Just got
my Tascam DP-008 as an upgrade to my DP-01.
I'm fairly impressed with the unit for the size.
I figured out how to do basic recording and master mixes, then tried exporting tracks to the card and copying files to computer via USB. I'm not sure if I like the way Vista handles the procedure since I got an error message after a "left click" to remove the unit as stated in the manual. I actually had to right click, select the USB port in use, then click "stop" and select the "Tascam-DP-008" from the listed devices before getting a safe to remove message from the computer. I do like how, after hooking the USB port to the unit and to the computer, the FAT32 partition on the memory card is "opened" automatically compared to the "open/close" function you have to use with the DP-01, but I definitely think there should've been a way to close the FAT32 partition with the unit still connected instead of having to fuss with Vista icons in the taskbar to safely remove it as a device. I also don't understand why the unit restarts itself after the fact, but oh well.
The only other drawbacks that I see have to do with the headphone jack. I don't mind the 1/8" input, but I almost felt like I was damaging it because I had to really push to get the connector to go in. The fit is too snug for my taste. The same thing applies to the 1/4" inch inputs, but maybe that has something to do with the fact that I haven't used a multitrack since I bought my DP-01 in 2006.
The 2 GB SD card seems like it'll be enough space for me since I plan to do one song at a time, but I wish connecting to a computer was a little more plug and play.
Overall, I'm happy with it and sure it will pay for itself so long as I take care of it.
