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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.

Features at a glance

  • 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)

Supported Operating Systems

Windows

  • Windows 10 (November 2019, version 1909)
  • Windows 8.1
  • Windows 8
  • Windows 7
  • Windows Vista
  • Windows XP

Mac

  • OS X Mountain Lion (10.8)
  • OS X Lion (10.7)
  • OS X Snow Leopard (10.6)

Options

Tascam RC-3F | Footswitch
RC-3F : Footswitch

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 %
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

Design and specifications subject to change without notice.

Page last modified: 2023-01-03 09:21:36 UTC