal input level | –8dBu |
| Maximum input level | +8dBu |
| 1/4" TS-jack | |
| Connectors | 1/4" (6.3mm) TS-jack, UNBALANCED |
| Input impedance | 10kΩ or more (INPUT A: MIC/LINE), 1MΩ (INPUT A: GUITAR) |
| Nominal input level | –10dBV |
| Maximum input level | +6dBV |
| Headroom | 16dB |
| Built-in microphones | Omni-directional condenser microphone × 2 |
| LINE OUT | |
| Connectors | RCA pin-jack |
| Nominal output level | –10dBV |
| Maximum output level | +6dBV |
| PHONES | |
| Connectors | 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo mini jack |
| Maximum output level | 20mW + 20mW or more (THD+N less than 0.1%, 32Ω loaded) |
| USB | |
| Connectors | USB Mini-B type 4-pin |
| Format | USB2.0 HIGH SPEED mass storage class |
| Continuous battery operation time | *All times are approximate. |
| Alkaline battery (EVOLTA) | 5.5 hours (using line input/recording) 6 hours (using headphone/playback) |
| Nickel-metal battery (eneloop) | 6.5 hours (using line input/recording) 7 hours (using headphone/playback) |
| Power | Four AA batteries (Alkaline or nickel-metal battery) AC adapter (TASCAM PS-P520, sold separately) |
| Power consumption | 2.4W (Maximum) |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 8.7" × 1.74" × 4.99" / 221 × 44.3 × 126.5 mm |
| Weight | 1.35 lbs. / 610 g (excluding batteries) |
| Operating temperature | 41˚F to 95˚F / 5˚C to 35˚C |
| Backup memory | In the PREFERENCES, contents of "Repeat Int", "Auto Power Save", "Contrast", "Back Light" and "FootSW Polarity". Contents of INPUT SETTING (without EQ) |
| Accessories | 4GB SD card, AA battery × 4, USB cable (31.5" / 80cm), Warranty card, Owner's manual |
| Audio performance | |
| Frequency response | 20Hz to 20kHz (+1/–3dB, INPUT (MIC/LINE) to LINE OUT) |
| Distortion | Less than 0.05% (INPUT (LINE) to LINE OUT) |
| S/N ratio | More than 81dB (INPUT (MIC/LINE) to LINE OUT) |
We used a DP-006 because everything done in the production of this song was possible using this unit. Of course, a DP-008EX could also be used for the same type of work.
(Since the DP-008EX does not have stereo tracks, however, the handling of stereo tracks would be different from the DP-006.)
We decided on the following track assignments (which parts would be on which tracks) and recorded accordingly.
TRACK1: Lead guitar (with harmony parts overdubbed in some places)
TRACK2: Bass guitar
TRACK3: Acoustic guitar (with panning for rhythm parts and riffs)
TRACK4: Drums (stereo)