The analog components still affect the sound digital or not. Keeping my fingers crossed for the future. These or an Akai dps will have to do for now. DAW is out the picture.
Good stuff! We are a couple of old school guys that live in different states and use two TASCAM DP-32's to record our original music by sending SD cards back and forth (I said we were old school) then we post it on our TH-cam channel. We do it for fun and keeping our friendship alive despite the miles between us. The DP-32 sounds amazing and is easy to use!
Ive owned this same DP32SD since 2019. I use it exclusively for tracking all midi sequenced recordings with my MPC 2000 studio Plus, via SMPTE, and exclusively for tracking all vocals. Processing is done exclusively in the box, via Cockos Reaper. Best of both worlds.
I agree wholeheartedly. I've tried to get into the whole computer based recording but came right back to my hardware lol. I still love having to get creative with how I'm gonna do certain things that a computer can do instantly. I have friends that think I'm crazy and maybe I am but it's what I like. Takes me back to when I first got into multi track recording with a vestax 4 track cassette recorder,a dual cassette deck, a few effects and a cheap mic. Oh and a very old 6 channel mixer came along and I thought I was hot stuff then lol. But anyone that has never tried recording with just the bare minimum should really try it. You can get very creative. And yes a bathroom really does make a good vocal booth 😁.
Please, which recorder do you use? I need that one you have. Most modern ones do not have midi clock out so I am SOL on using my all midi Korg PA600 Oriental arranger workstation with perfectly synced audio samples and vocals in a porta-daw. None I own are midi syncable.
The removal of midi is the beginning of the problem. The effects in the 2488 series was not applied here which would have been wealth. I have the 24sd. Because of my experience with Tascam products through the years, I circumvent a majority of the processes. I don't master with it and I avoid tape sync. Tascam dropped the ball off the bridge with this one but for a good note, the sound after recording is remarkable. So it still has a place in my collective. Tascam gotta do better and put back what they took out.
...I have the last tascam 32 track studio recorder that tascam made, that has midi on it, and I have it unused, and it's in perfect condition. I have been sitting on it for years, and had it stored away. I just might sell it for the right price. Let me know if you're interested.
Thanks for that overview. Far from convincing me that packages on pc or mac are the way forward, it confirms that for me this is the way to go. But hey, I still use a Roland SH-101 that I bought in 1983. I also used to use a Fostex X-15 to record my work, so a unit like this would be the ultimate luxury. I've tried Logic, Cubase, Ableton and even Akai's MPC mini and I find them just too densly packed with features, to the extent that they are too distracting. With computer based packages, all the updates to OS and systems, as well as the packages, again, a distraction, and don't get me started on the drop in performance that seems to follow each update as more features get crow-barred in. Anyway, thank you again for a very useful overview.
My DP32SD has been in it's box for 4+ years. Just opened it a week ago. I love it. I do not like DAW, although I use it. the DP32SD is PORTABLE; a major point for me. Thank you so so very much for making this presentation so many years afterwards.
The major miss on the DP SD series is the omission of MIDI sync. It can’t even output a MIDI clock from the tempo map or MTC. Huge feature loss from previous models from Tascam.
I have the one prior - almost the exact same thing but it has 5 pin midi in and midi out, got it used locally grabbed it right away when I saw it, I don't understand why the later versions did away with midi - prob to save money 🙄
It's a shame because the midi clock on the older is so great! It's an album maker, you can go back and forth and the sync works in a rig so even if you make a good drum beat and switch between songs, it will always match the tempo!!!
I've got an original DP-24 (with cd burner and midi) and have been thinking about selling it. It's been in storage for a few years. But this morning decided to keep it to have some demo-making fun away from my computer. I have the foot switch too 🥳 As a kid I started on the Tascam Portastudio 246 and really loved it! For a long time I've been using Logic Pro - which of course is amazing (!!) - but I do think I've lost that magic that I once had regarding the musicality of multi-tracking. That innocence is still in there but needs to be unlocked ☺
I use all external effects for guitar and bass. I do like the internal reverb. I process and edit individual tracks in Audacity and the re import for mix down on the Tascam. I then master the finished mix in Audacity. I get very good results.
You could argue that the Akai Pro MPC Key 37 is a standalone workstation. It's amazing, and I think demonstrates standalone is far from dead. If anything, more and more people are moving away from DAWs.
Love hardware and hate software. Hardware will always have value, software not. Software does indeed have value as long as the price is right. Hardware is awesome and beautiful.
So, you think this doesn't have any software running it? No processor? It's basically a computer with a midi mixer attached to it, but just with worse specs on most of the things it has.
Enjoyed this video, thanks. Seen one of these on FB marketplace and Im just curious - never convinced I like turning on the computer in the evening to do some recording having sat at a computer screen for most of the day for work...
Yeah there's something kind of wholesome about recording into a multi-track. Of course it can always go to a computer for mastering later on, so there's no loss.
Great review. Probably going to pick up something like this in the near future but still recording with the old schoolTascam Mk2 488. Is it inferior in virtually every way to modern digital portastudios? Absolutely. But it's effortlessly easy to use, and the sound of the recordings is so lo fi incredible with the signal actually being recorded to a physical tape surface as opposed to a digital vacuum of 1s and 0s.
