Tascam DP-008ex User Manual

D01175820A

DP-008EX

Digital Multitrack Recorder

OWNER’S MANUAL

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO
NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE
PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE
PERSONNEL.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.

8

For U.S.A

TO THE USER
This equipment has been tested and found to

comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instruction manual,
may cause harmful interference to radio commu­nications. However, there is no guarantee that inter­ference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be deter­mined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference
by one or more of the following measures.

a) Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
b) Increase the separation between the

equipment and receiver.

c) Connect the equipment into an outlet on a

circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.

d) Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV

technician for help.

CAUTION

Changes or modifications to this equipment not
expressly approved by TEAC CORPORATION for
compliance could void the user's authority to
operate this equipment.

Model Number : DP-008EX
Trade Name : TASCAM
Responsible party : TEAC AMERICA, INC.
Address : 7733 Telegraph Road,

Montebello, California, U.S.A.
Telephone number : 1-323-726-0303
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC

Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.

This appliance has a serial number located on the
rear panel. Please record the model number and
serial number and retain them for your records.

Model number

Serial number

8

For Canada

THIS CLASS B DIGITAL APPARATUS COMPLIES WITH
CANADIAN ICES-003.
CET APPAREIL NUMÉRIQUE DE LA CLASSE B EST
CONFORME À LA NORME NMB-003 DU CANADA.

Declaration of Conformity

TASCAM DP-008EX

2

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1 Read these instructions.
2 Keep these instructions.
3 Heed all warnings.
4 Follow all instructions.
5 Do not use this apparatus near water.
6 Clean only with dry cloth.
7 Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in

accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

8 Do not install near any heat sources such

as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce
heat.

9 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized

or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has
two blades with one wider than the other. A
grounding type plug has two blades and a third
grounding prong. The wide blade or the third
prong are provided for your safety. If the provided
plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an
electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10 Protect the power cord from being walked on

or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from
the apparatus.

11 Only use attachments/accessories specified by

the manufacturer.

12 Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or

table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with
the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution
when moving the cart/apparatus combination to
avoid injury from tip-over.

The apparatus draws nominal non-operating

•
power from the AC outlet with its POWER or

STANDBY/ON switch not in the ON position.
The mains plug is used as the disconnect device,

•
the disconnect device shall remain readily

operable.
Caution should be taken when using earphones or

•
headphones with the product because excessive

sound pressure (volume) from earphones or
headphones can cause hearing loss.

If you are experiencing problems with this product,

•
contact TEAC for a service referral. Do not use the

product until it has been repaired.

CAUTION

Do not expose this apparatus to drips or splashes.

•
Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such

•
as vases, on the apparatus.

Do not install this apparatus in a confined space

•
such as a book case or similar unit.

The apparatus should be located close enough

•
to the AC outlet so that you can easily grasp the

power cord plug at any time.
If the product uses batteries (including a battery

•
pack or installed batteries), they should not be

exposed to sunshine, fire or excessive heat.

WARNING

Products with Class construction are equipped with
a power supply cord that has a grounding plug. The
cord of such a product must be plugged into an AC
outlet that has a protective grounding connection.

13 Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or

when unused for long periods of time.

14 Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

Servicing is required when the apparatus has
been damaged in any way, such as power-supply
cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled
or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture,
does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

TASCAM DP-008EX

3

Safety Information

Pb, Hg, Cd

8

For European Customers

Disposal of electrical and electronic equipment

(a) All electrical and electronic equipment should

be disposed of separately from the municipal
waste stream via designated collection facilities
appointed by the government or the local
authorities.

(b) By disposing of the electrical and electronic

equipment correctly, you will help save valuable
resources and prevent any potential negative
effects on human health and the environment.

(c) Improper disposal of waste equipment can

have serious effects on the environment and
human health as a result of the presence of
hazardous substances in electrical and electronic
equipment.

(d) The crossed out wheeled dust bin symbol

indicates that electrical and electronic equipment
must be collected and disposed of separately
from household waste.

(e) The return and collection systems are available

to the end users. For more detailed information
about disposal of old electrical and electronic
equipment, please contact your city office, waste
disposal service or the shop where you purchased
the equipment.

Disposal of batteries and/or accumulators

(a) Waste batteries and/or accumulators should

be disposed of separately from the municipal
waste stream via designated collection facilities
appointed by the government or the local
authorities.

(b) By disposing of waste batteries and/or accumu-

lators correctly, you will help save valuable
resources and prevent any potential negative
effects on human health and the environment.

(c) Improper disposal of waste batteries and/or

accumulators can have serious effects on the
environment and human health as a result of the
presence of hazardous substances in batteries
and/or accumulators.

(d) The crossed out wheeled dust bin symbol

indicates that batteries and/or accumulators
must be collected and disposed of separately
from household waste.

If the battery or accumulator contains more than

the specified values of lead (Pb), mercury (Hg),
and/or cadmium (Cd) defined in the Battery
Directive (2006/66/EC), then the chemical
symbols for lead (Pb), mercury (Hg) and/or
cadmium (Cd) will be indicated beneath the
crossed out wheeled dust bin symbol.

TASCAM DP-008EX

4

(e) The return and collection systems are available

to the end users. For more detailed information
about disposal of waste batteries and/or accumu­lators, please contact your city office, waste
disposal service or the shop where you purchased
them.

CAUTIONS ABOUT BATTERIES

This product uses batteries. Misuse of batteries could
cause a leak, rupture or other trouble. Always abide
by the following precautions when using batteries.

Never recharge non-rechargeable batteries. The

•
batteries could rupture or leak, causing fire or

injury.
When installing batteries, pay attention to the

•
polarity indications (plus/minus (¥/^) orien-

tation), and install them correctly in the battery
compartment as indicated. Putting them in
backward could make the batteries rupture or leak,
causing fire, injury or stains around them.

When you store or dispose batteries, isolate their

•
terminals with insulation tape or something

like that to prevent them from contacting other
batteries or metallic objects.

When throwing used batteries away, follow the

•
disposal instructions indicated on the batteries and

the local disposal laws.
Do not use batteries other than those specified. Do

•
not mix and use new and old batteries or different

types of batteries together. The batteries could
rupture or leak, causing fire, injury or stains around
them.

Safety Information

Do not carry or store batteries together with small

•
metal objects. The batteries could short, causing

leak, rupture or other trouble.
Do not heat or disassemble batteries. Do not put

•
them in fire or water. Batteries could rupture or

leak, causing fire, injury or stains around them.
If the battery fluid leaks, wipe away any fluid on

•
the battery case before inserting new batteries. If

the battery fluid gets in an eye, it could cause loss
of eyesight. If fluid does enter an eye, wash it out
thoroughly with clean water without rubbing the
eye and then consult a doctor immediately. If the
fluid gets on a person’s body or clothing, it could
cause skin injuries or burns. If this should happen,
wash it off with clean water and then consult a
doctor immediately.

The unit power should be off when you install and

•
replace batteries.

Remove the batteries if you do not plan to use

•
the unit for a long time. Batteries could rupture

or leak, causing fire, injury or stains around them.
If the battery fluid leaks, wipe away any fluid on
the battery compartment before inserting new
batteries.

Do not disassemble a battery. The acid inside the

•
battery could harm skin or clothing.

8

For China

产品有毒有害物质或元素的名称及含量

机种 ：DP-008EX 有毒有害物质或元素

品名

1 CHASSIS 部份 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
2 PCB Assy 部份 × ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
3 线材部份 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
4 附属品部份 × ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
5 SEAL 部份 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
6 包装部份 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

○ ：表示该有毒有害物质在该部件所有均质材料中的含有量均在 SJ/T11363-2006 标准规定的限量要求以下。
× ：表示该有毒有害物质至少在该部件的某一均质材料中的含量超出 SJ/T11363-2006 标准规定的限量要求。
（针对现在代替技术困难的电子部品及合金中的铅 )

铅

(Pb)

汞

(Hg)

镉

(Cd)

六价铬
(Cr6+)

多溴联苯

(PBB)

TASCAM DP-008EX

多溴二苯醚

(PBDE)

5

Contents

1 – Introduction .............................................. 8

Features...............................................................................8

Included items .................................................................. 8

Conventions used in this manual .............................. 9

Trademarks ........................................................................9

About SD cards ............................................................... 10

Precautions for use ..................................................10

Precautions for installation .......................................10

Beware of condensation .............................................10

Cleaning the unit ...........................................................10

User registration ............................................................10

2–Quick Start Guides ................................... 11

Playback and mixing .................................................... 11

Preparing the unit ....................................................11

Listening to the demo song ................................. 12

From recording to mastering ...................................13

Creating a new song ...............................................13

Connecting and setting input sources ............14

Setting the guitar as the TRACK 1

recording source .....................................................15

Adjusting the input level and monitoring ......15

Recording guitar to TRACK 1 ...............................16

Playing back the recording ..................................17

Record guitar to TRACK 2 ......................................17

Record vocals on TRACK 3 ....................................18

Creating a stereo master track ........................... 20

Mastering the stereo master track ................... 22

Transferring the stereo master track to a

computer ......................................................................... 23

Shutting down the unit ............................................. 23

3 – Names and functions of parts ...............24

Top Panel ..........................................................................24

Front panel ......................................................................26

Rear panel ........................................................................27

Right side panel ............................................................ 28

Bottom panel ................................................................. 28

Home Screen ................................................................. 29

Menu structure.............................................................. 30

Screen operations .........................................................31

4 – Preparations ...........................................32

Inserting and removing SD cards............................32

Inserting an SD card ................................................32

Removing an SD card .............................................32

SD card write-protection switches ....................32

Preparing the power ....................................................32

Using batteries ..........................................................32

Using an AC adaptor (sold separately) .............33

Start-up & shutdown ....................................................33

Starting up the unit .................................................33

Shutting down ..........................................................33

Preparing SD cards for use ........................................ 34

Recorder modes ............................................................ 34

Connecting with other equipment ........................35

Rear panel connections .........................................35

Right side panel connections ..............................35

Adjusting the contrast ................................................ 36

Setting the backlight .................................................. 36

5 – Song Management .................................37

Partitions and songs.....................................................37

Selecting the active partition ...................................37

Editing names ................................................................ 38

Loading a saved song ................................................. 38

Creating a new song ....................................................39

Saving a song ..................................................................39

Viewing song information .........................................39

Copying songs ............................................................... 40

Erasing songs ................................................................. 40

Protecting songs ...........................................................41

6 – Basic Recording ......................................42

Selecting the input source.........................................42

Phantom power .............................................................42

Monitoring input signals ............................................43

OL indicators and level meters ................................43

Assigning inputs ........................................................... 44

Using the input equalizers ........................................ 44

Using input dynamics effects .................................. 45

Applying dynamics effects.................................. 45

Using the compressor ........................................... 45

Using the exciter ...................................................... 46

Using the de-esser ...................................................47

Making the first recording .........................................47

Multitrack recording ................................................... 48

Setting the recording tracks ............................... 48

Setting TRACK PAN and LEVEL values ............. 48

Input selection and assignment ........................ 48

Setting input levels ................................................48

Recording additional tracks ................................ 48

Undoing operations (undo)...................................... 49

Undoing the last operation (single undo) ..... 49

Undoing a previous operation (multi-undo) ...49

Erasing the operation history ............................. 50

7 – Recorder Functions ................................51

Bouncing tracks .............................................................51

Using the bounce function ..................................51

Confirming the result .............................................52

Locate and search functions .....................................52

Direct locate function ............................................52

Returning to the song beginning (RTZ

function) or the point where recording

was last started (LRP function) ...........................52

Search backward/forward ....................................52

Repeat playback ............................................................53

Setting IN and OUT points ....................................53

Using repeat playback ............................................53

Setting the time between repetitions

(repeat interval) ....................................................... 54

Locating to IN and OUT points........................... 54

Punching in and out .................................................... 54

Using a foot switch to punch in/out ................ 54

Setting the foot switch polarity..........................55

Using automatic punching in/out ..........................55

Rehearsing with auto punch in/out ..................55

Recording with auto punch in/out ....................55

8 – Editing Tracks .........................................56

TASCAM DP-008EX

6

Contents

Overview of track editing .......................................... 56

Track editing points ................................................ 56

Basic track editing procedures........................... 56

Track editing function setting items ...............57

COPY/PASTE ....................................................................58

COPY/INSERT .................................................................. 58

MOVE/PASTE ...................................................................59

MOVE/INSERT .................................................................59

OPEN (insert silence) ....................................................59

CUT (remove part) .........................................................59

SILENCE (part erase) .................................................... 60

CLONE TRACK (track duplication) .......................... 60

CLEAN OUT (track erase) ............................................ 60

9 – Mixdown and mastering ........................61

Mixdown ...........................................................................61

Level and balance ....................................................61

Stereo position (panning) .....................................61

Track equalizers ........................................................61

Reverb ..........................................................................61

Muting tracks ............................................................ 62

Creating stereo master tracks ................................. 62

Setting the starting and ending points .......... 63

Creating a stereo master track ........................... 63

Checking stereo master tracks ................................ 64

Mastering stereo master tracks .............................. 64

Using automatic mastering ................................. 65

Using manual mastering ...................................... 66

Using the mastering equalizer ........................... 66

Using the mastering compressor .......................67

Normalizing master tracks................................... 68

Copying a stereo master track ........................... 68

Exiting mastering mode ....................................... 68

10 – Miscellaneous Functions .....................69

Metronome ..................................................................... 69

Tuner ................................................................................. 69

Chromatic tuner mode.......................................... 69

Oscillator mode .........................................................70

Automatic power saving function ..........................70

Restoring preferences to default values ..............71

Viewing information ....................................................71

11 – SD Card Management ..........................72

Overview of partitions ............................................... 72

Formatting SD cards ................................................... 72

Reformatting MTR partitions ................................... 73

Reformatting FAT partitions ......................................74

Initializing SD cards ......................................................74

12 – Exchanging Data with a Computer .....75

Supported operating systems .................................75

Connecting with a computer ...................................75

Disconnecting ...........................................................76

Song backup and restoration .................................. 77

Backing-up songs ................................................... 77

Restoring songs ........................................................78

Track import and export .............................................79

Importing to tracks ..................................................79

Exporting tracks ...................................................... 80

Exporting stereo master tracks................................81

13 – Mastering compressor settings .........82

Mastering compressor preset library ................... 82

Mastering compressor preset default

parameter settings ..................................................... 82

14 – Troubleshooting ...................................83

15 – Message Lists ........................................84

16 – Specifications .......................................87

Media and file systems ................................................87

Inputs and outputs .......................................................87

Analog audio input and output .........................87

Data input and output ...........................................87

Audio performance ......................................................87

Operating requirements ............................................87

General ..............................................................................87

Backup memory ............................................................ 88

Dimensions ..................................................................... 88

Block diagram ................................................................ 89

17 – Commonly-used Functions..................90

TASCAM DP-008EX

7

1 – Introduction

Thank you for your purchase of the TASCAM DP-008EX
Digital Multitrack Recorder.

Before connecting and using the unit, please take
time to read this manual thoroughly to ensure you
understand how to properly set up and connect the
unit, as well as the operation of its many useful and
convenient functions. After you have finished reading
this manual, please keep it in a safe place for future
reference.

You can also download the Owner’s Manual from the
TASCAM web site (http://tascam.com).

Features

Using this unit with an SD card, you can record two
tracks simultaneously and work with up to 8 tracks in
a multitrack project. In addition, you can use the unit’s
mixer, mastering (automatic and manual) and input
dynamics functions to mix multitrack recordings
down to stereo and create a stereo master track.

This stereo master track can then be transferred to a
computer connected by USB. In addition to copying
individual and stereo master tracks from this unit
to a computer, song files can also be backed up to a
computer.

•

Portable 8-track recorder that can record 2 tracks
simultaneously and play back 8 tracks

•

CD-quality recording (16-bit, 44.1kHz)

•

Built-in omnidirectional stereo condenser mic
suppresses pickup of background noise (Low and
High input gain settings)

•

Guitars and basses can be directly connected to 2
mic/line inputs (INPUT A/B)

•

Independent LEVEL, PAN and REVERB knobs for
each track allow intuitive operation

•

Wheel allows rapid location to specific points
(direct location function)

•

Set and use IN and OUT points as you like for
repeat playback and editing

•

Separate stereo master track in addition to 8
independent tracks

•

Bounce function allows recording of more than 8
tracks

•

Punch in/out function allows parts to be
re-recorded as necessary

•

Track editing functions include duplicating and
deleting recorded tracks, partial clearing and
deletion and silence insertion

•

Recording and editing operations can be undone
and redone

•

Chromatic tuner with meters provides visual
feedback during tuning

•

Metronome

•

Transfer files to computers connected by USB 2.0

•

Backup and restore songs

•

Import and export stereo WAV files to stereo tracks

•

Export stereo masters as stereo WAV files

•

Operates on four AA batteries or a TASCAM
PS-P520 AC adaptor (sold separately)

•

2GB SD card included

•

Unit has built-in threads for tripod mounting

Included items

This product includes the following items.
Take care when opening the package not to damage

the items. Keep the packing materials for transpor­tation in the future.

Please contact TASCAM if any of these items are
missing or have been damaged during transpor­tation.

• Main unit .................................................................... 1

• SD Card (inside unit) ..............................................1

• AA alkaline batteries .............................................. 4

• USB cable (80cm) .................................................... 1

• Warranty card ...........................................................1

• Owner’s Manual (this manual) ............................1

TASCAM DP-008EX

8

1 – Introduction

Conventions used in this manual

In this manual, we use the following conventions:

•

When we refer to buttons, connectors and other
parts of this unit and other equipment, we use a
bold font like this: MENU button.

•

The 7 button is indicated as the Play (7) button,
the 8 button as the Stop (8) button and the 0
button as the Record (0) button.

•

Selectable items and messages shown on the
display are indicated like this:

•

The four buttons beneath the LCD display are
called function buttons and are referred to as F1,
F2, F3 and F4 from left to right. Their functions are
shown above them at the bottom of the display
and after the button name in brackets in this
manual.

Examples: F2 [EXEC] button, F4 [t] button

•

SD memory cards are called “SD cards”.

•

Words that appear on the computer display are
shown in quotation marks like this: “DP-008EX”

•

The currently selected MTR partition is called the
“active partition”.

•

Additional information is provided as necessary as
tips, notes and cautions.

TIP

These are tips about how to use the unit.

NOTE

These provide additional explanations and
describe special cases.

CAUTION

Failure to follow these instructions could result
in injury, damage to equipment or lost recording
data, for example.

MENU

Trademarks

•

TASCAM is a registered trademark of TEAC
Corporation.

•

Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista, and Windows
7 are either registered trademarks or trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/
or other countries.

•

Apple, Macintosh, iMac, Mac OS and Mac OS X are
trademarks of Apple Inc.

•

Other company names, product names and logos
in this document are the trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective owners.

Any data, including, but not limited to information,
described herein are intended only as illustrations
of such data and/or information and not as the
specifications for such data and/or information.
TEAC Corporation disclaims any warranty that any
use of such data and/or information shall be free
from infringement of any third party’s intellectual
property rights or other proprietary rights, and
further, assumes no liability of whatsoever nature
in the event of any such infringement, or arising
from or connected with or related to the use of
such data and/or information.

This product is designed to help you record
and reproduce sound works to which you own
the copyright, or where you have obtained
permission from the copyright holder or the
rightful licensor. Unless you own the copyright,
or have obtained the appropriate permission
from the copyright holder or the rightful licensor,
your unauthorized recording, reproduction or
distribution thereof may result in severe criminal
penalties under copyright laws and international
copyright treaties. If you are uncertain about
your rights, contact your legal advisor. Under no
circumstances will TEAC Corporation be respon­sible for the consequences of any illegal copying
performed using the recorder.

TASCAM DP-008EX

9

1 – Introduction

About SD cards

This unit uses SD cards for recording and playback.
SD cards that meet SD/SDHC standards and are at

least 512 MB can be used with this unit.
A list of SD cards that have been confirmed for use

with this unit can be found on the TASCAM website
(http://tascam.com/). Please check this site or contact
TASCAM customer support.

Precautions for use

SD cards are delicate media. In order to avoid
damaging a card or the card slot, please take the
following precautions when handling them.

•

Do not leave them in extremely hot or cold places.

•

Do not leave them in extremely humid places.

•

Do not let them get wet.

•

Do not put things on top of them or twist them.

•

Do not hit them.

Precautions for installation

•

The unit’s nominal operating temperature is from
5º to 35º C (41º–95º F).

•

Do not install in the following types of places.
Doing so could degrade the sound quality or
cause malfunctions.

• Places with significant vibrations

• Near windows or other places exposed to
direct sunlight

• Near heaters or other extremely hot places

• Extremely cold places

• Places with high humidity or bad ventilation

• Dusty places

• Places directly exposed to rain or other water

•

Do not place this unit on top of a power amplifier
or other device that generates heat.

Beware of condensation

If the unit is moved from a cold to a warm place, or
used immediately after a cold room has been heated
or otherwise exposed to a sudden temperature
change, condensation could occur. Should this
happen, leave the unit for one or two hours before
turning the unit on.

Cleaning the unit

To clean the unit, wipe it gently with a soft dry cloth.
Do not wipe with chemical cleaning cloths, paint
thinner, ethyl alcohol or other chemical agents to
clean the unit as they could damage the surface.

User registration

Customers in the USA, please visit the TASCAM
website (http://tascam.com/) to register as a user
online.

TASCAM DP-008EX

10

2–Quick Start Guides

Playback and mixing

First, we will play the demo song on the included SD
card. When the unit is purchased new, the SD card
with the demo song is already in it, but we will start
by explaining how to insert an SD card.

Preparing the unit

1. Open the SD card slot cover on the right side of
the unit and insert the included SD card into the
slot.

Do not insert the card with the wrong orientation

and apply unnecessary force. This could damage
the SD card slot or the card itself.

2. After inserting the SD card, close the SD card slot
cover.

3. Insert four AA batteries into the battery
compartment on the bottom of the unit
according to the ¥ and ^ indications inside the
compartment. In addition to alkaline batteries,
this unit can also use NiMH batteries.

4. Close the battery compartment cover after
installing the batteries.

5. Connect headphones to the PHONES connector
on the back of the unit.

6. Press and hold the button on the top of the
unit until “TASCAM” appears on the display.

After starting up, as shown below, the Home

Screen appears on the display.

Startup screen Home Screen

CAUTION

•

Do not remove or insert the SD card when the
unit’s power is ON.
Make sure the unit’s power is OFF (in standby
mode) before you remove or insert an SD card.

•

If you remove or insert an SD card when the unit’s
power is ON, the unit cannot shut down properly
and all recorded data and setting changes since
the last time the unit was shut down properly or
the song was saved will be lost. These lost data
and settings cannot be recovered.

•

Do not remove the batteries or disconnect the
power cord while the unit’s power is ON.

•

The included alkaline batteries are for confirming
operation of the unit. For this reason, they might
not last very long.

•

Before turning the power ON or OFF (putting it
in standby mode), minimize the volume on any
connected external monitoring system (powered
monitor speakers or an amplifier and speakers).

•

Do not wear headphones connected to the unit
when turning its power ON or OFF (putting it in
standby mode). Doing so could cause loud noises
that might harm your hearing.

