Vintage Synth Explorer Forums

hello, I'm in need of an affordable portable multitrack recorder that can save out WAV files (or equivalent). anyone have any thoughts on the Tascam DP-008? or even a Zoom R16?

I own the DP-008, and can say nothing negative about it. Records 2 tracks simultaneously, no frills, no issues. It's nothing fancy, but works as it should, and is easy to operate.

cool. I wonder if we're the last two people on the planet to not use software/pro tools/logic for recording.

The Zoom allows up to 8 tracks simultaneous recording (good) on XLR inputs (good) at 24 bit (good). You can never have too many tracks Mixing on the unit requires menu diving (ugh).

I'd only get the Tascam if you really need to save $150 (in the USA) and will never need to record more than two tracks at a time.

I had a DP-004 for a while, and thought the overall quality was good - there was a bit of faffing about with file formats and I didn't find the menus particularly intuitive - it wasn't overly complex, just could have been tidier. The main limitation was two track recording, so if there's any chance you might want more than that, don't get the DP.

thanks for the feedback. hard to figure out where to draw the line where I need to jump up to something more powerful like a multiple input multitrack vs software DAW. maybe this is still ok for a basic workflow.

well, the Zoom can record multiple tracks, and can act as an audio interface.

I should mention, I use the Tascam as a "scratch pad", so I don't forget ideas when they pop up. My band records with Pro tools, so take that for what it's worth too. Just depends what you want to do with it.