Tascam DP-03SD Users Manual

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DP-03SD
Digital Portastudio
OWNER'S MANUAL
D01209720B
Page 2
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.
For Canada
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR
SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
THIS CLASS B DIGITAL APPARATUS COMPLIES WITH CANADIAN ICES-003.CET
APPAREIL NUMERIQUE DE LA CLASSE B EST CONFORME A LA NORME NMB-003 DU CANADA.
For U.S.A.
This equipment complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1) This device may not cause interference and
2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
INFORMATION 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.
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
We, TEAC EUROPE GmbH. Bahnstrasse 12, 65205 Wiesbaden-Erbenheim, Germany declare in own responsibility, the TEAC product described in this manual is in compliance with the corresponding technical standards.
IN USA/CANADA, USE ONLY ON 120 V SUPPLY.
2 TASCAM DP-03SD
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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 ampliers) 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 t 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
specied 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.
• CAUTION for products that use replaceable lithium batteries: there is danger of explosion if a battery is replaced with an incorrect type of battery. Replace only with the same or equivalent type.
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.
For China
ª
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.
“仅适用于海拔2000m以下地区安全使用”
“仅适用于非熱帯气候条件下安全使用”
“環境保護使用年限”
产品有毒有害物质或元素的名称及含量
机种 : DP-03SD 有毒有害物质或元素
品名
1 CHASSIS部份 ○ ○ 2 线材部份 ○ 3 PCB Assy部份 × ○ 4 电源部份 ○ 5 附属品部份 × ○ 6 SEAL部份 ○ 7 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)
(Pb)汞(Hg)镉(Cd)
六价铬
多溴联苯
(Cr6+)
TASCAM DP-03SD 3
(PBB)
多溴二苯醚
(PBDE)
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Contents
1 – Introduction ..............................................6
Features .................................................................................. 6
Product parts ........................................................................ 6
About this manual .............................................................. 6
Intellectual property rights ............................................. 6
Precautions for placement and use ..............................7
Beware of condensation ...................................................7
Cleaning the unit ................................................................. 7
About SD cards .................................................................... 7
Precautions for use ...................................................... 7
Using the TEAC Global Site .............................................. 7
User registration .................................................................. 7
2 – Quick Start Guides ....................................8
Playback and mixing .......................................................... 8
Preparations ................................................................... 8
Listening to the demo song .....................................9
Recording and mastering ..............................................10
Creating a new song .................................................10
Connecting and setting the input sources ....... 11
Set the guitar as the recording source
for TRACK 1 ................................................................... 11
Adjusting and monitoring the input level ........ 11
Recording a guitar to TRACK 1 ..............................12
Playing back the recording .....................................13
Recording a guitar to TRACK 2 ..............................13
Recording a vocal to TRACK 3 ................................14
Mixing the tracks ........................................................ 15
Mastering a stereo track .......................................... 16
Shutting down ................................................................... 18
5 – Song Management ..................................30
Partitions and songs ........................................................30
Editing names .....................................................................30
Loading a saved song ......................................................30
Creating a new song ........................................................30
Saving a song .....................................................................30
Viewing song information .............................................31
Copying songs ...................................................................31
Erasing songs ......................................................................31
Protecting songs ............................................................... 32
6 – Basic Recording .......................................33
Selecting the input sources ...........................................33
Using phantom power ...................................................33
Monitoring input signals ................................................ 33
OL indicators and level meters ....................................34
Assigning inputs ................................................................34
Using input EQ (equalizer) .............................................34
Making the first recording ............................................ 35
Multitrack recording ........................................................35
Prepare tracks for recording ..................................35
Track pan and level settings ................................... 35
Input selection and assignment ...........................35
Setting input levels ....................................................36
Record additional tracks ..........................................36
Undoing an operation ....................................................36
Undoing the last operation (single undo) .........36
Cancelling an undo operation (redo) .................36
Undoing a previous operation (multi-undo) ...36
Erasing the operation history ................................37
3 – Names and Functions of Parts ...............19
Home Screen ..................................................................... 24
Menu structure .................................................................. 24
Screen operations .............................................................25
4 – Preparations ............................................26
Preparing the power and the SD card .......................26
Installing an SD card ................................................26
Ejecting the card .......................................................26
Preparing the power .................................................26
Startup & shutdown ......................................................... 27
Starting up the unit ...................................................27
Shutting down ............................................................ 27
Formatting SD cards ........................................................ 27
Recorder modes ................................................................28
Connecting other equipment ......................................28
Rear panel .....................................................................28
Left side panel ............................................................. 29
Adjusting the contrast .....................................................29
4 TASCAM DP-03SD
7 – Recorder Functions .................................38
Punching in and out.........................................................38
Using the foot switch to punch in/out ...............38
Setting the foot switch .............................................38
Bouncing tracks .................................................................39
Using the bounce function .....................................39
Confirming the result................................................39
Locate and search functions ......................................... 39
Direct locate function ............................................... 39
Location marks ..................................................................40
To set a location mark ...............................................40
To move to a location mark ....................................40
To delete a location mark ........................................40
To edit a location mark .............................................40
Return To Zero (TO ZERO) and
Last Recording Position (TO LAST REC) .............. 41
Fast forward/rewind search ....................................41
Repeat playback ................................................................ 41
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Contents
Using IN, OUT and TO points .................................41
Using repeat playback ..............................................42
Setting the interval between repetitions ..........42
Automatically punching in and out ...........................43
Rehearsal ....................................................................... 43
Using auto punch in/out to record ......................43
8 – Editing Tracks ..........................................44
Overview of track editing...............................................44
Editing points ..............................................................44
Basic editing procedures ........................................44
Explanation of items .................................................44
COPY/PASTE ....................................................................... 45
COPY/INSERT ......................................................................45
MOVE/PASTE ......................................................................46
MOVE/INSERT ....................................................................46
OPEN (insert silence) .......................................................46
CUT (remove part) ............................................................47
SILENCE (part erase) ........................................................47
CLONE track (track duplication) ...................................47
CLEAN out (track erase) ...................................................47
9 – Mixing down and mastering tracks .......48
Mixing down tracks ..........................................................48
Levels and balance ....................................................48
Stereo position (panning) ......................................48
Track EQ (equalizer) ..................................................48
Reverb ...........................................................................48
Muting tracks ..............................................................49
Creating a stereo master track .....................................49
Setting the starting and ending points .............50
Recording a stereo master track ..........................50
Exiting MIXDOWN mode ........................................50
Checking the stereo master track ............................... 51
End stereo master track checking ........................ 51
Mastering the stereo master track .............................51
Mastering procedures ..............................................51
Using mastering EQ (equalizer) .............................52
Using mastering compression ..............................52
Using normalize ..........................................................53
Copying the stereo master track ..........................53
Exiting MASTERING mode ..................................... 53
Viewing information ........................................................ 56
11 – SD Card Management ...........................57
Overview of partitions ....................................................57
Formatting cards ............................................................... 57
Reformatting MTR partitions ........................................58
Reformatting the FAT partition ....................................58
Viewing the capacity of the MTR partition ..............59
Initializing SD cards .......................................................... 59
12 – Exchanging Data with a Computer ......60
Supported operating systems......................................60
Connecting with a computer .......................................60
Disconnecting .............................................................60
Song backup and restoration .......................................61
Backing-up songs.......................................................61
Restoring songs ..........................................................62
Track import and export .................................................63
Importing tracks .........................................................63
Exporting tracks .........................................................64
Exporting a stereo master track ..................................65
13 – Mastering compressor settings list .....66
Library of mastering compressor presets ................66
Masetring compressor parameters list ....................66
14 – Troubleshooting ....................................67
15 – Messages ...............................................68
General messages .............................................................68
16 – Specifications ........................................70
Ratings ..................................................................................70
Audio input/output ratings ...........................................70
Control input/output ratings ........................................ 70
Audio performance ..........................................................70
Computer requirements .................................................70
General .................................................................................71
Backup memory ................................................................ 71
17 – Commonly-used Functions ..................73
10 – Miscellaneous Functions ......................54
Metronome .........................................................................54
Tun er ......................................................................................54
Chromatic tuner mode .............................................54
Oscillator mode ...........................................................55
Automatic power saving function ..............................56
Restoring the initial preference settings ..................56
TASCAM DP-03SD 5
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1 – Introduction

Thank you for your purchase of TASCAM’s 8-Track Digital Portastudio, the DP-03SD.
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 TEAC Global Site (http://teac-global.com/).

