Tascam Pocketstudio 5

  • Thread starter Thread starter Shaky Tee
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Shaky Tee

Between being and nothing
Does anyone know about this thing?

Here's some initial specs on it.

http://www.tascam.com/products/pocketstudio/pocketstudio5/index.php

I'm looking for something that will record in 24-bit, has all the bells and whistles of regular DAWs, but is PORTABLE, doesn't need an AC Adaptor, and will work with my laptop for further mixing, and this looks like it would be the answer to ALL of my prayers, once it comes out.

I'm also looking at the BOSS BR-532. It's bulkier, but the specs on it's japanese web site say it can record in 24-bit, and there is now a .wav converter for it that's downloadable from it's US website.

Anyone have any ideas? At this point, the 24-bit would be the selling point for me, since anything else I need to do, I can do utilizing plug-ins on N-Track, Cool Edit, etc.

Thanks all!
 
There's no indication that the Pocketstudio 5 records in 24 bit, at all.

In fact, I think it's an audio-to-mp3 device only, with no 24 bit or wav capability at all.

Also, it works on an AC adaptor or batteries.

The Pocketstudio 5: Portable, it is, but having all the bells and whistles of a DAW,...
no, it doesn't.

It fills the pocket-sized, audio-to-web/mp3 part of the market, and little else.
 
In the same boat!

Shakey,

I am also looking at those two recorders, Sam Ash doesn't have the Tascam in stock yet, but soon.

The Boss looks like it might be the better deal, maybe more studio friendly? I didn't know the Boss would do 24 bit, that would be nice.

Since the Tascam mixes down to MP3 right on board, seems like you would get many many more minutes out of a smart media card?

I still haven't ruled out the Zoom PS-02.

Let's keep this thread going, as we learn more about these machines, OK?

GT
 
Shakey,

The specs on the Japanese site, on the 24 bit, are only refering to proccesing not recording.

They don't talk about recording bit rate at all. I would think it is 16 bit. I would hope it is at least 16 bit.

Since these machines are dealing with limited memory, I don't think you will ever find one that records at 24 bit.

They also run at a lower sampling rate, if I'm not mistaken.

There is a trade off here, but how audible it is, I don't know.

I think the Boss BR-8 is in the same boat, and it seems to be a very good recorder.

If anybody knows the published specs, on the bit rates of these machines, let us know.

GT
 
Thanks, buddy!

I'd like to keep this alive.

I asked Zzounds.com about the capability of 24-bit recording in the BR-532, and they answered in the affirmative. I must have misread the info on the Japanese website, but if I get another authority to tell me what I need to hear, way kewl!

The impression I got reading info r.e. Pocketstudio was that it mixes down to MP3, rathar than recording to MP3. But it should record in wav., shouldn't it? I also asked about bit levels of this product at Tascam's bbs. Noone there's gotten back to me yet.

It's supposed to be released around April 1st. Can't wait!
 
For a pocket sized unit, it does look pretty cool.

I'll agree, that the BR-532 looks pretty cool, too.

Unfortunately, there's very little spec data on the Tascam Pocketstudio 5. I guess we'll wait & see.
 
Shakey,

I'm pretty sure that the BR-532 records 16 bit uncompresed.

The reason I say this is that the brand new top of the line BR-1180 records 16 bit uncompresed, and it is capable of much more memory.

Hope this doesn't sway you, 16 bit really ain't that bad.

I think zzounds must have been talking about the fx proccesing rate, as being 24 bit.

GT
 
The BR-532 records at 16-bit with a sampling freq of 44.1. It also uses Rolands compression scheme to store the audio on the smartmedia cards. This is the same compression that the BR-8, VS-840 and VS-880/890 use.

I have a BR-532 and I am very happy with it. I mostly record acoustic instruments. Sometimes I'll also sync it with my Yamaha QY-70 sound module for backing tracks. The BR-532 is a very simple unit, but what it does do, it does very well.

The Tascam and Korg units didn't offer enough I/O or MIDI options for me. I was also concerned about the quality of the recordings also (MP2 and MP3).

Charlie
 
Hmmm...

I guess Zzounds was wrong then. :(

Oh well, compare and contrast for a while.
 
Well, Zzounds is right in a way. The signal path on the unit uses 24-bit converters and the effects are 24-bit. I am almost (don't bet the bank on this) positive that the data is stored at 16-bit. The S-PDIF output is 16-bit/44.1.

Regardless, the 532 sounds great.
 
Let me get this straight...

It records in 24-bit, and stores and outputs in 16 bit?

Sorry if I sound like a ditz 'bout this...
 
That's the way I understand it. That allows the effects to be processed at a higher bit level to avoid the artifacts that can occur with 16-bit effects.
 
Hey Buck,

Thanks for the info!!

How about you post a mp3, made on your BR-532 for us to hear.

How about something nice and clean.

I think you would be the first.

GT
 
That might take a couple of days but I'll see what I can come up with. I mainly use my recorder for practicing, so please don't judge the performance :)

My gear setup is pretty simple:
-BR-532
-Rode NT3 Mic
-Taylor 414K Guitar w/iBeam Pickup
-Tacoma M3 Mandolin

I'll record the guitar both flatpicked and fingerpicked with the mic and pickup. The mando with the mic. And lastly I'll try to put together a mando lead with a guitar backup. Sorry no vocals :)
 
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