Tascam DP-03 Digital Portastudio
The DP-03 Digital Portastudio from Tascam provides extremely flexible recording, mastering, and CD burning capabilities in an exceptionally compact design. The Portastudio offers built-in microphones, plus XLR inputs with phantom power and 1/4" inputs to capture audio from a variety of sources. Audio can be captured to SD/SDHC memory cards, shared via USB, or burnt directly to a CD. Tactile controls and built-in effects make it easy to manipulate your raw recordings into finished projects. Perfect for use in studios or on the road, the DP-03 provides everything you need in a slim package.
- Compact Design
- Perfect for use in studios or in the field, the Portastudio has a compact and lightweight design so you can take it anywhere
- 8 Tracks
- The recorder can capture up to 8 CD-quality tracks. It captures to tracks 2 at a time until all 8 are filled
- SD/SDHC Capture
- Audio is recorded to widely-available SD/SDHC memory cards. A 2GB card is included so you can get started right away
- Onboard Mics
- A pair of stereo condenser mics are built into the front panel so you can capture live performances, rehearsals, and ideas without connecting additional equipment
- XLR Inputs
- A pair of XLR inputs with mic preamps and 48V phantom power allow you to connect your favorite external microphones
- 1/4" Inputs
- A pair of 1/4" line inputs are provided, which can be switched to instrument level, allowing you to connect an electric guitar or bass without a direct box
- RCA Line Output
- A stereo RCA line output lets you connect to additional mixers, recorders, and other devices
- Headphone Jack
- A standard 3.5mm stereo headphone jack lets you listen to your audio on-the-fly
- Tuner and Metronome
- The built-in chromatic tuner and metronome keep you in tune and on tempo. Each function has its own dedicated button for quick access
- Editing
- Built-in editing features allow you to copy/paste, silence, clone tracks, and undo. You can also bounce all 8 tracks down to 1 or 2 tracks. A dedicated stereo master track is also provided
- Effects and Processing
- Each track has its own send to a stereo reverb processor, plus a 2-band shelving EQ. Audio limiting is also available
- Physical Controls
- The 45mm faders and dedicated pan knobs give you tactile control over your audio
- CD Burner
- The built-in CD burner allows you to burn your completed tracks directly to a CD without the need for additional equipment. You can also import a recording via CD
- USB Connection
- The USB 2.0 connector makes it easy to transfer your creations to a computer. You can also import recordings via USB
- Optional Footswitch
- A 3-button footswitch (sold separately) allows convenient control and punch in
| Recording Media | SD/SDHC Cards (512MB - 32GB) |
| Utilities |
MTR Partition: TASCAM Original FAT Partition: FAT32 |
| Number of Tracks | 8 |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz |
| Distortion | 0.01% or Less |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 90dB or More |
| CD Burning Capabilities | Yes, Tray-Loading Drive |
| Microphone | 2 x Built-In Omnidirectional Condenser Microphones, Stereo Recording |
| Connectors |
2 x XLR Inputs 2 x 1/4" Inputs 2 x RCA Line Outputs (L/R) 1 x 3.5mm Headphone Jack 1 x USB 2.0 Mini-B Connector 1 x 2.5mm Remote Connector 1 x Power Input |
| Power |
AC Input: 100-240VAC, 1.0A DC Output: +12VDC, 2.5A Consumption: 10W |
| Operating Temperature | 41 to 95°F (5 to 35°C) |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 11.42 x 2.13 x 8.16" (290 x 54 x 207mm) (Without Projections) |
| Weight | 3.97 lbs (1.8kg) (Without AC Adapter) |
| Computer Requirements |
Windows: Pentium 300MHz or Faster 128MB RAM or Higher USB Port (USB 2.0 Recommended) Windows 7, Vista, or XP Mac: PowerPC, iMac, G3, G4 266MHz or Faster 64MB or More USB Port (USB 2.0 Recommended) Mac OS X 10.2 or Later 1 Please Note:Intel Chipset USB Host Controller Recommended close |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 10 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (9)
- Excellent sound (8)
- Versatile (8)
- Good power output (4)
- Low distortion (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur recording (9)
- Home studio (7)
- Outdoor events / games (4)
- Performances (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (5), Novice (4)
Reviewed by 10 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-10
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Tascam DP-03 Digital Portastudio:
I purchased this portastudio to capture music created by myself and the many musicians I play with regularly. There have been too many magical sessions when I said, "Man, I wish that had been recorded!" That will never happan again, this product is everything I was looking for, nothing too fancy, simple to use and very portable. I recorded one of my compositions the first day I had it and the play back was fantastic!