TIP

•

This unit can also be powered by a TASCAM
PS-P520 power adaptor (sold separately). (See
“Using an AC adaptor (sold separately)” on page
33“)

•

By connecting an external monitoring system (powered
monitor speakers or an amplifier and speakers) to the
LINE OUT jack on the back of the unit, you can
monitor using speakers.

Headphone

TASCAM DP-008EX

11

2–Quick Start Guides

Listening to the demo song

Before the unit is shipped, a demo song is stored on
its SD card. We are now going to use basic playback
and mixing features with this demo song.

1. Press the HOME button to open the Home
Screen.

2. When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU
button to open the

MENU

screen.

4. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight)
and press the F4 [t] button to open the

LOAD

screen that shows a list of songs.

5. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight)

DEMO_8EX

The demo song loads and the

reopens.

6. Press the HOME button to return to the Home
Screen.

7. Press the Play (7) button and turn up the TRACK
1–8 LEVEL knobs, the MASTER LEVEL knob and
the VOLUME dial on the back of the unit to until
you can hear the demo song.

The MASTER LEVEL knob adjusts the volume of

all eight tracks at the same time. The standard
position of this knob is around 2–3 o’clock.

Use the TRACK 1–8 LEVEL knobs to adjust the

balance among the tracks.

Use the VOLUME dial on the back of the unit to

adjust the final monitoring level.

, and press the F2 [EXEC] button.

SONG

screen

LOAD

SONG

,

3. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight)
and press the F4 [t] button to open the
menu screen.

TASCAM DP-008EX

12

SONG

SONG

,

2–Quick Start Guides

8. Use the TRACK 1–8 PAN knobs to adjust the
stereo positions of each track.

TIP

•

Press the m [RTZ] button while pressing and
holding the Stop (8) button to use the return to
zero (RTZ) function to jump to the beginning of the
song (00h00m00s00f).

•

When using a menu, if you make a mistake
pressing a button and the wrong screen appears,
press the HOME button to return to the Home
Screen.

From recording to mastering

Next, we will make a multitrack recording.
In the following example, we will use a guitar to

record a rhythm guitar part on track 1 and a lead
guitar part on track 2. Then, we will use the built-in
mic to record singing on track 3. Finally, we will mix
the tracks down to a stereo track.

We assume that you have already followed the
instructions in the previous “Playback and mixing”
section and that you have already connected
headphones and installed an SD card.

TIP

This example uses the built-in mic for recording
vocals, but you could also connect an external mic
to an INPUT A/B connector on the back of the unit
and record with it instead.

2. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

SONG

menu, and press the F4 [t] button to

open the

3. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight)
and press the F4 [t] button to open the

CREATE

When a new song is created, it is given the name

(title)”SONG***” (where ***is a number).

4. Change the song name as necessary. (See “Editing
names” on page XX.)

5. Press the F2 [EXEC] button to save the currently
loaded song and create a new song.

SONG

screen.

menu screen.

CREATE

SONG

,

Creating a new song

1. When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU
button to open the

MENU

screen.

6. Press the HOME button to return to the Home
Screen.

TASCAM DP-008EX

13

2–Quick Start Guides

Guitar

Connecting and setting input sources

1. Connect a guitar to the INPUT A jack on the rear
panel.

2. Set the MIC/LINE–GUITAR switch on the rear
panel to GUITAR.

TIP

When connecting an electric-acoustic guitar with
a built-in preamp or an active electric guitar, as
well as when connecting an electric guitar with an
effect box between it and this unit, for example,
set the MIC/LINE–GUITAR switch to MIC/LINE.

3. Press the INPUT SETTING/EQ/DYN button to
open the

On this screen you can set the input sources for

both INPUT A and INPUT B.

At first, the current input source for INPUT A is

already selected (highlighted).

INPUT SETTING

screen.

4. In order to use the external line input to record
guitar to tracks 1 and 2, use the DATA wheel to
set the INPUT A input source to

LINE/ Low, Ext. Input/Mid
Hig h

(out of five options). (See “Selecting the

input source” on page 42.)

NOTE

•

The input level gain differs for the three settings
(

Ext. Input, LINE/Low, Ext. Input/

Mid

and

Ext. Input/High

the loudness of the input.
If you are not sure which setting to use, choose

Ext.Input, LINE/Low

too low when adjusting it, return to the

SETTING
Input/Mid

to

5. Press the F4 [A/B] button to select (highlight) The

screen and change the setting to

Ext. Input/High

current input for INPUT B.

. If the input level is still too low, set it

.

Ext. Input,

or

Ext. Input/

). Set it according to

. If the input level is

INPUT

Ext.

TASCAM DP-008EX

14

2–Quick Start Guides

6. In order to use the built-in mic to record singing
to track 3, use the DATA wheel to set the INPUT
B input source to

Internal MIC/High

source” on page 42.)

This sets the built-in mic on the right side of the

front panel (MIC B) as the input source for INPUT

B.

NOTE

Internal MIC/Low

change the input gain of the built-in mics. Set it
according to the loudness of the input.
If you are not sure which setting to use, choose

Internal MIC/Low

after adjusting it, return to the
screen and change the setting to

MIC/ High

7. After changing the setting, press the HOME
button to return to the Home Screen.

Internal MIC/Low

and

. If the input level is too low

.

. (See “Selecting the input

or

Internal MIC/High

INPUT SETTING

Internal

Setting the guitar as the TRACK 1 recording source

When the recorder is stopped, press the ASSIGN
button to open the
has the following default values.

Recording track

TRACK 1, 3, 5, 7 INPUT A
TRACK 2, 4, 6, 8 INPUT B

In “Connecting and setting the input sources” above,
we made a guitar the input source for INPUT A and a
built-in mic (MIC B) the input source for INPUT B on
the

INPUT SETTING

Therefore, the guitar is already set to record to tracks
1, 3, 5 and 7 and the built-in mic (MIC B) is ready to
record to tracks 2, 4, 6 and 8.

As a result, there is no need to change the input
source assignments to record the guitar to TRACK 1
in this example.

Adjusting the input level and

INPUT ASSIGN

Recording
source

screen.

screen, which

monitoring

1. Press the HOME button to return to the Home
Screen.

Default

A

B

TASCAM DP-008EX

15

2–Quick Start Guides

TRACK 1 REC indicator

OL indicator

TRACK 1 REC indicator

2. Press the TRACK 1 REC button to put the track
into recording standby.

The REC indicator blinks when in recording

standby.

3. Use the INPUT A TRIM knob to adjust the guitar
input level.

Set the TRIM knob so that the INPUT A OL

indicator does not light even when the loudest
sound to be recorded is input.

When you play the guitar, the input level is shown

by the (INPUT A) and (TRACK 1) meters on
the display.

Turn up the TRACK 1 LEVEL and MASTER LEVEL

knobs and the VOLUME dial on the back of
the unit to hear the guitar sound through the
headphones. When doing so, the (left channel)
and (right channel) meters on the display
become active.

NOTE

•

If the OL indicator continues to light even when
the TRIM knob is turned down, the guitar signal
itself is too loud. In this case, if the input source
is set to

Ext. Input/High

Input/Mid

input source is set to
to

Ext. Input, LINE/Low

If the OL indicator lights even when set to

Inp ut, LINE /L ow

from the guitar.

•

You can use the TRACK 1 PAN knob to adjust the
stereo position of the signal when monitoring.

•

The input signal cannot be heard if the TRACK 1
REC indicator is not lit.

or

Ext.Input, LINE/Low

, change it to

Ext. Input/Mid

.

, lower the volume output

Ext.

. If the

, change it

Ext.

Recording guitar to TRACK 1

1. Press the Play (7) button while pressing and
holding the Record (0) button to start recording,
and the play the rhythm guitar part.

The Record (0) indicator lights and the TRACK 1

REC indicator stops blinking and stays lit.

2. When you are finished playing, press the Stop (8)
button to stop recording.

3. Press the TRACK 1 REC button to turn its REC
indicator off.

TASCAM DP-008EX

16

2–Quick Start Guides

TRACK 2 REC indicator

Playing back the recording

1. Press the m [RTZ] button while pressing and
holding the Stop (8) button to use the return to
zero (RTZ) function to jump to the beginning of
the song (00h00m00s00f).

2. Press the Play (7) button to play the TRACK 1
recording.

3. Use the TRACK 1 LEVEL and MASTER LEVEL
knobs to adjust the monitoring level.

Use the VOLUME dial on the back of the unit to

adjust the final monitoring volume.

TIP

You can use the TRACK 1 PAN knob to adjust the
stereo position of the signal when monitoring.

4. When you are done listening to the recording,
press the Stop (8) button to stop playback.

Record guitar to TRACK 2

Now, you will record the lead guitar on TRACK 2
while listening to the rhythm guitar on TRACK 1.

Use the following procedures to change the recording
source for TRACK 2.

1. When the recorder is stopped, press the ASSIGN
button to open the

INPUT ASSIGN

screen.

2. Press the TRACK 2 REC button to set the

2 SOURCE

3. Press the HOME button to return to the Home
Screen.

4. Press the TRACK 2 REC button to put the track
into recording standby.

The REC indicator blinks when in recording

standby.

When you play the guitar, the input level is shown

by the (INPUT A) and (TRACK 2) meters on
the display.

Turn up the TRACK 2 LEVEL to hear the guitar

sound through the headphones. When doing so,
the (left channel) and (right channel) meters
on the display become active.

to A.

TRACK

TASCAM DP-008EX

17

2–Quick Start Guides

5. Return to the beginning of the song
(00h00m00s00f) and press the Play (7) button
to begin playback of the recording on TRACK 1.
Play the lead guitar part along with the already
recorded rhythm guitar.

You can hear both TRACK 1 playing back and

the sound of the input guitar through the
headphones.

6. As necessary, use the TRACK 1 and 2 LEVEL and

PAN knobs, the MASTER LEVEL knob and the
VOLUME dial on the back of the unit to adjust

the monitoring levels and balance.

7. When you are finished checking, press the Stop
(8) button to stop playback.

8. Return to the beginning of the song
(00h00m00s00f) and press the Play (7) button
while pressing and holding the Record (0)
button to begin recording. Play the lead guitar
part.

The Record (0) indicator lights and the TRACK 2

REC indicator stops blinking and stays lit.

9. When you are finished playing, press the Stop (8)
button to stop recording.

10. Press the TRACK 2 REC button to turn its REC
indicator off.

NOTE

If the indicator continues to light even when the
TRIM knob is turned down, the guitar signal itself
is too loud. In this case, if the input source is set to

Ext. Input/High
Mid

or

Ext.Input, LINE/Low

source is set to

Ext. Input, LINE/Low

lights even when set to

Low

, lower the volume output from the guitar.

, change it to

Ext. Input/Mid

. If the OL indicator

Ext. Inpu t, LINE/

Ext. Input/

. If the input

, change it to

Record vocals on TRACK 3

1. Press the ASSIGN button to open the

ASSIGN

screen.

2. Press the TRACK 3 REC button to set the

3 SOURCE

3. Press the HOME button to return to the Home
Screen.

to B.

INPUT

TRACK

TASCAM DP-008EX

18

2–Quick Start Guides

TRACK 3 REC indicator

OL indicator

4. Press the TRACK 3 REC button to put the track
into recording standby.

The REC indicator blinks when in recording

standby.

5. Use the INPUT B TRIM knob to adjust the mic
input level.

Set the TRIM knob so that the INPUT B OL

indicator does not light even when the loudest
sound to be recorded is input.

When you input sound into the built-in mic (MIC

B), the input level is shown by the (INPUT B)
and (TRACK 3) meters as well as the (left
channel) and (right channel) meters on the
display.

NOTE

•

If the OL indicator continues to light even when
the TRIM knob is turned down, the mic signal itself
is too loud. In this case, if the input source is set to

Internal MIC/High
MIC/Low

If the OL indicator lights even when set to

Internal MIC/Low

away from the mic or lower the volume at the
sound source.

•

When the input source is a built-in mic, if the REC
indicator for the TRACK that has the built-in mic
set as its input source is not lit, the input sound
cannot be heard through the headphones or
connected monitoring system.

CAUTION

Always monitor through headphones when using

6. Return to the beginning of the song

You can hear the guitars on TRACK 1 and TRACK

7. As necessary, use the TRACK 1 and 2 LEVEL and

.

a mic. If you monitor through speakers, feedback
could occur.

(00h00m00s00f) and press the Play (7) button
to begin playback of the recordings on TRACK
1 and TRACK 2. Sing along with the already
recorded rhythm and lead guitar parts.

2 playing back and your singing through the
headphones.

PAN knobs, the MASTER LEVEL knob and the
VOLUME dial on the back of the unit to adjust

the monitoring levels and balance.

, change it to

, move the sound source

Internal

With the MASTER LEVEL knob and the VOLUME

dial on the back of the unit already turned up,
turn up the TRACK 3 LEVEL knob to hear the mic
sound through the headphones

8. When you are finished checking, press the Stop
(8) button to stop playback.

TASCAM DP-008EX

19

2–Quick Start Guides

9. Return to the beginning of the song
(00h00m00s00f) and press the Play (7) button
while pressing and holding the Record (0)
button to begin recording. Play the lead guitar
part.

The Record (0) indicator lights and the TRACK 3

REC indicator stops blinking and stays lit.

10. When you are finished playing, press the Stop (8)
button to stop recording.

11. Press the TRACK 3 REC button to turn its REC
indicator off.

Creating a stereo master track

After finishing the recording, we will mix down the
tracks and create a stereo master track

1. Use the TRACK 1-3 LEVEL knobs to adjust the
level. Use the MASTER LEVEL knob to adjust the
overall level.

2. Use the TRACK 1-3 PAN knobs to adjust the
stereo positions.

Watch the (left channel) and (right channel)

level meters on the display as you make these
adjustments.

3. Press the IN/OUT button to open the I/O SETTING
screen.

4. Press the Play (7) button to start playing the
song back, and press the F3 [IN] button to set the
IN point at the point where you want to start the
mix down for the stereo master track.

A

SET IN!

NOTE

The stereo master track will be created by mixing
down the audio between the IN and OUT points.

pop-up message appears.

TASCAM DP-008EX

20

2–Quick Start Guides

5. Press the F4 [OUT] button to set the OUT point at
the point where you want to end the mix down
for the stereo master track.

A

SET OUT!

TIP

You can also use the F3 [IN] and F4 [OUT] buttons
to set the IN and OUT points when playback is
stopped.

6. When you are done setting the IN and OUT
points, press the Stop (8) button to stop
playback of the song.

7. When the recorder is stopped, press the
BOUNCE/MIXDOWN/MASTERING button to
open the

pop-up message appears.

RECORDER MODE

screen.

8. Use the data wheel to select (highlight)

9. Press the F4 [EXEC] button to put the unit into

MIXDOWN

After a

Home Screen reopens.

NOTE

When the recorder is in MIXDOWN mode,
“MIXDOWN” appears highlighted at the top left of
the Home Screen

10. Press the Record (0) button while pressing and
holding the Play (7) button to start recording
the stereo master track from the IN point.

Recording automatically ends at the OUT point.

NOTE

•

The IN and OUT points must be at least four
seconds apart. If they are less than four seconds
apart, a
pop-up message appears and you will not be able
to change the recorder to

•

You can use the LEVEL knobs to adjust the track
and overall levels as you record.

mode.

Mixd ow n!

Trk Too Sh or t

pop-up message appears, the

(track is too short)

MIXDOWN

MIXDOWN

mode.

.

TASCAM DP-008EX

21

2–Quick Start Guides

Mastering the stereo master track

You can adjust the stereo master track that you
created to make it sound even more to your liking.
This process is called mastering. In this example, we
will use this unit’s automatic mastering feature to
master your songs.

1. When the recorder is stopped, press the
BOUNCE/MIXDOWN/MASTERING button to
open the

2. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight)

MASTERING

RECORDER MODE

.

screen.

4. Press the F3 [AUTO] button to switch the recorder
to

MASTERING

pop-up message appears, the
screen opens.

5. Press the F1 [TYPE] button to set the automatic
mastering type to one of the following.

NATURAL SOUND

This setting raises the sound pressure gently.

MAXIMUM SOUND

This setting raises the sound pressure as much
as possible.

6. After setting the automatic mastering type, press
the F2 [RHSL] (Rehearsal) button to start playback
so you can listen to how it sounds.

mode. After a

Mastering!

AUTO MASTERING

3. Press the F4 [EXEC] button to open the

MASTERING

NOTE

If there is no stereo master track, a

Tr k

pop-up message appears and you will not be

able to switch to

22

mode selection screen.

MASTERING

TASCAM DP-008EX

No Master

mode.

After checking the effect of automatic mastering,

press the Stop (8) button to stop playback.

2–Quick Start Guides

7. Press the F3 [EXEC] button to start automatic
mastering.

NOTE

If off-line peak detection has not yet been
conducted for the stereo master track that is being
automatically mastered, a
message appears to show that off-line peak
detection is being conducted.

When off-line peak detection completes, the

following pop-up message appears. Press the F3
[YES] button to start automatic mastering.

Press the F4 [NO] button to cancel automatic

mastering and return to the
screen.

8. When automatic mastering completes, the

MASTERING
OFF

9. When you are done mastering, press the
BOUNCE/MIXDOWN/MASTERING button to
open the

10. Use the DATA wheel to select (highlight)

TRACK

to the

screen reopens with the

.

RECORDER MODE

, and press the F4 [EXEC] button to return

MULTI TRACK

Peak Detect

AUTO MASTERING

screen.

recorder mode.

pop-up

TYPE

MULTI

AUTO

set to

Transferring the stereo master track to a computer

You can connect this unit to a computer using the
included USB cable and transfer the stereo master
track that you created in “Creating stereo master
tracks” on page 62 in order to, for example, burn it
to a CD.

For instructions about how to transfer a stereo master
track to a computer, see “Exporting stereo master
tracks” on page 81.

Shutting down the unit

When you are finished, shut down the unit.

1. Press the HOME button to open the Home
Screen.

2. Press and hold the button. Release it when

POCKETSTUDIO

The power turns OFF automatically after the unit

completes its shutdown process (saving various
information about operations conducted until
now).

Always follow this procedures to shut down the

unit properly.

CAUTION

If you remove the batteries, disconnect the power
cord or otherwise interrupt the power, the unit
cannot shut down properly and all recorded data
and settings that have been changed since the last
shutdown or song saving operation will be lost.
These data and settings cannot be recovered.

appears on the screen.

TASCAM DP-008EX

23

3 – Names and functions of parts

Top Panel

•

1 button / indicator

Press and hold this button to turn the unit ON and
OFF. (See “Start-up & shutdown” on page 33.)

2 BOUNCE / MIXDOWN / MASTERING boutton

Press this button to open the
screen where you can set the recorder mode. (See
“Recorder modes” on page 34.)

3 PHANTOM button/indicator

Press this button to open the
where you can turn phantom power ON and OFF.
The PHANTOM indicator lights when phantom
power is ON. (See “Phantom power” on page 42.)

CAUTION

•

Use the MASTER LEVEL knob to turn the unit’s
output volume down before turning phantom
power ON or OFF. Depending on the mic, a loud
noise could occur, damaging equipment and
harming people’s hearing.

•

Do not connect or disconnect a mic when phantom
power is ON.

•

Turn phantom power ON only when using a
condenser microphone that requires phantom
power.

•

Do not supply phantom power to an unbalanced
dynamic microphone.

RECORDER MODE

PHANTOM

screen

Supplying phantom power to some types of ribbon
microphones could break them. Do not supply
phantom power to a ribbon microphone if you are
in doubt.

4 INPUT SETTING / EQ / DYN button

Press this button to open the
screen where you can set input sources. (See
“Selecting the input source” on page 42.)

Press the F2 [EQ] button when the

SETTING

screen where you can set the input equalizer
Press the F3 [DYN] button when the

SETTING
DYNAMICS

dynamic effects.

5 ASSIGN button

Use this to assign (set) the TRACK inputs (INPUT
A/B). Press this button to open the

ASSIGN

assigned inputs become the recording sources.
(See “Assigning inputs” on page 44.)

screen is open to open the

screen is open to open the

screen where you can set the input

screen on the display. Signals from

INPUT SETTING

INPUT

INPU T EQ

INPUT

INPUT

INPUT

TASCAM DP-008EX

24

3 – Names and functions of parts

6 INPUT A/B TRIM knobs and OL indicators

Use the TRIM knobs to adjust the input levels for
INPUT A/B. (See “Making the first recording” on

page 47.)
If an input source level is too high its OL (overload)

indicator lights. If a TRIM knob is set too high
(higher than 2–3 o’clock usually), the OL indicator
could light even if the volume of the input source
signal is suitable.

7 MASTER LEVEL knob

Adjusts the level of the stereo signal output from
the PHONES and LINE OUT jack.

This knob also adjusts the recording level when
bouncing tracks, mixing down and mastering.

8 REVERB button

Press this button to open the
screen. (See “Reverb” on page 61.)

Press this button and the EQ button at the same
time to open the
“Muting tracks” on page 62.)

9 EQ button

Press to open the
can set the track equalizer. (See “Track equalizers”
on page 61.)

Press this button and the REVERB button at the
same time to open the
“Muting tracks” on page 62.)

0 Display

This shows various information.

q REVERB knobs (TRACK 1–TRACK 8)

Use the REVERB knob for a track to adjust the
level (volume) of its playback signal or assigned
input signal that is sent to the reverb effect.

w PAN knobs (TRACK 1–TRACK 8)

Use to adjust the stereo position of the track
playback signal. (See “Stereo position (panning)”
on page 61.)

e LEVEL knob (TRACK 1–TRACK 8)

Use to adjust the level of the track. (See “Level and
balance” on page 61.)

r REC buttons/indicators (TRACK 1–TRACK 8)

Use to turn the track record function ON (arm for
recording) and OFF. To monitor the input signals
of the internal mics using headphones or an
external monitoring system (powered monitor
speakers or an amplifier and speakers), press that
track’s REC button. When a REC button is ON, its
REC indicator blinks when the recorder is stopped,
and lights when it is recording.

On the

INPUT ASSIGN

to change the assignment.
On the

TRACK MUTE

turn track muting ON and OFF.

TRACK MUTE

EQ SETTING

REVERB SETTING

screen. (See

screen where you

TRACK MUTE

screen, press this button

screen, press this button to

screen. (See

t Function buttons

The functions of these buttons depend on the
current screen. The functions currently assigned
to these buttons are shown at the bottom of the
display screen.

NOTE

•

In this manual, the four function buttons are
referred to as F1, F2, F3 and F4 in order from the
left.

•

The function buttons are assigned the following
functions on the Home Screen.

Stop (8) + F1 buttons: jump to the IN point
Stop (8) + F2 buttons: jump to the OUT point

F3: Set IN point
F4: Set OUT point

y MENU button

Press to open the
structure” on page 30.)

u HOME button

Press to open the the Home Screen. (See “Home
Screen” on page 29.)

When the unit is stopped and the Home Screen is
open, use this button to move the cursor between
time counter divisions. (See “Direct locate
function” on page 52.)

i METRONOME button

Press this button to open the
(See “Metronome” on page 69.)

o TUNER button

Press this button to open the
“Tuner” on page 69.)

p DATA wheel

Use this to select items and change values on the
setting screens.. When the unit is stopped and the
Home Screen is open, turn to change the record/
playback position. (See “Direct locate function” on
page 52.)

a UN/REDO [HISTORY] button / indicator

Press this button to undo the previous action or to
redo the last undone action. (See “Undoing opera­tions (undo)” on page 49.)

