TASCAM DP004 -- Questions on QUICK & Easy way to record & export to PC

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DMforHim

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I have the Tascam DP004 and a 16gb card. It was basically purchased for digitally recording messages given at our church, and for preparing radio station programs on the run. Stereo is not necessary (it's only speaking, but we do have a stereo output from the PA System). Mixdowns are not necessary. Editing of the file can be done on a computer.

I'm looking for the QUICKEST way to record and QUICKEST way get that audio file to my computer where it can be used for multiple purposes.

These are the steps that I am taking to record:
1) Select INPUTs A & B / Choose STEREO
2) Create New Song (go with default numbered song)
3) Record

These are the steps that I am taking to export:
1) Wave / Export Track
3) Select BOTH tracks and then EXEC
4) Connect to PC and copy the TWO files.
5) Use PC Software to convert two mono files to stereo.

Here are my Questions:
1) Is this process I outlined above the QUICKEST & BEST way to accomplish my goal of exporting the recorded message to my PC?

2) An HOUR long message takes a LONG time to EXPORT... Is there a quicker process? What is the expected time for EXPORTING? Is there any way to speed up this process.

3) Which would be the best and quickest input setting (Our PA board has stereo output, but the recording is just from one microphone):
(a) STEREO ... or (b) MONOx2 ....

4) Since input is really only MONO source (a person speaking)... Do I need to convert the Mono Tracks to Stereo on my computer? (Will our podcast and radio program sound strange in "Mono"?)

Thanks in advance for you help with this matter.

David
 
If you only need mono why record stereo? If the PA has the same single voice mic on both Left And right just connect to either one. Leave the files as mono files.

Does the Tascam Dp004 appear as a hard drive when you connect it to a computer via a USB cable? If so just drag the file into the computer. If this is how you are doing it, I can't see why it takes so long to export the way I think you are doing it? Should not even take a minute. Are you using a high sample rate? For spoken word 16 bit wave at 44.1 is overkill, MP3 would be fine.

Another option is to get a laptop with a card reader or buy a card reader that plugs into USB, then pop the card out of the Tascam and copy the files direct.

Alan.
 
Thanks... but need to clarify a bit...

Thank you, Alan, for your assistance.

I will definitely use mono. That makes more sense. So -- my next questions...
--> (1) If I only use the "A" input for this kind of recording....
(a) Do I turn the "B" input to "Off" ...? .... and (b) Do I use "Monox2" or "Stereo" for the "mode" ... or does it even matter (hoping to end with only ONE wav file to export which might make things faster)?
--> (2) Am I correct in assuming that since I am NOT mixing inputs or using stereo, that I do NOT need to create a MASTER MIX... and need only to export the individual TRACK to my PC (via the FAT partition on the SD Card)...?

Concerning the LONG time it takes to "Export" ...
I was NOT referring to the time to transfer the WAV file to my PC.
I was referring to the time it takes to EXPORT the Track from the MTR partition to the FAT partition of the SD CARD.
I understand that the only way for the PC to see the file is to have it located on the FAT partition of the SD Card.
When I choose "WAV" from the menu, then choose "Export Track," then choose the "Track," and then "EXEC" ... (which exports the Track to the "FAT" partition of the SD Card)... This is the time where the Tascam DP004 says "Writing File" and .... for an hour long track, this takes about 15 minutes.
Only then can I connect my PC and quickly copy the file from "FAT" portion of the SD Card.

I assume this is normal (and my patience is required), but I was hoping for a short cut or a way to SPEED up this writing process -- like maybe a way to record directly to the FAT partition...

Thanks again for your assistance...

David
 
Goign to Mono, the 'export' time should shorten. Unfortunately, it is the DP004's conversion of the file that is taking time, not much you can do about that - all you need to do is convert that one mono track, then send it to the PC.
 
I'm still a bit confused as to the best way to record...
--> (1) If I only use the "A" input for this kind of recording....
(a) Do I turn the "B" input to "Off" ...? .... and (b) Do I use "Monox2" or "Stereo" for the "mode" ... or does it even matter (hoping to end with only ONE wav file to export which might make things faster)?
--> (2) Am I correct in assuming that since I am NOT mixing inputs or using stereo, that I do NOT need to create a MASTER MIX... and need only to export the individual TRACK to my PC (via the FAT partition on the SD Card)...?
 
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