This may be a bit naive of me but I didn’t know one of these work stations existed! I do have a daw and an audio interface, but I work on computers as my main job and I hate using them because I’m on them all the time. I love stuff like this where everything is right in front of you. May snag one in the future!
I have been using a very nice DAW for many years now, UAD Apollo interface with Neve and SSL plugins, as well as a ton of plugins from Waves, IK Multimedia, and more. I bought the DP24SD as a remote recorder, thinking it would be good enough to track with then transfer tracks to my DAW for mixing and mastering. I was pleasantly surprised to realize I could make full productions on the Tascam and now I rarely use my computer. The effects in the Tascam are all you need, and if you need more there's another effects send to add outboard gear. The compression, EQ, Reverbs and Delays are as good as any of my plugins. It takes a little more thought and some track bouncing, but I'm using the Tascam most of the time now even with all the plugins I have in my DAW. It's just very easy to use and get professional results.
I used mine to record our live string band gigs for future grimacing and finger pointing. As we don't have drums, we didn't require the 237 inputs needed to get a decent snare sound. We really enjoyed hearing a simple stereo mix over the tinny cell phone recording from the mandolin player's girlfriend's phone. I highly recommend any flavor of these affordable multitrack recorders to all fledgling bands to hear a rough mix of rehearsals or learn basic multitracking. You can be a bar band with the fullest tip jar, and be tossed out of any hopes of fame and wimins, if you think studio technique is someone else's problem. More than practising the notes and stage moves, practice getting your hearts tuned to the efforts and doldrums of recording. I'm not anywhere against doing anything in the box. Portability and efficiency are worth every penny.
I missed the old days of working within the limitations of a 4 or 8 track Portastudio, and bought the DP-24 several years ago. I don't always want a screen in front of me or the intricacies of working within a DAW. I don't always want to boot up a computer just to lay down an idea, and I pretty much don't EVER want email, social media or popups interfering with my creative process. Yes, the central component of working with ANY system is learning its interface, and the Tascam DP interface isn't too bad. There are some oddities in working with it, but for basic tracking and layering, it's a good little machine. Exporting the tracks onto the SD card and importing them into a DAW when I want access to more advanced features is nice hybrid alternative to doing all tracking within a DAW. I do think they missed a major opportunity by not doing even a basic MIDI implementation. Having just MIDI sync capability would make this machine much more versatile.
This came up while looking for info on the Zoom L20. Cheers, if I find this for the right price it might be a goer. Guitar, bass and a couple of synths and I wanna lose the pc.
Glad I could help :) Standalone recorders definitely bring out a more 'natural' performance, often more compelling than the more clinical computer recordings.
Do you feel that the audio interface in this instruments degrades the sound quality? I used it for about 2 years then when I took it out of the loop in my home studio, I discovered that it was eating up some of the quality. Not sure if that's normal experience
I tend not to worry too much about audio quality, I find that if the interface is good and the experience is pleasant, then good music just follows. But to answer your question, no I thought the overall signal quality was as good as a decent pro-audio interface.
Of course, I can also travel virtually to foreign countries, or play billiards, basketball, or skiing... but when I do it in real life, I just get a different understanding of all these things...And there are seasoned musicians with big names who have created great and, above all, long-lasting things, all of whom had to work with restrictions... and they all say that it was only good for their creativity
The simplicity of turning on and recording cannot be over emphasized. I hate the PC or Apple saying it needs to update when all I want to do is quickly record an idea. It's an idea tool not a fully working studio although there have been some very good demos recorded on these. For god's sake Lady Gaga used this as her writing tool. Now she sold millions of records.
Just ran across your video here. I really like the Tascam stuff. I started out with the old cassette tape Portastudios in the 90’s, so there is a bit of nostalgia for me. I still use a DAW, interface and all that stuff - but the nice thing about a Portastudio is, simply put, the simplicity. Although the dp24sd and dp32sd have a lot of features for what they are, once you get the hang of it, you are not overloaded with “option paralysis”. You have very limited effects, but enough flexibility from the digital world to move about. Much like the older tape machines, you are forced to focus on the creative aspect of your own playing, and even your own musicianship. I still enjoy using my computer-based system, but there are times when I just want to focus entirely on the music, not mucking about with vst’s and softsynths or other stuff, just the instruments. The dp series has been around a long time and I hope they keep them going.
Metronome provided under license from Bontempi. Ick! Also, didn't they get rid of the midi clock output from the newer SD version, so now it doesn't synch playback with the DAW or any sequencers you have? That seems like a huge leap backwards and a good reason not to upgrade from the older (non-SD) version. I'm giving this one a miss as it has to work with my DAW and an external sequencer. Ahem... anyone selling an old DP32? LOL
Nice video as always. I am looking for a portable and if possible battery powered transistor home organ, or at least something that sounds like one. Any ideas?.
Transistor home organ eh? Hmm, that's a hard one. All I can suggest from the knowledge I have is a digital version. The Casio CT-S series has a good transistor sound and is very portable. Or the Roland Go:Keys, That's a nice board too.
It's called a 'standalone' machine coz u don't need a computer. Everything is done on the tascam... Then u can send ur WAV file to ur computer and get a free online file converter to change ur WAV to an mp3!
Oh I can totally relate to that, certainly. There's also the argument that if you like the interface then better music will follow, even if that interface is not as versatile. Limitations encourage creativity!
