I'm also interested in the DP-24, but it's still a mystery on how the machine works and what it can do. I've downloaded the manual and it's pretty vague on quite of few aspects of the machine. But, from what I've read and seen briefly on a YouTube video, assigning tracks is as easy as pressing one of the source buttons under each preamp gain knob, there is one under each of the 8 preamps, and then pressing the track that you want to assign to that preamp. Seems pretty simple. It seems that using the menu option for assigning tracks is done for the purpose of setting up a working studio template that the machine remembers so you can turn the machine on and start working without having to assign tracks, it's already been done.
pbassbob - In theory, any effects send should be able to be brought back into a machine on open tracks and printed. The fact the machine has two effect sends and wouldn't let you print those to open tracks would be...... strange. So hopefully, the DP-24 would work like any other machine in this way. What's nice is if you could also simply have the effects routed to the main L&R buss without having to use extra tracks. That's useful if you don't need to print the tracks, just have them in mixdown. But blending them like you do is also very useful. Lets hope they got this right on both ends.
I'm curious about the routing of the external effects sends on the back for a different reason. I send tracks out of my machines that I've already recorded and process them through external gear, amps, compressors, boxes, etc. and then bring the new versions back in to empty tracks. This is a must for me. I haven't found any info on how to take tracks out of the main L and R busses and send them only through the effect sends. Actually, there isn't ANY info on how the main L R buss system works in the manual AT ALL. In theory, it should be capable, but I need confirmation.
Using the stereo outs for me would be for a headphone amp to provide phones mixes for a band.
Also, how do you mute the main monitor outs and still hear the headphones? The main monitor knob on top of the machine controls both. So how do you track in the same room the machine is in? This is not in the manual. Maybe it's too simple to mention? You can't have your drum or guitar mics picking up your studio monitors play back when tracking . They don't mention this.
I've never used SD cards to record with. It's been hard drives up to this point for me. How many hours does a 32 gig card provide? I like the idea of a quiet machine, hard drive chatter is no good. So the SD seems appealing. Also, from the manual it states that the CD burner is never enabled when recording, so it's only "turned on" when you need to import from or mixdown to a CD. This is a forward thinking design in my book.
Anyhow, this is my first post, I joined the forum to talk about the DP-24, as I'm curious about the quality and functionality of this machine.
So.... greetings to all.
BTW, I wouldn't let any of the reviews thus far on the net influence anyone just yet, it seems most of the people's reviews are from beginner users and folks just learning how the machine works. If I had to guess, probably plenty of user errors are involved. I'm curious about the A/D converters and the quality of the preamps. If any users of previous models of the DP series would like to comment, I'd love to hear your opinions. I'm coming from an Akai DPS24 (which is on it's last leg) , a most amazing machine, but they don't exist anymore. I'm looking for something new, so my eyes are on this Tacam unit!
Also, I find it amazing that Tascam themselves are not on this board answering questions. That doesn't sit well with me.
cheers,
steely