Tascam recorder advice

O

OpaD79

New member
New to the site. Being a musician at varied levels for 30 years, I am considering purchasing my own recorder. I am considering a Tascam 2488 Neo. I am also considering a Tascam DP24.
If extra money is not a concern, which would you recommend? Also, why you would choose one over the other? Looking for feedback from Tascam owners. Thanks in advance!
 
I would recommend going with a DAW on a Computer - but given the two choices the DP24 is my choice. I can’t be too critical about what the DP24 does, -or the way in which it does it - and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg - certianly less than a Computer and DAW (Like Logic and a MacBook Pro)

It isn't without compromises.- the lack of automation - especially given that this is a 32-channel mixer - and it has no dedicated channel EQ and pan knobs - Also, some sort of basic drum machine or rhythm composer over the beeping metronome would be nice.

The digital editing options are very well implemented - as are the waveform and scrub facilities - downside the creative tools such as time-stretch and reverse haven't been included - and I think the three-band EQ, is inadequate - compared to Logic I think it’s limiting.

But if you want a simple recording device - it’s very hard to beat.
 
I would probably avoid the 2488 Neo, simply on the basis of it using older IDE drives. They are getting old, and more prone to experience a failure.

If you are technically inclined, there are ways to convert to an SSD via an IDE/SATA adapter. There are also a couple of companies who make an IDE SSD, although they are basically just a standard SATA drive with an adapter in the enclosure.

If you go for the DP24, use the SD version. SD cards are cheap and plentiful. Buy 10 and you have enough recording room for a massive amount of recording time.
 
The DP-24, DP-32, DP-24SD, DP-32SD all use SD cards. The model number of the currently available "SD" versions make this a little confusing.

I own two DP-32SD's and one first generation DP-24. <--- For 10 years now. They are excellent recorders. Powerful, intuitive, and reliable. Of course they have limitations. But there are work-arounds and procedural tricks and tips that are not immediately obvious.

A couple of strong suggestions should you go the Tascam DP-24/32SD route:

1) Immediately update the firmware - and use ONLY Tascam approved SD cards. Failure to do this is asking for reliability problems.

2) Watch the Phil Tipping youtube tutorial series. It is incredibly valuable. Phil also sells an inexpensive excellent user's guide.

3) Visit and familiarize yourself with the sticky threads in the DP forum at www.tascamforums.com. There are tons a tips, tricks, and general recording and procedural advice. <--- super powerful resource

Feel free to ask if you have any questions- although I've moved to Reaper - I still use my DP-32SD for tracking, sketching, and occasionally full songs. I'm very familiar with these recorders.
 
FWIW - the DP-24(SD) has 12 dedicated mono tracks and 6 stereo tracks which can be converted to mono.

And the DP-32(SD) has 8 dedicated mono tracks and 12 stereo tracks which can be converted to mono.
 
As others have said, I would go for an interface and computer. Assuming you have some sort of a computer (not a dinky phone!) I suggest you install Cockos Reaper and have a play with headphones? You might also find the free Cakewalk by Bandlab interesting.

Dave.
 
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