Tascam DP-02 Digital Portastudio - 8 Track Review

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(More customer reviews)This is an outstanding system for demo recording and I am sure it would also be useful for live recordings with some added components.
After much research, I purchased the Tascam DP02 Portastudio instead of the Boss BR900CD. I had previously used the BR900 with much success and had my mind set on it for quiet some time. I kept my options open and the DP02 seemed to be the most comparable system. Despite some reviews stating the DP02 did not allow you to hear the effects while recording, I decided on it due to the on-board high, low, and reverb adjustment options. (I did not want to transfer to a computer for mastering) I was going to add an effects processor and pre-amp for the mic, but found all effects do play through recording.
The system has a lot of built in guitar (acoustic and electric), drum, bass, and vocal effects. It took me only a few hours to record several tracks, master them, and burn them to disk. Only being able to record to 2 tracks at once is a small drawback, but if you are doing all of your own recording shouldn't be a problem.
READ THE MANUAL!
Although it is not the easiest to follow page to page, if you know how to find what your looking for it's in the manual. For those of you that want to sit down, push record, and be on your way, you may want to look for a simpler system. Once you get it down, the DP02 is quite easy to use, but not something you can just turn on and go without some instruction. The trickiest part would would be mastering, but it is by no means difficult if you follow the directions.
All around this is a great system for a home studio and possibly more.
P.S. Thanks to Amazon for having the lowest price, and quick delivery.Just a quick update. May 29, 2010. I have put many hours onto this Portastudio and can say it has absolutely been worth it. The volume on the final track can be a little tricky, but nothing some time and patience cannot overcome. It has not given me any trouble and has never locked up as some people have said. Great piece of equipment for a very fair price.

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With a classic, well-known interface that's easy to pick up by new users, the 8-track Tascam DP-02 Digital Portastudio sports dedicated controls for level, pan, effects send and EQ instead of the menu-cursor interface found on most other recorders. You can make music with two hands with the DP-02--just reach and twist a knob when your creativity strikes. The DP-02 records to a 40 GB hard drive, and it includes a multi-effect processor, stereo reverb and CD burner for CD masters and song backup.
A pair of CD-quality XLR mic inputs includes phantom power for condenser mics and a direct guitar input. High and low EQ controls for level and frequency are provided for every channel. It also includes a multi-effects processor, stereo reverb, even a dedicated stereo channel for recording your mix. You can transfer tracks and mixes to a computer using USB 2.0, or burn a master disc in the CD drive.

Key Features
Two XLR mic/line inputs with phantom power for condenser microphones
Eight-track recording at uncompressed 44.1k/16-bit audio quality
Portastudio-based interface with volume fader, pan, effect send, high and low EQ controls per channel
EQ frequency button to access high and low EQ shelf frequencies
USB 2.0 interface for transferring tracks, mixes and backup files to a computer
Dedicated stereo master track for mixdown
Internal metronome and bar/beat display for song position
Headphone output
Stereo line outputs on RCA analog and S/PDIF optical digital connectors
40GB internal hard drive
Multi-effects processor with guitar, bass, vocal and drum programs
Stereo reverb processor with send/return controls for multichannel mixing
Built-in chromatic tuner
Built -in CD-RW burner for CD mastering and song backup

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TASCAM DP-008 8-Track Digital Portastudio Review

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(More customer reviews)After wanting a digital multi-track for a long time, I finally decided on this model, and I'm glad I did.
One thing that is not included in a list of specs is the usability factor. I've purchased my share of electronic devices for making and recording music over the years. Just looking at a dry list of specs has often been my method of deciding on what to buy. Well, on paper the DP-008 looks good, but it's not until you use this to cut a few tracks that you realize how well it is designed. I'm SOOOO glad I didn't buy the DP-004, as this model is clearly the results of Tascam eliminating the weaker aspects of the 4 track model just in time for the 8 track version.
I have seen a lot of digital multi-tracks that look good on paper, but to use them is a real pain. The fact that the DP-008 has all the individual track knobs means that you don't have to go flipping through pages on a menu or choosing the "hot track" in some other way. Here it's all laid out logically and makes tweaking the final stereo mix a piece of cake. Sure it would be nice if there were level sliders rather than dials, but these work just fine.
I use this model to record myself playing guitar and bass, run a Boss drum machine into it, and I record vocals with an external mic though a small mixer that has some helpful effects on it. You don't need a mixer, though, as the included mics are quite good. I am able to record several tracks, "bounce" them if I want to, and then write them to a stereo master mix. Then, I export that mix on the unit itself (sounds weird, but basically you're just creating a wav file that can be seen by a computer). The final step is connecting the DP-008 to a computer and merely dragging the song files over to the computer. I then use Audacity to convert it to an ogg file or mp3.
I use Linux and the process of transferring songs to the computer is very simple. In the past you would have received a useless cd-rom with a crappy "song transfer" program and maybe some crapware to go along with it. I'm glad that Tascam has decided to treat the customer right and state it clearly: There is no need for special software. Once you export the song, it will show up as an external storage device and you can simply transfer the files over to your computer, whether it's a PC running Windows or Linux, or a Mac.