Press and hold this button to open the
screen. Use the screen to undo multiple opera­tions at once (multi-undo).

This indicator lights when one or more operations
that have been undone can still be redone.

s TRACK EDIT button

Press this button when the recorder is stopped to
open the

MENU

TRACK EDIT

screen. (See “Menu

screen.

METRONOME

TUNER

screen. (See

HISTORY

screen.

TASCAM DP-008EX

25

3 – Names and functions of parts

d m [RTZ] button

Press when stopped or playing back to search
backward. Press it again to change the speed from
10x to 50x, again for 100x and 1000x.

Press while pressing and holding the Stop (8)
button to locate to the beginning of the song
(00h00m00s00f) using the Return To Zero function
(RTZ). (See “Returning to the song beginning (RTZ
function) or the point where recording was last
started (LRP function)” on page 52.)

f Stop (8) button

Press to stop playback, recording and searching
backward/forward. Press together with the m
[RTZ] button or the , [LRP] button to locate to
the beginning of the song (00h00m00s00f) or the
last recording point (LRP). (See “Returning to the
song beginning (RTZ function) or the point where
recording was last started (LRP function)” on page

52.)

g , [LRP] button

Press when stopped or playing back to search
forward. Press it again to change the speed from
10x to 50x, again for 100x and 1000x.

Press while pressing and holding the Stop (8)
button to locate to the point when recording last
started using the Last Recording Position (LRP)
function. (See “Returning to the song beginning
(RTZ function) or the point where recording was
last started (LRP function)” on page 52.)

h Play (7) button

Press this button to start playback. While pressing
the Record (0) button, press this button to start

recording. Press this button again when recording
to stop recording and start playback (punch out).

j REPEAT button

Turns the repeat playback mode ON and OFF. (See
“Repeat playback” on page 53.)

k Record (0) button / indicator

Press the PLAY (7) button while pressing this
button to start recording. The indicator lights
when recording.

Press when any of the TRACK REC indicators is
blinking, or during playback, to start recording
(punch in). (See “Punching in and out” on page

54.)
Press the IN/OUT button while pressing and

holding this button to start or end auto punch in/
out mode. (See “Using automatic punching in/out”
on page 55.)

l IN/OUT button

Press this button to open the
screen, and to set IN (starting) and OUT (ending)
points for repeat playback and track editing. (See
“Setting IN and OUT points” on page 53.)

The IN and OUT points are also used as the
starting and ending points when creating stereo
master tracks.

Press this button while pressing and holding the
Record (0) button to start or end auto punch in/
out mode. (See “Using automatic punching in/out”
on page 55.)

I/O SETTING

Front panel

; MIC A / MIC B

These are built-in omnidirectional microphones.
They can be used as input sources for INPUT A/B
when set to

MIC/ High

26

Internal MIC/Low

.

TASCAM DP-008EX

or

Internal

Rear panel

3 – Names and functions of parts

z FOOT SWITCH jack

You can use a foot switch to punch in and out (start
and stop recording).

x INPUT B (standard unbalanced TS)

Use this jack for a line level or mic signal (unbal­anced connection).

Use this as an input source by setting
B) on the
input (
external mic (

c INPUT A (standard unbalanced TS)

Use this jack for a guitar, line level or mic signal
(unbalanced connection).

Use this as an input source by setting
A) on the
line level input (
or

Set the MIC/LINE-GUITAR switch on the left side
of the unit according to the input source.

v MIC/LINE-GUITAR switch

Set this switch to match the input signal to the
INPUT A jack on the rear panel. For mic or line
signals, set it to MIC/LINE. For electric guitars
and basses that are connected directly, set it to

GUITAR.

TIP

When connecting an electric-acoustic guitar with
a built-in preamp or an active electric guitar, as
well as when connecting an electric guitar with
effect boxes between it and this unit, set the MIC/
LINE-GUITAR switch to MIC/LINE.

INPUT SETTING

LINE, LINE Mid

MIC

).

INPUT SETTING

GUIT AR/LIN E H

GUIT AR/LIN E, GUIT AR/LIN E M

screen for a line level

or

LINE High

screen for a guitar or

) or an external mic (

IN-B

) or an

IN-A

MIC

(INPUT

(INPUT

).

b INPUT A/ B jacks (balanced XLR)

These are balanced XLR mic/line input jacks.
Condenser microphones that require phantom
power can be connected to these. (1: GND, 2: HOT,
3: COLD)

NOTE

If devices are connected to both the XLR and the
standard TS jacks, the TS jacks are given prece­dence (the XLR jacks are disabled).

n LINE OUT jacks (unbalanced RCA)

Use these to connect a monitoring system
(powered speakers or an amplifier with speakers).

m PHONES jack (stereo mini)

Use this mini jack to connect stereo headphones.
Use the VOLUME dial next to it to adjust the
volume.

CAUTION

Before connecting headphones, use the VOLUME
dial next to it to minimize the volume. Failure to
do so could cause sudden loud noises that might
harm your hearing, for example.

, VOLUME dial

Use this to adjust the volume output from the
PHONES jack.

TASCAM DP-008EX

27

3 – Names and functions of parts

Right side panel

. SD card slot

/ USB connector

! DC IN 5V connector

@ Kensington security slot

Bottom panel

Insert SD cards into this slot.

Connect the unit to a computer using the included
USB cable. This allows to sharing, importing
and exporting files between the unit and the
computer, including backup of the song files. (See
“Connecting with a computer” on page 75.)

Connect a dedicated power adaptor (PS-P520,
sold separately).

TASCAM DP-008EX

28

# Battery compartment cover
$ Battery compartment

The batteries (four AA) that power the unit are
inserted here.

3 – Names and functions of parts

Home Screen

1 Recorder mode

Shows the current recorder mode.

Indication Recoder mode

MULTI TRACK

BOUNCE
MIXDOWN
MASTERING

2 SD card write-protection indicator

If the SD card write-protection switch is set to
“Lock”, the icon appears here.

3 SD card insertion status

When an SD card is loaded in the unit, the icon
appears here. (The icon appears when no card is
loaded in the unit.)

4 Battery status

A battery icon appears when the unit is being
powered by batteries.

When a battery is being used, a battery icon
shows the amount of power remaining in bars (
, , ).

When the batteries are almost dead and the
power will soon turn off, an icon with no bars
appears blinking.

When using the AC adapter (sold separately)
appears.

5 Recorder transport state

One of the following icons appears depending on
the status of the recorder.

Indicator Meaning

8
t

0
m
,

Multitrack recording
mode

Bounce mode
Mixdown mode
Mastering mode

Stopped
Playing back
Recording
Searching backward
Searching forward

6 Repeat playback / auto punch mode indicator

When repeat playback is active appears.
The icon appears when auto punch in/out

mode is active.

7 Recorder time counter

Shows the elapsed time from the start of the song.

8 Cursor that shows time increment being edited

When the unit is stopped press the HOME
button to move the cursor between time counter
divisions.

Turn the DATA wheel to change the value of the
underlined time increment.

9 INPUT A and B level meters, muting and input

equalizer ON/OFF status
These show this input source signal levels of INPUT
A ( ) and INPUT B ( ).

Icons appear as follows according to whether their
input equalizers are ON or OFF.

Input equalizer Level meter icons

OFF ,

ON ,

0 Level meter guide

This guideline for adjusting input and output
levels indicates –12 dB.

q TRACK 1-8 level meters, muting and track

equalizer ON/OFF status

Shows the input level when recording and the
playback signal level when playing back.

When a track is muted, its number is shown as a
dark number on a light background.

Track muting Level meter icons

OFF ,

ON ,

Icons appear as follows according to whether their
track equalizers are ON or OFF.

Track equalizer Level meter icons

OFF ,

ON ,

w Level meter for stereo outputs (L, R)

Shows the level of the signal output from the LINE
OUT and PHONES jacks.

TASCAM DP-008EX

29

3 – Names and functions of parts

Menu structure

Press the MENU button to open the
The menu items are as follows.

Menu item Function Reference

INFORMATION View information about files, SD card and the system. page 71
SONG Manage songs, including loading and saving them and creating new ones. page 37
CARD Format SD card, etc. page 72
DATA BACKUP Back up and restore songs. page 77
IMPORT/EXPORT Import and export tracks and export master tracks. page 79

PREFERENCE

Dedicated buttons can be used to directly access some setting screens as follows.

Button Function Reference

BOUNCE/MIXDOWN/MASTERING Bounce tracks and create and refine stereo master tracks.

PHANTOM Turn phantom power ON/OFF. page 42

INPUT SETTING/EQ/DYN

ASSIGN

REVERB Set reverb. page 61
EQ Set track equalizers. page 61
TUNER Use when tuning instruments. page 69
METRONOME Make metronome settings. page 69
TRACK EDIT Edit tracks. page 56
UN/REDO [HISTORY] Undo the last action and redo the last undo. page 49
Press and hold UN/REDO [HISTORY] Show the undo/redo history and select operations. page 49
REPEAT Repeat playback between the set IN and OUT points. page 53
IN/OUT Set the IN and OUT points. page 53
Record (0) + IN/OUT Enable and disable auto punch in/out mode. page 55

Adjust the repeat playback interval, contrast, backlight, auto power save and
foot switch settings and initialize the backup memory, for example.

MENU

screen.

Select input sources and set input equalizers and dynamic
effects.

Assign INPUT A and INPUT B as the recording sources for
tracks.

page 36
page 54
page 55
page 70
page 71

page 51
page 62

page 42
page 44

page 44

TASCAM DP-008EX

30

3 – Names and functions of parts

Screen operations

After using the MENU button or a dedicated button
to open a screen, use the screen in the following
manner.

This section describes the basic operation procedures.
Depending on the screen that is open the assign­ments of the function buttons might differ.

NOTE

During playback or recording, you cannot open
screens that might access the SD card. If you try
to open one of these screens, a
(the recorder is not stopped) pop-up message will
appear.

Function buttons

The currently assigned function of each button is
shown above it at the bottom of the screen. In this
manual, for convenience, we refer to the function
buttons as F1, F2, F3 and F4 in order from the left.

BACK

appears above the F1 button, showing that this
is the function assigned to this button on the screen.
In this manual, we write this as “F1 [BACK] button”.

In a similar manner the assignments for the F2, F3
and F4 buttons are

EXEC, INS

0 Use the DATA wheel to select (highlight) items

you want to access.

Not Stopped

and

DEL

in that order.

0 To execute an operation, press the function

button that has

This example shows the

EXEC

assigned to it.

SONG LOAD

screen.

Press the F2 [EXEC] button to load the selected

(highlighted) song.

0 When a setting value is selected (highlighted),

use the DATA wheel to change the value.

To select (highlight) different item press the

function button that has 5 or b assigned to it.

This example shows the
Use the DATA wheel to change the

CLONE TRACK

SOURCE TRK

screen.

(the track that is being copied) value.

Use the F3 [5] and F4 [b] buttons to move up

and down to change the selected (highlighted)
item.

Press the F2 [EXEC] button to clone the track

using the settings that you made.

0 When moving left or right is possible, use the

m [RTZ] and , [LRP] buttons. When this

operation is possible, an illustration on the screen
shows the assignment of the m and ,
buttons to cursor movement.

This example shows the
On the screen, the

MENU

SONG

item is selected

screen.

(highlighted).

0 When there are more items in the menu list above

(below) those currently shown, a 5 and b icon
appears at the top (bottom) of the scrollbar in
the right half of the screen. (In the

MENU

screen
shown above, the b shows that there is at least
one more item below

0 If an item has a submenu (as on the

DATA BUCKUP

.)

MENU

screen,
for example), an t appears to its right, and
pressing the F4 [t] button will open it.

0 In a submenu, you can press the F1 [BACK]

button to return to the previous screen.

0 To continue to the next operation, press the F4

[NEXT] button.

0 To leave a screen that was accessed using a

dedicated button, press the F1 [EXIT] button.

0 To return to the Home Screen, press the HOME

button.

TASCAM DP-008EX

31

4 – Preparations

Inserting and removing SD cards

Inserting an SD card

1. Open the SD card slot cover on the right side of
the unit.

2. Insert the SD card into the slot in the direction
shown in the illustration until it clicks into place.

3. After inserting the SD card, close the SD card slot
cover.

Removing an SD card

Push a loaded SD card in further to eject it.

SD card write-protection switches

SD cards have write-protection switches.

Writing possible Write-protected

When a write-protection switch is set to the “LOCK”
position, you will not be able to write files to the card
or edit files on it. To record on a card or erase files on
it, for example, disable its write-protection.

Preparing the power

This unit can be powered either by 4 AA batteries or
using a TASCAM PS-P520 AC adaptor (sold separately).

Alkaline or NiMH AA batteries can be used with this
unit.

Using batteries

Open the cover of the battery case on the bottom of
the unit. Insert 4 AA batteries in the box according to
the ¥ and ^ indications.

CAUTION

•

Always turn the power OFF (standby) before
removing or inserting an SD card. Failure to power
off properly first will cause and recordings and
settings made since the last power off and song
save to be lost. This data cannot be recovered.

•

SD cards that meet SD/SDHC standards and are at
least 512 MB can be used with this unit.

•

A list of SD cards that have been confirmed for use
with this unit can be found on the TASCAM website
(http://tascam.com/).

TASCAM DP-008EX

32

CAUTION

•

Manganese AA batteries cannot be used with this
unit.

•

This unit cannot charge nickel-metal hydride
batteries. Use a commercially-available recharger.

•

The included alkaline batteries are for confirming
the operation of the unit and might not last very
long.

•

Remove the batteries if you do not plan to use the
unit for some time. Leaving the batteries in could
cause them to be used gradually and lose their
charge or even to leak.

4 – Preparations

AC wall socket

Using an AC adaptor (sold separately)

Connect a TASCAM PS-P520 AC adaptor (sold
separately) to the DC IN 5V connector as shown in
the illustration.

TASCAM
PS-P520
(sold separately)

DC plug

CAUTION

•

Use only the PS-P520 AC adaptor (sold separately).
Using any other AC adaptor could cause
malfunction, fire or electric shock.

•

This unit can be powered by batteries or an AC
adaptor. Power cannot be supplied to this unit
over USB.

NOTE

The adapter powers the unit if the adapter is
connected even if batteries are installed.

Start-up & shutdown

Starting up the unit

Press and hold the button on the top panel until
“TASCAM” appears.

After the start-up screen, the Home Screen appears.

Shutting down

Make the following preparations before shutting
down the unit.

• Stop the recorder. (The unit cannot be shut
down during recording, playback, search
forward, etc.)

• Return to the Home Screen.

• If the unit is connected to computer, disconnect
the USB cable after conducting the necessary
procedures on the computer to unmount the
unit.

After making these preparations, press and hold the

button until the following screen appears.

The power turns off after the unit completes its
shutdown process, including saving various infor­mation from your session.

CAUTION

•

Do not remove the batteries or disconnect the
power cable accidently while the unit is operating.
If you do so, the unit cannot shut down properly
and all unsaved data will be lost. Lost data cannot
be restored. We recommend that you also save the
data manually often.

•

When the power is turned OFF (put in standby
mode), the operation history of the currently
loaded song will be completely erased. You will
not be able to undo or redo past song operations
when you turn the power back ON.

Start-up screen Home Screen

This unit always starts up in
mode regardless of the mode used last before
shutting down.

CAUTION

•

Before turning the power ON or OFF (putting it into
standby), minimize the volume on any connected
external monitoring system (powered monitor
speakers or an amplifier and speakers).

•

Do not wear headphones when turning the power
ON or OFF (putting it into standby) because noise
at such times could harm your hearing.

MULTI TRACK

recorder

TASCAM DP-008EX

33

4 – Preparations

Preparing SD cards for use

To use a new SD card with this unit, it is necessary
to format it first. SD cards formatted by the unit are
divided into MTR partitions and FAT partitions. SD
cards with high capacities can be formatted with
multiple partitions.

For more information about partitions see “11 – SD
Card Management” on page 72.

NOTE

The included SD card is already formatted so
formatting is not necessary. If you format this card
the demo song on it will be erased.

1. The first time you insert a new SD card in this
unit, the following pop-up message prompting
you to format it appears.

NOTE

The pop-up message prompting you to format it
also appears if you insert an SD card that has been
formatted by any device other than this unit.

CAUTION

If you format it, all data saved by the other device
will be erased and you will not be able to recover
it.

2. Press the F3 [YES] button to format the SD card
with the standard number of partitions for the
card capacity.

The Home Screen appears after the format

completes correctly.

NOTE

•

To cancel formatting press the F4 [NO] button.

•

Depending on the SD card capacity, the partition
setting can be changed in some cases. To do so,
set the partition size using the

CARD

menu before formatting. (See “11 – SD Card

Management” on page 72.)

FORMAT

item in the

Recorder modes

This unit has four recorder modes.

MULTI TRACK

Use the unit as a multitrack recorder.

BOUNCE

Use to bounce tracks. (See “Bouncing tracks” on
page 51.)

MIXDOWN

Use this mode to create a stereo master track from
a mix of all the tracks. (See “Mixdown” on page

61.), (See “Creating stereo master tracks” on
page 62.)

MASTERING

Use this mode to play stereo master tracks that
have been created and apply effects to and adjust
them. (See “Checking stereo master tracks” on
page 64.) (See “Mastering stereo master tracks”
on page 64.)

When the power is turned ON, the unit always starts
in

MULTI TRACK

When in recorder modes other than
mode, many screen operations are disabled.

In this Owner’s Manual, unless otherwise noted, the
recorder mode explained is assumed to be the

TRACK

mode.

mode.

MULTI TRACK

M U LTI

TASCAM DP-008EX

34

4 – Preparations

amplier and speakers

Keyboard to INPUT A/

AC wall socket

Connecting with other equipment

This section shows examples of connections that can
be made with this unit.

8

Precautions before making connections

• Turn the power OFF (or put in standby) for
this unit and all other equipment that you will
connect to it.

• Set up all the equipment so that all units are
powered from the same line. When using a
power strip, for example, use a thick cable with
a high current capacity to reduce fluctuation of
the power voltage.

Rear panel connections

Headphone

Footswitch
(standard jack)

Drum machine

Powered speakers or

Right side panel connections

TASCAM
PS-P520
(sold separately)

DC plug

Mini-B USB plug

USB

NOTE

•

Recorder functions cannot be used when
connected to a computer by USB.

•

This unit can only be connected to a computer
by USB when the recorder mode is set to

TRACK

.

Computer

MULTI

NOTE

Before outputting sound, use the VOLUME dial of
any external monitoring system (powered monitor
speakers or an amplifier and speakers) connected
to the unit. Failure to do so could cause loud noises
that might harm your hearing.

B

Guitar/bass to INPUT A

Mic to INPUT A/B

TASCAM DP-008EX

35

4 – Preparations

Adjusting the contrast

You can adjust the contrast of the display.
Follow these steps to adjust the contrast.

1. When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU
button to open the

2. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

PREFERENCE

to open the

3. Use the F3 [5] and F4 [b] buttons to select the

Contrast

adjust the display contrast.

The setting values are 1–10 (default value: 5).
Lower values make the display lighter while

higher values make it darker.

The display appears different depending on the

angle from which you view it, so adjust it while
the unit is in the actual position that you plan to
use it in. Adjusting the contrast might make it
easier to read.

4. After completing the setting, press the HOME
button to return to the Home Screen.

MENU

screen.

item, and press the F4 [t] button

PREFERENCE

item, and use the DATA wheel to to

screen.

Setting the backlight

You can set the amount of time that the backlight
stays lit.

1. When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU
button to open the

2. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

PREFERENCE

to open the

3. Use the F3 [5] and F4 [b] buttons to select
(highlight) the
and use the DATA wheel to set the amount of
time that the backlight stays lit.

Setting options:

When set to

always stays lit.

4. After making the setting, press the HOME button
to return to the Home Screen.

MENU

screen.

item, and press the F4 [t] button

PREFERENCE

Bac k Light

OFF

(default value), the backlight

screen.

item setting value,

OFF

(default value),

10sec, 15sec, 30sec

5sec

,

TASCAM DP-008EX

36

5 – Song Management

This unit manages data in units called “songs”.
Ordinarily, each real song is one “song” unit. The first
step when using this recorder is to load the song that
you want. (You can load an existing song or create a
new song.)

The recorded multitrack (TRACK 1–8) and stereo
master track are saved in each song.

This chapter starts with an explanation of the two
types of SD card partitions, and then covers basic
operations, including song loading and creation, as
well as various song management functions.

Partitions and songs

This unit uses SD cards to record songs. SD cards
formatted by the unit are divided into two (or more)
partitions.

This unit uses an “MTR partition” to store song data
and a “FAT partition” that can be read by computers.
SD cards with high capacities might be formatted
with multiple MTR partitions.

When you want to record, playback or edit a song,
select an MTR partition to make it the active partition
and load a song on it or create a new song.

Selecting the active partition

If you want to use a file that is on a partition other
than the currently active partition in order to load an
existing song or create a new song on it, you must
change the partition.

Follow these steps to select a partition on an SD card
that has multiple MTR partitions.

1. When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU
button to open the

2. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

CARD

item, and press the F4 [t] button to open

the

CARD

menu screen.

3. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

PA RTITIO N

open the

This screen shows a list of the MTR partitions.
The active partition is shown with an asterisk (*)

on the right side. The sizes of the MTR partitions
are shown (not available space).

PA RTITIO N

SD card with one MTR partition

MENU

screen.

item, and press the F4 [t] button to

screen.

SD card with multiple MTR partitions

4. Use the D ATA wheel to select the desired
partition, and press the F2 [EXEC] button.

Are yo u s ure?

pop-up message.

5. Press the F3 [YES] button.

The unit saves the current song before changing

partitions. It then loads the last used song on that
partition.

appears as a confirmation

TASCAM DP-008EX

37

5 – Song Management

Editing names

You can edit names (titles) on the following screens.

When saving, creating or editing the name of a
song

SONG SAVE, SONG CREATE

screens

When backing up a song

SONG BACKUP

screen

When exporting WAV files

EXPORT TRACK

screen and

screen

NAME EDIT

You can edit the name as follows.

• Use the m [RTZ] button and , [LRP] button
to move the cursor (underline) position. The
cursor position is where editing occurs.

• Use the DATA wheel to change the underlined
character.
On the

SONG SAVE, SONG CREATE

E DIT

screens, ordinary symbols, numerals and
upper and lower case English letters can be
input.
On the

SONG BACKUP, EXPORT TRACK

EXPORT MASTER

letters can not be input.

• On the

SONG SAVE, SONG CREATE

E DIT

screens, press the F3 [INS] button to insert
a blank at the cursor position.
On the

SONG BACKUP, EXPORT TRACK

EXPORT MASTER

button to insert the letter A at the cursor
position.

• Press the F4 [DEL] button to delete the character
at the cursor position.

• When finished inputting or editing a name
(title), press the F2 [EXEC] button to save it.

and

NAME EDIT

EXPORT MASTER

screen

and

NAME

and

screens, lower case English

and

NAME

and

screens, press the F3 [INS]

Loading a saved song

Follow these steps to load the song that you want
from the active partition.

1. When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU
button to open the

2. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

SONG

item, and press the F4 [t] button to open

the

SONG

menu screen.

3. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

LOAD

item, and press the F4 [t] button to open

the

SONG LOAD

A list of the songs on the active MTR partition is

shown.

The currently loaded song is shown with an

asterisk (*) to the right of the song size. An icon
appears on the left side of a protected song.

4. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the
desired song, and press the F2 [EXEC] button.

The current song is saved, and the selected song

is loaded.

5. Press the HOME button to open the Home
Screen.

MENU

screen.

screen.

TASCAM DP-008EX

38

5 – Song Management

Creating a new song

Follow these steps to create a new song in the active
partition.

1. When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU
button to open the

2. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

SONG

item, and press the F4 [t] button to open

the

SONG

menu screen.

3. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

CREATE

item, and press the F4 [t] button to

open the

SONG CREATE

The default song name (title) given to new songs

is “SONG***”. (The asterisks indicate a number. In
the example above the name is “SONG005”.)

4. Change the song name as necessary. (See “Editing
names” on page 38.)

TIP

You can rename a song later by selecting

E DIT

item from the

also edit the song name when saving it.

5. Press the F2 [EXEC] button to save the currently
loaded song and create a new song.

6. Press the HOME button to open the Home
Screen.

MENU

screen.

screen.

SONG

menu screen. You can

NAME

Saving a song

This unit automatically saves the current song when
loading another song and during shutdown (when
it stores various information about operations
conducted to that point). You can also save a song at
any time using the following procedures.

1. When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU
button to open the

MENU

screen.

2. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

SONG

item, and press the F4 [t] button to open

the

SONG

menu screen.

3. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

SAVE

item, and press the F4 [t] button to open

the

SONG SAVE

screen.

4. Change the song name as necessary. (See “Editing
names” on page 38.)

To save it as is, press the F2 [EXEC] button.
A

Storing Song

while the song is being saved. A

Complete

done, and the

pop-up message appears

pop-up message appears when it is

SONG Save

SONG

menu screen reopens.

5. Press the HOME button to open the Home
Screen.

Viewing song information

You can check the name (title), MTR partition and
remaining recording time of the currently loaded
song on the
screen. (See “Viewing information” on page 71.)

NOTE

SONG

The

INFORMATION

including

(1/3) page of the

screen has four pages,

SONG

(1/3),

CARD

INFORMATION

(2/3), and

F/ W

(3/3).
Use the F3 [PREV] and F4 [ NEXT] buttons to
change the page. (See “Viewing information” on
page 71.)

TASCAM DP-008EX

39

5 – Song Management

Copying songs

Songs in the currently active partition can be copied
to the same and different MTR partitions. Multiple
songs can also be copied at once.

1. When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU
button to open the

2. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

SONG

item, and press the F4 [t] button to open

the

SONG

menu screen.

3. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

COPY

item, and press the F4 [t] button to open

the

SONG COPY

A list of songs on the active partition is shown.

4. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the
song you want copy, and press the F4 [✔] button.

The song is selected as a copy source and a check

appears in the checkbox.

MENU

screen.

screen.

7. Use the D ATA wheel to select the copy desti­nation MTR partition, and press the F4 [EXEC]
button.

When copying completes, the

reopens.

NOTE

To cancel song copying, press the F1 [BACK]
button.

8. Press the HOME button to open the Home
Screen.

SONG

menu screen

Erasing songs

Songs can be erased. You can also erase multiple
songs at once. You might want to erase unneeded
songs if the SD card starts to run out of open space.

1. When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU
button to open the

2. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

SONG

item, and press the F4 [t] button to open

the

SONG

menu screen.

3. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

ERASE

item, and press the F4 [t] button to

open the

A list of songs on the active partition is shown.

SONG ERASE

MENU

screen.

screen.

NOTE

To remove a ✔ from the checkbox, press the F4 [✔]
button while the song is selected.

5. To copy multiple songs, repeat step 4.

6. After selecting all the songs to copy (by putting
✔ marks in their checkboxes), press the F2 [NEXT]
button.

In addition, the amount of open space on the

selected MTR partition (
song data (

If the open space (

data, copying is not possible. (If you try to
execute it, a
appears to warn you that there is not enough free
space in the partition.)

40

To t al

No Disk Spa ce

TASCAM DP-008EX

Free

) are shown.

Free

) and the size of the

) is less than the song

pop-up message

4. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the song
you want to delete, and press the F4 [✔] button.

A check appears in the checkbox.

NOTE

To remove a ✔ from the checkbox, press the F4 [✔]
button while the song is selected.

5. To erase multiple songs, repeat step 4.

5 – Song Management

6. After selecting all songs that you want to erase
(adding ✔ to their checkboxes), press the F2
[EXEC] button.

A confirmation pop-up message appears.

7. Press the F3 [YES] button.

After the songs are erased, the

screen reopens.

NOTE

To cancel song erasing, press the F4 [NO] button.

8. Press the HOME button to open the Home
Screen.

NOTE

Every MTR partition must always have at least one
song, so if you erase all the songs on a partition, a
new song is created automatically.

SONG

menu

Protecting songs

If you protect a song, editing, recording, and erasing
of that song is prohibited.

1. When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU
button to open the

2. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

SONG

item, and press the F4 [t] button to open

the

SONG

menu screen.

3. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

PROTECT

open the
turn song protection ON and

4. Use the D ATA wheel to set the

ON

After song protection is turned ON, the

menu screen reopens.

NOTE

•

When the song list is used to, for example, copy or
erase, a icon appears next to protected songs.

•

If you try to execute a prohibited operation
(edit, record, erase) on a protected song, pop-up
message
operation is prevented.

•

To remove protection from a song, follow the
above procedures but set
step 4.

item, and press the F4 [t] button to

SONG PROTECT

, and press the F2 [EXEC] button.

Song Protected

MENU

screen.

screen where you can

OFF

.

PROTECT

appears and the

PROTECT

SONG

item to

item to

OFF

in

TASCAM DP-008EX

41

6 – Basic Recording

Selecting the input source

This unit has two inputs (INPUT A/B) that can be
selected separately as input sources.

The built-in microphones (front panel MIC A/B) and
external input signals (input through the rear panel
INPUT A/B jacks) can be selected as input sources.

In addition to mic/line signals, you can input guitar
and bass through the INPUT A standard jack.

When connecting a guitar, set the MIC/LINE-GUITAR
switch on the back of the unit to GUITAR.

1. When the recorder is stopped, press the INPUT
SETTING/EQ/DYN button to open the

SETTING

Use the

sources for INPUT A and INPUT B.

2. Use the F4 [A/B] button to select (highlight) the

INPU T A

wheel to select the input source.

INPUT A/B options

3. After making the setting, press the HOME button
to return to the Home Screen.

4. If a source that uses the INPUT A connector is
selected as the INPUT A input source in step 2
above, set the MIC/LINE-GUITAR switch on the
left side panel appropriately. Set it to GUITAR
when connecting an electric guitar or electric
bass directly. Set it to MIC/LINE when inputting a
mic or line signal.

screen.

IN A

and

IN B

items to set the input

or

INPU T B

Option Description

Internal MIC /
Low (default)

Internal MIC /
High

Ext. Input,
LINE / Low

Ext. Input / Mid

Ext. Input / High

setting, and turn the DATA

Built-in MIC A/B (low input
gain)

Built-in MIC A/B (high input
gain)

External line input A/B (low
input gain)

External line input A/B
(medium input gain)

External line input A/B (high
input gain)

INPUT

TIP

When connecting an electric-acoustic guitar with
a built-in preamp or an active electric guitar, as
well as when connecting an electric guitar with
effect boxes between it and this unit, set the MIC/

LINE-GUITAR switch to MIC/LINE.

Phantom power

When connecting a condenser microphone that
requires phantom power, follow the procedures
below to turn phantom power ON. When ON,
phantom power is provided to both INPUT A and
INPUT B XLR jacks.

1. When the recorder is stopped, press the
PHANTOM button to open the

2. Press the F4 [ON] button to turn phantom power
ON. The indicator above the PHANTOM button
lights, and the Home Screen reopens.

To turn phantom power OFF, press the F1 [OFF]

button.

CAUTION

•

Use the MASTER LEVEL knob to turn the unit’s
output volume down before turning phantom
power ON or OFF. Depending on the mic, a loud
noise could occur, damaging equipment and
harming people’s hearing.

•

Do not connect or disconnect a mic when phantom
power is ON.

•

Turn phantom power ON only when using a
condenser microphone that requires phantom
power.

•

Do not supply phantom power to an unbalanced
dynamic microphone.

•

Supplying phantom power to some types of ribbon
microphones could break them. Do not supply
phantom power to a ribbon microphone if you are
in doubt.

•

Battery consumption is faster when phantom
power is ON.

PHANTOM

screen.

TASCAM DP-008EX

42

Monitoring input signals

Ov

To monitor an input signal press the REC button for
the TRACK set to record that signal. This will light/
blink its REC indicator.

NOTE

When recording, the playback and input signals
are mixed and output from the PHONES and LINE
OUT jacks and can be heard through connected
headphones or a connected external monitoring
system (powered speakers or an amplifier with
speakers).

OL indicators and level meters

The audio levels of this unit can be checked using the
INPUT A/B OL indicators and the level meters on the
display.

The level meters allow the signal levels to be checked,
and they can also be used to confirm whether signals
are being input into the unit. For example, if the
and level meters are moving a signal is being input
into the unit even if you cannot hear anything when
you are monitoring with headphones or an external
monitoring system (powered monitor speakers or an
amplifier and speakers). In this case, something other
than this unit is probably the reason that sound is not
being output.

As shown below, if a “–” appears at the top of a level
meter, the input is overloading (these “–” indicators
will automatically disappear after a while). In this
case, the sound might be distorted, so lower the level
until the “–” stops appearing.

If an OL indicator lights, the input source signal could
be too loud or the LEVEL knob set too high.

If the OL indicator lights even if the LEVEL knob is set
to MIN, the input source signal is too high, so lower
the volume on the input source.

erload indicators

6 – Basic Recording

8

Input level meters (A/B)

The and level meters on the display show the
input levels of this unit’s INPUT A and INPUT B.

Use the INPUT A/B LEVEL knobs,
screen settings and the output volume controls of the
input sound source to adjust the levels.

NOTE

If an INPUT A/B OL indicator lights even though
the INPUT A/B level meters shows a suitable level,
the input signal is too strong and the sound is
distorted. Lower the output volume of the input
sound source.

8

TRACK level meters (1–8)

These meters show either playback signal levels
or the track input signal levels, depending on the
operation status, as shown below.

REC indicator

Unlit Playing back Track playback
Blinking

(recording
standby)

Blinking
(recording
standby)

Lit (recording) Recording Track input

NOTE

When the playback signal is shown, the level of the
recorded signal of the track is shown, so the level
shown by the meters cannot be changed. When
the input signal is being shown, the INPUT A/B
LEVEL knobs can change the levels shown by the
level meters.

8

Stereo level meters (L/R)

These show the stereo bus output level of this unit.
Adjust the output level with the MASTER LEVEL
knob.

Transport
status

Playing back Track playback

Stopped Track input

INPUT SETTING

Signals shown
by level
meters

TASCAM DP-008EX

43

6 – Basic Recording

Icons when input
equalizers ar

Assigning inputs

When using this unit, “assigning inputs” means setting
the recording source for each track to either INPUT A
or INPUT B on the

NOTE

•

The illustration above shows the default values.

•

Assignment settings are saved when songs are
saved and when the power is turned OFF (put
into standby). Moreover, assignment settings are
loaded when songs are loaded.

This unit can simultaneously record a maximum of
two tracks. You can also record one input channel to
two tracks simultaneously (in this case, you cannot
use the other input channel).

You cannot assign two inputs to the same track.

1. When the recorder is stopped, press the ASSIGN
button to open the

2. Use the REC buttons of each track to set their
input sources.

Settings:
A (INPUT A, default value for tracks 1, 3, 5 and 7)
B (INPUT B, default value for tracks 2, 4, 6 and 8)

3. When finished making settings, press the HOME
button to return to the Home Screen.

INPUT ASSIGN

INPUT ASSIGN

screen.

screen.

Using the input equalizers

INPUT A and INPUT B each have a two-band

equalizer (EQ).
Use the

INPUT SETTING

equalizers.

1. Press the INPUT SETTING/EQ/DYN button to
open the

2. Press the F2 [EQ] button to open the
screen.

The input equalizer has the following setting

items.

Use the F2 [gt] button to switch between

INPUT A and B.

Use the F3 [5] and F4 [b] buttons to select

setting items, and use the DATA wheel to adjust
them.

Press the F1 [BACK] button to return to the

INPUT SETTING screen.

3. After making the settings, press the HOME
button to return to the Home Screen.

NOTE

When the equalizer for an input is ON, that input
is shown on the Home Screen as in the illustration
below.

INPUT SETTING

Item Value

EQ-SWITCH
(input equalizer switch)

Hi-F
(high frequency range)

Hi-G
(high range gain)

Lo-F
(low frequency range)

Lo-G
(low range gain)

screen to set the input

screen.

INPU T EQ

ON/OFF
(default: OFF)

1.7 kHz – 18 kHz
(default: 5 kHz)

±12 dB
(default: 0.0 dB)

32 Hz – 1.6 kHz
(default: 350 Hz)

±12 dB
(default: 0.0 dB)

44

TASCAM DP-008EX

e ON

6 – Basic Recording

Using input dynamics effects

This unit has three dynamics effects: a compressor, an
exciter and a de-esser. One can be used at a time with

INPUT A and/or B.

COMPRESSOR

This effect compresses the sound, reducing the
dynamic range.

EXCITER

By emphasizing the harmonics of high frequencies,
this effect gives a sense of liveliness to the sound and
makes tones more distinct without upsetting the
volume balance.

DE-ESSER

This effect suppresses sibilant “s” sounds.

Applying dynamics effects

1. Press the INPUT SETTING/EQ/DYN button to
open the

2. Press the F3 [DYN] button to open the

DYNAMICS

INPUT SETTING

screen.

screen.

INPUT

3. Use the F3 [5] and F4 [b] buttons to select
(highlight) the following parameters, and use the

DATA wheel to adjust their values.

INPUT A or INPUT B

Select the input that the dynamics effect is used
on.

DYN-SW (dynamics switch)

Set to “ON” to apply the selected effect (default:
OFF).

TYPE

Select which dynamics effect to use.
Options: COMP (default), EXCITER, DE-ESSER

4. After making the settings, press the HOME button
to return to the Home Screen.

Using the compressor

Set the

TYPE

on the

COMP

to use the compressor.

1. When the
use the F3 [5] and F4 [b] buttons to select
(highlight) the

2. Use the

3. Use the F3 [5] and F4 [b] buttons to select
(highlight) the following parameters, and use the
DATA wheel to adjust their values.

INPUT DYNAMICS

INPUT DYNAMICS

TYPE

item.

DATA

wheel to select (highlight)

screen to

screen is open,

COMP

.

NOTE

Press the F1 [BACK] button to return to the

SETTING

screen.

INPUT

LINK

When ON, INPUT A and INPUT B are linked
(default: OFF). When linked, the compressor
responds to and affects both inputs.

TASCAM DP-008EX

45

6 – Basic Recording

PRESET

This effect has 13 presets.

Options Application

VOCAL1 (default) Vocals
VOCAL2 Vocals
A_GUITAR
EGUITAR1 Electric guitar
EGUITAR2 Electric guitar
ELECBASS Electric bass guitar
WOODBASS Acoustic bass
SLAPBASS Slap bass
SYNBASS1 Synthesizer bass
SYNBASS2 Synthesizer bass
BRASS Brass
SNARE Snare drum
NARRATE Spoken word

GR (gain reduction)

This meter shows how much the compressor is
affecting the input signal.

A B (INPUT A/B level meters)

These level meters are for INPUT A and INPUT
B.

When

LINK

INPUT A and B are shown.

4. Press the F2 [PARM] button to open a screen with
specific compressor parameters.

5. Use the F3 [5] and F4 [b] buttons to select
(highlight) the following parameters, and use the
DATA wheel to adjust their values.

When a setting is at its default value, i appears to

the right of the value.

The options for each parameter are as follows.

THRSHLD

Set the threshold value that causes the
compressor to activate when exceeded.

Range: -32dB (default) – 0dB

RATIO

Set the compression ratio.

Options: 1.0:1, 1.1:1, 1.3:1, 1.5:1, 1.7:1, 2.0:1,

is set to ON, level meters for both

2.5:1, 3.0:1, 3.5:1, 4.0:1, 5.0:1, 6.0:1,

8.0:1, 16.0:1, inf:1

Acoustic guitar

[6-15]

LEVEL

Set the output level.
Range: 0dB – 32dB

ATTACK

Set the attack time.
Range: 2ms – 200ms (in 2ms steps)

RELEASE

Set the release time.
Range: 10ms – 1000ms (in 10ms steps)

6. After making the settings, press the HOME
button to return to the Home Screen.

Using the exciter

Set the

TYPE

on the

EXCITER

1. When the

2. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight)

3. Use the F3 [5] and F4 [b] buttons to select

4. After making the settings, press the HOME

to use the exciter.

use the F3 [5] and F4 [b] buttons to select
(highlight) the “TYPE” item.

EXCITER

(highlight) the following parameters, and use the

DATA wheel to adjust their values.

FREQ

Set the frequency.

Options: 1.00kHz (default), 1.07kHz, 1.15kHz,

DEPTH

Set the amount of the effect.
Range: 0 – 100 (default: 0)

button to return to the Home Screen.

INPUT DYNAMICS

INPUT DYNAMICS

.

1.23kHz, 1.32kHz, 1.41kHz, 1.52kHz,

1.62kHz, 1.74kHz, 1.87kHz, 2.00kHz,

2.14kHz, 2.30kHz, 2.46kHz, 2.64kHz,

2.83kHz, 3.03kHz, 3.25kHz, 3.48kHz,

3.73kHz, 4.00kHz

screen to

screen is open,

[6-16]

TASCAM DP-008EX

46

6 – Basic Recording

Using the de-esser

Set the

TYPE

on the

DE-ESSER

1. When the

2. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight)

3. Use the F3 [5] and F4 [b] buttons to select

4. After making the settings, press the HOME

to use the de-esser.

use the F3 [5] and F4 [b] buttons to select
(highlight) the

DE-ESSER

(highlight) the following parameters, and use the

DATA wheel to adjust their values.

FREQ

Set the frequency.

Options: 1.00kHz, 1.07kHz, 1.15kHz, 1.23kHz,

DEPTH

Set the amount of the effect.
Range: 0 – 100 (default: 0)

button to return to the Home Screen.

INPUT DYNAMICS

INPUT DYNAMICS

TYPE

item.

.

1.32kHz, 1.41kHz (default), 1.52kHz,

1.62kHz, 1.74kHz, 1.87kHz, 2.00kHz,

2.14kHz, 2.30kHz, 2.46kHz, 2.64kHz,

2.83kHz, 3.03kHz, 3.25kHz, 3.48kHz,

3.73kHz, 4.00kHz

screen to

screen is open,

[6-17]

Making the first recording

Before beginning the following recording procedures,
connect a recording source (guitar, keyboard, etc.) to
an input, assign that input as the recording source
for a track and connect headphones or an external
monitoring system (powered monitor speakers or an
amplifier and speakers).

1. Press the REC button of a track to put it into
recording standby.

Its REC indicator blinks.
A maximum of two tracks can be recorded simul-

taneously.

If you press a different REC button when the REC

indicators of two tracks are already blinking, the
track that was put into record standby first will
become inactive and the REC indicator will turn
off.

For example, if you press the REC buttons for

TRACK 1, TRACK 2 and TRACK 3 in that order,
TRACK 1, which was pressed first, will no longer

be in record standby, but TRACK 2 and TRACK 3,
which were pressed afterwards, will be in record
standby.

2. Set the recording level.

Use the INPUT A/B TRIM knobs to adjust the

input levels.

Watch the display and level meters and the

OL indicators above and to the left of the TRIM
knobs while setting their levels suitably.

At the same time, confirm that the sound you

hear from the headphones or an external
monitoring system (powered monitor speakers or
an amplifier and speakers) is not distorted.

NOTE

The level meters of tracks with assigned input
sources move in the same way as the INPUT A/
B level meters ( and ). The OL indicator lights
if the input is too loud. If the OL indicator stays lit
even when you lower the TRIM knob, lower the
output level on the signal source connected to the
input.

3. While pressing and holding the Record (0)
button, press the Play (7) button.

The Record (0) button indicator lights red when

recording starts, and the TRACK REC indicators
stop blinking and stay lit.

4. Press the Stop (8) button to end recording.

TASCAM DP-008EX

47

6 – Basic Recording

5. Use m [RTZ] button, for example, to locate to a
point that you want to check.

TIP

Use the RTZ and LRP Functions to easily locate
to the beginning of the song (00h00m00s00f) or
the last point where recording started. For more
information about searching backward/forward
and locating, see “Locate and search functions” on
page 52.

6. Press the Play (7) button to play the recorded
track.

Use the track LEVEL knob and the MASTER

LEVEL knob to adjust the playback level.

Use the TRACK PAN knobs to set the left and

right stereo position of each track.

Use the VOLUME dial on the back of the unit or

the volume control of the external monitoring
system (powered monitor speakers or an
amplifier and speakers) to set the final monitoring
volume.

NOTE

•

Use the TRACK PAN and LEVEL knobs to adjust
the levels and stereo positions of the output
playback signals of tracks that have already been
recorded.

•

If you are not satisfied with the recorded sound,
follow the procedures above again from the
beginning.

Multitrack recording

You can record new audio to different tracks while
playing back already recorded tracks.

Setting the recording tracks

0 Press the REC buttons of tracks that have already

been recorded to turn their REC indicators OFF.

0 Press the TRACK REC buttons of tracks to be

recorded to put them into recording standby (REC
indicators blink).

Setting TRACK PAN and LEVEL values

Use the PAN and LEVEL knobs for already recorded
tracks to adjust their playback levels and stereo
positions when monitoring during recording.

Input selection and assignment

Use the procedures described earlier in this chapter
to assign input sources to tracks for recording.

Setting input levels

Just as though you were recording, you can monitor
the sound of already recorded tracks playing back and
the input sources of the tracks for recording, allowing
you to check the monitoring balance and volume.

Recording additional tracks

While pressing and holding the Record (0) button,
press the Play (7) button.

While listening to the playback tracks, make new
recordings on other tracks.

TASCAM DP-008EX

48

6 – Basic Recording

UN/REDO [HISTORY] indicator

Undoing operations (undo)

This unit allows you to undo, for example, unwanted
operations and recordings that were unsuccessful.
Undo can be used on many ordinary operations,
including editing and recording operations. This
unit has two types of undo functions. Single undo
can be used with a simple button press, while multi­undo allows you to return to and undo a specific past
operation.

NOTE

The UN/REDO [HISTORY] indicator lights when a
single undo or multi-undo has been conducted.

Undoing the last operation (single undo)

Press the UN/REDO [HISTORY] button to return to
the state before the last operation was conducted.
After doing this, the UN/REDO [HISTORY] indicator
lights, showing that redo (see below) is possible.

8

Cancelling an undo operation (redo)

Press the UN/REDO [HISTORY] button when it is lit
to return to the state of the last operation. The UN/

REDO [HISTORY] indicator turns OFF.

