Tascam DR100 Portable Digital Recorder Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased the DR100 to record classical musicians on-location as a smaller and lighter replacement for a much larger hard disk recorder and a pair of external mic preamps. I was hoping that the built-in XLR inputs and +48 V phantom power would be all I'd need for quality 2-channel recordings. After some live recordings of professional musicians as well as a bit of bench testing, I have mixed feelings about the unit.
The good: Using the stereo line input, the DR100 is capable of creating very clean, low noise, low distortion recordings. The DR100 uses Asahi Kasei delta-sigma "Audio4Pro" digital converters which are excellent sounding and have a very low inherent noise spectrum and a S/N ratio of better than 100 dB. The Tascam v1.10 firmware upgrade allows for 96kHz-24bit recording using those converters and the resulting .wav files are superb. The recorder can use SDHC cards up to 32GB, with single files of up to 2GB, so long recordings are no problem. The line input matches any nominal -10 dBv preamp or mixer output. The menus are easy to navigate and the file structure is straightforward. The fast USB2 interface makes it easy to transfer WAV files to any DAW. When backlit, the LCD display is quite readable and the peak signal LED is fast and bright. The peak LED lights at -2dB and the bargraph meters cover a range of -49dB to -1dB where the device clips. The display never reads "0dB".
The "not-so-good": Having built-in, phantom powered preamps was one of the reasons I choose the DR100 over the many other available flash-memory recorders. I own a 24-channel, 96k-24 bit "portable" rack HD system as well as a laptop-based 8-channel recorder and wanted a high quality, but small and light system for 2-track recordings that could be used with high-end external mics. The DR-100's built-in unidirectional mics are probably OK for "snapshot" recordings, but are not acceptable for any serious professional use. During my initial testing using both an external small mixer and external mic preamps, (going in through the 3.5 mm line input) the DR100 worked very well. However, the internal mic preamps are not all that great. Although the V1.10 firmware update does provide for 24 bit, 96kHz sampling as well as 44.1kHz and 48kHz, it does not allow for 88.2 kHz recording, which generally is a better choice for final conversion to 44.1/16 bit for publication on CDs. Tascam should seriously consider adding 88.2kHz sampling, even if it means dropping 48kHz.
The preamp gain is adequate for most any modern condenser microphone and many, but not all dynamic mics. At higher gain settings the preamps do have a fairly high internal noise, which becomes audible when the preamp is switched to the "H" (high) setting and the recording level control is advanced into a usable range. This is when the unit is used for classical music recording with a fairly wide dynamic range of 40-50 dB. For compressed pop, and rock recording this is a non-issue. However, I've encountered a much more serious problem (for my use). So far, I've had problems when using the DR100's internal +48V phantom power with several sets of widely available phantom powered mics. I connected a pair medium-output (-70dBV/Pa) ribbon mics and was not surprised that the DR100 did not have enough gain. I then tried a set of "active ribbons" (with phantom powered internal amplifiers and found that everything worked fine if only one mic was connected, but connecting both mics caused a very audible (-30dB) high-pitched buzzing noise in both inputs. This only occurred when running on the fully charged internal Li-ion battery. When running on the PS-520 external power supply/charger, the noise disappeared, even with both mics connected. To me this indicates a weak +48V phantom supply. I tried another set of mics, a pair of very popular small diaphragm omni condensers and even running on the external power supply I had serious noise generated when both mics were drawing current from the DR100's phantom power source.
Please note that all of the mics I tried all work fine using any of my Mackie, SECK, Yamaha, True and Presonus mixers and preamps with absolutely no problems.
Bottom line: I'm keeping the Tascam, but will be carrying a couple of external mic pres or a small mixer with it.
For reference, I did document the recording levels at various gain settings using the internal mic pres.
The signal source was a balanced mic simulator signal generator. Output -41.5dB, one channel driven, phantom power OFF, limiter OFF. Signal = 700 Hz sine wave.
Levels listed are the indicated recording levels on the LCD display:
1. Coarse Gain Switch set to "L"
Gain dial setting vs (LCD displayed recording level)
dial 10 (-42 dB)
dial 9 (-42 dB)
dial 8 (-44 dB)
dial 7 (-47 dB)
2. Coarse Gain Switch set to "M"
dial 10 (-20 dB)
dial 9 (-20 dB)
dial 8 (-21 dB)
dial 7 (-24 dB)
dial 6 (-30 dB)
dial 5 (-34 dB)
dial 4 (-40 dB)
dial 3 (-45 dB)
3. Coarse Gain Switch set to "H"
dial7.5 (-1 dB) clipping
dial7 (-3 dB)
dial6.5 (-6 dB)
dial6 (-8 dB)
dial5 (-12 dB)
dial4 (-17 dB)
dial3 (-22 dB)
dial2 (-27 dB)
dial1 (-29 dB)
dial0 (-29 dB)
As noted above, the actual usable range of the attenuator dials is from "1" to "9" representing a maximum range of 29 dB. Changing the dial settings between "0" and "1" , and between "9" and "10" has no effect at all.
For actual acoustic recordings using a pair of sensitive, high output external cardioid mics, recording classical music with a peak acoustic level hitting around 85 dB SPL, I needed to set the coarse switch to "H" and the attenuator to "7.5" to get good recordings that peaked at around -4 dB or -3 dB on the DR 100 meters.
Other than the "wimpy" phantom power supply, I do like this recorder. It's capable of making fine, professional level recordings as long as you are aware of its limitations.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Tascam DR100 Portable Digital Recorder