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Boss Micro BR Digital Multitrack Recorder Review

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(More customer reviews)I have been looking for a device that would allow me to multi-track record with the utmost convenience. I have used my computer with a USB sound card to record in the past. I have found it takes me up to ten minutes to set up to begin recording with the sound card. And then, I get bogged down by the numerous options in the recording software. By the time I'm done, I've missed an evening to spend with my wife, and the inspiration to record in the first place has been encumbered by the technology.
My needs are simple. I'm just recording classical guitar solo, duet, and ensemble, but I want a reasonably nice recording. I want set up to be fast. The Micro BR meets these needs.
The Micro BR has four input types for recording: guitar, built in mic, stereo line in, and stereo external condenser mic (with 2.5 V plug-in power). The sensitivity of each input can be adjusted to match a wide variety of equipment. Insertion effects can be added during recording, when bouncing tracks, or when mastering down to a stereo recording. There is a wide variety of preset insertion effects. You can also add reverb to the monitored sound, or to the recording of bounced tracks or mastered tracks. You can play back four tracks at once and record two tracks at once. Each track supports eight "virtual" tracks. These are really just alternative choices to use for a track. You can edit tracks by moving sections of sound, copying sections of sound, or erasing sections of sound. You can also set punch-in and punch-out points for fixing small mistakes. When recording in "normal" mode, you have three choices of formats which are Boss proprietary. In MP3 mode, you can record stereo 64, 128, and 192 kbps MP3 or WAV. In MP3 mode, you do not have the multi-track capabilities nor can you use reverb effects. When doing multi-track recording, after you have mastered down to stereo, you can export to MP3 64, 128, 192, or WAV formats. You can then hook up the device to your computer via USB and copy your production. You can also back up song data to your computer for all the virtual tracks, song patches, and other settings to be recovered at a latter time. The device also is a powerful guitar modeler. There is 80 guitar preset insertion effects. I have not used these guitar effects.
I am very pleased with this little device. Recording quality is really good. Sampling rate is 44,100. AD and DA conversion is 24 bits. Stored recordings have 16 bit samples. Noise on the external mic input could be better, but it is better than any sound card I've used. I have also found the built in mic to be pretty good. It lacks some bass presence, but I've found I can compensate for that on the mix down with the equalizer and boosting the low frequencies. The noise on the built in mic is very clean. I have not noticed any latency problems. One thing I really love about this device is that it is completely silent. Before, I had to move away from my computer to avoid fan noise. This made for awkward ergonomics of playing and controlling the computer. Battery consumption is high. I would recommend rechargeable batteries or purchase the separate DC adaptor. I would also recommend a larger SD card. The 128 MB one provided is good for a few songs. When using multiple tracks, including mastered tracks and copying to MP3, memory goes fast.
This may seem extreme, but this one device has obsoleted my previous hardware and software. I've packed away my minidisk recorder, my USB Audigy 2 NX, and uninstalled Cakewalk Home Studio. I can do everything I need on this one little powerful device that fits in your shirt pocket. If I want to get audio into my computer, I can capture it with this device where ever I want and just use the USB to copy it on my computer digitally. I have also found the Micro BR is great for recording audio of family events. When doing this, I just record in MP3 mode since I really don't need to mix. But while recording in MP3 mode, I have figured out how to apply processing in-line with the recording. I added a limiter to remove clipping and set the 3 band compressor to take out very low frequencies which can distract a recording where you are trying to capture voice. I just use the built in mic which works great for this purpose. The entire family recording setup fits in my shirt pocket. The Micro BR rocks.Review Update
3/2/2009
I still love this thing. Micro BR still rocks. But if I could change a few things, given my recording goals, it would be these things:
1) Have mute for tracks. Lowering the volume to 0 is a pain.
2) When recording from guitar and built in mic simultaneously, be able to put guitar on one track, and mic on another. This seems to be a simple oversight by Boss.
3) A Bass Cut effect to kill very low frequencies. This might be a bit out of the price range for the Micro BR, but it would be nice.
4) Be able to apply more than one guitar effects from compressor, chorus, flanger, phaser, and tremolo/pan. When you edit the COSM GTR AMP effects algorithm, you have to choose the FX type between compressor, chorus, flanger, phaser, and tremolo/pan. You can only pick one type. You can effectively combine them by bouncing one effect after another, but this takes extra time. Again, this wish is probably outside of the Micro BR price range.
5) Have a bass guitar modeler. This is available on the BR-600, the next model up. It allows you to play bass guitar using a regular guitar. Again, this wish is probably outside of the Micro BR price range.
6) Have some 3/4 time signature drum patterns. They are all 4/4!
Since my original review, I have bought a transducer pick up for my classical guitar. I have since played with the guitar effects. I am not a good judge of how well these effects sound, as I am not an electric guitar player, but the guitar effects modeling is pretty extensive for something so inexpensive. You could easily pay much more for just for a guitar effects box that doesn't even do multi-track recording. You could spend days just playing around with all the effect algorithms and parameters.
Here are some tips for using the Micro BR that I have learned since my original review:
1) When you switch inputs, the available effects bank switches with the input. So for guitar input , you have guitar bank, with built in mic input, you have mic bank, for external mic and line input, you have line/ext bank. I didn't realize this for a very long time, but you can switch the bank and choose between all four banks for all inputs. All you have to do is move the cursor all the way to the left. The cursor will be on GT, MC, LN, or EX. Now just do -/+ VALUE to change the bank without changing the input. The manual does not explain this. This allows you, for example, to use an Enhancer and 4Band Equalizer (which are on the mic bank) on a guitar.
2) The external mic is a little noisy. You can suppress this noise by using the Noise Suppressor effect while recording. Move from EX bank to MIC bank as explained in 1), and then shut off all other effects except the Noise Suppressor. This will kill quite a bit of noise from the external mic without altering the sound.
3) For recording just an acoustic guitar, try combining a pick up with the built in mic. You would need an acoustic guitar with a pick up for this. Place the built in mic about one foot from the bridge. You can do this without an external mixing board. You can mix the two with the input levels to get the balance you want. This ends up sounding really full and natural. I'm quite happy with this. You can balance in just enough of the pick up to make up for the missing low end of the built in mic. This is now my standard way of recording my classical guitar with the Micro BR, and I have experimented quite a bit before settling. Set up for this is very fast.
4) Take notes of what you are doing with your tracks and virtual tracks. You will forget.
5) Don't talk to your spouse about the 5 million things the Micro BR can do. Your spouse will not care.
Have fun!
[...]

