Tascam DP01 FX - What do you think ?

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.sooper.

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I know this is a failry new unit. I was curoius as to what some of your overall reviews are on the product. Knowlagable reviews appreciated ! Is this good bang for your buck ? good qaulity sound Vs similiar priced units - etc. I picked one up two weeks ago. Im slow learner
 
I think it sucks, outright.

But, since you already picked one up, I'll leave it at that, & wish you the best of luck.

It's really your job to use the thing, & hop on this board to tell us about it! Not the other way around! :eek:

PS: I'll just add,... that the DP-01/FX kicks ass over it's class of competitors, such as the Fostex MR-8,... but that's not sayin' much, 'cause IMO this entire class of devices sucks. The Tascam DP-01/FX is the best value in an entire class of sucky devices. YMMV. :eek:
 
OK, Reel Person, so why do you think it sucks? (sound quality, editing features, etc.) details would be appreciated.
& compared to what? for instance, the Fostex VF80 which is at the same price point.

why do you think it is the best of all the "sucky devices" in this class? I'm not trying to compare it to using a computer. Do you think the class of 16-trackers any better than the 8-trackers?
 
Ok...

- The DP-01/FX only has 2 basic, raw inputs, with no front-end mixing, whasoever.
- Choices of inputs are: 1-input to 1-track, 1-input bridged in mono to 2-tracks, 2-inputs to 2-tracks.
- There's no facility to mix 2-inputs down to 1-track.
- There's no input mixing whatsoever, just input-to-track architecture.
- It only records 2 tracks at a time, max.
- Small LCD screen, not backlit.
- A mainly menu-driven device, including menu-selected EQ frequencies.
- The "std" only has 2-1/4" inputs, and you must get the "upgraded" FX model to get just 2-XLR mic inputs.
- Despite Portastudio "looks", it's very unlike a traditional Portastudio, & is more like any other device in that class, such as the Fostex MR8 or VF80.

The lack of front-end mixer function, simple 2-input architecture & 2-track simul/max recording limit pretty much kills it for me.

The traditional Portastudio, such as the 424mkIII, has 6 full mixer strips for input and output mixing functions. There are 4-XLR inputs and another 4-1/4" inputs, totalling 8-inputs. The EQ is 3-band, w/mid-band sweepable, and EQ may be used on input and output mixing functions. You may mix 6 (or more) inputs to [1-4] tracks, inclusive. It has 2 EFFECT-Sends, w/one EFF-SND doubling as CUE monitor system. It has a highly visible, 2-color flouro-luminescent display. You may record up to 4-tracks simultaneously.

When you compare the DP-01/FX to the Tascam 388, the DP's inadequacies are more glaring, and there's simply no comparison. The 388 has a full functioned 8x8x2 mixer, 8-XLR inputs, 8-1/4" Line inputs, 8-dedicated ACCESS-SND-RCV jacks, 3-band sweepable EQ, 2-EFF-Sends, full monitor system & records 8-tracks simultaneously. It has 10 highly visible traditional lighted VU meters.

If you're geared toward the Fostex MR8-type of device, including the Tascam Pocketstudio-5, Boss BR-532, Pandora PXR4, or Fostex VF-08 or VF-80, then in comparison to those devices, the DP-01/FX looks like best in it's class.

As compared to the 424mkIII or, heaven forbid, the 388,... the DP-01/FX is a thoroughly inadequate high tech tinker toy. Even the 488mkII blows it away,... not to mention the 688. :eek:

This is where I say, "YMMV".

Thanx for asking. ;)
 
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Hey Reel you forgot the Ha!

And besides that its digital.
 
Ha!

The DP-01/FX is best value in an entire class of sucky devices,... if that's anything to'ya!

Look,... to some people, the MR8 & DP-01 are the best thing since cheez whiz. I don't happen to agree. He wanted a detailed response, but it's easily summed up by this:

I'm spoiled by the likes of the 424mkIII, 246 & 388, which are real Portastudios, and I won't be downgrading to the DP-01 any time soon. :eek:

Not that it wouldn't be a good unit for someone else.

This is where I again say, "YMMV". :eek:
 
This is gonna sound stupid, but what does "YMMV" mean?
 
Hello, Clubhouse! No, not a stupid question!!

YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary

It's the standard disclaimer when reviewing or recommending something to someone on a board like this.

Cheers! ;)
 
A Reel Person said:
- If you're geared toward the Fostex MR8-type of device, including the Tascam Pocketstudio-5, Boss BR-532, Pandora PXR4, or Fostex VF-08 or VF-80, then in comparison to those devices, the DP-01/FX looks like best in it's class.
Click to expand...

The VF80 is quite a bit different than the MR8, not to mention the PXR4, PocketStudio, etc. -- with a 30gig HD; built-in CDR; nice effects; quiet preamps; backlit screen; easy editing; rock solid OS. The DP-01/FX may or may not be as good a buy as the VF80EX.
 
YO:

I just read an ad in EM about the "new" Tascam little unit DP FX whatever;

The only thing that impressed me were some words in the ad:

Like, "no menus to wade through, push a button and record, all the dials for EQ and FX right above the channel....Nice.

Why can't any of the SIAB manufacturers do the same with the 12/16 trackers?