A great choice for recordists--from musicians to podcasters--who need a reliable handheld recorder with advanced recording features, the rugged Tascam DR100 portable recorder offers four built-in electret condenser mics (two cardioid and two omni) as well as a pair of XLR mic ins with phantom power for adding pro condenser microphones.
The DR-100 includes a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, but can also be powered by AA batteries or an optional AC adapter. A built-in speaker allows for instant playback, and the metal enclosure includes a tripod mounting hole for recording flexibility. A wireless remote control is also included for remotely starting the recording.
Playback can be looped or slowed down without changing the pitch, and locate points can be added while recording. The DR-100 records to SD or SDHC cards, and a 2 GB card is included with the unit.

Key Features
Four microphones -- stereo cardioid and omni condenser mics
44.1k to 96k sampling rates for WAV file recording
MP3 and WAV file recording and playback
XLR Mic Inputs with Phantom Power
High-performance microphone preamp with 60dB of gain
Premium AKM Audio4Pro A/D converters with over 100dB signal to noise ratio
3.5mm line inputs and outputs
Low cut filter, analog limiter and auto gain control
Built-in speaker
Integrated microphone stand mount
Runs on rechargeable Li-Ion battery or AA batteries
Optional PS-P520 AC power adapter
Dimensions: 3.2 x 1.4 x 6 inches (WxHxD)

SpecificationsXLR MIC IN (L,R) inputs
Input impedance: 1.2 kΩ
GAIN HIGH setting
Standard input level: -58 dBu
Maximum input level: -42 dBu

GAIN MID setting
Standard input level: -36 dBu
Maximum input level: -30 dBu

GAIN LOW setting
Standard input level: -14 dBu
Maximum input level: +2 dBu

LINE IN input
Connector: 3.5mm stereo minijack
Input impedance: 1.2 kΩ
Standard input level: -10 dBu
Maximum input level: +6 dBu
LINE OUT input
Connector: 3.5mm stereo minijack
Standard input level: -10 dBu
Maximum input level: +6 dBu
Recording media
SD cards (64 MB - 2 GB) and SDHC cards (4 GB - 32 GB)
File system
FAT partition: FAT 16/32

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Tascam DR2D Portable Digital Recorder Review