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DigiTech JML2 Bass Pedal Tuner, Blue Review

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(More customer reviews)(Note: Why several sites have this listed as a "Bass Pedal Tuner" is a mystery to me. It's not specifically for bass, and it's certainly not any kind of "tuner." What it is, is a stereo digital sample-and-playback looping unit.)
I like this unit, mostly. I knew what I was looking for in a looper, and I researched the available options before settling on the Jamman Stereo. For the most part I got what I was expecting.
The pros:
+ The unit is compact, and very solidly built
+ Controls are (mostly) self-explanatory
+ Excellent sound quality on the samples, with very low noise
+ Good internal memory capacity
+ Expandable memory, using common SD digital camera memory chips
+ Simple to use; shallow learning curve
+ True stereo input and output available
+ Adjustable tempo and quantization available
+ "Single play" and "infinite repeat" options
+ Accepts direct input from: instrument, mike, audio-player
+ No batteries needed
* I found it very easy to start working with this unit, record, playback, overdub, and erase functions are simple to implement through footswitch control. Sound is clean and high quality, and most of what I need to do can be done with hands-free operation. The unit accepts SD memory up to 32GB, which provides for 6-hours of storage; more than sufficient for any of my planned applications.Indifferent/personal taste:
+/- "Reverse playback" option is kind of silly and useless
+/- "Snap"-type footswitches, rather than soft-touch
+/- No way to set a loop for a specific number of repeats
+/- No phantom power on mike XLR input
+/- No "on/off" switch
+/- Need for wall-wart & power cord offsets the convenience of not needing batteries.
* I might use the "reverse" once in a blue moon for a special effect, just becuase it's there, but if it wasn't there, I wouldn't miss it. Still, people were apparently clamoring for this feature, so I suppose they had to put it in.
* More of an annoyance for me is the use of small snap-type buttons for the footswitches. I find this particularly awkward (and noisy) when tapping in tempos. For that function I greatly prefer a soft-touch, more or less silent switch, and also the large rubber pad of the original Jamman. But then, I don't use the tap-tempo feature that much, so it really isn't that big an issue.
* It also would have been nice to be able to pre-program a loop to repeat a specific number of times -- 3, 6, 15 repeats, etc. -- and automatically stop. Instead, your choice is single play, or infinite repeat until the "stop" switch is hit. Again, not a big deal.
* I rarely use mikes, so lack of phantom power is NBD for me.
* I prefer devices I can /turn-off/ without having to unplug them.
But... I can live with all of this.The cons:
- Many "fingers only" controls and the unit sits on the floor
- No quick way to switch from internal memory to SD card memory
- Loops stored in memory are designated only by number
- Quantization is touchy and not always accurate
- No way to trim or boost input signal level
- Significant tempo adjustments seriously degrade the sound
- Can't switch loops in "real time"
The first three of these are not a big deal for me, but they may be for some people.
* A lot of the controls on this unit are not footswitch-accessible, so if you do a lot of post-loop manipulation (I don't), you're going to be bending over a lot. For $35, you -can- buy an optional 3-button footswitch to put a few more of these functions at your toe-tips.
* Internal loops are numbered 1-99, and SD-card loops are 1-99 plus a "card" LED lit. If you need to get from loop #78 in internal memory to #14 on the SD card, there seem to be only two ways to do it: you can use the loop up/down footswitches to step through either 35 or 178 loops, one at a time; or you can use the knob on the unit to scroll through all of the internal loop-slots until you get to the SD-card loop-slot you need. I've not found any way to quickly jump from one loop to another if they're not adjacent numbers.