Yea, and the thing seems to bleed through any headphones you have while recording, even at low volumes, so you can hear it on your tracks! I wish they’d put some firmware out just to change that wretched metronome sound!
Absolutely correct. You plug ur kbds, gtrs, drums, mics etc into the dedicated track channels at the rear, and record each individual track and hey presto, after using it's on board mixing and mastering functions, you have a 'radio ready' demo!
I have the original DP-24 with midi and cd drive. Bought it new in 2012. I’m still holding out hope that Tascam will wake up and make a new version. The Model series is cool but it’s not one of these. I can complete whole songs on the DP-24.
Yes, I think it will be around. I don’t think it’s time is done. I’m gonna purchase one computers and software are nice but I’m a standalone hardware person first.💯🤟🏽
I'm pleasantly surprised the DP-24/32, DP-8/DP-6 etc. are even still in production! Long live the Portastudio! as these questions were all being asked long before they even came out. I don't think these recorders make sense for demos, as the whole demo-making process is obsolete and pointless IMO. A demo for who? If you're pitching a song, 99% of the time they want Broadcast Quality up front. I think for most of us, if we're working on our own material, whatever we record will be the definitive version. There's no "demo" anymore unless it's a scratch track to just get an idea down or a rough draft, for that you can use a phone or handheld field recorder. DP-24/32, especially the earlier model with MIDI and CD-R, have a lot of appeal as a true Portastudio. No noise, no distractions of a PC, no analysis paralysis of unlimited options. And the ability to get away from a noisy home environment. Rent a quiet space with your band for a weekend, get up and running with minimal fuss. It's also an effective gig recorder, but I think Zoom has better options for that. I wonder if the no-MIDI, no-CD/R versions still have the ability on the PCB's, in other words could ports for that still be hacked much like you see Retro gamers do with adding video outputs to old gaming consoles.
Would something like this be good for a multi track audio podcast? ive been looking at things like the rodecaster or the Zoom podtrak and this, to the layman, looks to be similar cheaper, than the rodecaster, and more capable for futurproofing. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
It would be great if you have a lot of people participating in the discussion. If you just need sound effects and music tracks, I'd be looking at a sampler instead. Hope that helps :) Gearfacts
This is the unit I wanted to buy until I found out it does NOT have any midi sync so that the tracks can sync to my midi recordings.. So this is a pure audio only recorder of which I have several already. Now the other unit you reviewed a year or so ago, Roland with midi and CDRW drive? Would have been a better option for us old skool Midi sequence techhead musicians. So this unit here is good for audio only recordings where all your midi tracks are recorded and you do not need your vocals to be synced to the midi song tracks but rather you record your vocal live only while the midi song is also recorded as an audio only track(stereo mixed). Bit limiting but eh, for $699 it can do the trick for instant gratification. Not my choice for pro studio work without midi sync so that the recording starts as soon as you press play on your midi drum machine or sequencer
I have the DP32-SD. I was pissed when I bought Mines from PSSL, pictures showed other version with MIDI. Mines didn't have it. So I figured it out with Mines, I use an Audio Interface Behringer U-PHORIA UMC404HD model that has MIDI in/out.
Yeah that was some bad video editing on my part. I don't have this machine anymore so all I can suggest is getting the manual by searching "Tascam DP32SD PDF", it should be the first result that that appears in your browser.
I hope this helps. I use their USB function to send the mastered wavs straight to the Roland files on my pc, where I can then convert to mp3 format...I would assume it's the same process for Mac.
Yes you can export the individual tracks (plus the 8 “virtual tracks” aka different takes per track) via a usb connection with the machine or with an SD card reader and use those in your DAW.
I got sick of using on screen Computer Recording Programs...too many Menus-Screens for a start so went back to using a 'hands-on' machine' that let you record directly onto a HD, this was the TASCAM DP02 (HD version)...except for a couple of minor downsides, it was easy to use and 10 out of 10 for making decent demos....all the rest of those machines, such as the one in this video can go kiss my gorgeous arse!
Stations like this will probably rsther be more common than not as A.I infect everything that is computers. Analog recordings on tapes and such will also be usual I think for artist to present real music besides A.I.
Great vid ,I just got one but I just realised it’s not really 32 track it’s 20 ,just unbelievable you can’t split the last 12 stereo tracks into mono track like you can on the Yamaha work stations ,actually disappointing and deceiving. 6:45 anyway as joe Walsh said “real men only need 16 tracks” we get four more here.
i've owned tascam recorders my whole life and will never use a computer love hands on . dp01fx was my first my second was the 2488 neo i just picked this one up the sd24 would have got the 32 but hate virtue tracks the 24 has more real mono tracks than the 32 their loss on that not even mentioning the tones of tape machines i've owned all by tascam
I live in Reading, UK. I've had a DP32 for quite a few years but I find it difficult to learn via you tube or the manual. Anybody want to help, we could negotiate an hourly rate.....PS, please, not over Zoom.....face to face rather.
I had one of these - the more tracks you record on, the slower the response time when you try to do anything. It'd be nicer if they had a beefier processor in there.
Yep, hardware like this gives a big sense of freedom and I think that sets the scene for good recordings despite have fewer features than most software studios.