NOTE

If single undo is used when multi-undo (described
below) has already been used to return the
unit to a previous state, it will go one more step
backward. If you press the UN/REDO [HISTORY]
button again to redo the step, the single undo
operation is cancelled, and the previous multi­undo state is restored. In this case, the unit is not
restored to the most recently conducted operation,
so the UN/REDO [HISTORY] indicator remains lit
because further redo operations are possible.

Undoing a previous operation (multi­undo)

1. Press and hold the UN/REDO [HISTORY] button
to open the

The

as a list.

Each operation in the list is called an “event” .
The event list starts at the bottom with event

number 0 (

The most recent event has an asterisk (*) to its

right.

All events that occurred after a selected event

can be undone at once. This operation is called
“multi-undo” because it allows you to undo
multiple events and return to an earlier state.

2. Use the D ATA wheel to select the event that you
want to return to (all events after the selected
event will be undone).

3. Press the F2 [EXEC] button to execute the multi­undo and restore the state just after the selected
event was conducted.

In this state, the UN/REDO [HISTORY] indicator

lights.

The unit has been returned to a previous state,

but the event information undone through the
above operation is not erased. On the
screen, a * appears to the right of current event
after undoing.

If you make a new recording or new edits

after using multi-undo (UN/REDO [HISTORY]
indicator lit), the event history after the current
event is cleared and the last operation conducted
becomes the most recent event.

NOTE

When the
[HISTORY] button does not function, so single
undo and redo cannot be used.

HISTORY

-START UP-

HISTORY

HISTORY

screen.

screen shows the operation history

).

HISTORY

screen is open, the UN/REDO

TASCAM DP-008EX

49

6 – Basic Recording

CAUTION

•

When undo has been used and there are one
or more undone operations, the UN/REDO
[HISTORY] indicator lights.
The UN/REDO [HISTORY] indicator does not light
if there are no undone operations (the current
state is that of the last operation).
When the UN/REDO [HISTORY] indicator is lit
(because there are undone operations), if you
make a new recording or edit, the last operation
conducted becomes the most recent event, and
you will no longer be able to redo previously
undone operations.

•

When saving a song, a maximum of 500 items can
be saved in the operation history as song files. If
the operation history exceeds 500 items, the oldest
events in the history are erased when the song is
saved. Erased events cannot be restored.

•

When the power is turned OFF (in standby) the
operation history is completely erased. The
operation history is not restored when the power
is turned ON again.

Erasing the operation history

When the power is turned OFF(in standby), the
operation history of the currently loaded song is
erased (cleared). The operation history is not restored,
so past operations cannot be undone or redone when
the power is turned ON again.

You can also erase the operation history of the
currently loaded song without turning the power OFF
by using the following procedures.

NOTE

Turning the power OFF (putting it in standby) does
not erase the operation history of songs that are
not loaded.

1. While pressing and holding the Stop (8) button,
press the UN/REDO [HISTORY] button to open
the

HISTORY

screen.

3. Press the F3 [YES] button.
Another confirmation pop-up message appears.

4. Press the F3 [YES] button to erase the operation
history and delete unused data.

The Home Screen reopens when this operation

completes.

NOTE

To cancel erasing the operation history, press the

F4 [NO] button.

TIP

•

If you open the
after erasing the operation history, the event
(operation) that appears is 0 (
showing that the operation history has been
cleared.

•

If you want to keep the operation history even
when you power OFF(in standby), turn song
protect ON before turning the power OFF(in
standby). (See “Protecting songs” on page 41.)

CAUTION

You cannot undo erasing the operation history!
Only do it if you are certain about it.

HISTORY

screen immediately

-START UP-

),

2. Press the F4 [CLEAR] button.
A confirmation pop-up message appears.

TASCAM DP-008EX

50

7 – Recorder Functions

Bouncing tracks

Use this unit’s bounce function to mix already recorded tracks (1–8) down to one or two tracks.
Multitrack tape recorders can only bounce to an open track (in other words, they can not record to a track that

is also a source of the mix). For example, tracks 1–7 could be bounced to track 8, but tracks 1–8 could not be
bounced to track 1. This unit, however, does not have this limitation.

You can mix down tracks 1–8 as a stereo mix to tracks 1 and 2 (stereo bounce), or bounce tracks 1–8 as a mono
mix to track 1 (mono bounce).

Track 1

Drum L

Track 2

Drum R

Track 3

Perc. L

Tracks 1–8 are mixed down to stereo and bounced to tracks 1–2

Track 4
Perc. R

Track 5

Bass

Track 6
Piano L

Track 7
Piano R

Track 8

SE

Track 1 and 2
Rhythm, Bass,

Piano, SE

Track 1 and 2
Rhythm, Bass,

Piano, SE

Track 3

Perc. L

(can be

overwritten)

Track 3

Guitar L

Track 4
Perc. R

(can be

overwritten)

Track 4

Guitar R

Track 5

Bass

(can be

overwritten)

New recordings can be
made to tracks 3–8

Track 5

Lead

Guitar

Track 6
Piano L

(can be

overwritten)

Track 6

Lead
Vocal

Track 7
Piano R

(can be

overwritten)

Track 7

Chorus L

Track 8

SE

(can be

overwritten)

Track 8

Chorus R

Source tracks are erased when they are bounce destinations. (In the illustration above the drum parts are
overwritten by the stereo mix). However, you can use the unit’s (undo) function to return to the previous state if
you make a mistake. (See “Undoing operations (undo)” on page 49.)

Using the bounce function

1. When the recorder is stopped, press the
BOUNCE/MIXDOWN/MASTERING button to
open the

RECORDER MODE

screen.

2. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

BOUNCE

item.

3. Press the F4 [EXEC] button.

After a

Bounce!

recorder enters

pop-up message appears, the

BOUNCE

mode, and the Home

Screen reopens.

4. Press the TRACK REC buttons for the bounce
destination tracks to blink their indicators.

For a stereo bounce, press the REC buttons for

two tracks.

For a mono bounce (bouncing to a single track)

press the REC button for any one track.

5. Adjust the LEVEL and PA N knobs for the bounce
source tracks.

For a stereo bounce, adjust the bounce source

tracks according to their types as follows to
maintain left and right channel separation.

6. After locating to the point where the bounce will
start, while pressing and holding the Record (0)
button, press the Play (7) button to bounce the
track.

Press the Stop (8) button at the point where you

want to stop the bounce.

NOTE

When the recorder is in

BOUNCE

mode,

BOUNCE

appears highlighted at the upper left of the Home
Screen.

TASCAM DP-008EX

51

7 – Recorder Functions

Confirming the result

Raise the bounce destination TRACK LEVEL knob
(turn other TRACK LEVEL knobs all the way down)
and the MASTER LEVEL knob, and start playback
from the beginning of the song. If you are not
satisfied with the result because, for example, the
balance between instruments is poor, or the pan
settings are wrong, use the undo function. (See
“Undoing operations (undo)” on page 49.)

If you are satisfied with the result, when the
recorder is stopped press the BOUNCE/MIXDOWN/
MASTERING button to open the
screen and select

After bouncing tracks, you can record again on
(overwrite) tracks other than the bounce tracks.

TIP

If it is possible that you might need the original
tracks at some later time, back-up the track data to
a computer or copy the song before bouncing(See
“Copying songs” on page 40.) (See “Connecting
with a computer” on page 75.)

MULTI TRACK

RECORDER MODE

.

Locate and search functions

Direct locate function

The current recorder position is shown at the top of
the Home Screen in “hours: minutes: seconds: frames”
(30 frames per second).

You can move the current recorder position to a
specific time by inputting it here.

1. On the Home Screen, use the HOME button
to move the cursor (underline) between time
counter divisions.

You can edit the value at the cursor positions.
The seconds are selected in the following figure.

2. Use the D ATA wheel to change the value above
the cursor(underlined).

When adjusting, the value will carry over

automatically when it reaches the highest or
lowest value in a field. For example, when using
the DATA wheel to increase the value in the
seconds field, the number will change from 59 to
0 and the minutes value will increase by one.

NOTE

When the DATA wheel is being turned, the
following pop-up message appears.

3. Press the HOME button to move to a different
time division and use the DATA wheel to change
the value.

4. After setting the desired time value, press the
Play (7) button to start playback from that
position.

Returning to the song beginning (RTZ function) or the point where recording was last started (LRP function)

Use simple button operations to return to the
beginning of a song (00h00m00s00f) or to locate to
the position where recording last started.

RTZ is short for “Return To Zero,” and LRP is short for
“Last Recording Position.”

Return To Zero (song beginning at 00h00m00s00f)

Press them [RTZ] button while pressing and
holding the Stop (8) button.

Last Recording Position (the position recording
last started)

Press the , [LRP] button while pressing and
holding the Stop (8) button.

This function is useful when you want to record the
same passage again.

Search backward/forward

When stopped, press the m [RTZ] button/, [LRP]
button to search backward/forward.

Each time you press one of these keys, the speed
increases from 10x to 50x, 100x and 1000x.

During playback, press and hold the m [RTZ]
button/, [LRP] button to search backward/
forward. During playback, the search backward/
forward speed is fixed at 10x.

TASCAM DP-008EX

52

Repeat playback

Repeat icon

Use the repeat playback function to play the same
part again and again. The repeated passage is time
between the IN and OUT points.

Setting IN and OUT points

In addition to using them for setting the repeat
playback passage, the IN and OUT points are also
used for interval setting for track editing. Moreover,
the IN and OUT points are used as the start and end
points when making stereo master tracks.

You can set these points when recording, playing
back and stopped.

NOTE

In the following cases, IN and OUT points cannot
be captured or edited.

i During repeat playback
i When the recorder mode is set to

MASTERING

8

Capturing IN and OUT points

1. Press the IN/OUT button to open the

SETTING

screen.

MIXDOWN

I/O

or

7 – Recorder Functions

8

Editing IN/OUT points

1. When the
the F2 [EDIT] button to enable editing.

2. Edit the values of IN and OUT points using the
following guidelines.

• Use the F3 [5] and F4 [b] buttons to move

• Use the m [RTZ] and, , [LRP] buttons to

• Use the DATA wheel to change the value at the

3. When finished editing, press the HOME button to
return to the Home Screen.

Using repeat playback

1. Set the starting (IN) and ending (OUT) points for
the time that you want to repeat, and then return
to the Home Screen.

2. Press the REPEAT button to start repeat playback.

I/O SETTING

the cursor (underlined) between the IN and
OUT items.

move the cursor (underlined) between time
fields.

cursor position (underlined).

screen is open, press

2. Press the F3 [IN] button or F4 [OUT] button at
the desired position (whether the unit is stopped,
playing or recording) to set the IN/OUT point.

SET IN!

appear in a pop-up message.

NOTE

When the Home Screen is open, you can also use
the F3 and F4 buttons to set IN and OUT points
even though these F3/F4 button assignments do
not appear.
The set times will be shown with a

SET OUT!

or

SET OUT!

SET IN SET OUT

message as above.

and the captured time

SET IN!

or

The icon appears on the Home Screen during
repeat playback.

Playback starts from the IN point. When the OUT

point is reached, after the set repeat interval
elapses, playback starts again from the IN point.

Playback continues to repeat between the IN and

OUT points.

TASCAM DP-008EX

53

7 – Recorder Functions

3. Press the REPEAT button again to stop repeat
playback. The icon on the Home Screen
disappears.

The next section explains how to set the repeat

interval that determines the amount of time
until playback starts again after the OUT point is
reached.

NOTE

If the time between the IN and OUT points is
less than 2 frames, an
message appears when you press the REPEAT
button and repeat playback will not occur.

I/O Too S hort

pop-up

Setting the time between repetitions (repeat interval)

The time between repetitions (repeat interval) can be
set from 0.5 to 9.9 seconds.

1. Press the MENU button to open the

2. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

PREFERENCE

button to open the

3. Use the F3 [5] and F4 [b] buttons to select
(highlight) the
and use the DATA wheel to set the value between

1.0sec

increments).

4. After making the setting, press the HOME button
to return to the Home Screen.

menu item, and press the F4 [t]

PREFERENCE

Repeat Int

(default value) and

MENU

screen.

screen.

item setting value,

9.9sec

(in 0.1-second

Punching in and out

Punching in/out is a technique to replace a part of an
already recorded track.

Start playback and when you reach the part that you
want to replace, switch to record (punch in), then
switch back to the Play (or stop) when you finish the
part that you want to replace (punch out).

1. Decide what part of the track you plan to replace
and choose a point to begin where the new
recording can sit well with the existing recording.

2. Press the REC button of the TRACK that you plan
to replace part of to start record standby (REC
indicator blinks).

3. Start playback before the part of the track that
you want to replace.

4. Press the Record (0) button to start recording
(punch in) when you reach the part. Play or sing
what you want to record.

5. Press the Play (7) button to switch to playback
(punch out) when you finish the replacement
recording.

TIP

You can also press the Stop (8) button to punch
out at the end of the replacement recording.

Using a foot switch to punch in/out

You can use a foot switch (standard plug) connected
to the FOOT SWITCH jack on the rear panel to punch
in and out.

In step 4 above, press the foot switch instead of the
Record (0) button. In step 5, press the foot switch
again instead of the Play (7) button.

Locating to IN and OUT points

When the home screen is open, press the F1 button
while pressing and holding the Stop (8) button
to locate to the IN point. Press the F2 button while
pressing and holding the Stop (8) button to locate
to the OUT point.

TASCAM DP-008EX

54

Foot switch (standard jack)

7 – Recorder Functions

auto punch
in/out mode

Setting the foot switch polarity

Set the foot switch polarity on the
screen.

Connect the foot switch, and, without pressing it, set

FootSW Polarity

operate properly for the polarity of the connected
foot switch.

1. Connect a foot switch to the FOOT SWITCH jack
on the rear panel.

2. When the recorder is stopped and the Home
Screen is open, press the MENU button to open
the

MENU

3. Use the data wheel to select (highlight)

PREFERENCE

open the

4. Use the F3 [5] and F4 [b] buttons to select
(highlight)

5. While not pressing the foot switch, use the data
wheel to select

6. After making the setting, press the HOME button
to return to the Home Screen.

to

OFF

screen.

, and press the F4 [t] button to

PREFERENCE

FootSW Polarity

OFF

.

PREFERENCE

. This will set the unit to

screen.

.

Using automatic punching in/out

When IN and OUT points are set, press the Record
(0) button and the IN/ OUT button at the same time
to enter auto punch in/out mode. The icon
appears near the top of the Home Screen when in this
mode.

Auto punch in/out mode has a rehearsal function.
When using this function, you can monitor between
the IN and OUT points as though recording without
actually recording.

Rehearsing with auto punch in/out

Before punching in and out to record, you can
rehearse. When rehearsing, you can monitor as
though recording without recording.

1. Press TRACK REC buttons to use auto punch in/
out with those tracks.

2. After setting the IN and OUT points, press the
Record (0) and IN/OUT buttons at the same
time to enter auto punch in/out mode.

3. Press the Play (7) button.

Playback begins two seconds before the IN point,

and the monitored sound switches at the IN point
from the track playback sound and the input
sound to just the input sound. The Record (0)
indicator blinks when between the IN and OUT
points.

When playback reaches the OUT point, the

monitored sound includes the track playback
sound with the input sound again, and the
Record (0) indicator stops blinking and turns off.
Playback automatically stops one second after
the OUT point.

You can rehearse again until you are satisfied.

Recording with auto punch in/out

When you are done rehearsing, you can use auto
punch in/out to record.

1. While in auto punch in/out mode, press and hold
the Record (0) button, and press the Play (7)
button.

In the same way as during rehearsal, playback

begins two seconds before the IN point.

Recording occurs and the Record (0) indicator

lights between the IN and OUT points.

2. One second after reaching the OUT point, the
recorder automatically stops, auto punch in/
out mode ends and the transport locates to two
seconds before the IN point.

NOTE

•

Auto punch in/out mode cannot be activated
when in repeat mode or if no REC button has been
pressed.

•

Auto punch in/out can be undone.

TASCAM DP-008EX

55

8 – Editing Tracks

Editing on a conventional tape recorder in the past
required advanced techniques, but with this unit
editing tracks is easy and accurate. Moreover, with a
tape recorder, an editing error could not be undone,
but this unit uses nondestructive editing, allowing
you to edit without altering the original data. This
means that the undo function can be used to correct
an edit easily. (See “Undoing operations (undo)” on
page 49.)

Overview of track editing

This unit has the following track editing functions.

•

COPY/PASTE

•

COPY/INSERT

•

MOVE/PASTE

•

MOVE/INSERT

•

OPEN (insert a silent section)

•

CUT (remove part of a track)

•

SILENCE (erase part of a track)

•

CLONE TRACK (duplicate a track)

•

CLEAN OUT (erase a track)

Track editing points

Among the track editing functions, COPY/ PASTE,
COPY/INSERT, MOVE/PASTE and MOVE/INSERT use the
IN and OUT points as editing points. As an additional
editing point, they also use the current position when
the editing operation is begun as the TO point.

Among track editing functions, SILENCE, CUT and
OPEN use the IN and OUT points for editing. These are
the same as the IN and OUT points used for repeat
playback.

For instructions about how to set IN and OUT points,
see “Setting IN and OUT points” on page 53.

Use the

I/O SETTING

points. (See “Setting IN and OUT points” on page

53.)

IN point

The IN point is the beginning of the part of the track
that will be edited.

Press the IN/OUT button to open the
screen, and press the F3 [IN] button at the time where
you want to set the IN point.

OUT point

The OUT point is the end of the part of the track that
will be edited.

Press the IN/OUT button to open the
screen, and press the F4 [OUT] button at the time
where you want to set the OUT point.

screen to edit IN and OUT

I/O SETTING

I/O SETTING

TO point

The TO point is used as the paste and move desti­nation point for COPY and MOVE operations.

The position where playback is currently stopped
before opening the
TO point.

NOTE

These IN, OUT and TO points can also be changed
on various editing screens.

TRACK EDIT

screen is set as the

Basic track editing procedures

1 Press the HOME button to open the Home

Screen.

2 When the recorder is stopped, press the TRACK

EDIT button to open the
where you can select editing options.

3. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the
desired track editing function, and press the
F4 [t] button to open that editing function’s
screen.

4. Select the setting item value.

When there are multiple setting items, use the F3

[5] and F4 [b] buttons to select the items, and
use the DATA wheel to set the values. For details
about the settings, see the explanations of the
functions on the following pages.

5. Press the F2 [EXEC] button to execute the
function.

NOTE

Press the F1 [BACK] button to return to the

E DIT

screen.

TRACK EDIT

screen

TRACK

TASCAM DP-008EX

56

8 – Editing Tracks

Track editing function setting items

In this section, we explain the setting items that
appear on the various track editing function screens.

SOURCE TRK (copy source track )

CLEAN OUT TRK (track to be deleted)

SILENCE TRK (track partially silenced)

CUT TRK (track partially deleted)

OPEN TRK (track to have silence inserted)

These items are used to select the tracks to be edited.
The options depend on the editing function.

• 1 to 8: Individual tracks

• 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8

• 1-8: All tracks

• MST: Stereo master track

• ALL: Tracks 1-8 and stereo master track

Example of

: Track pair

Example of

SOURCE TRK

CLEAN OUT TRK

item

item

IN/OUT/TO

These show the starting/ending points when it is
necessary to define a part of a recording for editing.

However, you cannot change the IN, OUT and TO
points when using a track editing function. Set these
points on the
open by pressing the IN/OUT button. (“Setting IN and
OUT points” on page 53.)

DESTINATION TRK (copy destination track)

Use this to set the track that will be the destination of
a copy, insert or clone edit.

When a mono track has been set as the
(track that is being copied from), mono tracks will be
shown as options for the
that is being copied to).

When a pair of tracks or stereo master track has been
set as the
copied from), a pair of tracks will be shown as options
for the
copied to).

I/O SETTING

Editing the IN point

Editing the OUT point

Editing the TO point

DESTINATION TRK

SOURCE TRK

DESTINATION TRK

(tracks/track that are/is being

screen, which you can

SOURCE TRK

(track

(tracks that are being

Example of

COPY TIMES

Set the number of times that the copied track data
will be pasted.

Set the number between 1 and 99.

DESTINATION TRK

TASCAM DP-008EX

item

57

8 – Editing Tracks

IN OUT TO

IN OUT TO

COPY/PASTE

IN OUT TO

This function copies the audio data from between
the IN and OUT points on the copy source track, and
pastes it on the COPY destination track starting from
the TO point.

This operation overwrites recorded data on the copy
destination track. Therefore, the length of the copy
destination track is not changed.

You can paste multiple copies in a single operation. In
other words, you can overwrite the copy destination
track from the TO point with the copied track data for
the set number of times.

This operation uses the following parameters.

SOURCE TRK (“1”–“8”, “1/2”, “3/4”, “5/6”, “7/8”, “1–8”)

•
IN/OUT/TO

•
DESTINATION TRK

•
COPY TIMES

•

COPY/INSERT

IN OUT TO

This function copies the audio data from between
the IN and OUT points on the copy source track, and
inserts it on the copy destination track starting from
the TO point.

This operation inserts recorded data into the
copy destination track. The recorded data on the
copy destination track after the TO point is shifted
backward by the inserted audio data. Therefore, the
copy destination track becomes longer.

You can insert multiple copies in a single operation.
In other words, you can insert the copied track data
a set number of times into the copy destination track
from the TO point.

This operation uses the following parameters.

SOURCE TRK (“1”–“8”, “1/2”, “3/4”, “5/6”, “7/8”, “1–8”)

•
IN/OUT/TO

•
DESTINATION TRK

•
COPY TIMES

•

TASCAM DP-008EX

58

8 – Editing Tracks

IN OUT TO

IN OUT TO

IN OUT

IN OUT

MOVE/PASTE

IN OUT TO

The audio data between the IN and OUT points on
the move source track is removed and pasted in the
move destination track starting from the TO point.

This operation leaves a silence between the IN and
OUT points on the move source track.

This operation overwrites recorded data on the move
destination track. Therefore, the length of the move
destination track is not changed.

This operation uses the following parameters.

SOURCE TRK (“1”–“8”, “1/2”, “3/4”, “5/6”, “7/8”, “1–8”)

•
IN/OUT/TO

•
DESTINATION TRK

•

MOVE/INSERT

IN OUT TO

OPEN (insert silence)

IN OUT

A silent passage is inserted between the IN and OUT
points on the selected track. This operation splits a
track at the IN point and the beginning of the part
after the IN point is shifted to the OUT point. As a
result, the length of the track becomes longer.

The parameters that can be set are as follows.

OPEN TRK (“1”–“8”, “1/2”, “3/4”, “5/6”, “7/8”, “1–8”, “ALL”)

•
IN/OUT

•

CUT (remove part)

IN

The audio data between the IN and OUT points on
the move source track is removed and inserted in the
move destination track from the TO point.

This operation leaves a silence between the IN and
OUT points on the move source track.

This operation inserts recorded data into the
move destination track starting from the TO point.
Therefore, the move destination track becomes
longer.

This operation uses the following parameters.

SOURCE TRK (“1”–“8”, “1/2”, “3/4”, “5/6”, “7/8”, “1–8”)

•
IN/OUT/TO

•
DESTINATION TRK

•

The part of the track between the IN and OUT points
on the selected track is CUT (deleted), and the rest of
the track after the OUT point is moved forward to the
IN point. As a result, the length of the track becomes
shorter.

The parameters that can be set are as follows.