Features

This unit uses SD cards for multitrack recording of 2 tracks simultaneously with up to 8 tracks of playback. Using the built­in mixer functions, multiple tracks can be mixed down to stereo to create a stereo master track.
Stereo master tracks created this way can be transferred to a computer that is connected by USB.
Moreover, since transferring data between the unit and a computer is possible, in addition to stereo master tracks, you can also copy the data for individual tracks and back up song files to a computer.
8-track Digital Portastudio that uses SD cards as recording
• media
Uses SD cards as recording media, and supports SDHC
• standards for large capacity cards of up to 32GB
Multitrack recorder functions include simultaneous 2-track
• recording and 8-track playback (44.1 kHz, 16-bit)
Nine 45-mm faders include eight track faders and one master
• level fader
Each track has independent REVERB and PAN adjustments
• and track selection buttons, as well as volume faders and
track select (REC) buttons
Input on two channels through standard 6.3-mm (1/4”) TRS
• jacks, XLR connectors or built-in microphones
XLR connectors can supply phantom power
• Built-in microphones can record mono tracks separately or a
• stereo track together
High-impedance guitar input supported by the standard jack
• on INPUT A
Graphic display (128 x 64 pixel) with backlighting
• Independent two-band equalizers can be used on each input
• and playback track
Mixing down to a dedicated master track possible
• Included mastering effects can be used on mixdowns of
• master tracks
Reverb effect can be adjusted independently for each
• playback track
Automatic punch in and out functions
• Track bounce function
• Track editing functions include COPY, MOVE, OPEN, CUT,
• SILENCE, CLONE and CLEAN OUT
Undo and redo functions, including multi-undo (and redo)
• using an operation history
Locate mark function
• Tuner and metronome functions
WAV files and backed-up songs on the FAT partition of the SD
• card can be moved and copied to a computer connected by
USB 2.0
Punch IN/OUT and other functions can be assigned to and
• controlled by foot switches (RC-3F, sold separately)

Product parts

The DP-03SD package contains the following items.
Take care when opening the package not to damage the items. Keep the package materials for transportation in the future.
Please contact the store where you purchased this unit if any of these items are missing or have been damaged during transportation.
Main unit ........................................................................................ 1
AC adaptor (TASCAM PS-1225L) ............................................ 1
Power cord for AC adaptor ...................................................... 1
SD card (in the unit) ...................................................................1
Owner’s manual (this document) .......................................... 1
The warranty is included at the end of this manual.

About this manual

In this manual, we use the following conventions:
The names of buttons and controls are given in the following
• typeface: MENU.
Messages on the unit’s display are shown like this:
• Characters that appear on a computer display are given in
• the following light typeface: OK
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. The functions displayed at the bottom of the screen above the buttons are sometimes shown after the button name in parentheses (e.g. F4 (¥) button, F2 ( button).
“SD memory card” is sometimes abbreviated as “SD card.”
• Additional information is introduced in the styles below
• when needed:
TIP
Useful hints when using the unit.
NOTE
Explanation of actions in special situation and supplement.
CAUTION
Instructions that should be followed to avoid injury, damage to the unit or other equipment, and loss of data.
MENU
EXEC
)

Intellectual property rights

TASCAM and PORTASTUDIO are trademarks of TEAC
• Corporation, registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Microsoft, Windows, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows
• 7 and Windows 8 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.
6 TASCAM DP-03SD
Page 7
Pentium and Intel are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the
• U.S. and/or other countries.
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.
1 – Introduction

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.

About SD cards

This unit uses SD cards for recording and playback. SD and SDHC cards that are at least 512 MB in size can be used. A list of SD cards that have been tested with this unit can be found on the TEAC Global Site (http://teac-global.com/).

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.
• Do not remove or insert an SD card when the power is ON

Using the TEAC Global Site

Precautions for placement and use

The operating temperature should be between 5°C and 35°C
• (41°F and 95°F).
Do not install in the following types of places. Doing so could
• degrade the sound quality and/or cause malfunctions.
Places with significant vibrations or that are otherwise
unstable
Near windows or other places exposed to direct sunlight
Near heaters or other extremely hot places
Extremely cold places
Places with bad ventilation or high humidity
Very dusty locations
• Make sure that the unit is mounted in a level position for
• correct operation.
Do not place any object on the unit for heat dissipation.
• Avoid installing this unit on top of any heat-generating
• electrical device such as a power amplifier.

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.
You can download the Owner’s Manual necessary for this unit from the TEAC Global Site (http://teac-global.com/).
1. Open the TEAC Global Site (http://teac-global.com/).
2. In the TASCAM Downloads section, click the desired language to open the Downloads website page for that language.
NOTE
If the desired language does not appear, click Other Languages.
3. Click the product name in the “Search by Model Name” section to open the Downloads page for that product.
4. Select and download the Owner’s Manual that are needed.

User registration

Customers in the USA, please visit the TASCAM website (http:// tascam.com/) to register as a user online.
TASCAM DP-03SD 7
Page 8

2 – Quick Start Guides

Playback and mixing

In this section, we will play back the demo song on the included SD card.
When this unit is purchased new, the SD card with the demo song on it is already installed in the unit, but we will start by explaining how to insert an SD card using the procedures below.

Preparations

1 Open the SD card slot cover on the left side panel and insert
the included SD card into the slot.
CAUTION
Be careful not to forcibly insert the card in the wrong direction. Doing so could damage the slot or the card.
There is a hook for holding the AC adaptor cord in place (cord holder) on the bottom panel. When using the adaptor, wrap the cord around this hook to prevent it from being disconnected during use.
4 Connect headphones to the PHONES jack on the rear panel.
Headphones
2 After inserting the SD card, close the card slot cover.
3 Connect the included AC adaptor (TASCAM PS-1225L) to the
DC IN 12V connector on the rear panel.
TASCAM PS-1225L
DC plug
CAUTION
Never use any adaptor other than the TASCAM PS-1225L AC adaptor (included), because it is designed for the power requirements of this unit. Use of a different adaptor could cause malfunction, fire or electric shock.
AC outlet
5 Press the STANDBY/ON button on the rear panel to turn the
power ON.
Startup Screen
After the unit starts the Home Screen appears on the display.
Home Screen
8 TASCAM DP-03SD
Page 9
2 – Quick Start Guides
CAUTION
Do not remove or insert an SD card when the power is ON.
• Always turn the power OFF (standby) before removing or
inserting a card.
If you remove or insert an SD card when the power is ON, all
• recorded data and settings made since the last time the unit
was shut down or a song was saved will be lost. These lost data and settings cannot be recovered.
When the power is ON, do not cut the power to the unit by
• disconnecting the power cord, for example.
Before turning the power ON, minimize the headphones
• volume and the volume on any monitoring system connected
to this unit.
TIP
If an amplifier or powered speakers are connected to the
LINE OUT jacks, you can monitor using speakers.

Listening to the demo song

The included SD card in the unit contains a demo song. We will use this demo song to practice listening to and mixing a recording.
1 Press the HOME button to open the Home Screen.
NOTE
When an item is selected, it appears as light characters on a dark background.
4 Use the DATA wheel to select the
F4 (¥) button to open the
shows a list of the songs on the card.
LOAD
item and press the
SONG LOAD
screen, which
2 When the Home Screen is open, press the MENU button to
open the
MENU
screen.
5 Use the DATA wheel to select
(
EXEC
) button to load the demo song and return to the
SONG
screen.
6 Press the HOME button to return to the Home Screen.
DEMO_03
and press the F2
3 Use the DATA wheel to select the
press the F4 (¥) button to open the
SONG
menu item and
SONG
screen.
7 Press the PLAY (Á) button, and raise the TRACK 1–8 faders,
MASTER fader and PHONES LEVEL knob to listen to the demo song.
TASCAM DP-03SD 9
Page 10
2 – Quick Start Guides
The MASTER fader adjusts the overall volume of TRACKS 1–8. The standard position of the MASTER fader is “0”.
Use TRACK 1–8 faders to adjust the balance of the tracks.
Use the PHONES LEVEL knob to adjust the final monitoring
volume.
8 Use the TRACK 1–8 PAN knobs to adjust the stereo position
of each track signal.

Recording and mastering

In this section we will practice multitrack recording. In the following example, we will explain how to record a rhythm guitar part with an electric guitar to track 1 and a lead guitar part to track 2. Then, we will use the built-in microphone to record vocals to track 3. Finally, we will mix down the tracks to stereo.
In this section, we assume that you have already followed the instructions in the previous section, and that you have connected monitoring equipment, started the unit and installed the SD card.
TIP
This example uses the built-in mic for recording vocals, but you could also connect an external mic to the INPUT A or
INPUT B connector on the rear panel and record with it.

Creating a new song

1 When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU button to
open the
MENU
screen.
TIP
Press the STOP (ª) and REW (Ô) (TO ZERO) buttons at
• the same time to return to the beginning of the song (ZERO
point) (TO ZERO function) .
If you press the wrong button and open a different screen,
• press the HOME button to return to the Home Screen at any
time.
10 TASCAM DP-03SD
2 Use the DATA wheel to select the
F4 (¥) button to open the
3 Use the DATA wheel to select the
the F4 (¥) button to open the
SONG
SONG CREATE
SONG
item, and press the
screen.
CREATE
item, and press
screen.
Page 11
The song that has been created is given the name (title) “
TRACK 1 REC indicator
SONG***
4 Change the name (title) of the song as necessary. (See
“Editing names” on page 30.)
5 Press the F2 (
song and create a new song.
6 Press the HOME button to return to the Home Screen.
“ (*** is a number).
EXEC
) button to save the currently loaded
2 – Quick Start Guides

Set the guitar as the recording source for TRACK 1

By default, the recording source for tracks 1, 3, 5 and 7 is set to INPUT A (“A”), and the recording source for tracks 2, 4, 6 and 8 is set to INPUT B (“B”). See “Assigning inputs” on page 34.
In the “Connecting and setting the input sources” section above, we set a guitar as the input source for INPUT A and the built-in microphone (INTERNAL MIC B) as the input source for INPUT
B, so the guitar can be recorded to tracks 1, 3, 5 and 7, while INTERNAL MIC B can be recorded to tracks 2, 4, 6 and 8. For this
reason, there is no need to change the input assignments in this example in order to record a guitar to track 1.