Computers hate me. And i dont wanna make fckn sign ins and update sht just to record an audio track man. Wtf. Or pay monthly for expensive software. I only need to record audio without all the problems computers are susceptible to experiencing. Is this hd recording?
Dam man some one who is actruly using a guitar to demo this tascam .... im not much on the efects that are on this tascam i have my own so what do you think is it difficult to use or just realy asss backwards ... i hat DAW. and garage band can this thing realy record real musians playing drums guitar u no real music would it help to use a mixer with this
@@gearfacts I mention it because they can be cheap second-hand and even tho not new and getting a lot of people who scoff at them, they subjectively sound good and are very usable for a guitarist. I have used the original and the XT at various times. If you’re serious on guitar you likely already have a pedalboard or a helix or something, but then you wouldn’t be using the internal effects anyway. For someone considering using those effects just skip them and get something nicer and trade up as you go.
@@ChrisCebelenski What do you think of the more recent N-UX units? The last few I've reviewed on Gearfacts have been exceptionally true to their inspirations, even the MG-15 cheapy. I do like that punchy overdrive of some of those Line 6 units though, and they do a nice overdrive on that "insane" channel which I think sounds nicest when its drive setting is at zero.
@@gearfacts I haven’t tried them so I can’t comment - but the technology is mature so I would expect good results. As I understand it, it’s the feature set and usability that will be the biggest difference, so I’d say go with your budget and what works for the player. I’m more of a keyboard player so rack stuff like the helix or even plugins are just fine, which a lot of guitar players would find distasteful or distracting.
You know when you record a track and you think there's something missing, but all the elements are there and you cant put your finger on it....that's tascam,,,or at least some of their machines.
That unit is so botched that I can’t believe people have not contacted Tascam and filed a lawsuit. From the scam effects that can’t be used on all the tracks ( even basic effects) from the garbage effects on board, to the idiotic 32GB SD card limit.
Just looks like a standard Porter stereo to me. Took you that long to figure out how to turn on the sound Please don't record Sound like my guitars. Frank, who walks in screwed up the first portal studio cause he couldn't figure out how to wrap the sound correctly. That's why everything bled all over everything. And that was the four eighty eight porter studio
@gearfacts What's my late guitar stick would be criticism Because he literally could not figure out how to separate the tracks Are the simple four eighty eight portastudio These are little more intricate. I'm definitely a lot more sophisticated than the tascam That I started on
As long as people want real knobs and sliders to control mixing and recording ... Then these recorders are needed
I think there's a lot of truth in that, D!
I am one of those guys !! Old fashioned !!
The analog components still affect the sound digital or not. Keeping my fingers crossed for the future. These or an Akai dps will have to do for now. DAW is out the picture.
I've got the DP24SD. Best thing I've ever bought.
Good stuff! We are a couple of old school guys that live in different states and use two TASCAM DP-32's to record our original music by sending SD cards back and forth (I said we were old school) then we post it on our TH-cam channel. We do it for fun and keeping our friendship alive despite the miles between us. The DP-32 sounds amazing and is easy to use!
Ah I love comments like this on my channel. It's all about the people :)
@@gearfacts ♥
Yes, I'm old school also❤
Ive owned this same DP32SD since 2019. I use it exclusively for tracking all midi sequenced recordings with my MPC 2000 studio Plus, via SMPTE, and exclusively for tracking all vocals. Processing is done exclusively in the box, via Cockos Reaper. Best of both worlds.
Awesome. There's a lot of love out there for this machine.
Multi track recorders will always be fun. Looking into the Model 12 next, always had Zoom 8 tracks.
Yeah I agree. I still like my Boss BR600 :)
I agree wholeheartedly. I've tried to get into the whole computer based recording but came right back to my hardware lol. I still love having to get creative with how I'm gonna do certain things that a computer can do instantly. I have friends that think I'm crazy and maybe I am but it's what I like. Takes me back to when I first got into multi track recording with a vestax 4 track cassette recorder,a dual cassette deck, a few effects and a cheap mic. Oh and a very old 6 channel mixer came along and I thought I was hot stuff then lol. But anyone that has never tried recording with just the bare minimum should really try it. You can get very creative. And yes a bathroom really does make a good vocal booth 😁.
I use the older cd version it has midi clock out! Very good if you own a synth rig!!!!
Ah yes, synchronization... the scourge of dawless recording!
Please, which recorder do you use? I need that one you have. Most modern ones do not have midi clock out so I am SOL on using my all midi Korg PA600 Oriental arranger workstation with perfectly synced audio samples and vocals in a porta-daw. None I own are midi syncable.
@@pianokeyjoe tascam dp24 cd (not SD. Make sure it has midi out!)
@@RonCavagnaro Thankyou! I am ON IT!
The removal of midi is the beginning of the problem. The effects in the 2488 series was not applied here which would have been wealth. I have the 24sd. Because of my experience with Tascam products through the years, I circumvent a majority of the processes. I don't master with it and I avoid tape sync. Tascam dropped the ball off the bridge with this one but for a good note, the sound after recording is remarkable. So it still has a place in my collective. Tascam gotta do better and put back what they took out.
Yeah they've gone really quiet over the last few years. Maybe something big is coming...