CUT TRK (“1”–“8”, “1/2”, “3/4”, “5/6”, “7/8”, “1–8”, “ALL”)

•
IN/OUT

•

TASCAM DP-008EX

59

8 – Editing Tracks

IN OUT

SILENCE (part erase)

IN OUT

This erases the selected track between the IN and
OUT points. This has the same effect as recording
a silent signal between the IN and OUT points. This
operation does not change the track length.

The parameters that can be set are as follows.

SILENCE TRK (“1”–“8”, “1/2”, “3/4”, “5/6”, “7/8”, “1–8”)

•
IN/OUT

•

TIP

This function can be used to remove short noises,
for example.

CLONE TRACK (track duplication)

CLEAN OUT (track erase)

This completely erases the selected track. This erases
the entire track, so the IN and OUT points have no
effect.

The parameters that can be set are as follows.

CLEAN OUT TRK (“1”–“8”, “1/2”, “3/4”, “5/6”, “7/8”,

•
“1–8”)

Using

CLONE TRACK

a single track, a track pair or a master track on a
different track (or tracks).

This copies the entire track, so the IN and OUT points
have no effect.

The parameters that can be set are as follows.

SOURCE TRK (“1”–“8”, “1/2”, “3/4”, “5/6”, “7/8”, “1–8”,

•
“MST”)

DESTINATION TRK

•

NOTE

If you choose the same track for both the

TRK

item and the
press the F2 [EXEC] button, a
message appears and the operation is cancelled.

TASCAM DP-008EX

60

you can create a copy of

DESTINATION TRK

Sam e Track

item and

SOURCE

pop-up

9 – Mixdown and mastering

Icons when track
equalizers ar

Mixdown

Adjusting the volumes and stereo positions of the
recorded tracks to create a well-balance stereo mix is
called mixdown.

Level and balance

Use the TRACK 1–8 LEVEL knobs to adjust the
relative balance between tracks. Then, use the
MASTER LEVEL knob to adjust the overall level.

Watching the and level meters on the display,
adjust the levels until they are suitable. If the volume
is too loud, the sound will be distorted.

NOTE

The track level meters on the display show the
recorded signal levels on the tracks. Therefore,
these meters do not change even when the TRACK

LEVEL knobs are adjusted.

TIP

You do not need to keep the entire song at the
same volume. For example, you could gradually
increase the volume during a guitar solo.

Stereo position (panning)

Use the TRACK PAN knobs to adjust the stereo
positions of tracks .

Track equalizers

Each track has a two band equalizer.
Use the

EQ SETTING

izers.

1. Press the EQ button to open the
screen.

screen to set the track equal-

EQ SETTING

2. Set the following parameters for the track equal­izers.

Parameter Settings

EQ-SWITCH
(track equalizer switch)
Hi-F

(high frequency range)
Hi-G

(high range gain)
Lo-F

(low frequency range)
Lo-G

(low range gain)

Use the F1 [g] and F2 [t] button to switch the

track being set.

Use the F3 [5] and F4 [b] buttons to select

(highlight) parameters, and use the DATA wheel
to adjust their values.

3. After making track equalizer settings, press the

HOME button to return to the Home Screen.

NOTE

When a track equalizer is ON, that track is shown
on the Home Screen as in the illustration below.

e ON

Example showing track equalizers active on tracks 1-4

On/Off (default: Off )

1.7 kHz – 18 kHz
(default: 5 kHz)

±12 dB (default: 0.0
dB)

32 Hz – 1.6 kHz
(default: 350 Hz)

±12 dB (default: 0.0
dB)

Reverb

This unit has six types of reverb effects.
Adjust the level of the signal sent to the reverb effect

from each track by using their REVERB knobs.
The signals are sent to the reverb effect after the track

equalizer.

1. Press the REVERB button to open the

SETTING

screen.

REVERB

TASCAM DP-008EX

61

9 – Mixdown and mastering

T
Mute ON indication

2. Adjust the reverb settings for the following
parameters.

Parameters Settings

Reverb

TYPE

character
Time

TIME

(depth)
Amount

LEVEL

(volume)

*The default values for the
items are explained in the NOTE after step 4.

Use the F3 [5] and F4 [b] buttons to select

(highlight) parameters, and use the DATA wheel
to adjust their values.

The signal after the reverb effect (return signal) is

mixed with the stereo signal.

3. After making the reverb settings, press the HOME
button to return to the Home Screen.

4. Use the TRACK REVERB knobs to adjust the
amount of signal sent to the reverb effect from
each track.

NOTE

The default values for the different reverb types
are as follows.

TYPE

Hall 1 1.8 80
Hall 2 2.2 80

Room 1.4 10
Studio 0.6 20
Plate 1 1.4 60
Plate 2 1.8 60

“INI” appears below a setting value when it is the
same as the default value for the TYPE.

Hall 1 (default), Hall 2,
Room, Studio, Plate 1, Plate 2

0.2 (0.8 for Plate) – 3.2 Sec*

0 – 100*

TIME

and

LEVEL

Default

TIME LEVEL

Muting tracks

1. Press the EQ and REVERB buttons at the same
time to open the

2. Press a TRACK REC button to mute/unmute that
track.

When a track is muted, its track number appears

as a dark number on a light background.

Example showing tracks 3-8 muted

3. After muting the tracks, press the HOME button
to return to the Home Screen.

NOTE

When a track is muted, the track number is shown
on the Home Screen as below (dark number on
light background).

RACK 3-8

TRACK MUTE

screen.

Creating stereo master tracks

When you are satisfied with the mix of your tracks,
you can mix them down to a stereo master track.

A stereo master recorded by this unit is saved as
part of the song, and can be recorded by an external
stereo recorder. It can also be converted by the unit
into a WAV file and exported to a computer where
the sound can be processed further or combined
with other recordings. (See “Exporting stereo master
tracks” on page 81.)

NOTE

Only one stereo master can be made in a song at a
time.

62

TASCAM DP-008EX

9 – Mixdown and mastering

Setting the starting and ending points

Before you start creating a stereo master track, you
must set the starting and ending points. The part of
the song between the IN and OUT points will be

recorded as the stereo master track. Ordinarily, the
beginning of the song is set as the IN point and the
end of the song is set as the OUT point.

Press the F3 [IN] button at the point where you want
to start the stereo master track to set the IN (starting)
point and press the F4 [OUT] button at the point
where you want to end it to set the OUT (ending)
point.

For details about adjusting IN and OUT points, see
“Setting IN and OUT points” on page 53.

Creating a stereo master track

After setting the IN and OUT points, you can make the
stereo master track.

1. When the recorder is stopped, press the
BOUNCE/MIXDOWN/MASTERING button to
open the

2. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

MIXDOWN

3. Press the F4 [EXEC] button.

After a

recorder switches to master recording mode and
the Home Screen reopens.

At this point, if you start playback or recording,

you will be able to hear the mixed track signals
(including signals that will be recorded) through
headphones or an external monitoring system
(powered monitor speakers or an amplifier and
speakers).

RECORDER MODE

item.

Mixd ow n!

pop-up message appears, the

screen.

NOTE

•

When in master recording mode,
appears highlighted at the top left of the Home
Screen.

•

If you try to switch to
length of the interval between IN and OUT points
is less than four seconds, a
(track is too short) pop-up message appears and

MIXDOWN

•

You cannot change the IN and OUT points when in

MIXDOWN

•

Playback and some other functions do not work
when the unit is in
one of these functions, an
pop-up message appears.

4. While pressing and holding the Record (0)

Regardless of the prior position of the recorder,

As necessary, use the LEVEL and PAN knobs to

Creating a stereo master track automatically ends

5. If you want to redo creation of the stereo master

This will create a new stereo master track,

NOTE

•

After recording a stereo master track, you can play
it back to check it. (See “Checking stereo master
tracks” on page 64.)

•

You can undo the creation of a stereo master track.
So, after re-recording the stereo master track
several times, you can go back and choose one
that was previously recorded.

6. Press the BOUNCE/MIXDOWN/MASTERING

mode will not be activated.

mode.

button, press the Play (7) button to start
creating a stereo master track. The Record (0)
indicator lights.

recording starts from the IN point.

adjust the mix. These adjustments will affect the
recorded stereo master track.

when the recorder reaches the OUT point.

track, press the Play (7) button again while
pressing and holding the Record (0) button.

overwriting and deleting the previous one.

button to open the
and use the DATA wheel to return the recorder to

MULTI TRACK

MIXDOWN

MIXDOWN

RECORDER MODE

mode.

MIXDOWN

mode when the

Trk Too Sh or t

mode. If you try to use

In Mixdo wn Mode

screen,

TASCAM DP-008EX

63

9 – Mixdown and mastering

Checking stereo master tracks

After creating a stereo master track, you can listen to
it by following these procedures.

1. When the recorder is stopped, press the
BOUNCE/MIXDOWN/MASTERING button to
open the

2. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

MASTERING

3. Press the F4 [EXEC] button to open the

MASTERING

NOTE

If there is no stereo master track, a

Tr k

mode will not change to

4. Press the F4 [MANUAL] button.

After a

the recorder switches to mastering mode and the

MASTERING

RECORDER MODE

item.

mode selection screen.

pop-up message will appear and the recorder

Mastering!

screen opens.

screen.

No Master

MASTERING

pop-up message appears,

.

NOTE

To listen to the recorded stereo master track of
a saved song, load that song, set the recorder
mode to

MASTERING

button to start playback.

TIP

•

When this recorder is in
you can transfer a stereo master mix created on
this unit as a file that can be played back on a
computer. (See “Exporting stereo master tracks”
on page 81.)

•

When this recorder is in MULTI TRACK mode,
you can copy a stereo master track to a pair of
adjacent tracks (1-2, 3-4, 5-6 or 7-8) by cloning the
track. (See “CLONE TRACK (track duplication)” on
page 60.)

and then press the Play (7)

MULTI TRACK

mode,

Mastering stereo master tracks

This unit has mastering tools specifically for use
with stereo master tracks. You can use equalization,
compression and normalization to adjust the overall
sound pressure and character of master tracks.

You can use these mastering tools on a stereo master
track when the unit is in one of the two
modes.

8

AUTO MASTERING mode

In this mode, after you set the character of the effect
(

MAXIMUM

masters the stereo master track.

In this mode, you can adjust the mastering equal­ization, compression and normalization individually
when mastering stereo master tracks.

or

NATURAL

8

MANUAL MASTERING mode

), the unit automatically

MASTERING

5. In this mode, press the Play (7) button to play
the stereo master track.

The stereo master track signal is output from the

LINE OUT jack, so it can also be dubbed to an
external stereo recorder.

6. After you have created a stereo master track
that you are satisfied with, press the BOUNCE/
MIXDOWN/MASTERING button to open the

RECORDER MODE

wheel to return the recorder to
mode.

If you are not satisfied with the stereo master

track, you can create a new one. A new stereo
master track will overwrite the previous one.

TASCAM DP-008EX

64

screen, and use the DATA

MULTI TRACK

9 – Mixdown and mastering

Using automatic mastering

1. When the recorder is stopped, press the
BOUNCE/MIXDOWN/MASTERING button to
open the

2. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight)

MASTERING

open the

NOTE

If there is no stereo master track, a

Tr k

able to switch to

3. Press the F3 [AUTO] button to switch the recorder
to
pop-up message appears, the
screen opens.

NOTE

The Record (8) and Play (7) buttons do not
function when the unit is in auto mastering mode.

4. Press the F1 [TYPE] button to set the automatic
mastering type to one of the following.

NATURAL SOUND

RECORDER MODE

screen.

, and press the F4 [EXEC] button to

MASTERING

mode selection screen.

No Master

pop-up message appears and you will not be

MASTERING

MASTERING

mode. After a

mode.

Mastering!

AUTO MASTERING

This setting raises the sound pressure gently.

5. After setting the TYPE of automatic mastering,
press the F2 [RHSL] button and check the effect
that it has on the playback sound.

After checking the sound, press the F2 [STOP]

button to stop playback.

6. Press the F3 [EXEC] button to start automatic
mastering.

NOTE

If off-line peak detection has not yet been
conducted for the stereo master track that is being
automatically mastered, a

Peak Detect

message appears to show that off-line peak
detection is being conducted.

When off-line peak detection completes, the

following pop-up message appears. Press the F3
[YES] button to start automatic mastering.

pop-up

MAXIMUM SOUND

This setting raises the sound pressure as much
as possible.

Press the F4 [NO] button to cancel automatic

mastering and return to the

AUTO MASTERING

screen.

7. When automatic mastering completes, the

MASTERING
OFF

screen reopens with the

.

TYPE

AUTO

set to

NOTE

Undoing and redoing are not possible in

MASTERING
MIXDOWN

mode. Switch to

MULTI TRACK

mode to undo or redo.

TASCAM DP-008EX

AUTO

65

or

9 – Mixdown and mastering

Using manual mastering

Follow these procedures to master a track manually

1. Activate manual mastering mode.
When the

open, press the F4 [MANUAL] button to activate
manual mastering mode.

After a

the

NOTE

If there is no stereo master track, a

Tr k

able to switch to

2. Use the mastering tools to adjust the track.
Press the F1 [EQ] button, F2 [COMP] button or F3

[NORM] button to open the desired tool screen.

There is a screen for the equalizer (MASTERING

EQ), the compressor (MASTERING COMP), and the
normalizer (NORMALIZE screen).

In addition, you can choose either a multiband or

single-band compressor from the library.

When using a multiband compressor, the

MASTERING COMP
LOW BA ND, MID B AN D

frequency ranges.

Make settings on each of the tool screens. (For

details, see the following “Using the mastering
compressor”, “Using the mastering equalizer” and
“Normalizing master tracks” sections.)

When the unit is in mastering mode, you can use

the Play (7), Stop (8), m [RTZ] and , [LRP]
transport buttons, so you can set the tools while
listening to the track playing back.

3. Re-recording with the mastering effects.
After setting the mastering tools, press the Play

(7) button while pressing and holding the
Record (0) button to start re-recording the

stereo master track with the master effects.
During recording, the Record (0) indicator lights.
Recording always starts from the beginning

of the song (00h00m00s00f) regardless of the

current playback position.
When in

the stereo master track.

NOTE

If the unit is stopped in the middle of recording, a
stereo master track to that point will be created.

MASTERING

Mastering!

MASTERING

pop-up message appears and you will not be

MASTERING

mode selection screen is

pop-up message appears,

screen opens.

No Master

MASTERING

mode.

screen parameters include

and

HIGH BAND

mode, recording overwrites

4. Checking the results.
Turn the equalizer and compressor off and then

play back the recording to check the results of
using the mastering effects.

You can undo and redo at this point, so you can

compare the sound before and after using the
mastering effects.

8

If you are not satisfied

Undo to restore the stereo master track to how it
was before applying the mastering effects, and then
repeat these procedures from step 1.

NOTE

You cannot undo or redo in
mode. Switch to
to undo or redo.

MULTI TRACK

AUTO MASTERING

or

MIXDOWN

mode

Using the mastering equalizer

1. When in

2. Set the mastering equalizer, which has the

Use the F3 [gt] button to switch between

Use the F4 [Hi/Lo] button to select (highlight) Hi

Use the data wheel to set the item selected using

At the top left of the

MASTERING

button to open the

following parameters.

GAIN FREQ

High range gain

Hi

value: ±12dB
(default: 0.0dB)
Low range gain

Lo

value: ±12dB
(default: 0.0dB)

GAIN and FREQ.

or Lo.

the F3 [gt] and F4 [Hi/Lo] buttons.

indicator shows whether the mastering equalizer
is ON or OFF. When OFF, press the F2 [ON] button
to turn it ON. When ON, press the F2 [OFF] button
to turn it OFF.

mode, press the F1 [EQ]

MASTERING EQ

High frequency range
value: 1.7kHz – 18kHz
(default: 5kHz)
Low frequency range
value: 32Hz – 1.6kHz
(default: 350Hz)

MASTERING EQ

screen.

screen, an

TASCAM DP-008EX

66

9 – Mixdown and mastering

3. After making the settings, press the F1 [BACK]

button to return to the

4. The EQ item on the

MASTERING

MASTERING

screen.

screen shows

whether the mastering equalizer is ON or OFF.

Using the mastering compressor

You can use either a single-band or multiband
mastering compressor.

Since using a multi-brand compressor allows you
to separate the low, medium and high frequency
bands of a stereo master track and independently
process them with different settings, you can adjust
the overall sound pressure balance. By doing this, you
can suppress unwanted peaks, raise the overall gain
to increase the sound pressure and achieve a sound
with greater impact.

1. When in

2. Press the F3 [LIB] button to open the

MASTERING

button to open the

COMP

library.

mode, press the F2 [COMP]

MASTERING COMP

screen.

MASTERING

Single-band compressor example

At this time, the selected band is shown in the

upper left.

When using a multiband compressor, press the

F2 [BAND] button to cycle through the bands
that can be set in order:

BAND

w

HIGH BAND

LOW BA ND

(w

LOW BA ND

w

MID

).

When using a single band compressor, press the

F2 [BAND] button to switch between

A.MAKEUP

screens.

BAND

and

5. Use the F3 [5] and F4 [b] buttons to select
(highlight) a parameter you want to set, and use
the DATA wheel to adjust its value.

When a setting is at its default value, i appears to

the right of the value.

The ranges for each parameter are as follows.

THRSHLD

Set the threshold value that causes the
compressor to activate when exceeded.

Range: -32dB (default) – 0dB

RATIO

Set the compression ratio.
Options: 1.0:1, 1.1:1, 1.3:1, 1.5:1, 1.7:1, 2.0:1, 2.5:1,

3.0:1, 3.5:1, 4.0:1, 5.0:1, 6.0:1, 8.0:1, 16.0:1, inf:1

LEVEL

Set the output level.
Options: -20dB – +20dB

6. Press the F2 [BAND] button when using a
multiband compressor to change the frequency
band to

LOW BA ND, MID B AN D

or

HIGH BAND

,

and set the parameters for that band.

COMPx3

as the

TYPE

compressor.

indicates a multiband

COMPx1

indicates a single-band

compressor.

3. Use the data wheel to select (highlight) a preset
in the library, and press the F4 [EXEC] button.

After loading the preset, the

MASTERING COMP

screen reopens.

4. Press the F4 [PARM] button to open the

MASTERING COMP

parameter setting screen.

Multiband compressor example

Press the F2 [BAND] button when using a single-

band compressor to show the

A.MAKEUP

Turn the automatic makeup function ON or OFF.

When ON, the unit will automatically adjust
the volume after compression so that it is not
decreased.

When this setting is at its default value, i appears

to the right of the value.

TASCAM DP-008EX

setting.

67

9 – Mixdown and mastering

Compressor
ON/OFF indicator

7. After making the settings, press the F1 [BACK]
button to return to the
screen.

8. Press the F2 [ON] button to turn the compressor
ON/OFF. The
whether the mastering compressor is ON or OFF.

9. After making the settings, press the F1 [BACK]
button to return to the

For details about the compressor settings, see “13

– Mastering compressor settings” on page 82.

MASTERING COMP

MASTERING COMP

screen shows

MASTERING

screen.

Normalizing master tracks

You can normalize to automatically adjust the
volume. The unit determines the highest volume level
of the track and then increases the volume of the
entire track so that the highest level is the maximum
possible.

CAUTION

If you use the mastering equalizer or compressor
after normalization, distortion could occur.
Always normalize after using the mastering
equalizer and compressor to adjust the sound.

1. When in

2. Press the F4 [EXEC] button to normalize the track.

3. After normalization completes, press the F1

MASTERING

button to open the

[BACK] button to return to the
screen.

mode, press the F3 [NORM]

NORMALIZE

screen.

MASTERING

Copying a stereo master track

You can use the clone track function to copy a stereo
master track to another track. (See “CLONE TRACK
(track duplication)” on page 60.)

Exiting mastering mode

Press the BOUNCE/MIXDOWN/MASTERING button
to exit

TRACK

MASTERING

mode.

mode and return to

MULTI

68

TASCAM DP-008EX

10 – Miscellaneous Functions

Metronome

This unit has a built-in metronome function that can
be used when the recorder is operating. You can set
it to function during both playback and recording or
only during recording.

1. When the recorder is stopped, press the
METRONOME button to open the
screen.

2. Set the following items.

Use the F3 [5] and F4 [b] buttons to select

(highlight) items, and use the DATA wheel to set
their values.

MODE

Select one of the following modes.

Mode Meaning

OFF

(default value)

REC&PLAY

REC ON LY

TEMPO

Set the speed between 20 and 250 BPM (default

value: 120).

BEAT

Set the number of beats between 1 and 12

(default value: 4).

The accent falls on the first beat.

LEVEL

Set the metronome volume between 0 and 127

(default value: 100).

metronome OFF

Metronome functions during
both recording and playback

Metronome functions only
during recording

METRONOME

3. After completing the setting, press the HOME
button to return to the Home Screen.

The metronome will now function according to

the

MODE

setting made in step two.

Even if the metronome is active during recording,

the its sound will not be recorded directly.

NOTE

•

If you record using a mic while monitoring the
metronome sound through connected speakers,
the metronome sound could be recorded.

•

When the metronome is operating, you can
adjust the

METRONOME

•

You can use the metronome to provide a click
when making the first recording of, for example, a
rhythm guitar or bass part.

•

If you want to use the metronome when practicing,
you can either play a song that does not have any
recordings or turn the TRACK LEVEL knobs all the
way down during playback.

LEVEL

item, but other items on the

screen cannot be changed.

Tuner

Use the built-in chromatic tuner to tune guitars and
other instruments.

In addition to the chromatic tuner mode, which
allows you to tune an instrument while looking at the
tuning meter, this unit’s tuner also has an oscillator
mode that outputs a standard pitch.

Chromatic tuner mode

1. Connect a guitar or bass to INPUT A.

INPUT B cannot be used for tuning.
Use built-in MIC A to tune other instruments such

as wind instruments.

2. On the

NOTE

INPUT SETTING

input source to

Ext. Inpu t / Mid

(See “Selecting the input source” on page 42.)

When using the built-in mic, select

MIC /Lo w
INPUT SETTING

Ext. Inpu t, LINE/ Lo w

or

Internal MIC /High

screen, set the

or

Ext. Inpu t / High

screen.

IN A

Internal

on the

,

.

TASCAM DP-008EX

69

10 – Miscellaneous Functions

3. When the recorder is stopped, press the TUNER
button to open the
item (standard frequency) value is selected
(highlighted) when it opens.

4. Use the D ATA wheel to set the standard
frequency of the A note between 435 and 445 Hz.
(default value: “440H z”)

5. Play the instrument and tune it.

The pitch name closest to the string appears

above the meters. Tune the string roughly until
the sound name that you want appears. Then,
fine tune the string until the rectangle at the
middle of the meter darkens, showing that the
string is in tune. If the pitch is too low, a bar
extends to the left of the middle and if it is too
high it extends to the right. The longer the bar is
the more out of tune the string is.

TUNER

screen. The

CA LIB

Oscillator mode

1. When the recorder is stopped, press the TUNER
button to open the

2. Press the F4 [OSC.] button to show the oscillator
mode on the

3 Make the following oscillator mode settings on

the

TUNER

CALIB

Use this to adjust the standard frequency of A4
(la) between 435 Hz and 445 Hz (default: 440
Hz).

NOTE

Use this to set the note output between C3
and B5 (default: A4).