Connecting and setting the input sources

1 Connect an electric guitar to the INPUT A jack on the rear
panel.
Guitar
2 Set the INPUT A switch to GUITAR.

Adjusting and monitoring the input level

1 Press the HOME button to return to the Home Screen.
2 Press the TRACK 1 REC button.
The TRACK 1 REC indicator blinks and the unit enters record standby.
TIP
When connecting an electric-acoustic guitar with a built­in preamp or an active-type electric guitar, or when using an effects pedal, for example, between the guitar and this unit, set in the INPUT A switch to MIC/LINE.
3 Set the INPUT B switch to INTERNAL MIC B to use the built-
in microphone on the right side of the front panel (MIC B) as the input source for INPUT B.
TASCAM DP-03SD 11
Page 12
2 – Quick Start Guides
OL indicator
TRACK 1 REC indicator
3 Use the INPUT A TRIM knob to adjust the guitar input level.
Set the TRIM knob so that the OL indicator for INPUT A
does not light even when the loudest sound to be recorded is input. 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, lower the output level on the guitar.
When you play guitar, the input level is shown by the level meters for “ ” (INPUT A) and “ ” (TRACK 1) on the
display.
When you raise the TRACK 1 fader, the MASTER fader and the PHONES LEVEL knob, you can hear the sound of the
guitar through the headphones, and the and level meters move.

Recording a guitar to TRACK 1

1 Press and hold the RECORD (º) button and press the PLAY
(Á) button to start recording. Play the guitar. The TRACK 1 REC indicator stop blinking and stays lit.
2 When you are done performing, press the STOP (ª) button
to stop recording.
3 Press the TRACK 1 REC button to end record standby. Its
REC indicator becomes unlit.
NOTE
Use the TRACK 1 PAN knob to set the stereo position when
• monitoring.
When the TRACK 1 REC indicator is unlit, the input cannot
• be heard.
12 TASCAM DP-03SD
Page 13
2 – Quick Start Guides
TRACK 2 REC indicator

Playing back the recording

1 To return to the beginning of the song (ZERO point), press
and hold the STOP (ª) button and press the REW (Ô) (TO ZERO) button (TO ZERO function).
2 Press the PLAY (Á) button to play back the recording on
TRACK 1.
3 Use the TRACK 1 fader and the MASTER fader to adjust the
playback monitoring level. Use the PHONES LEVEL knob to adjust the final monitoring volume.
2 Press the TRACK 2 REC button to set the
TRACK 2
3 Press the HOME button to return to the Home Screen.
to A.
SOURCE
for
TIP
Use the TRACK 1 PAN knob to set the stereo position when monitoring.

Recording a guitar to TRACK 2

We will listen to the rhythm guitar on TRACK 1 as we record the lead guitar on TRACK 2.
Follow these procedures to change the recording source.
1 Press the ASSIGN button to open the
screen.
INPUT ASSIGN
4 Press the TRACK 2 REC button. The TRACK 2 REC indicator
blinks and the unit enters record standby. When you play guitar, the input level is shown by the level
meters for “ ” (INPUT A) and “ ” (TRACK 2) on the display.
On this page you can set the recording source for each track
to INPUT A or INPUT B. By default, the recording source for tracks 1, 3, 5 and 7 is set to INPUT A (A), and the recording source for tracks 2, 4, 6 and 8 is set to INPUT B (B).
TASCAM DP-03SD 13
Page 14
2 – Quick Start Guides
TRACK 3 REC indicator
5 Return to the beginning of the song and start playback of
the recorded rhythm guitar. Play the lead guitar part along with the recording.
Raise the TRACK 2 fader to hear both the playback of TRACK
1 and input guitar signal through your headphones.
6 As necessary, use the TRACK 1 and 2 faders, PAN knobs,
MASTER fader and PHONES LEVEL knob to adjust the monitoring level and balance.
2 Press the TRACK 3 REC button to set the
TRACK 3
to B.
SOURCE
for
7 Return to the beginning of the song, press and hold the
RECORD (º) button and press the PLAY (Á) button to start recording. Perform the lead guitar part.
The RECORD (º) button lights red, and the TRACK 2 REC indicator stops blinking and stays lit.
8 When you are done performing, press the STOP (ª) button
to stop recording.
9 Press the TRACK 2 REC button to end record standby. Its
REC indicator becomes unlit.

Recording a vocal to TRACK 3

3 Press the HOME button to return to the Home Screen.
4 Press the TRACK 3 REC button.
Its REC indicator blinks and the unit enters record standby.
1. Press the ASSIGN button to open the screen.
14 TASCAM DP-03SD
INPUT ASSIGN
Page 15
2 – Quick Start Guides
OL indicator
5 Use the TRIM knob for INPUT B to adjust the input level
suitably for the mic.
Set the TRIM knob so that the OL indicator for INPUT B does
not light even when the loudest sound to be recorded is input.
When you input a sound through built-in MIC B, the input level is shown by the “ ” level meter.
When you raise the TRACK 3 fader, the MASTER fader and the PHONES LEVEL knob, you can hear the sound of the mic input through the headphones
7 As necessary, use the TRACK 1 and 2 faders, PAN knobs,
MASTER fader and PHONES LEVEL knob to adjust the monitoring level and balance.
8 Return to the beginning of the song, press and hold the
RECORD (º) button and press the PLAY (Á) button to start recording. Sing your song.
The RECORD (º) button lights red, and the TRACK 3 REC indicator stops blinking and stays lit.
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, move the mic further away from the sound source or lower the volume of the sound source.
CAUTION
Always monitor through headphones when using a mic. If
• you monitor through speakers, feedback could occur.
6 Return to the beginning of the song, and start playback of
the recorded rhythm guitar and lead guitar parts. Sing along with the recordings. You can hear the playback of the recorded guitar parts on tracks 1 and 2 along with the vocal on your headphones.
9 When you are done singing, press the STOP (ª) button to
stop recording.
10 Press the TRACK 3 REC button to end record standby.
Its REC indicator becomes unlit.

Mixing the tracks

After you finish recording, the next step is to make a stereo mix.
1 Use the TRACK 1–3 faders to adjust their levels and balance.
Use the MASTER fader to adjust the overall level.
2 Use the TRACK 1–3 PAN knobs to adjust the stereo positions
of each track.
Watch the and meters on the display as you make
adjustments.
TASCAM DP-03SD 15
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2 – Quick Start Guides
3 Set the IN point.
The time from the IN point to the OUT point will be used for the stereo master track.
Play back the song and press and hold the IN [SET IN]
button at the point where you want to start the stereo master track. The
The time when you began to press and hold the IN [SET IN]
button is set as the IN point, which is where the mix down will start.
4 Set the OUT point.
Play back the song and press and hold the OUT [SET OUT]
button at the point where you want to end the stereo master track. The
SET IN !
SET OUT !
pop-up appears.
pop-up appears.
6 Press and hold the RECORD (º) button and press the PLAY
(Á) button to start recording a stereo master track. Recording automatically stops when the OUT point is
reached.
NOTE
The IN and OUT points must be at least 4 seconds apart.
• If the interval is shorter than 4 seconds, the
Short
started.
During recording, you can use the track faders to adjust the
• levels of the tracks and the overall level.
You can use the equalizer and reverb effect while recording
• a stereo master track. (See “Track EQ (equalizer)” on page
48 and “Reverb” on page 48.)
You can mute unwanted tracks so that they are not recorded
• to the stereo master track. (See “Muting tracks” on page
49.)
pop-up appears and mixdown mode cannot be
Trk Too