...I have the last tascam 32 track studio recorder that tascam made, that has midi on it, and I have it unused, and it's in perfect condition. I have been sitting on it for years, and had it stored away. I just might sell it for the right price. Let me know if you're interested.
Thanks for that overview. Far from convincing me that packages on pc or mac are the way forward, it confirms that for me this is the way to go. But hey, I still use a Roland SH-101 that I bought in 1983. I also used to use a Fostex X-15 to record my work, so a unit like this would be the ultimate luxury. I've tried Logic, Cubase, Ableton and even Akai's MPC mini and I find them just too densly packed with features, to the extent that they are too distracting. With computer based packages, all the updates to OS and systems, as well as the packages, again, a distraction, and don't get me started on the drop in performance that seems to follow each update as more features get crow-barred in. Anyway, thank you again for a very useful overview.
You gotta go with what makes you smile! Glad the review was helpful 👍
I totally get that perspective, absolutely :) I'm glad that the video affirmed it
My DP32SD has been in it's box for 4+ years. Just opened it a week ago. I love it. I do not like DAW, although I use it. the DP32SD is PORTABLE; a major point for me. Thank you so so very much for making this presentation so many years afterwards.
It's really great to hear that you're enjoying it after all these years! I appreciate your comment
The major miss on the DP SD series is the omission of MIDI sync. It can’t even output a MIDI clock from the tempo map or MTC. Huge feature loss from previous models from Tascam.
I have the one prior - almost the exact same thing but it has 5 pin midi in and midi out, got it used locally grabbed it right away when I saw it, I don't understand why the later versions did away with midi - prob to save money 🙄
It's a shame because the midi clock on the older is so great! It's an album maker, you can go back and forth and the sync works in a rig so even if you make a good drum beat and switch between songs, it will always match the tempo!!!
So riddle me this: why did no one come out with a version with a MIDI sequencer included? It could've been a Roland Fantom G in a mixer form.
@@nmusic65 Hi, could you please tell us the model of Tascam it is? I am in the market for the Midi syncable one.. Thankyou
@@pianokeyjoe -read the previous comments, someone mentions it.
I've got an original DP-24 (with cd burner and midi) and have been thinking about selling it. It's been in storage for a few years. But this morning decided to keep it to have some demo-making fun away from my computer. I have the foot switch too 🥳
As a kid I started on the Tascam Portastudio 246 and really loved it! For a long time I've been using Logic Pro - which of course is amazing (!!) - but I do think I've lost that magic that I once had regarding the musicality of multi-tracking. That innocence is still in there but needs to be unlocked ☺
I use all external effects for guitar and bass. I do like the internal reverb. I process and edit individual tracks in Audacity and the re import for mix down on the Tascam. I then master the finished mix in Audacity. I get very good results.
I agree that the reverb effect is a highlight of this machine :)
You could argue that the Akai Pro MPC Key 37 is a standalone workstation. It's amazing, and I think demonstrates standalone is far from dead. If anything, more and more people are moving away from DAWs.
Love hardware and hate software. Hardware will always have value, software not. Software does indeed have value as long as the price is right. Hardware is awesome and beautiful.
I was just thinking this morning - nothing looks worse on stage than a laptop haha
@@gearfacts Amen brother.
So, you think this doesn't have any software running it? No processor? It's basically a computer with a midi mixer attached to it, but just with worse specs on most of the things it has.
@@Drinkyoghurt nnnnnnooo I never said that.
I've been using Ableton and Fl Studio for while. I miss the feel of analog recording, and I'm thinking about getting the Tascam DP24SD.
I hear you, 100%
I never use the onboard effects. This device is an excellent tool whether you use computers or not.
Agree with both points there.
Enjoyed this video, thanks. Seen one of these on FB marketplace and Im just curious - never convinced I like turning on the computer in the evening to do some recording having sat at a computer screen for most of the day for work...
Yeah there's something kind of wholesome about recording into a multi-track. Of course it can always go to a computer for mastering later on, so there's no loss.
I have a DP-32sd...and I think that they are a great recorder..!
Great review. Probably going to pick up something like this in the near future but still recording with the old schoolTascam Mk2 488. Is it inferior in virtually every way to modern digital portastudios? Absolutely. But it's effortlessly easy to use, and the sound of the recordings is so lo fi incredible with the signal actually being recorded to a physical tape surface as opposed to a digital vacuum of 1s and 0s.
Ah the smoothness of analog, I hear you ❤️
This may be a bit naive of me but I didn’t know one of these work stations existed! I do have a daw and an audio interface, but I work on computers as my main job and I hate using them because I’m on them all the time. I love stuff like this where everything is right in front of you. May snag one in the future!
Yep, there is something indefinably nicer about working with a dedicated recorder :)
I used a Roland VS1680 from 1999 until 2012. They were good at the time. The Roland was better I think.
Haha - just made the same point after watching. Totally agree
I have been using a very nice DAW for many years now, UAD Apollo interface with Neve and SSL plugins, as well as a ton of plugins from Waves, IK Multimedia, and more. I bought the DP24SD as a remote recorder, thinking it would be good enough to track with then transfer tracks to my DAW for mixing and mastering. I was pleasantly surprised to realize I could make full productions on the Tascam and now I rarely use my computer. The effects in the Tascam are all you need, and if you need more there's another effects send to add outboard gear. The compression, EQ, Reverbs and Delays are as good as any of my plugins. It takes a little more thought and some track bouncing, but I'm using the Tascam most of the time now even with all the plugins I have in my DAW. It's just very easy to use and get professional results.
