The Tascam 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 Update 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)

Specifications