Retailing for $299.00 the Tascam DP-01FX is a basic 8 track recorder that does have some features that you would expect to find on more expensive digital recorders. 

One thing I initially noticed about this recorder is how "old school" it looks.  Essentially, there are tons of actual knobs which will allow you to control all of the features of this recorder physically.  This does have a significant impact on the functionality in my opinion and I was able to master this recorder in a few hours of practice.  There is a huge amount of on board storage solutions with this recorder- 40 Gig hard drive.  This will allow you an almost endless amount of recording in high quality uncompressed format. 

Another thing that I like about this recorder are the ample amount of inputs that you will find.  A VERY big drawback that you need to watch out for with this recorder is the fact that it only allows for a skimpy 2 simultaneous tracks of recording.  This effectively destroys this recorders ability to capture live demos.  You can not even record a drum set with this thing. 

Basically, if you are a guitarist who wants to fiddle around with some demos and you possibly have a drum machine, then this recorder will suffice.  You are probably better off taking your hard earned cash and buying a software/hardware solution, like the Mbox, which allows for endless recording and even better digital effects. Rock on!

TASCAM DP-01FX Digital 8-Track Portastudio Specifications:

• Dimensions: 17.8"W x 12.1"D x 4.3"H
• Weight: 9lbs

TASCAM DP-01FX Digital 8-Track Portastudio Features:

• 8-track recording at uncompressed CD quality into a built-in 40GB hard drive
• 2-track simultaneous recording
• Dedicated stereo mixdown track
• Dedicated controls on each channel for volume, pan, EFX send, EQ high and EQ low
• 2-band semi-parametric EQ per track
• 2 - 1/4 " TRS mic/line inputs
• 2 phantom-powered XLR microphone inputs
• Guitar level input
• Built-in reverb processor
• Built-in insert effects processor
• Effects send and stereo return
• RCA line output
• S/PDIF digital optical output
• Headphone output with level control
• MIDI Timecode output
• USB 2.0 port for computer backup
• Track editing: copy, paste, move, erase, silence

This entry was posted on Monday, April 21st, 2008 at 11:11 pm and is filed under Ronz Gear Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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