Yes I think many other users are coming to the same conclusion. Great unit.
@@gearfacts My only real gripe is you can't sync 2 units together.
I used mine to record our live string band gigs for future grimacing and finger pointing. As we don't have drums, we didn't require the 237 inputs needed to get a decent snare sound. We really enjoyed hearing a simple stereo mix over the tinny cell phone recording from the mandolin player's girlfriend's phone. I highly recommend any flavor of these affordable multitrack recorders to all fledgling bands to hear a rough mix of rehearsals or learn basic multitracking. You can be a bar band with the fullest tip jar, and be tossed out of any hopes of fame and wimins, if you think studio technique is someone else's problem. More than practising the notes and stage moves, practice getting your hearts tuned to the efforts and doldrums of recording. I'm not anywhere against doing anything in the box. Portability and efficiency are worth every penny.
I would love one of these things! Nice video review as always!
Thanks Alex. It was too elaborate for my skills to be honest, I'm sticking to my old Boss BR600 (yeah yeah go ahead and laugh!!!)
@@gearfacts Not laughing at all... Because I still have one also and using it 😁
@@Alex-kk5yh Nice!!
I missed the old days of working within the limitations of a 4 or 8 track Portastudio, and bought the DP-24 several years ago. I don't always want a screen in front of me or the intricacies of working within a DAW. I don't always want to boot up a computer just to lay down an idea, and I pretty much don't EVER want email, social media or popups interfering with my creative process.
Yes, the central component of working with ANY system is learning its interface, and the Tascam DP interface isn't too bad. There are some oddities in working with it, but for basic tracking and layering, it's a good little machine. Exporting the tracks onto the SD card and importing them into a DAW when I want access to more advanced features is nice hybrid alternative to doing all tracking within a DAW.
I do think they missed a major opportunity by not doing even a basic MIDI implementation. Having just MIDI sync capability would make this machine much more versatile.
Agree with all your comments there :)
This came up while looking for info on the Zoom L20. Cheers, if I find this for the right price it might be a goer. Guitar, bass and a couple of synths and I wanna lose the pc.
Glad I could help :) Standalone recorders definitely bring out a more 'natural' performance, often more compelling than the more clinical computer recordings.
Do you feel that the audio interface in this instruments degrades the sound quality? I used it for about 2 years then when I took it out of the loop in my home studio, I discovered that it was eating up some of the quality. Not sure if that's normal experience
I tend not to worry too much about audio quality, I find that if the interface is good and the experience is pleasant, then good music just follows. But to answer your question, no I thought the overall signal quality was as good as a decent pro-audio interface.
Of course, I can also travel virtually to foreign countries, or play billiards, basketball, or skiing... but when I do it in real life, I just get a different understanding of all these things...And there are seasoned musicians with big names who have created great and, above all, long-lasting things, all of whom had to work with restrictions... and they all say that it was only good for their creativity
Agree 100% 👍
Great recorder. Yes, I hate computers
Yeah I think computers kill the magic. I guess that’s a Luddite opinion these days though :/
Technically it’s a computer, lol. I mirror your sentiment though.
The simplicity of turning on and recording cannot be over emphasized. I hate the PC or Apple saying it needs to update when all I want to do is quickly record an idea. It's an idea tool not a fully working studio although there have been some very good demos recorded on these. For god's sake Lady Gaga used this as her writing tool. Now she sold millions of records.
She did? Wow that's a really cool little nugget!
I find this much user friendly
I'm having trouble mixing and mastering my projects on this machine dp32sd.
Just ran across your video here. I really like the Tascam stuff. I started out with the old cassette tape Portastudios in the 90’s, so there is a bit of nostalgia for me. I still use a DAW, interface and all that stuff - but the nice thing about a Portastudio is, simply put, the simplicity. Although the dp24sd and dp32sd have a lot of features for what they are, once you get the hang of it, you are not overloaded with “option paralysis”. You have very limited effects, but enough flexibility from the digital world to move about. Much like the older tape machines, you are forced to focus on the creative aspect of your own playing, and even your own musicianship. I still enjoy using my computer-based system, but there are times when I just want to focus entirely on the music, not mucking about with vst’s and softsynths or other stuff, just the instruments. The dp series has been around a long time and I hope they keep them going.
Yep I concur with this info, glad you liked the video :)
Can you use this just as a looper since its mutli track then do a live audio out?
Metronome provided under license from Bontempi. Ick!
Also, didn't they get rid of the midi clock output from the newer SD version, so now it doesn't synch playback with the DAW or any sequencers you have? That seems like a huge leap backwards and a good reason not to upgrade from the older (non-SD) version. I'm giving this one a miss as it has to work with my DAW and an external sequencer. Ahem... anyone selling an old DP32? LOL
Is the DP-32 the one that records to CD?
I believe the midi syncs through USB. Pretty gross.
Nice video as always. I am looking for a portable and if possible battery powered transistor home organ, or at least something that sounds like one. Any ideas?.
