The Tascam DP-03SD Digital Portastudio is a portable studio console designed with songwriters in mind equipped with everything you need to create multi-track recordings.
Capture your inspiration when it strikes with this easy-to-use portable studio unit providing all the tools you need to create fully-fledged songs and multi-layered performances. Sounds just like the pros with 16-bit/44.1kHz recording quality and a built-in stereo condenser microphone for immersive sound reproduction. From vocals to guitars and everything in between the DP-03SD captures every detail of your performance with incredible precision.
Its intuitive interface and controls make it easy to navigate and record on the fly. It also features onboard editing functions allowing you to duplicate tracks, erase them, insert silence, and much more. Each channel features a two-band EQ for shaping your sound or take it a step further using the onboard studio-grade effects.
Jam-packed with useful features and tools, the DP-03SD also includes a built-in chromatic tuner for tuning your instrument/vocals as well as a metronome to keep you in time for studio recordings. You can power the Portastudio in various ways such as using 4 x AA batteries or via an optional AC adapter (PS-P520U). You can record directly to an SD/SDHC card (2GB SD card included) or you can use the USB port on the rear of the unit to transfer audio files to your computer for use with DAW (digital audio workstations).
Multi-track recording with built-in stereo microphone
The DP-03SD is a compact and portable multi-track studio recording unit providing studio-grade recording quality that captures every nuance of your performance with 44.1kHz/16-bit audio fidelity. Perfect for singer-songwriters, vocalists, instrumentalists, and music producers; the Portastudio features everything you need to create multi-track recordings on the fly. With eight recording tracks in total, the DP-03SD features two mono tracks and two stereo tracks (can also be used as mono tracks) allowing you to record a stereo source or two mono sources simultaneously. As well as the built-in stereo condenser mic, the Portastudio features two mic/line inputs so you can connect external microphones as well as a switchable Hi-Z input for connecting synthesizers, guitars, drum machines, and keyboards. It also features a dedicated stereo master track which will automatically mix your multi-track recording to a single stereo file. If that wasn’t enough, the DP-03SD also features a built-in chromatic tuner and a metronome.
Intuitive interface and onboard controls
Designed for any skill set, the DP-03SD is perfect for beginners and professionals alike; providing an intuitive interface and straightforward controls to make recording an absolute breeze! Each track features panning rotary controls as well as 45-mm faders so you can dial-in your parameters with precision. Onboard editing functions make it easy to clean up recordings and make changes on the fly, or erase tracks, cut-out certain parts of the audio, or insert silence – it can all be done directly from the Portastudio. The Tascam DP-03SD is compact and portable with multiple power options. It can be powered via 4 x AAA batteries or an optional AC adapter (PS-P520U).
Onboard sound shaping tools
As well as panning/level controls, each channel also features a two-band shelving EQ per track – perfect for shaping your sound and minimizing the need for post-processing. Add depth and texture to your tracks using the powerful reverb processor, allowing you to polish your mixes with ease. You can also master your tracks using the single/multi-band compressor and finish it off with the normalizer to maximize your overall levels.
Record, edit, or export your tracks
Complete with the DP-03SD Portastudio is a 2GB SD card. You can record directly to SD/SDHC cards, which results in ultra-low noise performance and optimized sound reproduction with the Portastudio having no internal moving parts. The multi-level undo/redo feature is great for when you make a mistake, allowing you to fix errors while you work. You can also move to a certain time position or return to the start with a press of a single key, making it easy to navigate and pinpoint certain places in your songs/tracks. You can also set in/out points for a playback loop, which can be used to create unique results and can also be used for live performances. The rear of the unit features a USB (2.0) port, which allows you to transfer audio files to/from your computer. Using the USB connection, you can export your whole mix or individual tracks as .WAV files – perfect for when you want to work with them in a DAW (digital audio workstation). You can also use it to import individual tracks or restore backed-up songs from your computer.
Features
Eight-track digital recorder and portable studio unit
Records to SD/SDHC Card media
Import WAV files from USB
Built-in stereo condenser microphone
Two XLR microphone inputs with phantom power
1/4″ stereo line inputs
Switchable instrument-level input for guitar/bass direct recording
Multi-band mastering effects
2-band EQ per track
Internal reverb processor with dedicated send per track
Chromatic Tuner and Metronome
Track editing autopunch and bounce features
Optional RC-3F footswitch offers three switches for punch-in and transport operation
Compact and lightweight
Specifications
General
Recording Media: SD card (512MB – 2GB) or SDHC card (4–32GB)
File System: MTR partition: TASCAM original FAT partition: FAT32
Microphones: 2 x Omni-directional condenser microphone
Analog Inputs and Outputs
Inputs A and B balanced: XLR
Nominal input impedance: 2.4 kΩ
Nominal input level: –16 dBu
Maximum input level: 0 dBu
Input A Balanced: 6.3-mm TRS jack
When INPUT A switch is set to MIC/LINE:
Nominal input impedance: ≥10 kΩ
Nominal input level: +4 dBu
Maximum input level: +24 dBu
When INPUT A switch is set to GUITAR:
Nominal input impedance: ≥1 MΩ
Nominal input level: –2 dBV
Maximum input level: +14 dBV
Input B balanced: 6.3-mm TRS jack
Nominal input impedance: ≥10 kΩ
Nominal input level: +4 dBu
Maximum input level: +24 dBu
Line Output: RCA (unbalanced)
Nominal output impedance: 1 kΩ
Nominal output level: –10 dBV
Maximum output level: +6 dBV
Phones Output: 6.3-mm stereo jack
Maximum output power: 40 mW + 40 mW (THD+N: ≤0.1 % into 32 Ω)
Other inputs and outputs
USB port: Mini-B type USB connector
Format: USB 2.0 HIGH SPEED mass storage class
REMOTE port: 2.5-mm jack (for RC-3F footswitch)
Audio performance
Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz +1 dB/–3 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥90 dB
Total harmonic distortion: ≤0.01
Power supply/physical
External power adapter: TASCAM PS-1225L (included)
AC input: 100–240 V AC 50/60 Hz 1 A
DC output: 12 V 2.5 A
Power consumption: 5 W
Dimensions (W x H x D): 290 mm x 54 mm x 207 mm
Weight: 1.4 kg
Operating temperature range: 5–35 °C
Product Code: DP-03SD