Tascam DP-004 advice and opinions

[Neadadvice]

Hi I am new to recording and am on a tight budget. I am looking to record my demo with my metal band and am looking for the cheapest way to do this while still producing demo quality material. I saw the Tascam DP-004 on musicians friend was wondering if I could use this to record a demo with using just its built in mic. It seems very easy to use. Im assuming I just hit record on each individual track and then I can record the vocals, bass, guitar, and drums serpately. Then I can send this product to my computer using the usb and upload it onto a program such as Reaper. Please let me know if you think I can use the Tascam DP-004 to record a demo with. Thank you.

 

[ChadAustin]

Hi Neadavice,

The Tascam DP-004 is meant as a songwriter's tool... I don't think you'll get a demo quality- although u might achieve some decent results with careful mic placements.

However, if you're using it as a sketchpad for ideas for song arrangements/creations, you'll get more mileage.

 

[kidkage]

I have the DP-008 and it's amazing. Demo quality stuff can be achieved, but unless you're in a solid environment the built in mics aren't that great. They were what sold me on the Tascam, but I've since learned that, yes they are great as song writing tools, but they won't give me great quality.
But then again, I dont really know if there is a benchmark demo quality since demoing can be done over and over again at different sound qualities.

//Good Luck

 

[MikeNyhuis]

I have had some awesome results with my DP-004. It's a very friendly little monster, offering exporting of individual tracks. If you have some extra cash to throw down on some inexpensive music software (or have a mac with GarageBand), you're posibilities of demo recording are endless. Don't fear the onboard mics either, with the right soundproofing (and compliance with your neighbor's upstairs) the internal-mic at the mid level will suffice. The low level is almost too low, the high level (at least for me) picks up the smallest movement (if you're sitting close enough, it can pick up a nose whistle).

 

[jjones1700]

The internal mics do a surprisingly good job with acoustic guitar. The only real downside (for me personally) of the internal mics is the lackluster stereo separation. Other than that, I've been pretty impressed with what this little gizmo can turn out. For what it is, it excels at it's purpose.

If I need anything more than this, I'll pull out the 'ol DP-02CF, or fire up Reaper or the reel decks.