Transistor home organ eh? Hmm, that's a hard one. All I can suggest from the knowledge I have is a digital version. The Casio CT-S series has a good transistor sound and is very portable. Or the Roland Go:Keys, That's a nice board too.
Hey Bud, quick question, can this record, mix, and export? Looking for something that can do so since I have no computerr
Yes it can. There’s also an auto-mastering tool that is far from perfect, but kind of helpful and worth trying out.
It's called a 'standalone' machine coz u don't need a computer. Everything is done on the tascam... Then u can send ur WAV file to ur computer and get a free online file converter to change ur WAV to an mp3!
Lo puedo usar cn mi pc para grabar mi banda multitrack en fl estudio ?
?
To be honest with you I'd rather have the stand alone. Just having that device in front of you with the physical faders just seems more authentic.
Oh I can totally relate to that, certainly. There's also the argument that if you like the interface then better music will follow, even if that interface is not as versatile. Limitations encourage creativity!
Geeez the metronome, spike to me head!
Agreed 👍
Yea, and the thing seems to bleed through any headphones you have while recording, even at low volumes, so you can hear it on your tracks! I wish they’d put some firmware out just to change that wretched metronome sound!
Where are all the instruments? How do I sequence bass, drums, piano, organs, brass, strings, synths etc?
There are no built-in sounds at all. Just silence for you to fill :)
Absolutely correct. You plug ur kbds, gtrs, drums, mics etc into the dedicated track channels at the rear, and record each individual track and hey presto, after using it's on board mixing and mastering functions, you have a 'radio ready' demo!
I Have 2 of them and Love it Great Recorder !
The best!
I wish it had real EQ knobs instead of digital display knobs.
What can the user do with the available USB port?
Computer backups, basically.
I have the original DP-24 with midi and cd drive. Bought it new in 2012. I’m still holding out hope that Tascam will wake up and make a new version. The Model series is cool but it’s not one of these. I can complete whole songs on the DP-24.
I hear you !
Yes, I think it will be around. I don’t think it’s time is done. I’m gonna purchase one computers and software are nice but I’m a standalone hardware person first.💯🤟🏽
I'm pleasantly surprised the DP-24/32, DP-8/DP-6 etc. are even still in production! Long live the Portastudio! as these questions were all being asked long before they even came out. I don't think these recorders make sense for demos, as the whole demo-making process is obsolete and pointless IMO. A demo for who? If you're pitching a song, 99% of the time they want Broadcast Quality up front. I think for most of us, if we're working on our own material, whatever we record will be the definitive version. There's no "demo" anymore unless it's a scratch track to just get an idea down or a rough draft, for that you can use a phone or handheld field recorder. DP-24/32, especially the earlier model with MIDI and CD-R, have a lot of appeal as a true Portastudio. No noise, no distractions of a PC, no analysis paralysis of unlimited options. And the ability to get away from a noisy home environment. Rent a quiet space with your band for a weekend, get up and running with minimal fuss. It's also an effective gig recorder, but I think Zoom has better options for that. I wonder if the no-MIDI, no-CD/R versions still have the ability on the PCB's, in other words could ports for that still be hacked much like you see Retro gamers do with adding video outputs to old gaming consoles.
"paralysis of unlimited options". SO true!
Would something like this be good for a multi track audio podcast? ive been looking at things like the rodecaster or the Zoom podtrak and this, to the layman, looks to be similar cheaper, than the rodecaster, and more capable for futurproofing. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
It would be great if you have a lot of people participating in the discussion. If you just need sound effects and music tracks, I'd be looking at a sampler instead. Hope that helps :) Gearfacts
@@gearfacts great, thank you so much for your help. I appreciate that!
This is the unit I wanted to buy until I found out it does NOT have any midi sync so that the tracks can sync to my midi recordings.. So this is a pure audio only recorder of which I have several already. Now the other unit you reviewed a year or so ago, Roland with midi and CDRW drive? Would have been a better option for us old skool Midi sequence techhead musicians. So this unit here is good for audio only recordings where all your midi tracks are recorded and you do not need your vocals to be synced to the midi song tracks but rather you record your vocal live only while the midi song is also recorded as an audio only track(stereo mixed). Bit limiting but eh, for $699 it can do the trick for instant gratification. Not my choice for pro studio work without midi sync so that the recording starts as soon as you press play on your midi drum machine or sequencer
I have the DP32-SD. I was pissed when I bought Mines from PSSL, pictures showed other version with MIDI. Mines didn't have it. So I figured it out with Mines, I use an Audio Interface Behringer U-PHORIA UMC404HD model that has MIDI in/out.
Hey memo, My audio interface also have midi in and out. How can I do The connection?
@@darvisg.sonyah2055 - Connect the Inputs to the Outputs it's simple. I use the Behringer UMC404HD Audio Interface.
So how DO you route your signal in? You've experienced problems without explaining the solutions. I was hoping this would be helpful.
Yeah that was some bad video editing on my part. I don't have this machine anymore so all I can suggest is getting the manual by searching "Tascam DP32SD PDF", it should be the first result that that appears in your browser.
How do you get Tracks out of that thing into a Macbook Garageband?
Sorry I’m not sure, but you can google up the manual by entering the model number followed by “PDF“
I hope this helps. I use their USB function to send the mastered wavs straight to the Roland files on my pc, where I can then convert to mp3 format...I would assume it's the same process for Mac.