Mastering a stereo track

Mastering is the process of adjusting a stereo master track to improve the final sound.
The time when you began to press and hold the OUT [SET
OUT] button is set as the OUT point, which is where the mix down will end.
TIP
You can also use the IN [SET IN] and OUT [SET OUT] buttons to set the IN and OUT points when playback is stopped.
5 Press the MIXDOWN/MASTERING button to open the
MIXDOWN
Mixdown mode is enabled and the Home Screen reopens.
MIXDOWN
screen.
appears in the upper left.
Confirming the stereo master track
ª
1 In multitrack mode, press the MIXDOWN/MASTERING
button to open the The unit begins mastering mode and the Home Screen reopens.
NOTE
Mastering mode cannot be started if you have not created a
• stereo master track.
From multitrack mode, press the MIXDOWN/MASTERING
• button once to enter mixdown mode and once again to
enter mastering mode.
MASTERING
MASTERING
appears in the upper left.
screen.
16 TASCAM DP-03SD
2 In this mode, press the PL AY (Á) button to listen to the
stereo master track that you have created.
NOTE
Confirm that both the EQ and
• be
OFF
. If either is ON, the sound heard will be affected
by the equalizer and/or compressor. (See “Using mastering
COMP
items are shown to
Page 17
2 – Quick Start Guides
EQ (equalizer)” on page 52 and “Using mastering compression” on page 52.)
In
MASTERING
• to adjust the level.
Applying equalization
ª
In this example, we will use the equalizer on the master track to reduce high frequencies and increase low frequencies slightly.
1 In mastering mode, press the F1 (EQ) button to open the
MASTERING EQ
mode, the MASTER fader cannot be used
screen.
Applying compression
ª
Use the compressor on the stereo master track to adjust the impact of the entire song.
1 In mastering mode, press the F2 (
MASTERING COMP
2 Press the F3 (
LIB
screen.
) button to open the library list.
COMP
) button to open the
2 Turn the EQ HIGH knob to the left to lower the
knob shown on the screen. Set the value to – reduce the high frequencies.
3 Next, turn the EQ LOW knob to the right to increase the
Lo GAIN +6.0dB
4 Press the F2 (ON) button to turn the equalizer ON. The word
OFF
5 Press the F1 ( 6 Press the PLAY (Á) button to listen to the stereo master
track with equalization.
knob shown on the screen. Set the value to
to increase the low frequencies.
at the top left of the screen changes to ON.
BACK
) button to return to the Home screen.
Hi GAIN
2.0dB
to
3 Use the DATA wheel to select
the F4 (
EXEC
) button to return to the
COMP
screen.
TIP
Press the F4 ( can also adjust the parameters of the compressor.
4 Press the F2 (ON) button to turn the compressor ON. The
word
OFF
PARM
) button to open the screen where you
at the top left of the screen changes to ON.
POP ROCK 1
MASTERING
and press
TASCAM DP-03SD 17
Page 18
2 – Quick Start Guides
5 Press the F1 ( 6 Press the PLAY (Á) button to listen to the stereo master
track with compression.
NOTE
If the EQ item is also ON, the effect of the equalizer on the sound will also be heard.
Normalizing the stereo master track
ª
Normalizing maximizes the volume of the stereo master track.
1 In mastering mode, press the F3 (
NORMALIZE
BACK
) button to return to the Home screen.
NORM
) button to open the
screen.

Shutting down

Turn the unit off when you are done using it.
1 Press the HOME button to open the Home Screen.
2 Press and hold the STANDBY/ON button on the rear panel
until
PORTASTUDIO
appears on the display.
2 Press the F4 (
3 Press the F1 (
Rerecord the stereo master track
ª
Record the master track with equalization and compression applied to create a new stereo master track.
1 In mastering mode, press and hold the RECORD (º) button
and press the PLAY (Á) button.
2 This will record over the master and create a new stereo
master track with equalization and compression applied.
EXEC
) button to normalize the track.
BACK
) button to return to the Home screen.
When the unit completes its automatic shutdown procedures, which includes recording various information about the operations that have been conducted until now, the power turns OFF (standby).
Always use the procedures above to turn the power off properly.
CAUTION
If you cut the power to the unit by disconnecting the power cord, for example, all recorded data and settings made since the last time the unit was shut down or a song was saved will be lost. These lost data and settings cannot be recovered.
18 TASCAM DP-03SD
Page 19
Top panel

3 – Names and Functions of Parts

1 TRIM knob/OL indicator (INPUT A)
Use this TRIM knob to adjust the input level of INPUT A. (See “Making the first recording” on page 35.)
If the input source signal is too loud, the OL (overload) indicator lights.
2 INPUT A switch
Set this according to the signal source input through the INPUT AMIC A connector or LINE A/GUITAR jack on the rear panel. Set it to GUITAR when connecting an electric guitar or electric bass directly. Set it to MIC/LINE when connecting a microphone or line level signal. Set it to INTERNAL MIC A when using built-in MIC A.
3 PHANTOM button/indicator
Press this button to open the can turn phantom power ON and OFF.
The indicator lights when phantom power is ON.
CAUTION
Use the MASTER fader to lower the output volume of the
• unit 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.
PHANTOM
screen where you
Turn this switch 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.
4 ASSIGN button
Use this button to set the input assignment (INPUT A and INPUT B) of a track. Press this button to open the
INPUT ASSIGN
of the assigned input becomes the recording source. (See “Assigning inputs” on page 34.)
screen on the display. The input signal
5 TRIM knob/OL indicator (INPUT B)
Use this TRIM knob to adjust the input level of INPUT B. (See “Making the first recording” on page 35.)
If the input source signal is too loud, the OL (overload) indicator lights.
6 INPUT B switch
Set this according to the signal source input through the INPUT BMIC B connector or LINE B jack on the rear panel. Set it to MIC/LINE when connecting a microphone or line level signal. Set it to INTERNAL MIC B when using built­in MIC B.
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Page 20
3 – Names and Functions of Parts
7 BOUNCE button
Press this button to switch between
BOUNCE
modes.
MULTITRACK
8 MIXDOWN/MASTERING button
Press this button to switch between
MIXDOWN
In
MIXDOWN
In
MASTERING
return to
In
MULTITRACK
NOTE
A pop-up appears when the mode changes.
and
MASTERING
MULTITRACK
mode.
MIXDOWN
MASTERING
mode, press this button to switch to
mode if there is a stereo master track or to
MULTITRACK
mode, press this button to return to
mode.
mode, press this button to switch to
MULTITRACK
modes.
mode if not.
9 REVERB button
Press to open the can adjust reverb parameters. (See “Reverb” on page 48.)
REVERB SETTING
screen where you
0 PHONES LEVEL knob
Use this to adjust the headphones output volume.
q EQ button
Press to open the adjust track EQ parameters. (See “Track EQ (equalizer)” on page 48.)
After opening the press F1 (INPUT) to open the you can adjust input EQ parameters. (See “Using input EQ (equalizer)” on page 34.)
EQ SETTING
EQ SETTING
INPUT EQ
screen where you can
screen with this button,
screen where
w EQ HIGH/EQ LOW knobs
Use EQ HIGH knob to adjust high-frequency gain on EQ setting screens, including the
EQ
and
MASTERING EQ
Use EQ LOW knob to adjust the low-frequency gain on EQ setting screens, including the
EQ
and
MASTERING EQ
EQ SETTING, INPUT
screens.
EQ SETTING, INPUT
screens.
e Display
This shows various types of operation information.
r Function buttons
The functions of these buttons depend on the screen currently displayed. The current function assignments are shown at the bottom of the screen.
and
,
indicator blinks when the unit is stopped and lights when recording.
On the
INPUT ASSIGN
change the assignment.s
On the
TRACK MUTE
and unmute the tracks.
Press these buttons when the to select tracks.
screen, press these buttons to
screen, press these buttons to mute
TRACK EQ
screen is open
i Track faders (TRACK 1–TRACK 8)
Use to adjust the monitoring level of the track’s playback signal or the input signal assigned to the track. (See “Levels and balance” on page 48.)
o TRACK EDIT button
Press this to open the “8 – Editing Tracks” on page 44.)
TRACK EDIT MENU
screen. (See
p MENU button
Press this to open the
MENU
screen.
a HOME button
Press this to open the Home Screen.
When the unit is stopped and the Home Screen is open, use this button to move between the time counter divisions. (See “Direct locate function” on page 39.)
s DATA wheel
Use this to change parameter values and select items when using menus.
d METRONOME button
Press this to open the on page 54.)
METRONOME
screen. (“Metronome”
f TUNER button
Press this to open the
54.)
TUNER
screen. (See “Tuner” on page
g MIC A
This built-in omnidirectional microphone becomes the input source for INPUT A when set to INTERNAL MIC A.
When using the tuner, use this built-in microphone to input the sound of the instrument being tuned.
NOTE
For convenience, the four function buttons are referred to in order from the left as F1, F2, F3 and F4 in this manual.
t REVERB knobs (TRACK 1–TRACK 8)
Use to adjust the level (volume) sent to the reverb effect of the track’s playback signal or the input signal assigned to that track.
y PAN knobs (TRACK 1–TRACK 8)
Use to adjust the stereo position of the track’s playback signal or the input signal assigned to that track. (See “Stereo position (panning)” on page 48.)
u REC buttons/indicators (TRACK 1–TRACK 8)
Use to arm a track for recording (turn recording ON/OFF). To monitor a track’s input sound through headphones or a monitoring system, press that track’s REC button. When the track is armed for recording (REC button ON), the REC
20 TASCAM DP-03SD
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3 – Names and Functions of Parts
h MASTER fader
Use to adjust the stereo signal level output from the LINE OUT jacks and PHONES jack. Use also to adjust the recording level when bouncing or mixing down tracks.
j MUTE button
Press to open the tracks” on page 49.)
TRACK MUTE
screen. (See “Muting
k STOP (ª) button
Press to stop playback, recording and searching forward/ backward.
Press at the same time as you press the REW (Ô) (TO ZERO) button or F FWD () (TO LAST REC) button to
locate the beginning of the song (ZERO point) or the last position that recording started (last recording position). (See “Locate and search functions” on page 39.)
l PLAY (Á) button/indicator
Press this button to start playback. To start recording, press and hold the RECORD (–) button
and press this button. During recording, press this button to stop recording and start playback (punch out).
During playback or recording, this indicator lights.
; MIC B
This built-in omnidirectional microphone becomes the input source for INPUT B when set to INTERNAL MIC B.
This built-in microphone does not function when using the tuner.
z RECORD (º) button/indicator
To start recording, press and hold this button and press the PLAY (Á) button. During recording, this indicator lights. During playback, if you press this button when a track REC
indicator is blinking, recording to that track will begin (punch in). (See “Automatically punching in and out” on page 43.)
x Various function buttons
When auto punch mode is active, appears on the screen. (See “Automatically punching in and out” on page
43.)
n UNDO/REDO [HISTORY] button/indicator
Press this button to undo the immediately previous action (single undo) or cancel a single undo (redo). (See “Undoing an operation” on page 36.)
After a single undo or multi-undo, the UNDO/REDO indicator lights, showing that and operation has been undone.
Press and hold this button to open the where you can view the recording and editing history and also conduct multi-undo operations.
HISTORY
screen
m REW (Ô) (TO ZERO) button
When stopped, press this button to search backwards. Press it repeatedly to change the speed from 10x to 50x, 100x and 1000x.
During playback, press this button to search backward while pressing.
Press and hold the STOP (ª) button and press this button to locate to the beginning of the song (ZERO point =
00:00:00:00
page 39.)
). (See “Locate and search functions” on
, F FWD () (TO LAST REC) button
When stopped, press this button to search forward. Press it repeatedly to change the speed from 10x to 50x, 100x and 1000x.
During playback, press this button to search forward while pressing.
Press and hold the STOP (ª) button and press this button to locate to the last position that recording started (TO LAST
REC). (See “Locate and search functions” on page 39.)
. IN [SET IN] button
Press this button to locate to the IN point.
Press and hold this button to set the playback position at that moment as the IN point.
/ OUT [SET OUT] button
Press this button to locate to the OUT point.
Press and hold this button to set the playback position at that moment as the OUT point.
! TO [SET TO] button
Press this button to locate to the TO point.
Press and hold this button to set the playback position at that moment as the TO point.
c REPEAT button
Press to turn repeat playback mode ON and OFF.
(See “Repeat playback” on page 41.)
v LOCATE LIST [LOCATE SET] button
Press this to open the current song does not contain any location marks, press this to open the
Press and hold this button to add a mark at the current location.
I/O SETTING
LOCATE LIST
screen.
screen. If the
b AUTO PUNCH button
Press to turn the auto punch mode ON and OFF.
TASCAM DP-03SD 21
Page 22
3 – Names and Functions of Parts
Rear panel
@ STANDBY/ON button
When the power is in standby, press this button to turn it ON. When ON, press and hold this button to put the power into standby. (See “Startup & shutdown” on page 27.)
# DC IN 12V jack
Connect the dedicated AC adaptor (PS-1225L).
$ PHONES jack (stereo mini jack)
Connect headphones. Use the PHONES LEVEL knob on the top panel to adjust the volume.
% LINE OUT jacks (unbalanced RCA)
Use these to connect a monitoring system (powered speakers or an amplifier with speakers).
^ INPUT B connector (balanced XLR)
This is an input source when the INPUT B switch on the top panel is set to MIC/LINE.
This is an XLR-type mic/line input jack.
You can also connect a condenser microphone that requires phantom power.
(1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)
NOTE
Do not input signals into both the XLR and standard jacks at the same time.
& INPUT B jack (balanced TRS standard jack)
This is an input source when the INPUT B switch on the top panel is set to MIC/LINE.
You can input a line-level signal (balanced/unbalanced) or mic signal (balanced/unbalanced).
* INPUT A jack (balanced TRS standard jack)
This is an input source when the INPUT A switch on the top panel is set to MIC/LINE or GUITAR.
You can input a guitar/line-level signal (balanced/ unbalanced) or mic signal (balanced/unbalanced).
( INPUT A connector (balanced XLR)
This is an input source when the INPUT A switch on the top panel is set to MIC/LINE.
This is an XLR-type mic/line input jack.
You can also connect a condenser microphone that requires phantom power.
(1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)
NOTE
Do not input signals into both the XLR and standard jacks at the same time.
) REMOTE jack (2.5-mm TS jack)
Connect a TASCAM RC-3F foot switch (sold separately) to allow a variety of remote control operations, including punch in/out (start and stop recording).
22 TASCAM DP-03SD
Page 23
Left side panel
3 – Names and Functions of Parts
Q Kensington lock attachment hole W SD card slot/USB connector cover E USB port
Use a USB2.0-compliant mini-B cable to connect the unit with a computer to share files with the computer, including importing and exporting, as well as backing up song files.
Bottom panel
(See “Connecting with a computer” on page 60.) (No USB cable is supplied with this unit. Please use one at hand or purchase one is necessary.)
R SD card slot
Insert the SD card into this slot.
T Cord holder
Wrap the cord of the included TASCAM PS-1225L AC adaptor around this to prevent the plug from becoming disconnected accidentally.
Y GROUND connector
Depending on the use environment, you might hear noise when monitoring. If this occurs, use this connector to ground the unit. (Please prepare the necessary wiring yourself.)
TASCAM DP-03SD 23
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3 – Names and Functions of Parts