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(More customer reviews)Update: V1.02 Firmware appears to have fixed the NiMH battery issue. No premature shutdown with full or partially discharged NiMH and unit shuts down gracefully on low battery condition. I'm very pleased.
Original Review:
I did my homework and narrowed the choice down to the Olympus LS-11, the Sony PCM-D50, PCM-M10, and the Zoom H4n.
My primary requirement was superb internal mics.
Secondary were a clean Line In (no preamp)if possible, 4-track capability, battery life, and construction quality.
The LS-11 has top end clarity but anemic bottom end (20 hrs.
The D50 is sonically neutral and a standard in this performance/feature category, but pricey.
The M10 has phenomenal battery life >40 hrs, but to my ear, the internal mics are in a class below the other candidates.
The Zoom H4n has much to recommend it and is a 4-track recorder (but not at 96kHZ sampling), but the build quality is not up to the other units and battery life is just passable.
And then this gem popped up when I visited the German Audiotranskription review site:
[...] (use Google translate to read their opinions/methods)
I suggest you listen carefully and compare the organ samples. I was blown away.
Audibly it is an extraordinary performer and exceeds my original narrowed field (even the D50 IMHO).
I have an SD-10 concert grand and the DR-2D reproduces it faithfully.
Plus its a 4 track recorder and at 96hHZ, 24-bit.
It has a clean Line In.
Is solidly constructed.
Menu access/navigation is easy too.
Cons:
Battery life is limited to ~4-5 hrs recording on an AA pair.
I also have had erratic battery low error messages on full eneloop NiMH batts. I just downloaded the latest firmware v1.02.
Hopefully that issue is now fixed. Will update this review if it is/isn't.
I doubt the problem is specific to mine as others have reported battery issues.
It is my only complaint/concern - in all other respects the unit is the overall best of the pack IMHO.
There are numerous other review sites out there with lots of audio samples -
Good luck,
Mark

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TASCAM's DR-2d Portable Digital Recorder brings high-resolution recording to a compact, affordable package. It offers up to 96kHz/24-bit WAV or MP3 recording to SD cards, and recordings can be transferred to computer through high-speed USB 2.0. A new dual recording feature records a copy of your audio at a lower level, so if the level suddenly jumps you have a backup instead of a distorted performance. Record using the new built-in condenser microphones or plug in your own.

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Tascam DR07 Portable Digital Recorder Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I just returned mine. Simply put, its a great little product, and for $175 you just can't find a better value. But you get what you pay for, and you get a nice little recording device, perfect for most applications, epically recording musical ideas while away from the studio. However, for low level recordings such as acoustic guitar, look closer at the Sony PCM-D50, that's what I'm switching to for my use. Here are my pros and cons of the DR07:
pros:
great price ($175 guitar center)
small
light weight
records any combination of 16/24bit 44.1k/48k sample rate
has built in mics
very easy to use
takes SD cards to expand recording time.
records either mp3 or wave files.
sound is directional, and records the best from directly in front.
Comes with a wind screen.
Takes AA batteries, easy to find and use.
cons:
Mic pre-amps are VERY noisy: when recording an interview or acoustic guitar, you can hear the hiss through it... lots of hiss on low volume recordings like that.
Lots of handling noise (more on that below),
NO Speaker! So you have to bring headphones to check your recordings.
The windscreen looks and feels cheap, its just a piece of shipping foam cut out to fit on top.
Buttons feel cheap,
memory card and USB access door feels cheap, I'm sure after a short while of use, it will break off.
Handling noise: any slight touch of the unit make a loud sound when using on-board mics, Poor quality limiter: the limiter cuts back so hard that when you just touch the unit, or get a loud pop from your voice, it cuts all the way down to zero, and then back up, so you get this very dramatic but short cut out of sound. Its very annoying. I had to turn off the limiter to use it, because every time i touched the unit to move it, it would cut out for a second. This was during an interview where I had the recording level up.
I was doing an interview and had to set the internal mic sensitivity to high and the gain to 8 or 9 (out of 10) just to get a good level on my subject sitting about 6 feet across from me. There was a lot of noise (hiss) too.Too much for someone picky, and looking for clean sound. Maybe an external mic would have been better, but you're still using the internal pre-amps which are very noisy.
I have to say that for the price, if you are looking for something to record band rehearsal, practice, or song ideas, its perfect! Maybe if you had a pair of mics you would get good results from a live rock concert (rock, not jazz or classical, because of the hiss in the background.... the rock music would drown that out)
So 5 out of 5 because it is perfect for what it is, but its not a solid feeling professional piece of gear with high quality preamps, its just a portable recorder for every day recording... professional sound guys would be disappointed. I would recommend this to my musician friends who want something to record scratch song ideas while away from a real studio, or someone looking to get into recording as a hobby, and play around with recordings.
Hope that helps people out there.*** UPDATE ***
okay, i just found the Sony PCM-M10 Portable Digital Recorder. I would suggest that anyone on the fence about the Sony PCM-D50 should consider this one, its half the price. If its ANYTHING like the D50, it will be something to consider if you're looking for a bit more from the DR07, mainly a bit more in quality of the mics.
PCM-M10 Portable Digital Recorder

