The DP-03SD is an affordable way to get into Tascam’s famed Portastudio system of making recording simple and affordable for musicians. This 8-track digital recorder captures your music at CD quality to affordable SD cards, and a 4GB card is already included with the recorder. With built-in microphones, effects and mastering, the DP-03SD provides everything musicians need to record and share their music.

A pair of stereo condenser microphones is built into the front panel of the DP-03SD, helpful for capturing a rehearsal, live performance or songwriting ideas. Also included are a pair of high-quality XLR microphone preamps with phantom power for condenser microphones. 6.3-mm line input jacks are also available, and an instrument-level switch allows you to record a guitar or bass without a direct box. A three-button footswitch, the RC-3F, is available for control and punch in.

Routing the inputs to one of the eight tracks is simple, and you can record two at a time until you fill up all eight. A tuner and metronome are built-in for tight-sounding tracks, each with its own dedicated button for quick access. Tracks can be edited with commands like copy/paste, silence, clone and undo. Bouncing is also available, even bouncing all eight tracks down to one or two. There’s even the option to import a WAV file through USB.

Each track has its own send to a stereo reverb processor as well as two-band shelving EQ. Once you’ve perfected your mix with the 45-mm faders, pan knobs, reverb and EQ, record it to the dedicated stereo master track. Your mix can be processed with mastering effects like EQ and limiting for a tight, modern sound. When you’re satisfied, transfer your mix to a computer over USB.

The Tascam DP-03SD is one of the simplest, best-sounding ways to share your music with the world.

Product Features

• 8-track digital Portastudio
• Recording/playback at 44.1 kHz, 16 bit using SD/SDHC memory card
• Simultaneous recording of two tracks
  • Record in stereo or record two independent mono sources
• Simultaneous playback of eight tracks
  • Use dedicated controls on each channel for volume, pan and effect to create a mix
• Dedicated stereo mixdown track
  • Mix your song to a stereo file you can transfer to a computer for MP3 encoding
• Built-in stereo condenser microphone
  • Create a two-track recording instantly and without cabling
• Two XLR mic inputs with phantom power
  • Plug in your favourite studio condenser microphones
• Two TRS line inputs, one switchable to guitar (hi-Z)
  • Connect an electrical guitar or bass as well as synths, drum machines etc. directly
• RCA line output
  • Connect your monitor amplifier/speakers here
• Headphones output with level control
• Two-band shelving EQ per track and on both inputs
  • Set the frequencies the low and high EQ knobs cut or boost depending on your sound sources
• On-board Reverb processor to polish your mixes
• On-board mastering effects
  • Get the most out of your mix with two-band EQ, single/multi-band compression and a normalizer to maximise the overall level and improve the sound density
• Auto punch in/out
  • Record a marked section while playing or singing without pressing any button
• Track bounce feature
  • Use more than eight tracks by creating a mixdown of several tracks to another track
• Workstation-style editing with copy, move, open, cut etc.
  • Edit your tracks like a pro: tighten your timing, create loops, cut unwanted noise etc.
• Multi-level undo/redo history
  • Undo/redo multiple steps in case you have made a mistake (including the editing functions)
• Location marks
  • Set marks to easily locate the start of verses, soli, vocals etc.
• Built-in tuner and metronome
• USB 2.0 port
  • Backup/restore projects or import/export wave files from/to a computer
• Nine 45-mm faders
• Selectable foot switch operation mode
• Foot switch with three switches and assignable functions available as an option (RC-3F)

Product Specifications

General

• Recording media:
  • SD card (512 MB – 2 GB) or
  • SDHC card (4–32 GB)
• File system:
  • MTR partition: TASCAM original
  • FAT partition: FAT32
• Microphones: 2 x Omni-directional condenser microphone

Analogue inputs and outputs

• Inputs A and B, balanced: XLR
  • Nominal input impedance: 2.4 kΩ
  • Nominal input level: –16 dBu
  • Maximum input level: 0 dBu
• Input A, balanced: 6.3-mm TRS jack
• When INPUT A switch is set to MIC/LINE:
  • Nominal input impedance: ≥10 kΩ
  • Nominal input level: +4 dBu
  • Maximum input level: +24 dBu
• When INPUT A switch is set to GUITAR:
  • Nominal input impedance: ≥1 MΩ
  • Nominal input level: –2 dBV
  • Maximum input level: +14 dBV
• Input B, balanced: 6.3-mm TRS jack
  • Nominal input impedance: ≥10 kΩ
  • Nominal input level: +4 dBu
  • Maximum input level: +24 dBu
• Line Output: RCA (unbalanced)
  • Nominal output impedance: 1 kΩ
  • Nominal output level: –10 dBV
  • Maximum output level: +6 dBV
• Phones Output: 6.3-mm stereo jack
  • Maximum output power: 40 mW + 40 mW (THD+N: ≤0.1 %, into 32 Ω)

Other inputs and outputs

• USB port: Mini-B type USB connector
  • Format: USB 2.0 HIGH SPEED, mass storage class
• REMOTE port: 2.5-mm jack (for RC-3F footswitch)

Audio performance

• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, +1 dB/–3 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥90 dB
• Total harmonic distortion: ≤0.01 %

Computer requirements

• Windows:
  • Pentium 300 MHz or faster
  • 128 MB or more memory
  • USB port (USB 2.0 recommended)
• Mac:
  • Power PC, iMac, G3, G4 266 MHz or faster
  • 64 MB or more memory
  • USB port (USB 2.0 recommended)
• Recommended USB host controller: Intel chipset

Power supply and other specifications

• External power adapter: TASCAM PS-1225L (included)
  • AC input: 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 1 A
  • DC output: 12 V, 2.5 A
• Power consumption: 5 W
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 290 mm x 54 mm x 207 mm
• Weight: 1.4 kg
• Operating temperature range: 5–35 °C