LEVEL

Use this to set the output level between a
minimum value of 10 and a maximum of 100
(default: 50).

Use the F3 [5] and F4 [b] buttons to select

(highlight) parameters, and use the DATA wheel
to set their values.

Use the F2 [ON] button to turn the output ON

and OFF.

Use the F1 [CHROM.] key to switch to chromatic

tuner mode.

4. When you are finished tuning, press the HOME
button to return to the Home Screen.

TUNER

screen.

TUNER

screen.

screen.

When the pitch is just right, the t and g to

the left and right of the pitch name appear
unblinking.

6. When you are finished tuning, press the HOME
button to open the Home Screen.

NOTE

If you want to monitor the input signal, press the
REC button of the track that has
assigned to it. (See “Assigning inputs” on page

44.)

TASCAM DP-008EX

70

IN A

(INPUT A)

Automatic power saving function

You can set the amount of time until the unit
automatically turns OFF (enters standby) after its last
activity or operation.

1. When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU
button to open the

2. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

PREFERENCE

to open the

3. Use the F3 [5] and F4 [b] buttons to select
(highlight) the
value, and use the DATA wheel to set it to one of
the following values.

Options: OFF (does not turn off automatically),

3min, 5min, 10min, 30min (default value)

4. After completing the setting, press the HOME
button to return to the Home Screen.

MENU

screen.

item and press the F4 [t] button

PREFERENCE

Auto Power Save

screen.

item setting

10 – Miscellaneous Functions

Restoring preferences to default values

You can restore
backup memory items (See page 88.) to their initial
values (values set when the unit was shipped from
the factory). This operation is called initialization.

1. When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU
button to open the

2. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

PREFERENCE

to open the

3. Use the F3 [5] and F4 [b] buttons to select
(highlight)
the F2 [EXEC] button.

4. When a confirmation pop-up message appears,
press the F3 [YES] button.

After initialization completes, the

screen reopens.

NOTE

Press the F4 [NO] button to cancel initialization.

5. After completing initialization, press the HOME
button to return to the Home Screen.

PREFERENCE

item and press the F4 [t] button

PREFERENCE

Exec

next to

screen settings and

MENU

screen.

screen.

Initialize

, and press

PREFERENCE

Viewing information

You can view information about the current song
(currently loaded song), the SD card and the firmware.

1. When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU
button to open the

2. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

INFORMATION

to open the

MA TION

screen.

The

INFORMATION

including this one.

3. Use the F3 [PREV] and F4 [NEXT] buttons to
change the page.

The pages contain the following information.

SONG (1/3) page

For the MTR partition that holds the currently

loaded song, the partition number, the name
(title) of that song and the remaining recording
time are shown

CARD (2/3) page

MTR partitions and capacities, FAT partition

capacity

MENU

screen.

item, and press the F4 [t] button

SONG

(1/3) page of the

screen has three pages

INF OR -

F/W (3/3) page

system firmware version

TASCAM DP-008EX

71

11 – SD Card Management

Size of entir

Overview of partitions

As described in “Partitions and songs” (page 37), SD
cards formatted by this unit are divided into parti­tions. MTR partitions are for recording data while
the FAT partition can be accessed with a personal
computer. High-capacity cards can have multiple MTR
partitions. In this case, you can use the MTR partitions
for different songs, for example, or copy songs to a
different MTR partitions to save their information. The
FAT partition is FAT32 format and can be accessed
by a computer connected to this unit by USB. This
FAT partition is used to save songs and export stereo
masters to computers, as well as to allow this unit to
import audio files into songs, for example. For this
reason, two steps are necessary to copy from a MTR
partition and a computer. You can also format an
entire card or individual partition as well as change
the divisions between partitions (repartition) as
necessary.

CAUTION

Formatting and repartition operations cannot be
undone!

NOTE

•

The FAT (File Allocation Table) format is a disk
format that can be read by a computer.

•

SD cards that meet SD/SDHC standards and are at
least 512 MB can be used with this unit. A list of SD
cards that have been confirmed for use with this
unit can be found on the TASCAM website (http://
tascam.com/).

•

See “Selecting the active partition” on page 37
for how to change the active partition.

Formatting SD cards

This operation formats the entire card and allows you
set MTR partition sizes for high-capacity cards.

CAUTION

This operation erases all the data on the card and
cannot be undone! Confirm that you will not lose
important data before formatting a card.

1. When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU
button to open the

2. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

CARD

item, and press the F4 [t] button to open

the

CARD

screen.

MENU

screen.

3. Use the D ATA wheel to select the
item, and press the F4 [t] button to open the

FORMAT

screen.

MTR partition size

FAT partition size

e SD card

The following table shows the FAT and MTR

partition sizes for different SD card capacities. The
FAT partition size is set automatically according
to card capacity. The size of the MTR partition on
cards 4 GB or smaller is also fixed, but cards that
are 8 GB or larger have multiple MTR partitions
and their sizes can be chosen. However, the last
MTR partition is set to fill the remaining space
on the card automatically, so its size cannot be
chosen.

SD card capacity and partition size

SD card
capacity

32GB 4GB

16GB 4GB 2GB, 4GB or 8GB
8GB 2GB 2GB or 4GB
4GB 2GB 2GB fixed
2GB 1GB 1GB fixed
1GB 512MB 512MB fixed
512MB 256MB 256MB fixed

NOTE

•

The unit can handle a maximum of 4 MTR parti­tions, no matter how small you make them.

•

When you insert an unformatted SD card, the unit
will ask you to format it. At this time, however, you
cannot choose the size of the MTR partitions. If you
want to change the sizes, follow the procedures
above to format the card.

FAT partition
size

FORMAT

MTR partition size

2GB, 4GB, 8GB or
16GB

TASCAM DP-008EX

72

11 – SD Card Management

4. If the capacity of the SD card is less than 8 GB,
press the F2 [EXEC] button.

If the capacity of the SD card is 8 GB or more,

use the DATA wheel to set the size of the MTR
partition, and press the F2 [EXEC] button.

A pop-up message warning that all songs will be

erased appears.

5. Press the F3 [YES] button to format the SD card.

For example, if you format a 16 GB SD card with

4GB MTR partitions, 12 GB are left for MTR parti­tions after 4 GB is used for the FAT partition. Three
partitions are created. Two are 4 GB and the last
one is 3 GB. (Since 1GB is actually 1024 MB, the
total size of the partitions does not always match
the SD card size.)

NOTE

•

When formatting finishes the
reopens.

•

After formatting, one song is automatically
created in each MTR partition.

•

To cancel formatting, press the F4 [NO] button.

CARD

menu screen

Reformatting MTR partitions

You can reformat any MTR partition if you want. Use
this function when you just want to format a specific
partition without changing its size.

CAUTION

You cannot undo this operation! All the data on
the selected partition will be erased, so be certain
that you will not lose anything important when
reformatting.

1. When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU
button to open the

2. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

CARD

item, and press the F4 [t] button to open

the

CARD

screen.

3. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

REFORMAT

open the

A list of the MTR partitions and their sizes (not

open capacities) appear.

The currently selected MTR partition has an

asterisk (*) on its right.

4. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the MTR
partition that you want to reformat, and press the
F2 [EXEC] button.

A pop-up message appears warning you that this

will delete all the data on the MTR partition.

REFORMAT

MENU

screen.

item, and press the F4 [t] button to

screen.

5. Press the F3 [YES] button to reformat the MTR
partition.

NOTE

•

When reformatting finishes the
reopens.

•

After reformatting, one song is automatically
created in the MTR partition.

•

To cancel reformatting, press the F4 [NO] button.

CARD

menu

TASCAM DP-008EX

73

11 – SD Card Management

Reformatting FAT partitions

You can also reformat just the FAT partition. The size
of the FAT partition cannot be changed.

CAUTION

You cannot undo this operation! All data on the
FAT partition will be erased, so be certain that you
will not lose anything important when refor­matting.

1. When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU
button to open the

2. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

CARD

item, and press the F4 [t] button to open

the

CARD

screen.

3. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

REFORMAT

A pop-up message warning that all data on the

FAT partition will be erased appears.

4. Press the F3 [YES] button to reformat the FAT
partition.

NOTE

•

When reformatting finishes the
reopens.

•

To cancel reformatting, press the F4 [NO] button.

MENU

screen.

item, and press the F4 [t] button.

CARD

menu screen

FAT

Initializing SD cards

If you want to use an SD card that was used with this
unit to other equipment, we recommend that you
initialize it.

When you initialize an SD card, the entire card is
formatted as FAT32.

1. When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU
button to open the

2. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

CARD

item, and press the F4 [t] button to open

the

CARD

screen.

3. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

INITIALIZ E

A pop-up message warning that all data on the

card will be erased appears.

4. Press the F3 [YES] button to initialize the entire
SD card and format it in FAT32 format.

NOTE

•

To cancel initialization, press the F4 [NO] button.

•

After initializing an SD card, it must be formatted
again to be used with this unit. (See “Formatting
SD cards” on page 72.)

MENU

screen.

item, and press the F4 [t] button.

SD

TASCAM DP-008EX

74

12 – Exchanging Data with a Computer

By connecting this unit with a computer using the
included USB cable you can backup song data on this
unit’s SD card to the computer and restore backed-up
song data from the computer. Moreover, you can
export track files and stereo master files from a song
to a computer and import audio files on the computer
to the unit.

Backed-up data can be restored to a different
DP-008EX unit than the one that created it. In this
way, files can be freely exchanged between DP-008EX
units, making it easy to add additional recordings or
mix existing recordings in a different location.

CAUTION

Instead of using the USB connection, if you want
to remove an SD card from this unit and back-up
its data by connecting it directly to a computer (or
using a card reader), always turn the unit’s power
off (put in standby) before removing the card.

NOTE

•

The MTR partitions where song files are stored
cannot be directly accessed from a computer.

•

In this chapter, “computer” refers to a Windows or
Macintosh computer connected to this unit. (See
“Supported operating systems” on page 75.)

The following types of data can be transferred from
this unit to a computer.

8

Entire songs

You can transfer the data for an entire song from
the unit’s BACKUP directory on the FAT partition
to a computer. This operation is called “backup.”
In addition, data backed-up on a computer can
be transferred to the BACKUP directory on the
FAT partition, and then restored as song data. This
operation is called “restore.”

8

WAV format tracks

You can convert tracks to WAV files and export them
to a computer. You can also import WAV files from a
computer.

These WAV files are stored on the WAVE directory of
this unit’s FAT partition.

8

Stereo master files

Stereo master files can be transferred as stereo WAV
files from the WAVE directory on the FAT partition of
this unit to a computer.

Only export is possible.

Supported operating systems

You can connect this unit to computers with the
following operating systems.

8

Windows

Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7

8

Mac OS X

Mac OS X 10.2 or later
When this unit is connected to a computer, the

computer recognizes it as a removable disk. There is
no need for a special driver.

NOTE

Data transfer between this unit and a computer
occurs at USB 2.0 speed (maximum). Data can
still be transferred if the computer connection is
USB1.1, but it will be slower. In addition, to assure
USB 2.0 speed, use the included cable or a cable
that meets USB 2.0 standards.

Connecting with a computer

To use the FAT partition of this unit, the unit must be
connected to a computer by USB. When connected
by USB, this unit’s record, playback and other recorder
operations cannot be used.

To connect with a computer, connect the USB port on
the right side panel of the unit with a USB port on the
computer using the included USB cable. It does not
matter whether you turn the unit’s power ON before
or after the USB connection is made.

If the USB connection is made while this unit’s power
is ON, the currently loaded song is saved before the
USB connection becomes active and the following
screen appears on the display.

If you turn the unit’s power ON after making the USB
connection, the screen above appears right away.

The unit appears as an external drive named
“DP-008EX” on the computer’s display.

Click the “DP-008EX” drive on the computer to view
the “BACKUP”, “WAVE “ and “UTILITY” folders in the FAT
partition of the DP-008EX.

TASCAM DP-008EX

75

12 – Exchanging Data with a Computer

CAUTION

•

This unit receives power from batteries or a
TASCAM PS-P520 AC adaptor. It cannot be
powered over USB.

•

Do not make a USB connection when the
remaining battery level is low. If the power turns
OFF during data transfer, all the data will be lost.
This lost data cannot be restored.

•

Do not change the names of the three folders in
“DP-008EX”.

•

The total number of files and folders that this
unit can recognize on a FAT par tition is 100. If the
number exceeds 100, transfer them to a computer
hard drive, for example.

NOTE

•

This unit can only be connected to a computer
by USB when the recorder mode is set to

TRACK

•

•

.

Before connecting the unit and the computer by
USB, confirm that you have exported or backed up
to the FAT partition all the files that you want to
transfer to the computer.

The “UTILITY” folder is used to update the unit’s
system software, for example.

MULTI

Disconnecting

Follow these steps to properly end the USB
connection.

CAUTION

When transferring data, do not disconnect the unit
or remove the USB cable. Doing so could cause
data on the computer or this unit to be damaged.

NOTE

The procedure on the computer for disconnecting
might be called “eject” or “unmount”.

Disconnecting from Windows XP/Windows Vista/
Windows 7

Follow the procedures below to disconnect
computers that use Windows XP, Windows Vista, or
Windows 7 operating systems.

A PC card icon and arrow appear in the taskbar
(usually at the bottom right of the screen).

2. After a pop-up message appears on the computer
display saying that the unit can be disconnected,
remove the USB cable.

The unit restarts automatically and the Home

Screen opens on its display.

NOTE

Do not remove the USB cable if a pop-up message
warning that the unit cannot be disconnected
safely appears on the computer display. Close all
the computer programs and windows that are
accessing (reading or writing) files on the unit, and
then try the operation again.

Disconnecting from Mac OS X

1. Drag the “DP-008EX” icon that represents this unit
to the Trash, or type Command-E to disconnect
the DP-008EX.

2. After the DP-008EX icon disappears from the
desktop, remove the USB cable.

This unit restarts and the Home Screen appears

on the display.

TIP

Depending on the OS version or OS settings you
might also be able to eject the “DP-008EX” icon
by clicking an eject button next to it in the Finder
window or by using a control key.

1. Left-click on this icon to open a pop-up bar. Click
this pop-up bar to disconnect this unit from the
computer.

TASCAM DP-008EX

76

12 – Exchanging Data with a Computer

Song backup and restoration

Song backup saves not only audio tracks, but also
backs up editing data and other song data. Song
restoration is the reverse of this process. In short,
song files are transferred from the computer to the
FAT partition of the unit and then used to restore the
song.

Backing-up songs

Before starting a backup, check that the MTR partition
that has the song that you want to backup is selected.
(See “Selecting the active partition” on page 37.)

1. When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU
button to open the

2. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

DATA BACKUP

button to open the

3. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

SONG BACKUP

button to open the

A list of songs in the currently selected MTR

partition appears.

MENU

screen.

item, and press the F4 [t]

DATA BACKUP

item, and press the F4 [t]

SONG BACKUP

screen.

screen.

6. After setting the name (title), press the F2 [EXEC]
button.

A backup copy of the song on the active partition

is made on the FAT partition (“.001” is added as an
extension).

A

Writing File

the display while backing up.

When the backup is complete, the

BACKUP

screen reopens.

NOTE

If the open space necessary to back up a song is
not available on the FAT par tition, a

Large

(the file is larger than the available open
space) pop-up message appears. In this case,
connect this unit and a computer, and erase
unnecessary files on the partition using the
computer to make enough open space.

7. Connect this unit to a computer using the USB
cable. (See “Connecting with a computer” on
page 75.)

8. Use the computer to copy backup files from the
BACKUP directory on the FAT partition of the unit
to the computer.

9. When done backing up, end the USB connection.
(See “Disconnecting” on page 76.)

CAUTION

•

If you use a computer to change the name of a
song file that has been backed up, use no more
than eight ordinary English letters and numbers.

•

Do not change the file extension.

pop-up message appears on

DATA

It's too

4. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the song
you want to back up, and press the F4 [NEXT]
button.

A screen appears that allows you to edit the file

name (title) of the song selected on the

BACKUP

screen.

5. Edit the name (title) of the song being backed up
as necessary. (See “Editing names” on page 38.)

SONG

TASCAM DP-008EX

77

12 – Exchanging Data with a Computer

Restoring songs

Basically, restoring is the reverse of backing up. In
short, transfer a backup file on a computer to this unit
to restore a song.

1. Connect this unit to a computer using the USB
cable. (See “Connecting with a computer” on
page 75.)

2. Use the computer to copy backup files from the
computer to the BACKUP directory on the FAT
partition of the unit.

3. When done copying, remove the USB cable using
the proper procedures and disconnect the unit
from the computer. (See “Disconnecting” on page

76.)

4. After this unit restarts automatically, press the
MENU button to open the

5. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

DATA BACKUP

button to open the

6. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

SONG RESTORE

button to open the

item, and press the F4 [t]

item, and press the F4 [t]

MENU

screen.

DATA BACKUP

SONG RESTORE

screen.

screen.

7. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the file
that you want to restore, and press the F2 [EXEC]
button.

The actual song name and an

confirmation pop-up message appear.

NOTE

If the file name is short, spaces appear after the file
name on the FAT partition, but those spaces are
not included in the actual file name.

8. Press the F3 [YES] button.

After the currently loaded song is saved, the song

selected in step 7 is restored and loaded.

NOTE

If there is not enough open space on the SD card, a

Ca rd Full

9. Press the HOME button to reopen the Home
Screen.

pop-up message appears.

Are yo u s ure?

This screen shows the backup files on the FAT

partition.

NOTE

A

File No t Fou nd

pop-up message appears if there are no files on
the FAT partition.

TASCAM DP-008EX

78

(the file cannot be found)

12 – Exchanging Data with a Computer

Track import and export

You can import and export individual tracks between
a computer and this unit’s FAT partition.

Files that can be imported/exported as tracks must be
in the WAV format (with the “.WAV” extension).

You can import and export both mono and stereo
files.

If you want to import an audio file that is of a different
format, you must first convert it to a 16-bit, 44.1kHz
mono/stereo WAV file.

Importing to tracks

Before importing a track, first select the partition with
the song that you want to import it into as the active
partition. Then, load the song that you want to import
tracks into. (See “Selecting the active partition” on
page 37.)

1. Connect the unit to a computer using the
included USB cable. (See “Connecting with a
computer” on page 75.)

2. Use the computer to copy WAV files on its drive
to the WAVE directory in this unit’s FAT partition.

NOTE

The files to be copied must have single-byte alpha­numeric character names (8 characters or less). If
you try to copy a file with double-byte characters,
it cannot be imported because the file name will
not appear on the display in step 6 below.

3. After you have imported the track files from
the computer, remove the USB cable using the
proper procedures and disconnect the unit from
the computer. (See “Disconnecting” on page

76.)

4. After this unit restarts automatically, press the
MENU button to open the

5. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

IMPORT/EXPORT

button to open the

IMPORT/EXPORT

MENU

screen.

item, and press the F4 [t]

IMPORT/EXPORT

screen appears.

screen.

6. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

IMPORT TRACK

button.

Song files on the FAT partition are shown.

NOTE

•

This unit does not support WAV files with sampling
frequencies other than 44.1 kHz. Such files are not
displayed even if they have been imported. If no
files that can be imported are on the FAT partition,
an

Impo rt File No t Fou nd

appears.

•

If the file name is short, spaces appear after the file
name on the FAT partition, but those spaces are
not included in the actual file name.

7. Use the D ATA wheel to select the WAV file that
you want to import, and press the F2 [NEXT]
button.

The amount of open space on the MTR partition

and the size of the selected WAV file appear on
the display.

8. Use the D ATA wheel to select the track to which
you want to import the WAV file, and press the F4
[EXEC] button to start importing.

NOTE

•

If there is not enough open space, an

File Too La rg e

large) warning pop-up message appears.

•

The track that is the destination for the import
must be empty. This unit reads the file from the FAT
partition, and imports it to the designated track.
The beginning of the file is set at the start of the
song (00h00m00s00f). In the same way as other
recording tracks, you can edit the track that has
received the imported file. (See “8 – Editing Tracks”
on page 56.)

•

When importing stereo WAV files, it is necessary to
have an open pair of tracks or a stereo track.

9. When done importing, press the HOME button
to return to the Home Screen.

item, and press the F4 [t]

pop-up message

Imp or t

(the file to be imported is too

TASCAM DP-008EX

79

12 – Exchanging Data with a Computer

Exporting tracks

You can export the tracks that you want as 16-bit,

44.1kHz mono and stereo WAV files.

1. When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU
button to open the

2. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

IMPORT/EXPORT

button to open the

3. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

EXPORT TRACK

button to open the

On this screen, song tracks that have audio files

are shown in a list.

You can tell the original track number by the file

name.

TIP

Press the F3 [NAME] button to open the

E DIT

screen where you can edit the file name. (See

“Editing names” on page 38.)

MENU

screen.

item, and press the F4 [t]

IMPORT/EXPORT

item, and press the F4 [t]

EXPORT TRACK

screen.

screen.

NAME

4. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) a track
to export, and press the F4 [✔] button to put a ✔
in its checkbox.

By putting ✔ marks in multiple checkboxes, you

can export multiple tracks at the same time.

NOTE

To remove a ✔ from a checkbox select (highlight)
that track and press the F4 [✔] button.

5. When you finish selecting (putting a ✔ next to)
the tracks that you want to export, press the F2
[NEXT] button.

The amount of open space on the FAT partition

(which is the destination for the exported tracks)
and the total number of tracks to be exported is
shown.

TIP

In step 4 above, after selecting (highlighting) a
track (but before adding any ✔ marks), if you press
the F2 [NEXT] button the selected track alone will
be exported.

6. Press the F4 [EXEC] button.

The selected tracks are exported to the FAT

partition with the edited file name with the “.WAV”
extension added as the track file name.

If you have previously exported a track file with

the same name (title), a

you su re?

exists. Are you sure that you want to overwrite
it?) confirmation pop-up message appears.

(A file with the same name already

Duplicate n am e A re

NOTE

Song tracks that do not have audio files are not
shown in the file list.

TASCAM DP-008EX

80

Press the F3 [YES] button to overwrite the old file.
Press the F4 [NO] button to cancel the export and

return to the file list screen.

7. Press the HOME button to reopen the Home
Screen.

8. Connect this unit to a computer. (See “Connecting
with a computer” on page 75.)

9. Use the computer to copy track files from the
WAVE folder on the FAT partition to the computer.

12 – Exchanging Data with a Computer

10. After exporting track files to the computer,
remove the USB cable using the proper proce­dures and disconnect the unit from the computer.
(See “Disconnecting” on page 76.)

NOTE

•

You can change the name of an exported track file
on the computer. If you do so, use no more than
8 English letters and numbers for the name and
always follow them with the “.WAV” extension.
Furthermore, do not use special symbols, for
example.

•

Exported files are given names according to their
source tracks in the following manner.

TRACK 1: “EX000_1.WAV”
TRACK 2: “EX000_2.WAV”
TRACK 3: “EX000_3.WAV”
TRACK 4: “EX000_4.WAV”

Exporting stereo master tracks

When you create a new stereo master track for a song,
the existing stereo master track is overwritten, so if
you want to keep multiple different stereo master
tracks, you should save them to a computer.

Before starting the following export procedures,
make sure that the song for which you want to export
a stereo master track is currently loaded and that you
have already created a stereo master track for it.