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tascam DP-03 Digital Portastudio:
I love the product! I have a digital grand piano that I connect directly to the Tascam Portastudio to record tracks. It is easy to use and the manual explains everything clearly. You can only record two tracks at once but other than that I have no complaints. This is my first recording device and I am learning as I go.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Versatile
Cons
- Only two inputs
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Song Writing
Comments about Tascam DP-03 Digital Portastudio:
As a song writer, it allows me to get my ideas down right away. I import the master track to my PC and convert it to MP3 to easely email my stuff to friends. The built in condenser mics work great!
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
Comments about Tascam DP-03 Digital Portastudio:
YES! this machine pretty much does whatever you would expect from a studio, and more! i'm new at recording, and chose the dp-o3 to get music from my roland 909 onto a disc. this device is perfect for getting your feet wet, as long as you keep an open mind towards working with the hardware as opposed to sequencing with software.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
- Slow Mastering
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Church Sermons
- Home Studio
- Performances
Comments about Tascam DP-03 Digital Portastudio:
Amazing sound and easy to use recording device... Just like it's older brothers, the Tascam DP-03 is remarkably easy to use... with just a couple minutes of reading the manuel, you'll be up and recording in no time.
Only flaw i've come across, (and it might just be my lack of precise knowledge), is that to make a master of your recording... you have to let it play out fully. So if you record an hour long sermon... before you can make a CD, you have to make a master... and that requires setting an "IN and OUT" mark on the digital recording... and playing it all over again to master it.
It's digital... so you would think you could do it faster somehow.
That's my only negative. If someone knows a faster way... please let me know.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
Comments about Tascam DP-03 Digital Portastudio:
There is a learning curve for any new product. This is my first digital recording studio and I have found it very intuitive in all operations.
I fully loaded a 32 GB card with music from my computer on the first day and began adding vocals the next day. Off-loading the finished recordings was also very easy whether to a CD or my computer.
I would buy this unit again and I recommend it to anyone who needs a high-quality studio at a budget price.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Tascam DP-03 Digital Portastudio:
READ THE MANUAL FIRST!
I use this unit for my home use where I can play my guitar, mandolin, dobro, bass and saw as well as vocals. I am able to proeuce a CD without other players which ar hard to find. I bought this unit to replace a much larger unit I have used for years and have not found anything this unit can not do to my standards.
Anyone looking for a Portastudio should not over look this unit. This DP-03 is great.
The money you save can go towards a good mic, good earphones and a set of speakers and your ready to burn your CD's. READ THE MANUAL FIRST, NOT LAST.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
Comments about Tascam DP-03 Digital Portastudio:
Very easy to use, even if you've never put your hands on a recording device
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
Comments about Tascam DP-03 Digital Portastudio:
a great song writing tool, capable of producing a CD without a computer - actual knobs, dials and switches - no "mouse"
Pros
- Convenient Packaging
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
Cons
- Errors in the user manual
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
Comments about Tascam DP-03 Digital Portastudio:
I have used the Tascam DP-01 for 6 years for use in personal voice and instrumental recording. The DP-03 represents a nice improvement on the DP-01 with increased functionality in a smaller package.
I have found the DP-03 audio controls and display to be very intuitive and the ability to record directly to solid state memory or burn a CD is very handy. The fact that it is about 1/3 the volume of the DP-01 makes it much easier to transport.
Must add a larger memory card (bigger than the 2GB card provided) for recording special events.
Requiring both MTR and FAT Memory partitions is a bit cumbersome to manage but is necessary for data exchange with a computer.
Displaying reviews 1-10
Cables
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- Original: $15.99
- Save: $1.60
- Price: $14.39
Digital Cables
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- Original: $3.49
- Save: $0.35
- Price: $3.14
Media
- Price: $6.28
Headphones
- Price: $25.85
Monitors
- Price: $179.00
Cases & Protection
- Price: $34.99
What's in the Box
- AC Adapter and Power Cord
- SD Card
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
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