Home Screen

1 Recorder mode
Shows the current recorder mode.
MULTI TRACK
BOUNCE
MIXDOWN
MASTERING
2 Location mark number indicator
The number (001-999) of the current location mark is shown after the flag icon.
3 SD card protection indicator
If the SD card is protected, the lock icon appears.
4 SD card insertion status
If an SD card is inserted appears. If not, appears.
5 Recorder transport state
When playing Á appears. When stopped ª appears. When recording –appears. When searching backward, Ô appears. When searching forward, appears.
6 Repeat playback/auto punch mode indicator
When repeat playback mode is active, appears.
When auto punch mode is active, appears.
7 Recorder time counter
Shows the elapsed time from the start of the song.
8 Cursor
This shows the time increment being edited.
Turning the DATA wheel changes the value of the selected time increment. Each time you press the HOME button, the cursor moves in order from right to left (f, s, m, h) and back to the right after the hour increment is reached.
9 Level meters and EQ status for INPUTS A and B
Shows the signal levels of INPUT A ( ) and INPUT B ( ). When INPUT EQ is ON, A and B are shown with frames ( ).
0 Level meters and mute/track EQ status for TRACKS 1–8
Shows input levels when recording and playback signal levels when playing back.
When mute is ON, the track number is shown in inverse. For example, means that tracks 3 and 4 are muted. When muting is OFF and TRACK EQ is ON, the track numbers are shown with frames ( ).
q Level meter for stereo outputs (L, R)
Shows the signal level output from the LINE OUT jacks.

Menu structure

Press the MENU button to open the contains the following items.
Item Explanation
Shows file information,
INFORMATION
SONG
CARD
DATA BACKUP IMPORT/
EXPORT
PREFERENCE
Use the following dedicated buttons to access specific functions.
Button Explanation
PHANTOM
ASSIGN
BOUNCE Bounce a track. page 39 MIXDOWN/
MASTERING REVERB Make reverb settings. page 48
EQ
MUTE Mute tracks. page 49 TUNER Use to tune instruments page 54
METRONOME
LOCATE LIST [LOCATE SET]
UNDO/REDO [HISTORY]
TRACK EDIT Edit tracks. page 44
SD card information and system information.
Load, save and create new songs, for example.
Format SD cards, for example.
Backup and restore songs. page 61
Import and export tracks and stereo master tracks.
Make and initialize settings for the repeat playback interval, contrast and foot switch use.
Turn PHANTOM power ON and OFF.
Assign INPUT A or B as the track source.
Make and adjust stereo master tracks.
Make track and input equalizer settings.
Use to operate the metronome
Use to set and jump to marks and IN/OUT/TO points.
Press and hold to show the undo/redo history and select undo steps.
MENU
screen, which
Reference
page
page 56
page 30
page 57
page 63 page 65
page 29 page 38 page 42 page 56
Reference
page
page 33
page 34
page 49
page 34 page 48
page 54
page 40
page 36
24 TASCAM DP-03SD
Page 25
3 – Names and Functions of Parts
F1 F2 F3 F4

Screen operations

Use the MENU button and dedicated buttons to open screens. Follow the guidelines below to use the functions on the screens. These examples show basic operation procedures, but the actual assignments of the function buttons vary depending on the screen.
Use the DATA wheel to select the desired item.
In this example from the the F4 (¥) button.
NOTE
The assignments of the function buttons are shown at the bottom of the screen above the buttons themselves.
BACK
appears above the F1 button, so the assignment of the F1 button is “ manual, we show this as the “F1 ( the assignments of the F2, F3 and F4 buttons are
INS
and
DEL
When an item has a sub-screen (the
example) a “¥” appears to the right of the item. Use the F4 (¥) button to advance to that sub-screen.
On a sub-screen, press the F1 (
• previous screen.
MENU
BACK
” when using this screen. In this
, respectively.
screen, “
BACK
BACK
SONG
” is selected by
) button”. Likewise,
EXEC
,
MENU
screen, for
) button to return to the
To execute an item, press the function button with the
• “
EXEC
” assignment.
In this example of the
F2 (
EXEC
) button the song that is selected by the cursor will
be loaded.
When the cursor is on a setting value, use the DATA wheel to
• change the value. Use the function buttons with § and
assignments to move the cursor.
In this example of the the DATA wheel to change the value of the
Use the F3 (§) and F4 () buttons to move the cursor up and down. Press the F2 (
the contents shown.
When it is necessary to move left and right, use the REW
• (Ô) (TO ZERO) and F FWD () (TO LAST REC) buttons.
At such times, an illustration appears on the screen showing that the REW (Ô) and F FWD () buttons are assigned to control the
Press the HOME button to return to the Home Screen.
CURSOR
SONG LOAD
COPY PASTE
EXEC
.
screen, if you press the
) button to copy and paste
screen, you can use
SOURCE TRK
.
TASCAM DP-03SD 25
Page 26

4 – Preparations

Preparing the power and the SD card

Installing an SD card

1 Open the SD card slot cover on the left side panel of the unit.
2 Insert the SD Card into the slot as shown in the illustration
until it clicks into place.
3 After inserting the card, close the cover.
NOTE
An SD card is installed in the card slot when the unit is shipped from the factory. You can use this card as is to record and play back files. There is no need to reinsert it.

