Would any DP-24 or DP-32 owners recommend the DP-32SD for $399?

[A Reel Person]

It's the stripped down 32 track model exclusively at MF that doesn't have a CDRW drive or MIDI.

I'm not sure how much I need or would miss these features, and it's a pretty good price break over the Standard model.

I'm not sure I'd be happy buying something with a reduced feature set, or "lite" version of anything, however I do have the DP-02CF that I'm pretty happy with & has no CDRW drive. I've never used MIDI, except one time experimentally sync'ing 2 digital porta-format units together a long time ago. It's not something I rely on heavily.

I'm conflicted about it.

 

[DM60]

I had looked at going this route. I think the lack of MIDI and CD was a plus. I would think I would be recording MIDI for what I intended to use it for. From all that I have read and was reported, this unit is a good piece of equipment.

Having said that, after think it over, I decided to go a different route. Low end laptop, Reaper and a Tascam 1800. It seem this would just be easier that trying to work with all that functionality on such a small area.

 

[Mickster]

I have the DP24 and I never use Midi and have only rarely used the CD drive for making a CD or importing anything. You can do all that via the USB connection to any PC or you can move the SD card to your PC and copy and create whatever you need. For $399........it's a great deal in my opinion.

 

[Atkron205]

I have the DP-32, never used MIDI as I am too simple minded to figure it out. Only used the burner a few times as it is really slow burning songs. I only record to the DP and use Reaper for everything else.

 

[DM60]

I have the DP24 and I never use Midi and have only rarely used the CD drive for making a CD or importing anything. You can do all that via the USB connection to any PC or you can move the SD card to your PC and copy and create whatever you need. For $399........it's a great deal in my opinion.

For ~$100 more, you can have the Tascam 1800 $289 (more inputs) a $200 laptop (dual core chip set just for tracking) and if you already own Reaper, they allow it on multiple computers. You only add to your load the interface. That is kind of why I switched to this configuration rather than portastudio.

Just another view.

 

[Mickster]

For ~$100 more, you can have the Tascam 1800 $289 (more inputs) a $200 laptop (dual core chip set just for tracking) and if you already own Reaper, they allow it on multiple computers. You only add to your load the interface. That is kind of why I switched to this configuration rather than portastudio.

Yes....you could use that approach.....but his question was specific about the DP32SD. BTW.......I have the DP24 and I also have Reaper and an i5 dual core with a Zoom R16 for an AI. 8 inputs is more than enough for my use and I find the Tascam to be excellent in terms of ease of use and results..............and I have not fought latency in a long time. The main shortfall the Tascam seems to be a very limited menu of effects........so........that's where Reaper comes in for me. If I ever need more effects or editing of any sort.......I just transfer the track(s) to Reaper.........do what I have to do.........and transfer it back to the Tascam. When all is said and done.........it works for me. The setup I have evolved over time.......ZoomR16 (needed more tracks)........then the DP24.........then Reaper (had the PC already). Just how I got to where I am now.

 

[DM60]

Yes....you could use that approach.....but his question was specific about the DP32SD. B

I understand that, but since he is going to purchase it, thought I would add an alternative. Nothing bad about the 32SD, just another option.

 

[Atkron205]

I've always been used to physical buttons and knobs throughout my beginnings in recording. I'm just not fond of using a mouse or keystrokes to manipulate recording functions and one of the prime reasons I stay with a PortaStudio type of recorder. I do have Reaper and have often thought about getting something like a PreSonus FaderPort for more of a tactile feel that I like. Anyone using anything similar?

I am the same way, hardheaded I guess. I like knobs. I have a 24 channel 8 buss console as my preamps.

 

[A Reel Person]

Thanks...

With my limited use of the DP-02cf, once I had my tracks I rendered a stereo master track internally. Once I figured out where to shoot for optimum levels, I generally was very happy with the results. Then I exported the master track to the PC over USB, and it was a done deal. Brand new in 08 the DP-02cf cost me $299. Today for $100 more I'd get 32 tracks, and that's a big bump in a short time!

Thanks for some great insight, so far.

 

[RustyAxe]

For ~$100 more, you can have the Tascam 1800 $289 (more inputs) a $200 laptop (dual core chip set just for tracking) and if you already own Reaper, they allow it on multiple computers. You only add to your load the interface. That is kind of why I switched to this configuration rather than portastudio.

question: I'm interested in buying a loaf of bread, what should I get
Reply: Well, you could do that, or you could get some flour, yeast, baking soda, an oven, bread pans, and make your own. Just an alternative.

 

[DM60]

question: I'm interested in buying a loaf of bread, what should I get
Reply: Well, you could do that, or you could get some flour, yeast, baking soda, an oven, bread pans, and make your own. Just an alternative.

I'll be honest, I thought that was part of the reason for this sight and to post. Make sure that the person requesting information has all of their potential options in front of them. Sometimes we are focused on one way to solve a problem, given a different view, looks different.

If baking the bread gave you what you wanted because of your requirements, I want my bread with organic, sea salt, no GMO, hand thrashed wheat, etc. Then baking it yourself might be the best option.