1. When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU
button to open the

2. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

IMPORT/EXPORT

button to open the

MENU

screen.

item, and press the F4 [t]

IMPORT/EXPORT

screen.

4. Edit the name (title) of the stereo master file as
necessary. (See “Editing names” on page 38.)

5. When done editing the file name, press the F2
[EXEC] button to export a stereo master track as
a single 16-bit, 44.1kHz stereo WAV file to the FAT
partition.

The file name of the exported file is the name set

in step 4 above plus the “.WAV” extension.

If you have previously exported a stereo master

track with the same name (title), a

nam e A re you su re?

name already exists. Are you sure that you want
to overwrite it?) confirmation pop-up message
appears.

Press the F3 [YES] button to overwrite the old file.
Press the F4 [NO] button to cancel the export and

return to the previous screen where you can edit
the name (title).

6. Press the HOME button to reopen the Home
Screen.

7. Connect this unit to a computer using a USB
cable. (See “Connecting with a computer” on
page 75.)

8. Use the computer to copy the stereo master file
from the WAVE directory on the FAT partition of
the unit to the computer.

9. After copying finishes, remove the USB cable
using the proper procedures and disconnect the
unit from the computer. (See “Disconnecting” on
page 76.)

(A file with the same

Duplicate

3. Use the D ATA wheel to select (highlight) the

EXPORT MASTER

button to open the

NOTE

A

Mast er Track No t Found

message appears if there is no stereo master track.

item, and press the F4 [t]

EXPORT MASTER

screen.

warning pop-up

TASCAM DP-008EX

81

13 – Mastering compressor settings

Mastering compressor preset library

The mastering compressor preset library contains the following presets.

8

Multiband compressor presets

Preset name Description

Basic CD M. Good for basic CD mastering
POP Makes the sound quality more showy, bringing out low frequencies and especially empha-

POP Rock1 While bringing out the high frequencies, this also increases the impact of mid-range

POP Rock2 Applies even more compression than the “POP Rock1” setting
Rock1 Brings out a full low end suitable for rock
Rock2 Emphasizes low and high frequencies even more than “Rock1” for a sound that stands out
Classic Smooth compression suitable for classical music
Dance Suitable for dance music, this preset emphasizes very high and very low frequencies
R&B Hip Hop Good for R&B and hip-hop, this puts strong compression on high frequencies and adds punch

8

Singleband compressor presets

Preset name Description

Basic Comp Basic setting for evening out the level
Basic Limit Basic limiter setting
Hard Comp Results in fairly deep compression
Hard Limit Deep limiter setting

If distortion occurs when using the compressor, lower the gain of the compressor bands or mix down the tracks
again, making sure that the maximum levels are just low enough so that the overload (OL) indicators do not
light. By making these adjustments, you should be able to increase the sound pressure effectively with good
balance.

sizing high frequencies

frequencies

to low frequencies

Mastering compressor preset default parameter settings

The default settings of the mastering compressor presets are as follows.

Lib TYPE

BASIC CD M. 3Band -16dB -11dB -15dB 3.0:1 3.0:1 3.0:1 +6dB +5dB +6dB −
POP 3Band -13dB -13dB -11dB 4.0:1 4.0:1 4.0:1 +8dB +2dB +6dB −
POP Rock 1 3Band -13dB -13dB -11dB 4.0:1 4.0:1 4.0:1 +7dB +2dB +6dB −
POP Rock 2 3Band -15dB -13dB -11dB 6.0:1 6.0:1 6.0:1 +7dB +2db +5dB −
Rock 1 3Band -17dB -13dB -11dB 2.0:1 2.0:1 3.0:1 +4dB +2dB +3dB −
Rock 2 3Band -17dB -13dB -11dB 2.0:1 2.0:1 4.0:1 +8dB +2dB +3dB −
Classic 3Band -15dB -13dB -15dB 1.5:1 1.5:1 1.5:1 +3dB +5dB +3dB −
Dance 3Band -14dB -13dB -16dB 4.0:1 1.5:1 4.0:1 +8dB +2dB +5dB −
R&B HipHop 3Band -20dB -13dB -19dB 8.0:1 2.0:1 6.0:1 +11dB +1dB +8dB −
Basic Comp 1Band -16dB 2.0:1 +2dB On
Basic Limit 1Band -18dB 16:1 +2dB On
Hard Comp 1Band -24dB 2.5:1 +2dB On
Hard Limit 1Band -24dB 16:1 +1dB On

TASCAM DP-008EX

82

Threshold Ratio Level

High Mid Low High Mid Low High Mid Low

Makeup

Auto

14 – Troubleshooting

When working with any new piece of equipment like the unit, it’s sometimes difficult to work out with something
isn’t happening the way you expect. The main thing is to take your time—after all, you’re not paying hourly
studio rates! Stop and think. Ask yourself questions, like the ones below, and you can usually find the answer.

Also, see the “Messages Lists” section on page 84 for the meaning of messages that may pop up on the display.
Consult this table when a message appears when an operation cannot be completed by the unit.

Why can’t I hear any sound when I play back?

• Are the LEVEL knobs of the tracks set to high
enough?

• Is the MASTER LEVEL knob set to high
enough?

• Have you properly connected the PHONE or
LINE OUT jack to headphones or an external
monitoring system (powered monitor speakers
or an amplifier and speakers)?
Is the external monitoring system set up
correctly?

• Has the VOLUME dial on the back of the unit
been raised to a suitable level?

Why does the sound I'm recording sound
distorted?

• Are the LEVEL knobs of the INPUT A or INPUT
B on the top panel of the unit set too high? Is

the input source too loud?

• Is the monitoring level too high, causing
distortion from the external monitoring system
(powered monitor speakers or an amplifier and
speakers)?

Why can’t I record?

• When you press the Play (7) button while
pressing and holding the Record (0) button to
start recording, is at least one track in recording
standby (REC indicator lit)?

• Are inputs assigned to tracks? (See “Assigning
inputs” on page 44.)

Why can’t my computer “see” the unit files?

• Is the unit connected to the computer via
the USB terminal? (See “Connecting with a
computer” on page 75.)

• Before making the USB connection, songs,
tracks, or stereo masters are backed up or
exported to the FAT partition?
Files on an MTR partition cannot be directly
accessed from a computer

When using the AC adaptor, noise occurs if I
connect a passive guitar or bass directly.

• Connecting another device to the unit’s LINE
OUT jack might reduce the noise.

• This might be caused by interference noise
from another device. If there is a power
amplifier or other device that uses a large
transformer, a fluorescent light or something
similar nearby, you might be able to reduce the
noise by changing the distance and orientation
of this unit in relation to such equipment.

TASCAM DP-008EX

83

15 – Message Lists

The following popup messages alert you to conditions that may arise while you are using the unit. Consult this
table if you see something you do not understand.

Messages Meaning and remedy

The batteries have no remaining charge.

Battery Empty

Battery Low

Card Full

Empty Export Track

File Not Found

I/O Too Short

Import File Not
Found

Import File Too
Large

In Bounce Mode

In Mixdown Mode

In Master Mode

In Punch Mode

In Repeat Mode

Invalid Card

This appears when the batteries have no remaining charge.
Replace the batteries with new ones or use a TASCAM PS-P520 AC adapter (sold

separately).
The batteries have little remaining charge.
This appears if you try to start recording when the batteries are low.
Replace the batteries with new ones or use a TASCAM PS-P520 AC adapter (sold

separately).
The SD card is full during recording.
Export or delete unneeded data to make room on the card or use a different SD card.
There is no recorded data for the export track.
This appears if you tried to export a track from the song that does not have any

recordings. (See “Track import and export” on page 79.)
Export tracks from songs with recordings.
The file cannot be found.
This appears if you try to restore a song when the FAT Partition does not have any backed

up songs. (See “Song backup and restoration” on page 77.)
The IN and OUT points are too close together.
This appears if you try to activate repeat playback mode when the IN and OUT points are

too close together. Make sure the IN and OUT points are at least 2 frames apart. (See “Using
repeat playback” on page 53.)

The file you are trying to import cannot be found.
You are trying to import a WAV file from the FAT partition when there are no WAV files

there. (See “Importing to tracks” on page 79.)
Connect the unit to a PC and transfer some files to the FAT partition for import.
The file you are trying to import is too large.
You are trying to import a WAV file from the FAT partition that is too large for the

remaining space on the partition. Free up some space on the (native) partion and try
again.

The unit is in
You tried to perform an action that cannot be done while in
The unit is in
You tried to perform an action that cannot be done while in
The unit is in
You tried to perform an action that cannot be done while in
The unit is in punch in/out mode.
You tried to use a function that is not allowed when punch in/out mode is active.
The unit is in repeat playback mode.
You tried to perform an action that cannot be done while in Repeat mode.
The SD card installed in the card slot is in a format that cannot be used by this unit.
Insert another SD card after turning the unit OFF or format the card (put in standby) by

opening the

BOUNCE

mode.

MIXDOWN

MASTERING

MENU

mode.

, selecting

mode.

CARD

and then selecting

BOUNCE

MIXDOWN

MASTERING

FORMAT

mode.

mode.

mode.

.

TASCAM DP-008EX

84

Messages Meaning and remedy

The song file is too large.
You are trying to backup a song file that is larger than the open space available on the

It’s too Large

Master Track Not
Found

Master Track Too
Large

No Armed Track

No Disk Space

No Master Trk

No Song

No Undo Histry

No SD Card

Not Stopped

Now Recording

Protected Card

Same Track

SD Size Error

FAT partition. (See “Song backup and restoration” on page 77.)
Format the FAT partition (see “Reformatting FAT partitions” on page 74) or connect the

unit to a computer and make more space on the partition by deleting unneeded files, for
example.

The stereo master track cannot be found.
This appears if you try to export a stereo master track from a song that does not have one

recorded. (See “Exporting stereo master tracks” on page 81.)
Create a stereo master track and then export it.
The stereo master track is too large.
You tried to export a stereo master track that is larger than the open space available on

the FAT partition. (See “Exporting stereo master tracks” on page 81.)
Reformat the FAT partition (See “Reformatting FAT partitions” on page 74.) or connect

the unit to a computer and delete unneeded files, for example, to make more space
available.

There is no track in recording standby (armed).
You tried to switch to auto punch in/out mode without putting one or more tracks into

recording standby. (See “Using automatic punching in/out” on page 55.)
Switch to auto punch in/out mode after putting one or more tracks into recording

standby.
There is not enough space.
This appears if you try to create or copy a song when the MTR partition does not have

enough space.
Delete songs (See “Erasing songs” on page 40.) or format the SD card (See “Formatting

SD cards” on page 72.), for example, to make more space available.
There is no master track.
This appears if you try to select a stereo master track that does not exist as the source

track when cloning tracks. (See “CLONE TRACK (track duplication)” on page 60.)
Create a stereo master track or select a different source track.
There is no song.
You are trying to load a song from a partition that has no songs on it. (See “Loading a

saved song” on page 38.)
Change partitions. (See “Selecting the active partition” on page 37.)
There is no undo operation history.
There are no actions to be undone. (See “Erasing the operation history” on page 50.)
No SD card has been loaded.
Turn OFF the unit (put it in standby) and then insert an SD card.
The recorder is not stopped.
This appears when the recorder is not stopped and you push the UN/REDO [HISTORY]

button or any other button that only functions when the recorder is stopped.
The unit is currently recording.
This appears when you try to perform a menu action while recording. There are also other

operations that cannot be done while recording.
The SD card installed in the unit is write-protected.
To record or edit, turn off (in standby) the unit and un-protect the SD card.
You have set the same track.
In the clone track settings you have set the same track for both

DESTINATION TRK

The capacity of the SD card installed in the unit is too small for this unit to use.
Use an SD card larger than 512 MB.

.

15 – Message Lists

SOURCE TRK

and

TASCAM DP-008EX

85

15 – Message Lists

Messages Meaning and remedy

The song is protected.

Song Protected

Too Many songs

Track Full

Trk Edit Fail

Trk Too Short

Work Memory Full

Audio Rst Fail
Device Error
FileErr
FX Busy
FX Rx Failed
I/F Error
Mount Error
SaveParam Fail
SD-Card Error!
SD Not Found
SD Read Busy
SD Write Busy

This message appears when you try to record to, edit or otherwise change a protected
song.

Remove protection from the song before trying to change it. (See “Protecting songs” on
page 41.)

It is not possible to create any more songs.
You have 250 songs on one partition. You must delete some before you can create

another song.
Tracks have already been recorded.
This appears if you try to import when all the tracks have been recorded. (See “Importing

to tracks” on page 79.)
Track editing failed.
After saving the song, restart the unit’s power and conduct the edit again.
The track is too short.
This appears if you try to change the recorder to

points are less than four seconds apart. Set the IN and OUT points at least four seconds
apart. (See “Setting IN and OUT points” on page 53.)

The built-in work memory has become full.
Even if the SD card has enough remaining memory space, this error may occur when you

record a long song or edit a lot.
You might be able to continue the work if you clear the operation history to increase the

open work memory. (See “Erasing the operation history” on page 50.)
You might also be able to continue work by turning the unit OFF (putting it into standby)

once to increase the open work memory.

If any of these errors occur, turn the the unit power OFF and restart it.
If these error message continue to appear, please contact the nearest retailer or TASCAM

representative.

MIXDOWN

mode when the IN and OUT

TASCAM DP-008EX

86

16 – Specifications

Media and file systems

Recording media

SD card (512 MB–2 GB)
SDHC card (4 GB–32 GB)

File system

MTR partition: TASCAM original
FAT partition: FAT32

Inputs and outputs

Analog audio input and output

INPUT A connectors

• XLR [BALANCED]

Connector: XLR-3-31 (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)
Input impedance: 2.4 kΩ
Standard input level: −8 dBu
Maximum input level: +8 dBu

• Standard jack [UNBALANCED]

Connector: 6.3mm (1/4”) TS standard jack
Input impedance:
10 kΩ or more
(when INPUT A switch set to MIC/LINE)
1 MΩ
(when INPUT A switch set to GUITAR)
Standard input level: −10 dBV
Maximum input level: +6 dBV
Headroom: 16 dB

INPUT B connectors

• XLR [BALANCED]

Connector: XLR-3-31 (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)
Input impedance: 2.4 kΩ
Standard input level: −8 dBu
Maximum input level: +8 dBu

• Standard jack [UNBALANCED]

Connector: 6.3mm (1/4”) TS standard jack
Input impedance: 10 kΩ or more
Standard Input level: −10 dBV
Maximum Input level: +6 dBV
Headroom: 16dB

Built-in microphones

Omnidirectional x2

LINE OUT jacks

Connector: RCA pin jacks
Standard output level: −10 dBV
Maximum output level: +6 dBV

PHONES jack

Connector: 3.5 mm (1/8”) stereo mini jack
Maximum output level: 20mW+20mW (THD+N

0.1%, 32Ω)

Data input and output

USB jack

Connector: USB Mini-B 4-pin
Format: USB 2.0 HIGH SPEED mass storage class

Audio performance

Frequency response

INPUT(MIC/LINE) w LINE OUT: 20Hz–20kHz,

+1dB/−3dB

Distortion
INPUT(LINE) w LINE OUT: Less than 0.05%

S/N ratio
INPUT(MIC/LINE) w LINE OUT: More than 81dB

Operating requirements

For the latest information on compatible operating
systems, check the TASCAM website (http://tascam.
com/).

Supported operating systems

Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7
Mac OS X 10.2 and later

General

Power

Four AA batteries (alkaline or nickel-metal

hydride) or
TASCAM PS-P520 AC adaptor (sold separately)

Power consumption

2.4W (maximum)

TASCAM DP-008EX

87

16 – Specifications

Continuous battery operation time (continuous
use)

• When using alkaline batteries (EVOLTA)

Continuous
operation

About 5.5 hours

About 6.0 hours

(JEITA standards used for recording and
playback)

• When using nickel-metal hydride batteries
(eneloop)

Continuous
operation

About 6.5 hours

About 7.0 hours

(JEITA standards used for recording and
playback)

Note

Using line input and
recording

Using headphones and
playing back

Note

Using line input and
recording

Using headphones and
playing back

Dimensions

Dimensions (W x H x D) (including protrusions)

221 x 44.3 x 126.5 mm

8.7 x 1.74 x 4.98 in.

Weight (w/o batteries)

610g / 1.34lbs

Operating temperature range

5–35°C

Backup memory

This unit backs up the following settings and retains
them even when OFF (in standby).

•

INPUT SETTING

(not including input equalizers)

• The following

o Repeat Int
o Contrast
o Back Light
o Auto Power Save
o FootSW Polarity

screen items

PREFERENCE

screen items

126.5mm

221mm 44.3mm

•

Illustrations and other depictions may differ in part from the actual product.

•

Specifications and external appearance may be changed without notification to improve the product.

TASCAM DP-008EX

88

Block diagram

16 – Specifications

TASCAM DP-008EX

89

17 – Commonly-used Functions

This section is a brief guide to some operations on the DP-008EX which may not be immediately obvious from
looking at the panel controls.

• Button names are indicated like this: REPEAT.

• MENUeCARDeFORMAT, meaning “press the MENU button, select the
FORMAT action”.

• Indications such as REVERB + EQ mean, “press the EQ button while pressing and holding the REVERB
button”.

• Complex operations are not shown completely in this table.

How to Execution method (buttons used) For details see

Format the FAT partition MENUeCARDeFAT REFORMAT

Set the IN point /OUT point IN/OUT, F3, F4

Edit the IN and OUT points IN/OUTeF2

Use the USB connection

Remove the USB connection Disconnect the unit from a PC “Disconnecting” on page 76

Import a WAV file to a track

Choose another partition as the
active partition

Tune a guitar or bass TUNER “Tuner” on page 69

Find out the current partition MENUeINFORMATION

Make all of an SD card usable by
a PC

Format an SD card MENUeCARDeFORMAT “Formatting SD cards” on page 72
Create a new song MENUeSONGeCREATE “Creating a new song” on page 39

Create a stereo master track

Export a stereo master track to a
computer

Redo one operation UN/REDO[HISTORY]

Undo one operation UN/REDO[HISTORY]

Name a song MENUeSONGeNAME EDIT “Editing names” on page 38
Protect a song MENUeSONGePROTECT “Protecting songs” on page 41
Un-protect a song MENUeSONGePROTECT “Protecting songs” on page 41

Display the song name (title) MENUeINFORMATION

Copy a song MENUeSONGeCOPY “Copying songs” on page 40
Delete a song MENUeSONGeERASE “Erasing songs” on page 40

Back up a song to a PC

Save a song MENUeSONGeSAVE “Saving a song” on page 39
Load a song MENUeSONGeLOAD “Loading a saved song” on page 38

Delete the whole of a track TRACK EDITeCLEAN OUT

Insert silence at a point in a
track

TASCAM DP-008EX

90

Connect the unit and a PC with the
USB cable.

MENUeIMPORT/EXPORT
eIMPORT TRACK

MENUeCARDePARTITION

MENUeCARDeSD INITIALIZE “Initializing SD cards” on page 74

BOUNCE/MIXDOWN/MASTERING
eMIXDOWN

MENUeIMPORT/EXPORT
eEXPORT MASTER

MENUeDATA BACKUP
eSONG BACKUP

TRACK EDITeOPEN “OPEN (insert silence)” on page 59

CARD

menu, and then the

“Reformatting FAT partitions” on page
74

“Setting IN and OUT points” on page
53

“Setting IN and OUT points” on page
53

“Connecting with a computer” on
page 75

“Importing to tracks” on page 79

“Selecting the active partition” on
page 37

“Viewing song information” on page
39

“Creating stereo master tracks” on
page 62

“Exporting stereo master tracks” on
page 81

“Undoing operations (undo)” on page
49

“Undoing operations (undo)” on page
49

“Viewing song information” on page
39

“Song backup and restoration” on
page 77

“CLEAN OUT (track erase)” on page
60

17 – Commonly-used Functions

How to Execution method (buttons used) For details see

Cut and close up part a track TRACK EDITeCUT “CUT (remove part)” on page 59
Remove a section of a track and

replace it with silence

Make a copy of a track TRACK EDITeCLONE TRACK

Export a track's contents to PC

Bounce tracks

Format one partition MENUeCARDeREFORMAT

Restore a song from a computer

Ping-pong (bounce) to ohter
tracks

Metronome settings METRONOME “Metronome” on page 69
Use the metronome METRONOME “Metronome” on page 69
Find out how much time is left

for recording
Playback a created stereo master

track
Use mastering effects on a

stereo master track

Use the built-in mic INPUT SETTING/EQ/DYN

Record a guitar INPUT SETTING/EQ/DYN

Change the track to which
INPUT A/B is assigned

Change the repeat interval used
during repeat playback

Use the automatic power saving
function

Change the display contrast MENUePREFERENCE “Adjusting the contrast” on page 36
Use reverb REVERB “Reverb” on page 61

Use equalizer on an input signal INPUT SETTING/EQ/DYNeF2

Use a dynamics effect on an
input sound

Use equalizer on a track EQ “Track equalizers” on page 61
Use phantom power PHANTOM “Phantom power” on page 42
Mute the track playback sound REVERB + EQ “Muting tracks” on page 62

TRACK EDITeSILENCE “SILENCE (part erase)” on page 60

“CLONE TRACK (track duplication)” on
page 60

MENUeIMPORT/EXPORT
eEXPORT TRACK

BOUNCE/MIXDOWN/MASTERING
eBOUNCE

MENUeDATA BACKUPeSONG
RESTORE

BOUNCE/MIXDOWN/MASTERING
eBOUNCE

MENUeINFORMATION

BOUNCE/MIXDOWN/MASTERING
eMASTERING

BOUNCE/MIXDOWN/MASTERING
eMASTERING

ASSIGN “Assigning inputs” on page 44

MENUePREFERENCE

MENUePREFERENCE

INPUT SETTING/EQ/DYNeF3

“Exporting tracks” on page 80

“Bouncing tracks” on page 51

“Reformatting MTR partitions” on
page 73

“Song backup and restoration” on
page 77

“Bouncing tracks” on page 51

“Viewing song information” on page
39

“Checking stereo master tracks” on
page 64

“Mastering stereo master tracks” on
page 64

“Selecting the input source” on page
42

“Selecting the input source” on page
42

“Setting the time between repetitions
(repeat interval)” on page 54

“Automatic power saving function” on
page 70

“Using the input equalizers” on page
44

“Using input dynamics effects” on
page 45

TASCAM DP-008EX

91

DP-008EX

TEAC CORPORATION

Phone: [phone] http://tascam.jp/
1-47 Ochiai, Tama-shi, Tokyo 206-8530 Japan

TEAC AMERICA, INC.
Phone: [phone] http://tascam.com/
7733 Telegraph Road, Montebello, California 90640 USA

TEAC MEXICO, S.A. de C.V.
Phone: [phone] http://teacmexico.net/
Río Churubusco 364, Colonia Del Carmen, Delegación Coyoacán, CP 04100, México DF, México

TEAC UK LIMITED
Phone: [phone] http://tascam.eu/
Suites 19 & 20, Building 6, Croxley Green Business Park, Hatters Lane, Watford, Hertfordshire. WD18 8TE, U.K.

TEAC EUROPE GmbH
Phone: [phone] http://tascam.eu/
Bahnstrasse 12, 65205 Wiesbaden-Erbenheim, Germany

Printed in China