Ejecting the card

Push and insert the card further in to eject it.
Write-protected cards
ª
SD cards have write-protect (lock) switches.
Unprotected Protected
When the protect switch is in the LOCK position, files cannot be recorded or edited on the card. Slide the switch away from the LOCK position if you want to record, erase or otherwise change files on a card.

Preparing the power

As shown in the illustration, connect the included PS-1225L AC adaptor to the DC IN 12V jack.
TASCAM PS-1225L
AC outlet
CAUTION
Always turn the power OFF before removing an SD card.
• Removing a card while the power is still ON will cause any
recordings and settings made since the last time the power was turned OFF or the song was saved to be lost. These data and settings cannot be recovered.
This unit uses SD cards for recording and playback. SD and
• SDHC cards that are at least 512 MB in size can be used.
A list of SD cards that have been tested with this unit can be
• found on the TEAC Global Site (http://teac-global.com/).
DC plug
The bottom panel has a hook (cord holder) that can be used to hold the AC adaptor cord in place.
When using it, wrap the cord around this cord holder to prevent it from being disconnected during use.
CAUTION
Use only the TASCAM PS-1225L AC adaptor and power
• cord. Using an AC adaptor other than this one could cause
malfunction, fire or electric shock.
The AC adaptor must be used to supply power to this unit.
• Power cannot be supplied to this unit by USB.
26 TASCAM DP-03SD
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4 – Preparations

Startup & shutdown

Starting up the unit

Press the STANDBY/ON button on the rear panel.
When the unit starts, the startup screen will appear followed by the Home Screen, as shown below.
Startup Screen Home Screen
When the unit starts up it defaults to mode regardless of the mode used last before shutting down.
CAUTION
When turning the unit’s power ON and OFF (STANDBY), turn down the volume of any speakers or amplifiers connected to the unit. Moreover, do not wear headphones connected to the unit when switching the power ON or OFF (STANDBY). This will avoid damage to speakers and possible harm to your hearing from noise that might occur.

Shutting down

Make the following preparations before shutting down the unit.
Stop the recorder. (The unit cannot be shut down during
• playback, recording, searching forward, etc.)
Return to the Home Screen.
• If the unit is connected to a 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 STANDBY/ ON button on the rear panel until the following screen appears.
MULTITRACK
recorder

Formatting SD cards

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 FAT partitions and MTR partitions.
For more information about partitions see “11 – SD Card Management” on page 57.
CAUTION
If you format a card, all data saved on it by this or any other device will be erased and you will not be able to recover it.
NOTE
The included SD card is already formatted so formatting it is not necessary. If you format this card the demo song on it will be erased.
1 The first time you put a new SD card in this unit, a message
prompting you to format it appears.
NOTE
The message shown above prompting you to format it also appears if you put in an SD card that has been formatted by any device other than this unit.
2 Press the F3 (
3 The Home Screen appears after formatting completes
properly.
NOTE
To cancel formatting press the F4 (NO) key instead in step 2 above.
YES
) button.
The power turns OFF (STANDBY) after the unit completes its shutdown process, including saving various information from your session.
CAUTION
Do not disconnect the power cord or otherwise cut the
• power supply when the power is ON. If you do so, all
recorded data and settings made since the last time the unit was shut down or a song was saved will be lost. These lost data and settings cannot be recovered.
When the power is turned OFF (STANDBY), the operation
• history of the currently loaded song will be erased (cleared).
When you turn the power back ON, the song will be restored to the previous state, but you will not be able to undo or redo operations on the song.
TASCAM DP-03SD 27
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4 – Preparations
A

Recorder modes

This unit has four recorder modes.
MULTITRACK
Use to operate the unit as a multitrack recorder.
BOUNCE
Use to bounce tracks. (See “Bouncing tracks” on page 39.)
MIXDOWN
Use to mix down tracks to create a stereo master track. (See “Mixing down tracks” on page 48 and “Creating a stereo master track” on page 49.)
MASTERING
Use to play stereo master tracks that you have created and apply effects to them (mastering). (See “Checking the stereo master track” on page 51 and “Mastering the stereo master track” on page 51.)
When the unit’s power is turned ON, it always starts up in
MULTITRACK
When in any mode besides usual operations using the screen are unavailable.
In this Owner’s Manual, the recorder mode explained unless otherwise noted.
mode.
MULTITRACK
MULTITRACK
mode, many of the
mode is the

Rear panel

TASCAM PS-1225L
DC plug
Headphones
AC outlet
Footswitch TASCAM RC-3F (Optional)

Connecting other equipment

This section shows examples of connecting other equipment with this unit.
Precautions before making connections
ª
Turn the power of this unit and all devices that you will
• connect with it OFF (or put them in standby power mode)
beforehand.
Supply power to all the devices from the same line. When
• using a power strip, for example, use one with a cable that
has a high electric current capacity in order to minimize power voltage variations.
Powered speakers or amplier and speakers
Connect mics to MIC A and B
Drum machine
Connect guitar/base to INPUT
Connect electronic keyboard to INPUT A and B
CAUTION
Do not input signals into both the XLR and standard jacks at
• the same time.
Do not connect a dynamic microphone using an unbalanced
• connection when phantom power is ON. Doing so could
break it.
Do not connect or disconnect a mic when phantom power is
• ON. This could cause a loud noise and damage equipment.
Turn the unit output volume down using the PHONES
• knob and MASTER fader on the front panel before turning
phantom power ON or OFF. Depending on the mic, a loud noise could occur, damaging equipment and harming people’s hearing.
28 TASCAM DP-03SD
Page 29

Left side panel

USB
Computer
NOTE
Recorder functions cannot be used when the unit is connected to a computer by USB.

Adjusting the contrast

The contrast of the display can be adjusted.
Follow the procedures below to adjust the contrast.
1 When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU button to
open the
2 Use the data wheel to select
F4 (¥) button to open the
MENU
screen.
PREFERENCE
PREFERENCE
, and press the
screen.
4 – Preparations
3 Use the F3 (§) and F4 () buttons to select the Contrast
setting value, and use the DATA wheel to adjust the display contrast.
The setting range is from 1–10.
The default value is 5.
Lower values reduce the display contrast while higher values increase it.
Adjusting the contrast might make the display easier to read. Its appearance differs depending on the angle from which it is viewed, so adjust the contrast while the unit is in the actual position in which it will be used.
4 After making the setting, press the HOME button to return
to the Home Screen.
TASCAM DP-03SD 29
Page 30

5 – Song Management

This unit manages data in units called “songs”. Ordinarily, each project should have its own “song” file. The first step is to load the song that you want to manage (load an existing song or create a new song).
In a song, the audio data for the recorded multitrack (tracks 1–8) and the stereo master track are saved.
This chapter starts with an explanation of SD card partitions, and then covers basic operations, including procedures for loading songs and creating new songs, 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 partitions.
The partitions include MTR partitions for recording song data and FAT partitions that can be read and written to by computers.

Editing names

You can edit names on the following screens.
When creating, saving or editing the name of a song (
CREATE
When exporting a WAV file (
MASTER
When backing up a song (
and
NAME EDIT
)
)
NAME EDIT
SONG BACKUP
and
)
SAVE
EXPORT
to the right of the currently loaded song. A lock ( ) icon appears to the left of songs that are protected.
4 Use the DATA wheel to select the song you want, and press
the F2 (
EXEC
) button. The currently loaded song is saved and the selected song is loaded.
5 Press the HOME button to return to the Home Screen.