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TASCAM's DR-07 brings portable digital recording to an even smaller, more affordable package. A pair of highly-sensitive built in mics captures a wide stereo image, recording in either MP3 or 16/24-bit WAV format. The DR-07 is powered by AA batteries and it transfers files to a computer using a high-speed USB 2.0 connection. The versatile recorder even includes a windscreen, tripod stand mount and 2GB SD card to start recording right away.

Musicians will appreciate the playback functions of the DR-07, including the ability to loop MP3s and slow them down without changing the pitch. External microphones and sources can be recorded through the mic/line input, and the recorder offers analog limiting, low cut and auto gain setting for great-sounding audio. But for great-sounding recordings, the compact DR-07 is all you need.
Built-in Mic The DR-07 features a pair of built-in stereo electret condenser mics, for instant, high-sensitivity stereo recordings. Thanks to the adjustable input level, it's a great choice for quiet or loud applications, from simple songwriting with a guitar to recording a metal band rehearsal.
SD and SD-HC Support Record to SD cards (including the included 2GB card) or add a little more recording time with high-capacity SD-HC cards up to 32GB.
Simple File Transfer Using the USB 2.0 jack, file transfer is a breeze. Simply connect to your PC and drag-and-drop.
Mic/Line Input Use an external microphone or line input device using the 3.5mm line and mic inputs.
The 3.5mm line output works with headphones or for sending to stereos/monitors/etc.
Keep It Clean The DR-07 has plenty of features to ensure your audio doesn't end up a distorted mess. The switchable low cut filter helps avoid rumble during field applications or recording bass-heavy material, the analog limiter keeps the dynamics in check, and the auto gain setting helps avoid preamp distortion from the get-go.
MP3 or WAV Recording The DR-07 writes WAV files at 44.1 or 48kHz, 16 or 24-bit formats. But you don't always need that for a scratch practice recording, grabbing an interview or lecture, etc. MP3 file recording lets you record directly to MP3 format, from 32kbps to 320 kbps, thus saving you a wealth of space on that SD card.
Variable-Speed Audition Slow down playback without changing the pitch--handy for learning or studying passages, transcribing interviews, or other uses.
Ultra-Portable The DR-07 is ready to go anywhere, since it's powered by two AA batteries (you can add the optional PS-P520 power adapter to power from a wall outlet).
It weighs just 4.4 ounces--with batteries--and is 2.2 x 5.3 x 1.1 inches in size.
What's in the BoxTASCAM DR-07, 2GB SD Card, USB Cable, AA Battery, Windscreen, Owner's Manual, Warranty Card