I am using the 2816; however, if a manufacturer would put out a model that was SIMPLE to use, man I drop the money and get one.

I read the promos by Sweetwater about very sophisticated DAWs and PC platforms and I wonder how long it would take me to figure out how to plug in the cables?

If new cars were in the same category, man, Ford would have been gone, with the others, about 22 years ago.

Cars get sophisticated internally; however, all it takes is a turn of the key to get the machine going.

Those who design SIABs ought to be able to design a simple to use box that is very sophisticated INSIDE, but easy to run on the outside.

Well, that's my 22 cents. I love recording and its many puzzles and methods and tricks and creativity. Just hate to study unclear manuals, unorganized manuals, and terms that kind of boggle beginners and me.

Happy Spring,
Green Hornet :D :D :D
 
I'm shopping around myself right now, the two track simultaneous and the two band eq really turn me off. I'm looking to upgrade from my 488 unfortunately the only thing that seems to have a user interface that I would like is the AKAI dps24 ($2,800) or a used yamaha MD8 (some reliability issues) or the old 688. I really wanted to go digital but recording music should be a challenge yes but not a chore. Most of these digital boxes are not friendly. Friendly the way a mixing board is friendly at any rate.
 
Be Loveless said:
I'm shopping around myself right now, the two track simultaneous and the two band eq really turn me off. I'm looking to upgrade from my 488 unfortunately the only thing that seems to have a user interface that I would like is the AKAI dps24 ($2,800) or a used yamaha MD8 (some reliability issues) or the old 688. I really wanted to go digital but recording music should be a challenge yes but not a chore. Most of these digital boxes are not friendly. Friendly the way a mixing board is friendly at any rate.
Click to expand...

The Fostex VF160EX is very freindly and reliable. It acts like analogue tape in some ways (you just shut it off when done, and when you turn it back on, you're automatically at the same program). 16 individual tracks, 2 effects per track, quiet, very well understood machine. Records 8 at once right out of the box, and with the addition of an ADAT interface, will do 16 at once. Built-in CDR that consistently does error free burns. The manual isn't the clearest, but the recorder turns out to be very intuitive. $799.00. Just something to consider.
 
dp01...it has knobs

The Green Hornet said:
YO:
Those who design SIABs ought to be able to design a simple to use box that is very sophisticated INSIDE, but easy to run on the outside.

Well, that's my 22 cents. I love recording and its many puzzles and methods and tricks and creativity. Just hate to study unclear manuals, unorganized manuals, and terms that kind of boggle beginners and me.

Happy Spring,
Green Hornet :D :D :D
Click to expand...

agree. but thats the "draw" of the DPO1? knobs.
damn, it just ain't right not to be able to turn a knob.

i'll bet a DP01 and a fiber-optic into a Masterlink would be sweeet.
~$1000....and user friendly.
 
There are embedded menus for functions, so it's not as pure of an implementation...

of the idea as it might seem at first. I suppose it's a step in the right direction.

If they made a full functioned mixer capable of mixing on the front end-input source, then I'd be much more enthusiastic about the DP-01. If they raised the max-simul-record count above 2, it would be a big boost in functionality. 4-track simul would be minimum of what I'd expect out of high-tech, and 8-track simul/max recording capability would be awesome. However, the DP-01 only records 2-tracks simultaneously, max. Plus, the 1:1 / 2:2 track-to-input architecture is a throwback to the Porta 02!!
:eek:

Sorry, as it is, I don't see the DP-01 as capable enough for higher level users!! :eek:

On the other side of the coin, the DP-01 might be the perfect unit for some people. It's definitely the best value in it's class. ;)
 
I have been seriously considering this machine as i think it's a fantastic concept for the lone musician who only needs a maximum of 2trk simultaneuos recording at once and who also requires total porta-like ease of operation when combined with a mixer.

I think Tascam marketed this product wrong when they called it a Portastudio because it really does not have the necessary features to be a complete recording solution, but for someone who already has a simple mixer this looks likes a great digital tracking device complete with some simple yet effective mixdown tools with no useless gimmicks thrown in that will never get used.

The USB feature is great for backing up or burning off finished tracks ont the pc, which also keeps the cost down.

When looked at this way i think its a well thought out product but they shoul not have called it a Porta!

For anyone who actually has one of these, is this machine really as intuitive to operate as Tascam say it is?
 
Hey jiggz...Quite easy to use for sure. Like most things it would be nice if it had this or that whatever... But I like it just fine. I have a few mixers and lots of keys that I can sequence first and then add some "real" instruments to such as guitar or some electronic sax or drums or voice.
Street price is low enough.
Always gonna have someone trash talkin' equipment for something to do I guess. I say get the DP01 FX and have some fun.
 
Hey Kramster, i think i will.
It seems a lot easier to operate than any of the other digital 8 trackers on the market, designed more for the musician.

Just out of interest, how do you like the FX?
I have my own FX so i was just thinking about the standard DP-01, but if they are any good (paticularly the reverb) i might upgrade.

Cheers
 
I only use the acoustic guitar stuff (2 of them are pretty good) on there and a little reverb. I have so many outboard effects too, but is handy having a few usable ones built in.
 
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