You have to export it.
Yes you can export the individual tracks (plus the 8 “virtual tracks” aka different takes per track) via a usb connection with the machine or with an SD card reader and use those in your DAW.
I have this unit
Just bought one online for ...see ya.
Thanks for saving me from making an expensive mistake
Happy to help :)
I got sick of using on screen Computer Recording Programs...too many Menus-Screens for a start so went back to using a 'hands-on' machine' that let you record directly onto a HD, this was the TASCAM DP02 (HD version)...except for a couple of minor downsides, it was easy to use and 10 out of 10 for making decent demos....all the rest of those machines, such as the one in this video can go kiss my gorgeous arse!
Stations like this will probably rsther be more common than not as A.I infect everything that is computers. Analog recordings on tapes and such will also be usual I think for artist to present real music besides A.I.
Roland's VS series was far superior. I have both. Wish Roland would bring the VS2400 back...😌
The Korg D series was my favourite of that time. But it's not for everyone - I liked the sheers simplicity but the cost was a lack of versatility.
Great vid ,I just got one but I just realised it’s not really 32 track it’s 20 ,just unbelievable you can’t split the last 12 stereo tracks into mono track like you can on the Yamaha work stations ,actually disappointing and deceiving. 6:45 anyway as joe Walsh said “real men only need 16 tracks” we get four more here.
Agree 100% :)
i've owned tascam recorders my whole life and will never use a computer love hands on . dp01fx was my first my second was the 2488 neo i just picked this one up the sd24 would have got the 32 but hate virtue tracks the 24 has more real mono tracks than the 32 their loss on that not even mentioning the tones of tape machines i've owned all by tascam
That’s some strong
Tascam loyalty! They should send you a bottle of wine :)
I live in Reading, UK. I've had a DP32 for quite a few years but I find it difficult to learn via you tube or the manual. Anybody want to help, we could negotiate an hourly rate.....PS, please, not over Zoom.....face to face rather.
I had one of these - the more tracks you record on, the slower the response time when you try to do anything. It'd be nicer if they had a beefier processor in there.
That’s interesting, are useful bit of information there!
No monthly costs with this unit
Yep, hardware like this gives a big sense of freedom and I think that sets the scene for good recordings despite have fewer features than most software studios.
Computers hate me. And i dont wanna make fckn sign ins and update sht just to record an audio track man. Wtf. Or pay monthly for expensive software. I only need to record audio without all the problems computers are susceptible to experiencing. Is this hd recording?
I hear you, feel the same way. And yep, it does up to 96khz so that's very high-def.
@@gearfacts Really ? I thought it's 48 kHz/24 Bit max.
Dam man some one who is actruly using a guitar to demo this tascam .... im not much on the efects that are on this tascam i have my own so what do you think is it difficult to use or just realy asss backwards ... i hat DAW. and garage band can this thing realy record real musians playing drums guitar u no real music would it help to use a mixer with this
Agreed :) Glad the vid was watchable!
Those amp effects sound awful. Get a Line 6 Pod and it would be better.
Cool, which version of the POD do you use?
@@gearfacts I mention it because they can be cheap second-hand and even tho not new and getting a lot of people who scoff at them, they subjectively sound good and are very usable for a guitarist. I have used the original and the XT at various times. If you’re serious on guitar you likely already have a pedalboard or a helix or something, but then you wouldn’t be using the internal effects anyway. For someone considering using those effects just skip them and get something nicer and trade up as you go.
@@ChrisCebelenski What do you think of the more recent N-UX units? The last few I've reviewed on Gearfacts have been exceptionally true to their inspirations, even the MG-15 cheapy. I do like that punchy overdrive of some of those Line 6 units though, and they do a nice overdrive on that "insane" channel which I think sounds nicest when its drive setting is at zero.
@@gearfacts I haven’t tried them so I can’t comment - but the technology is mature so I would expect good results. As I understand it, it’s the feature set and usability that will be the biggest difference, so I’d say go with your budget and what works for the player. I’m more of a keyboard player so rack stuff like the helix or even plugins are just fine, which a lot of guitar players would find distasteful or distracting.
You know when you record a track and you think there's something missing, but all the elements are there and you cant put your finger on it....that's tascam,,,or at least some of their machines.
Nothing ever compares to the studio...
That unit is so botched that I can’t believe people have not contacted Tascam and filed a lawsuit. From the scam effects that can’t be used on all the tracks ( even basic effects) from the garbage effects on board, to the idiotic 32GB SD card limit.
Easy does it, Dan! It's not that bad :)
Just looks like a standard Porter stereo to me. Took you that long to figure out how to turn on the sound
Please don't record
Sound like my guitars. Frank, who walks in screwed up the first portal studio cause he couldn't figure out how to wrap the sound correctly.
That's why everything bled all over everything. And that was the four eighty eight porter studio
Not sure if that’s criticism or if we’re just agreeing…. :)
@gearfacts What's my late guitar stick would be criticism
Because he literally could not figure out how to separate the tracks
Are the simple four eighty eight portastudio
These are little more intricate. I'm definitely a lot more sophisticated than the tascam That I started on
You have a lot of tutorials and no knowledge of sound...Ok bought one anyway...
Haha, true :)
He's Not a tascam user and his advice is crap!!!