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Tascam DP-004 Pocketstudio Digital Recorder Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)As a songwriter who needs something that will allow me quickly to jot down song ideas and fragments, as well as completed songs, this unit is a little cumbersome. In order to create a song, you must do the following:
1. Turn on unit
2. Press "Menu" button
3. Scroll to "Song" menu item
4. Click a function button to select
5. Using the data wheel, scroll down to "Create"
6. Click a function button to select
7. Use data wheel to enter name of song one laborious letter at a time (optional step: you can forgo naming a song and it will be named "Song023" etc.)
8. Click "Home" button
9. Click "Rec" buttons for tracks 1 and 2 (assuming you want to record in stereo).
10. Click the record transport and play transport buttons together, to start the recording process (I'm assuming you have already set the input levels and want to use the built-in mics)
11. Click the stop transport button when you are done recording your song
12. Repeat steps 9-11 if you wish to overdub another voice or instrument on tracks 3 and/or 4.
13. Click "Menu" button, then "Play" to listen to playback
14. Click stop button at end of song
15. Click "In/Out" button
16. Click function key "Out" to set the out point
17. Click "Rec Mode" button
18. Using data wheel, scroll down to "Master Rec"
19. Click function key to select
20. Click the record transport and play transport buttons together, to start the recording process for the "master" track (this is simply a stereo mixdown of the four tracks)
21. Click "Rec Mode" button
22. Using data wheel, scroll up to "Multi Track"
23. Click function key to select
24. Click "Menu" button
25. Scroll using data wheel to "Wave"
26. Click function key to select
27. Scroll down to "Export Master"
28. Click function key to select
29. Use data wheel to enter name of song one letter at a time (optional step: you can forgo naming a song and it will be named "Song023" etc.)
30. Click function key to execute exporting of the master stereo tracks to the FAT partition of the SD card within the unit.
31. Attach unit to your computer via the supplied USB cable
32. Open folder to view the files on the Tascam
33. Click the "Wave" folder to find the master tracks you just created.
34. Go to a file conversion program to convert the ".wav" file to an ".mp3" file, so you can email it to your friends, etc.
Whew! Not exactly a quick, friendly, intuitive process!
What you want is a two-click process to start recording (as on my old mini-disk recorder), and then be able to connect to a computer to copy the file and convert. There are an awful lot of extra steps involved, but of course you are talking about four tracks, not just stereo, so there's just no getting around the necessity of the mix-down/mastering. What is a little odd and annoying are those extra steps to export the master to the FAT partition of the Tascam SD card (steps 27-30, above).
Also, since each song file must be loaded before you can listen to it, there is no way to play songs one after the other unattended, or zip quickly between songs like you can do on an iPod or CD player, to audition which is which (thus naming them is critical).
Anyway, a word to the wise if you want something quick and easy. You pay for the ability to make a multi-track recording. On the other hand, if you want something with great quality recording sound, ample storage (a 16 GB SDHC card gives you 1300 track minutes in the 8 GB partition you can create (the largest possible), very nice and senstive built-in stereo mics,
and something you can use to create an excellent mini-demo, then this will definitely do the trick.
TIP: Purchase a PSP-100 power adaptor. It is made for the Sony Playstation and is identical to the more costly PS-P520 Tascam says you have to buy (i.e., 5V, 2A, correct plug and polarity). I paid $5 for mine, not $30!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Tascam DP-004 Pocketstudio Digital Recorder


Smaller than a paperback book, the 4-track Tascam DP-004 Pocketstudio digital recorder is simple enough for students, songwriters and musicians who want to keep their recording process simple and creative.

Offering four tracks of CD-quality digital recording, the DP-004 can record two sources at once to the included 1 GB Secure Digital (SD) memory card. A built-in stereo condenser microphone makes it simple to record anywhere you go, perfect for concerts, rehearsals and songwriting inspirations. A pair of 1/4-inch jacks on the rear panel allow you to connect your own microphones or sources--you can even switch the inputs to guitar level for recording.