* If you actuallly store 198 loops (or even more than 20), remembering that you need to call up # c-35 in the chorus of the 5th song of your 2nd set might be challenging in a performance situation. Would have been nice if the Jamman had a slightly larger display and a feature for assigning a short mnemonic -name- to each loop. I deal with this by having a coded "loop playlist," but this is definitely an area that could stand improvement.
* Quantization (theoretically) works by setting a time signiture, tapping in a tempo, and then recording your material, which is then auto-quantized to the beat you set. However, I found the unit a little flakey in setting the end/repeat point of the loop. With some practice you can get the quantized endpoints to work right; but with the same amount of practice you can get the endpoints right manually, /without/ quantization, so this feature, as implemented, is rather useless.
* Input level: In transfering audio tracks from my computer to the Jamman I ran into a problem that I've experienced with other digital-audio devices. With a fixed input level, audio signals with long fade-ins often start out too faint to trigger the recording circuitry, so the first part of your loop will be cut-off. I've devised various work-arounds for this, but having an input level boost/cut trim-pot on the Jamman itself would make the process much simpler. Of course, if everything you do is at death-metal volume, this probably won't be an issue for you. :-)
* Tempo of loops may be adjusted, but outside of a limited range the sound will rapidly and noticably degrade. (To some extent, this is to be expected with any digital recording device costling less than several thousand dollars.) Depending on the particular kinds of sounds recorded, I found that tempo changes of about +/- 5-10% were the cutoff for acceptable sound. If you want a loop to play back at, say, half-speed, you're better off recording it at that speed to begin with.
* Again, for me all of the above quirks are relatively minor, and I can live with them. I saved the most annoying for last: Hitting the "loop-up" or "loop-down" footswitch while a loop is playing does /not/ switch loops in real time; it changes only the display. To change loops you have to 1) select the new loop; 2)stop the currently playing loop, and 3) start the new loop -- each step requires a separate footswitch operation.
...This last quirk is the main reason I give the Jamman four stars instead of five. It would be immensely useful (to me) to be able to switch loops either in the middle of a loop, or even at the end of a loop, by hitting only one switch, with no loss of continuity in the sound. Instead, you have to hit /three/ switches, and -- no matter how fast you do this -- there will be a noticable break in the sound. Essentially, each loop is treated as an independent, stand-alone entity, and the concept of using several loops in a single piece apparently didn't enter the engineers' heads when they designed this unit.
==
To summarize: I spent more time discussing "cons" than "pros" because my experience has been that not knowing what your equipment /can't/ do can be more of a show-stopper in performance, than not knowing something that it /can/ do. But, bottom line:
...I like this unit, it does 95% of what I need, and
most of what it does, it does very well.
For me, it represents good value for the money, and I highly recommend it for those whose needs are as uncomplicated as mine.
One final tip: Shop around -- I've seen this unit sold for anywhere between $229 and $339. It's worth the $299 list price, but not more.


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DigiTech JMS Bass Pedal Tuner, Blue Review

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(More customer reviews)I had been looking for something to record ideas on the fly (not having to always set up my recorder...in the studio), that can be worked with later. The up side of this is, I can easley add on other parts to the same idea.
There's lots of options in this little package...some of which I haven't explored yet.
For the price (especially on "Amazon"), its hard to beat.
P.S. A time saver!

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