 

[A Reel Person]

question: I'm interested in buying a loaf of bread, what should I get
Reply: Well, you could do that, or you could get some flour, yeast, baking soda, an oven, bread pans, and make your own. Just an alternative.

There are so many different ways to get the same results.

 

[Atkron205]

question: I'm interested in buying a loaf of bread, what should I get
Reply: Well, you could do that, or you could get some flour, yeast, baking soda, an oven, bread pans, and make your own. Just an alternative.

Come on sir, that was uncalled for. The OP was asking a good question. But to each his own.

 

[Mickster]

I've always been used to physical buttons and knobs throughout my beginnings in recording. I'm just not fond of using a mouse or keystrokes to manipulate recording functions and one of the prime reasons I stay with a PortaStudio type of recorder. I do have Reaper and have often thought about getting something like a PreSonus FaderPort for more of a tactile feel that I like. Anyone using anything similar?

I was the same way and still am to some degree. The Tascam is SUPER easy and comfortable to use. However........as an example.....my ZOOM R16 functions as both an AI and a control surface as well. It even has some extra ability to add functions to "F" keys. Anyway........it's pretty much like using the basic Tascam controls when I'm in Reaper. The better the control surface you get........the more it will emulate the Tascam........which has MANY buttons and controls. Control surfaces are extremely popular for just the reasons you described.

 

[RustyAxe]

I was responding to those who ignore the initial question and go on to offer ridiculous alternatives. A take-off on the old saying "Ask an engineer for the time, and he'll tell you how to build a watch". I was NOT referring to the OP. And thank you for your negative reputation points. Obviously the dozens of posts I've made to help those starting out with the DP-24 don't matter.

For ~$100 more, you can have the Tascam 1800 $289 (more inputs) a $200 laptop (dual core chip set just for tracking) and if you already own Reaper, they allow it on multiple computers. You only add to your load the interface. That is kind of why I switched to this configuration rather than portastudio.

 

[DM60]

I was responding to those who ignore the initial question and go on to offer ridiculous alternatives. A take-off on the old saying "Ask an engineer for the time, and he'll tell you how to build a watch". I was NOT referring to the OP. And thank you for your negative reputation points. Obviously the dozens of posts I've made to help those starting out with the DP-24 don't matter.

It didn't seem ridiculous, just an alternative.

 

[A Reel Person]

Sorry Bro, I misunderstood irony for smart assedness.

I green repped you anyway, I'll take back my remarks, try to edit above & it's all good.

Part of my question is assenine anyway because it's an opinion post & not purely technical. It's a question about shopping on price vs. any growth potential there may be with added features. Most people on this board understand there are many ways and means to undertake recording.

To ask what style of bread to get may be oversimplifaction, but I understand the analogy about engineers, because it's often true.

There's a good price break on this machine currently. Since it doesn't slave to MIDI, part of me thinks that's a crippled feature set anyway. I have tinkered with MIDI, syncing units & I also have a PS5 which plays SMFs, I'm still not sure how much of a need-to-have item MIDI is for me ATM.

I'm a little conflicted about gear and I may not have budget anyway, so the whole subject may be moot.

Thanks for your input & opinions.

 

[cwhowell2]

I used a 2488 for years, along with Sonar driving external MIDI modules. It worked fine. My technique was to record the sound module parts one at a time, using the Tascam MIDI slave sync. That way each MIDI instrument was on it's own tracks and could be tweaked during final mix. Live tracks (guitar, bass, vocals, etc) were then added directly into the 2488. Then came the flood of 2011 and I had to start over from scratch. Going to the DP-24 was a major improvement with the SD technology but pretty much put me out of the syncing business when they dropped MIDI Slave mode in the DP-24. It is not possible to use Sonar as the slave, because tempo changes would not be recognized. So now I have to completely mix my backing instruments (now using Sonar Softsynths) to a final mix on a stereo pair, while recording sample practice tracks for the performed instruments on another 2 tracks. I use a Focusrite 8i6 and only recently added a digital to analog converter so I now have 6 discrete tracks to work with. That allows me to have backing track final mix plus 4 discrete (and disposable) practice tracks before I switch to live instrument input. So the final answer is I no longer have a use for MIDI in the DP-24 and after trying the CD burner a few times, I've decided it's easier to use the SD card directly in my main PC. So I sure wish I could buy the new DP-32 version for only $400 but have already invested $700 in the DP-24.

 

[A Reel Person]

Yup!

I definitely agree that taking away MIDI-Slave function is crippling the MIDI capability, and changes the value equation of MIDI quite a bit. You seem to have gotten around this deficiency after all, but true MIDI-Slave capability would be much better.

The onboard CDRW I've heard is slow, and I have a decent one on my puter anyway.

Thank you for your interesting and helpful post!

 

[wavewarrior]

I've had the DP-24 for almost a year and very happy with it.
While I haven't needed to use the midi function yet, I'm sure it will come in handy some day.
I believe the CD writer and "Mastering" options are great and use it all the time with very nice results.

If I had it to do all again, I might step up to the DP-32 for more track options, but I'm still very happy with the ease of use with my DP-24. Its fast, easy to use and sounds great too. Good luck!