You can build up your arrangement until you've filled up all four tracks, and the Bounce feature allows you to consolidate tracks and make room for more overdub layers. Once you set levels and pan, record your mix onto a dedicated stereo master track. You're able to transfer your tracks and mixes to a computer over USB for CD burning and sharing online.

Key FeaturesConnections:
Two 1/4-inch unbalanced mic/line inputs
Switchable guitar input
Headphone/Line output
USB 2.0 connector
Recording:
Four-track digital multi-track recording
CD-quality 44.1kHz/16-bit WAV recording
Records to SD Card media (1 GB card included)
Repeat, Record undo
Dedicated stereo mixdown track

Physical:
Powered through AA Batteries or optional PS-P520 power adapter
Battery life: About 8 hours recording, about 8.5 hours playback (alkaline batteries)
Dimensions: 6.1 x 1.3 x 4.2 inches (WxHxD)
Weight: 2.8 ounces

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TASCAM GT-R1 Portable Guitar and Bass Recorder Review

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(More customer reviews)If you are a songwriter interested in capturing spontaneous ideas for songs, it doesn't get any better than this. I have tried many products over the years, and for capturing ideas quickly and easily, before the inspiration slips away, this thing is perfect. It is also great for recording live rehearsals or performances of your band. The built in drummer and overdubbing capability are both handy features as well.

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The Tascam GT-R1 Portable Guitar and Bass Recorder is a hand-held stereo digital recorder with a built-in high-quality stereo condenser microphone. The A/B configuration stereo mic allows natural wide sound "near-to-human" listening and there is a variable-angle microphone mechanism to help you find the elusive "sweet spot" for the best recordings.The GT-R1 recorder also accepts both direct guitar or bass input and has built-in multi effects and preset rhythm patterns. The overdub function lets you create perfect tracks. The GT-R1 allows MP3 and WAVE file recording/playback to/from memory. It performs 48/44.1kHz 24-bit (uncompressed) digital recording to SD/SDHC cards. Other features include analog auto gain control, limiter, and low cut filter. The GR-R1 also has a 1/8" powered external mic input for use with electret condenser mic such as the TASCAM TM-ST1, which adds mid-side stereo recording. (The TM-ST1 terminates to a 1/8" jack.)The Tascam GT-R1 Portable Guitar and Bass Recorder also functions as a trainer. With variable speed playback the digital recorder gives you the ability to slow down the speed of a CD without changing the pitch and allows you to quickly learn rhythm, lead, or bass parts of your favorite artists. The GT-R1 can reduce Guitar or Bass tracks from the music so you can hear yourself as you play along. It has a built-in tuner and metronome.The GT-R1 has user-friendly easy operation and has a 128 x 64 graphic LCD with backlight, USB 2.0 Mass Storage, and operates on a rechargeable removable battery. It can also be recharged like an iPod using the USB from a computer. It includes a soft case and a 2GB SD card.

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Tascam DP-02 Digital Portastudio - 8 Track Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is an outstanding system for demo recording and I am sure it would also be useful for live recordings with some added components.
After much research, I purchased the Tascam DP02 Portastudio instead of the Boss BR900CD. I had previously used the BR900 with much success and had my mind set on it for quiet some time. I kept my options open and the DP02 seemed to be the most comparable system. Despite some reviews stating the DP02 did not allow you to hear the effects while recording, I decided on it due to the on-board high, low, and reverb adjustment options. (I did not want to transfer to a computer for mastering) I was going to add an effects processor and pre-amp for the mic, but found all effects do play through recording.
The system has a lot of built in guitar (acoustic and electric), drum, bass, and vocal effects. It took me only a few hours to record several tracks, master them, and burn them to disk. Only being able to record to 2 tracks at once is a small drawback, but if you are doing all of your own recording shouldn't be a problem.
READ THE MANUAL!
Although it is not the easiest to follow page to page, if you know how to find what your looking for it's in the manual. For those of you that want to sit down, push record, and be on your way, you may want to look for a simpler system. Once you get it down, the DP02 is quite easy to use, but not something you can just turn on and go without some instruction. The trickiest part would would be mastering, but it is by no means difficult if you follow the directions.
All around this is a great system for a home studio and possibly more.
P.S. Thanks to Amazon for having the lowest price, and quick delivery.Just a quick update. May 29, 2010. I have put many hours onto this Portastudio and can say it has absolutely been worth it. The volume on the final track can be a little tricky, but nothing some time and patience cannot overcome. It has not given me any trouble and has never locked up as some people have said. Great piece of equipment for a very fair price.