Creating a new song

Follow these procedures to create a new song.
,
1 When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU button to
open the
2 Use the DATA wheel to select
button to open the
3 Use the DATA wheel to select
(¥) button to open the
MENU
screen.
SONG
screen.
SONG CREATE
SONG
, and press the F4 (¥)
CREATE
, and press the F4
screen.
SONG CREATE name editing screen
Use the following controls to edit names.
Use the REW (Ô) (TO ZERO) and F FWD () (TO LAST
REC) buttons to move the cursor (underline) position. The
character at the cursor position is the one that can be edited.
Use the DATA wheel to change the characters at the cursor
• (underline) position. Ordinary symbols, numerals and English
upper and lower case letters can be input.
To insert a blank at the cursor position, press the F3 (
• button. When editing a file name, an “A” is inserted at the
blank space.
Press the F4 (
• cursor position.
When you have finished inputting and editing, press the F2
(
EXEC
DEL
) button to delete the character at the
) button to save the edited name.
INS

Loading a saved song

Follow these procedures to load the song you want.
1 When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU button to
open the
2 Use the data wheel to select
button to open the
3 Use the DATA wheel to select
button to open the list of songs in the current partition. A star (*) icon appears
MENU
screen.
SONG
SONG
screen.
SONG LOAD
, and press the F4 (¥)
LOAD
, and press the F4 (¥)
screen, which shows a
A default song name like “S song. (
****
indicates a number. In the example above the
)
name is “
4 Change the song name (title) as necessary. (See “Editing
names” on page 30 for how to do this.)
TIP
You can edit the name of a song later by selecting
EDIT
name when saving the song.
5 Press the F2 (
song and create the new song.
6 Press the HOME button to return to the Home Screen.
SONG0020
from the
SONG
EXEC
ONG****
”. )
screen. You can also edit the song
) button to save the currently loaded
” is given to the new
NAME

Saving a song

This unit automatically saves the current song during shutdown and when loading another song. 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.
30 TASCAM DP-03SD
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5 – Song Management
2 Use the DATA wheel to select
button to open the
3 Use the DATA wheel to select
button to open the
4 Change the song name (title) if you want, and then press the
F2 (
EXEC
) button (see “Editing names” on page 30). To save without changing the name, just press the F2 ( button.
5 Press the HOME button to return to the Home Screen.
SONG
SONG SAVE
SONG
screen.
SAVE
, and press the F4 (¥)
, and press the F4 (¥)
screen.
EXEC
)

Viewing song information

You can check the name, partition and remaining recording time of the currently loaded song.
1 Press the MENU button to open the
2 Use the DATA wheel to select
the F4 (¥) button to open the the
INFORMATION
remaining recording time of the current song.
screen, which shows the name and
MENU
screen.
INFORMATION
SONG (1/3)
, and press
page of
4 Use the DATA wheel to select a song that you want to copy,
and press the F4 () button. The song is selected as a copy source and a check appears in the checkbox.
NOTE
To remove a check 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 that you want to copy, press the
F2 (
NEXT
) button to open a screen where you can select
the MTR partition that you want to be the copy destination.
NOTE
The
INFORMATION
SONG (1/3), CARD (2/3)
Use the F3 ( page (see “Viewing information” on page 56).
PREV
screen has three pages, including
and
F/W (3/3)
) and F4 (
NEXT
) buttons to change the
.

Copying songs

You can copy a single song or multiple songs at once. You can make a copy of a song in the same partition if you want to save a certain mix, for example.
1 When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU button to
open the
2 Use the DATA wheel to select
button to open the
3 Use the DATA wheel to select
button to open the list of songs.
MENU
screen.
SONG
screen.
SONG COPY
SONG
, and press the F4 (¥)
COPY
, and press the F4 (¥)
screen, which shows a
This screen also shows the amount of open space on the partition selected ( being copied ( size of the song, copying is not possible and a
Space
7 Press the F4 (
8. Press the HOME button to return to the Home Screen.
warning appears.
NOTE
An SD card formatted by this unit can only have one partition, so it is not usually possible to copy to a different partition. However, this unit can use an SD card that has been created with multiple partitions on another TASCAM DP series unit, and copying between partitions is possible in this case.
the
SONG
NOTE
To cancel song copying, press the F1 ( of the F4 (
Free
Total
EXEC
screen.
EXEC
) button.
) and the size of the data of the song
). If the open space is smaller than the
No Disk
) button to copy the file(s) and return to
BACK
) button instead

Erasing songs

You can erase a single song or 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
MENU
screen.
TASCAM DP-03SD 31
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5 – Song Management
2 Use the DATA wheel to select
button to open the
3 Use the DATA wheel to select
button to open the list of songs.
4 Use the DATA wheel to select a song that you want to erase
and press the F4 () button. A check appears in the checkbox next to the song.
NOTE
To remove the check from the checkbox, press the F4 () while the song is selected.
5 To erase multiple songs, repeat step 4.
6 After selecting all songs that you want to erase, press the F2
(
EXEC
) button. A confirmation screen opens.
SONG
SONG ERASE
SONG
screen.
ERASE
, and press the F4 (¥)
, and press the F4 (¥)
screen, which shows a
7 Press the F3 (
After the songs are erased, the
NOTE
To cancel erasing a song, press the F4 (NO) button instead of F3 (
8 Press the HOME button to return to 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.
YES
YES
) button.
) button.
SONG
screen reopens.

Protecting songs

If you protect a song, editing, recording and erasing of that song is prevented.
1 Load the song that you want to protect.
2 When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU button to
open the
3 Use the DATA wheel to select
button to open the
4 Use the DATA wheel to select
(¥) button to open the you can turn protection ON and OFF.
MENU
screen.
SONG
SONG
screen.
PROTECT
SONG PROTECT
, and press the F4 (¥)
, and press the F4
screen, where
5 Use the DATA wheel to set
F2 (
EXEC
) button.
After
PROTECT
6 Press the HOME button to return to the Home Screen.
NOTE
In the song list used to copy, erase and conduct other
• functions, a lock icon ( ) appears next to protected songs.
If you try to execute a prohibited operation (edit, record,
• erase) on a protected song, a “
message appears and the operation is prevented.
To remove protection from a song, follow the above
• procedures but set
is turned ON, the
PROTECT
Song Protected
PROTECT
to ON, and press the
SONG
screen reopens.
to
OFF
in step 4.
32 TASCAM DP-03SD
Page 33

Selecting the input sources

This unit has two inputs (INPUT A and INPUT B) that can be selected separately as input sources.
The input sources that can be selected with the INPUT A and INPUT B switches include the built-in mics (MIC A and MIC B) on the front panel or connected devices input through INPUT A and INPUT B on the rear panel. In addition to mic and line signals, the INPUT A standard jack can accept guitar input. Set the INPUT A switch to GUITAR to input a guitar.
INPUT A INPUT B
Use when connecting a guitar
GUITAR
MIC/LINE
INTERNAL MIC A/B Built-in mic (MIC A) Built-in mic (MIC B)
NOTE
Do not connect to both the XLR connector and the standard jack of an input (INPUT A or INPUT B) at the same time.
TIP
When connecting an electric-acoustic guitar with a built­in preamp or an active electric guitar, as well as when connecting an electric guitar with an effect pedal between it and this unit, set the INPUT A switch to MIC/LINE.
or bass directly to the standard INPUT
A jack INPUT A jack (XLR
or standard jack)
INPUT B jack (XLR or standard jack)

Using phantom power

When connecting a condenser microphone that requires phantom power, follow the procedures below to turn phantom power ON. When phantom power is ON, phantom power is provided to the XLR jacks of both INPUT A and INPUT B.
1 When the recorder is stopped, press the PHANTOM button
to open the
PHANTOM
screen.

6 – Basic Recording

NOTE
The screen above appears when phantom power is being turned ON or OFF. No other operations can be conducted while this message is shown. Other operations will be possible after this message disappears and the Home Screen reopens.
CAUTION
Turn the master fader 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. This could cause a loud noise and damage equipment.
Turn phantom power ON only when using a condenser
• microphone that requires phantom power.
Do not supply phantom power to an unbalanced dynamic
• microphone. Doing so could break it.
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.

Monitoring input signals

To monitor an input signal press the REC button for the track set to record that signal. That track’s REC indicator will light/blink.
NOTE
When the unit is playing back, both the playback signal and the input source signals are mixed and output through the PHONES and LINE OUT jacks and can be heard with connected headphones and monitoring systems.
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 ( instead.
The following screen appears whenever phantom power is being turned ON or OFF.
OFF
) button
TASCAM DP-03SD 33
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6 – Basic Recording
Overload indication

OL indicators and level meters

The audio levels of this unit can be checked using the INPUT A and INPUT B OL indicators and the level meters shown on the display.
The level meters allow the signal levels to be monitored, and they can also be used to confirm whether signals are being input into the unit. For example, if the A and B level meters are moving a signal is being input into the unit even if you cannot hear anything when monitoring.
As shown below, if a “–” appears at the top of a level meter, the level is too high (when a “–” appears, it will stay on screen for a while before automatically disappearing). If the level is too loud, the sound might be distorted, so lower the level until the “–” stops appearing.
If an OL indicator lights, the signal from the input source could be too loud or the TRIM knob set too high.
If the OL indicator lights even though the TRIM knob is set to the minimum position, the input source signal is too strong. Lower the volume on the input source.