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With a classic, well-known interface that's easy to pick up by new users, the 8-track Tascam DP-02 Digital Portastudio sports dedicated controls for level, pan, effects send and EQ instead of the menu-cursor interface found on most other recorders. You can make music with two hands with the DP-02--just reach and twist a knob when your creativity strikes. The DP-02 records to a 40 GB hard drive, and it includes a multi-effect processor, stereo reverb and CD burner for CD masters and song backup.
A pair of CD-quality XLR mic inputs includes phantom power for condenser mics and a direct guitar input. High and low EQ controls for level and frequency are provided for every channel. It also includes a multi-effects processor, stereo reverb, even a dedicated stereo channel for recording your mix. You can transfer tracks and mixes to a computer using USB 2.0, or burn a master disc in the CD drive.

Key Features
Two XLR mic/line inputs with phantom power for condenser microphones
Eight-track recording at uncompressed 44.1k/16-bit audio quality
Portastudio-based interface with volume fader, pan, effect send, high and low EQ controls per channel
EQ frequency button to access high and low EQ shelf frequencies
USB 2.0 interface for transferring tracks, mixes and backup files to a computer
Dedicated stereo master track for mixdown
Internal metronome and bar/beat display for song position
Headphone output
Stereo line outputs on RCA analog and S/PDIF optical digital connectors
40GB internal hard drive
Multi-effects processor with guitar, bass, vocal and drum programs
Stereo reverb processor with send/return controls for multichannel mixing
Built-in chromatic tuner
Built -in CD-RW burner for CD mastering and song backup

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Line 6 BackTrack Guitar Riff Recorder Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)i'm a laptop studio type guy, and i don't have an elaborate set-up. i used to record my amp directly into Audacity on my laptop via mic, which strained my computer resources a bit (i.e., recording accompaniment while playing back the existing tracks at the same time). it is so much easier now to record my guitar set-up with the Backtrack and import the files into Audacity for mixing. the Bactrack's signal is very clean. the software that lets you adjust the gadget's features is simple to use. as advertised, if you are just looking for something to catch your ideas while you're brainstorming, it doesn't get much easier than this, something you can just plug in and turn on and forget about until you're ready to go back and listen to what you came up with. i'm quite happy with this product. only thing, i wish i had gotten the one with the on-board mic.
one caveat - the first Backtrack i got appeared to work (lights flashed, etc) but would not pick up the signal from my guitar. i returned it and the second one works fine. i hope my experience doesn't reflect Line 6's quality control...

Click Here to see more reviews about: Line 6 BackTrack Guitar Riff Recorder

Inspiration is spontaneous, and BackTrack™ is your guitar\'s instant replay button. Easy to use, BackTrack captures everything you play without ever hitting record. Always on, BackTrack begins recording as soon as it detects a signal. Just plug into the quiet 1/4-inch input and start playing. And use the 1/4-inch output for immediate playback. Just set it and forget it for total inspiration control. Pressing the "Mark" button designates what you just played as special and separates it for easy review. The Forward and Reverse buttons provide instant recall of marked and non-marked ideas. BackTrack can capture up to 12 hours of audio. Saved as .WAV files to a rugged 1-GB flash memory, the audio is easily transferred via USB 2.0 to your computer or recording software for further recording, editing or mixing. The USB connection also recharges the internal battery to its full capacity of over 8 hours. Sleek and low-profile, BackTrack fits in your gig bag as easily as it fits into your setup. At rehearsal, at the gig or at home, BackTrack is fully dedicated to capturing everything you play.• Up to stunning 24-bit, 48 kHz audio • Up to 12 hours of audio capture • 1/4-inch guitar input • 1/4-inch output • Drag .WAV files to your computer via USB 2.0 • Rechargeable via USB • Over 8 hours of battery life • Looped playbackFrequently Asked Questions What are some of the differences between BackTrack™ and BackTrack™ + Mic?
The biggest differences: BackTrack + Mic features a microphone and a 1/8-inch headphone output, BackTrack does not. Both feature similar features, though, including variable sample rates and bit depth, which are shown here:

How much audio can I record?

At their capacities, BackTrack + Mic can capture up to 24 hours of audio and BackTrack can capture up to 12 hours but it depends on the sample rate and bit depth you\'ve chosen. At 16-bit/44.1 kHz (standard CD audio), BackTrack + Mic can capture six hours of audio whereas BackTrack can capture only three hours.

What's the big button on top?

That\'s the "Mark" button and it\'s a great feature. After playing something really special, press "Mark". Your marked ideas are stored in a separate folder on the flash drive so when you go to drag your ideas off your BackTrack to import them into your recording software, your best ideas will be there waiting for you.

What's with the USB connection?

BackTrack and BackTrack + Mic each have a USB connection for two main reasons:

• To transfer your ideas to your recording software.
• To recharge the battery.
What's the best way to use BackTrack?

There\'s no best way to use BackTrack. It\'s equally effective at home, on stage, at rehearsal or anywhere else you\'re playing.

What kind of file is the recorded audio?

Everything you record is saved as .WAV files. These high-quality audio files will sound great when imported into your recording software.

What's automatic gain control in BackTrack + Mic?

Automatic gain control guards against clipping and overloading, and helps maintain an even level when you\'re recording using the microphone.

How do I import files from my BackTrack into my recording software?

It can vary so we recommend that you read your software\'s manual but, with most applications, it\'s as easy as dragging an audio file right onto a track.

Can I ditch school and record lectures with BackTrack + Mic?

Of course! BackTrack + Mic features an 8-hour battery and a flash drive that can capture up to 24 hours of audio—plenty of power to record lectures that seem to go on forever. But we can\'t guarantee that you\'ll pass your class.

Does this thing have models?
Nope, no models. It\'s a recording device.

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Tascam PSP520 AC Adapter/Power Supply For Mpgt1 Review

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(More customer reviews)This product is amazing. It has one end that plugs into your Tascam recorder and then another end, and this is the amazing part, that has these 2 tines that you plug into these 2 slots in your wall...and voila, your Tascam recorder is able to use ELECTRICITY (!) to power it without the need for batteries! Imagine the possibilities of using electricity instead of having to change batteries every 8 hours. With electricity, you never have to change batteries at all! It's an amazing breakthrough and Tascam was able to bring it to you. Thanks, Tascam!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Tascam PSP520 AC Adapter/Power Supply For Mpgt1

Tascam PSP520 Power Supply for use with Tascam Trainers and Pocketstudio! Pick up the power supply for your Tascam trainer or Recorder and save money on expensive alkaline batteries. Leave it at your studio/rehearsal space or take it with you. The PSP520 ac adapter works with Tascam's MPGT1, MPBT1, MPVT1, CDGT2, CDBT2 and CDVT2 Guitar, bass and Vocal Trainers and the Tascam DP004 Pocketstudio recorder. AmericanMusical.com is an authorized dealer of Tascam products.

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