Assigning inputs

When using this unit, “assigning inputs” means setting the recording source for each track to either INPUT A or INPUT B.
This unit can simultaneously record a maximum of two tracks. You can also record one input to two tracks simultaneously (in this case, you cannot use the other input). You cannot assign two inputs to the same track.
1 When the recorder is stopped, press the ASSIGN button to
open the
By default, A (INPUT A) is assigned as the recording source for tracks 1, 3, 5 and 7, and B (INPUT B) is assigned as the recording source for tracks 2, 4, 6 and 8.
2 Use the REC button to set the input source for each track to
either A (INPUT A) or B (INPUT B).
Each time you press the REC button the setting switches
between A and B.
3 After making the settings, press the HOME button to return
to the Home Screen.
INPUT ASSIGN
screen.
Input level meters (A, B)
The and level meters on the left side of the display show the input levels of INPUT A and INPUT B.
Use the INPUT A and INPUT B TRIM knobs and the output volumes of the input sources to adjust the level.
Track level meters (1–8)
These level meters show either the playback signal levels or the input signal levels of the corresponding tracks.
The signal levels shown by the track level meters depend on the operating conditions as shown below.
REC indicator Transport status
Unlit Playback
Blinks (record standby)
Blinks (record standby)
Lit (during recording)
NOTE
When the playback signal is being shown, the level of the recorded signal of the track is shown, so the levels shown by the meters cannot be changed.
When the input signal is being shown, the levels shown by the meters can be changed using the TRIM knobs for INPUT
A and INPUT B.
Stereo level meter (L, R)
These show the stereo bus output level of this unit. Adjust the output level with the MASTER fader.
Playback
Stopped Track input signal
Recording Track input signal
Level meter
display contents
Track playback signal
Track playback signal

Using input EQ (equalizer)

INPUT A and INPUT B each have a two-band equalizer (EQ).
Use the
1 Press the EQ button to open the
2 Press the F1 (
INPUT EQ
This shows the setting screen for track one (
screen. This shows the setting screen for
screen to make input EQ settings.
EQ SETTING
INPUT
) button to open the
IN A
screen.
TR1
).
INPUT EQ
.
34 TASCAM DP-03SD
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6 – Basic Recording
INPUT EQ is ON
The equalizer parameters are as follows.
GAIN FREQ
High-frequency gain Setting range: ±12 dB
Hi
(Default value: 0.0 dB)
Low-frequency gain Setting range: ±12 dB
Lo
(Default value: 0.0 dB)
Use the F2 ( INPUT A and INPUT B.
Use the EQ HIGH knob to adjust the Hi gain and the EQ LOW knob to adjust the Lo gain.
Use the F3 (§) and F4 () button to select Hi or Lo, and use the DATA wheel to set the
Press the F1 (
SETTING
3 After making the setting, press the HOME button to return
to the Home Screen.
NOTE
When input EQ is ON for an input, the input is shown on the Home Screen as in the illustration below.
IN B
TRACK
screen.
) (or (
IN A
) button to return to the
High-frequency value Setting range: 1.7–18 kHz (Default value: 5 kHz)
Low-frequency value Setting range: 32 Hz–1.6 kHz (Default value: 350 Hz)
)) button to switch between
FREQ
value.
EQ

Making the first recording

input EQ. Therefore, when using input EQ, you should also watch the level meter of the track that has the affected input signal assigned to it.
The OL indicator lights if the input is too loud.
• If the OL indicator stays lit even when you lower the TRIM
• knob for that input, lower the input source signal level.
3 Press and hold the RECORD (–) button and press the PL AY
(Á) button to start recording. The RECORD (–) button lights red and the track REC indicator stops blinking and stays lit.
4 Press the STOP (ª) button to stop recording. If you want to check a part of the recording, use the REW
(Ô) (TO ZERO) button, for example, to locate to it.
TIP
Use the TO LAST REC function to locate to the last position that recording started and the TO ZERO function to return to the start of the song ( move through a recording easily. For information about the forward and backward search functions, see “Locate and search functions” on page 39.
5 Press the PLAY (Á) button to play back the recorded track. Use the track faders and MASTER fader to adjust the
playback level. Adjust the PHONES LEVEL knob or the volume control on your monitoring system to set the final monitoring volume. Use the PAN knobs to set the stereo position of each track between the left and right speakers.
NOTE
The track PAN knobs and level faders control that recorded track’s playback output signal or the monitored input signal. They do not control the signal being recorded to the track.
If you are not satisfied with the recorded sound, follow the procedures above again from the beginning.
00:00:00
), for example, to
Before beginning the following recording procedures, connect a recording source to an input, assign that input as the recording source for a track, and prepare your monitors (headphones).
1 Press the REC button of the track that you want to record
on. The REC indicator blinks red (this status is called “record standby”).
A maximum of two tracks can be recorded simultaneously.
If you press a different REC button when two track REC indicators are already blinking, the track that was put into record standby first will become inactive and its REC indicator will become unlit.
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 still be in record standby.
2 Set the recording level.
Use the INPUT A or INPUT B TRIM knob to adjust the input
level. Watch the A or B level meter on the display and the OL indicator above and to the left of the TRIM knob while setting the level suitably.
At the same time, confirm that sound heard from the
headphones or the monitoring system is not distorted.
NOTE
The level meter of the track that has an input signal
• assigned to it shows the input level after the application of

Multitrack recording

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

Prepare tracks for recording

1 Press the REC buttons of the already recorded tracks to
disarm recording to them (REC indicators OFF).
2 Press the REC buttons of the tracks that you want to record
to put them into record standby (REC indicators blinking).

Track pan and level settings

Use the track faders and PAN knobs of the already recorded tracks to adjust their levels and stereo positions for monitoring their playback signals while making new recordings.

Input selection and assignment

Use the procedures described earlier in this chapter to assign input sources to tracks for recording.
TASCAM DP-03SD 35
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6 – Basic Recording
UNDO/REDO

Setting input levels

After making the above settings, press the PLAY (Á) button to start playback.
Just as though you were recording, you can monitor the sound of already recorded tracks playing back and the input sources on the tracks for recording, allowing you to check the monitoring balance and volume. Adjust the input levels suitably as you monitor both playback and input signals.

Record additional tracks

Press and hold the RECORD (–) button and press the PL AY (Á) button to start the new recordings to the other tracks while monitoring the playback signal

Undoing an operation

This unit allows you to undo an operation or recording that did not work as planned or was otherwise unsatisfactory. 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 multi-undo allows you to return to a specific past operation and undo the operations that occurred after it.
NOTE
The UNDO/REDO indicator lights when a single undo or multi-undo has been conducted

Undoing the last operation (single undo)

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

Cancelling an undo operation (redo)

Press the UNDO/REDO [HISTORY] buttons when its indicator is lit to return to the state of the last operation. The UNDO/REDO indicator becomes unlit.
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 UNDO/REDO [HISTORY] button again to redo, the single undo operation is cancelled, and the previous multi-undo state is restored. In this case, the operations undone by multi-undo are still retained in history, so the UNDO/REDO indicator stays lit.

Undoing a previous operation (multi-undo)

1 Press and hold the UNDO/REDO [HISTORY] button to open
the
HISTORY
This screen shows the operation history as a list. Each operation in the list is called an “event.”
The event list starts at the bottom with event number “0” (
-START UP-
event at the top, which has a * next to it.
All events in this list 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 DATA wheel to select the event that you want to
return to (all events after the selected event will be undone).
screen.
) and proceeds up to the most recent
36 TASCAM DP-03SD
Page 37
6 – Basic Recording
3 Press the F2 (
restore the song state to just after the selected event was conducted. In this state, the UNDO/REDO indicator lights. The event information undone through the above operation is not erased. The unit has simply been returned to a previous state. On the to the most recent event after undoing.
NOTE
When the [HISTORY] button does not function, so single undo and redo cannot be used.
CAUTION
When saving a song, a maximum of 500 operation history
• items can be saved with the song data. If the operation
history exceeds 500 items, the oldest events in the history are erased when the song is saved. These erased events cannot be restored.
When the power is turned OFF (STANDBY) the operation
• history is completely erased. The operation history is not
restored when the power is turned ON again.
EXEC
) button to execute the multi-undo and
HISTORY
HISTORY
screen is open, the UNDO/REDO
screen, a * appears next

Erasing the operation history

When the power is turned OFF (STANDBY), the operation history of the currently loaded song is erased (cleared).
When the power is turned ON again, the song last in use is reloaded in the same state it was in when the power was turned OFF (STANDBY). The operation history is not restored, however, so past operations cannot be undone or redone.
3 Press the F3 (
Another confirmation message appears again.
4 Press the F3 (
erase the 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
• erasing the operation history, the event (operation) that
appears is “0” ( operation history has been cleared.
If you want to keep the operation history even when you
• power OFF (STANDBY), turn song protect ON before turning
the power OFF (STANDBY) (see “Protecting songs” on page
32).
CAUTION
You cannot undo erasing the operation history! Only erase it when you are certain that you want to do so.
YES
) button.
YES
) button to clear the operation history and
HISTORY
-START UP-
screen immediately after
), confirming that all
NOTE
The operation histories of songs that are not loaded are not erased when the power is turned OFF (STANDBY).
Using the following procedures, you can also erase (clear) the operation history of the currently loaded song without turning the power OFF.
1 Press and hold the UNDO/REDO [HISTORY] button to open
the
HISTORY
2 Press the F4 (
A confirmation message appears.
screen.
CLEAR
) button.
TASCAM DP-03SD 37
Page 38

7 – Recorder Functions

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 playback (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 (–) button to start recording (punch
in) when you reach the part. Play or sing what you want to record.
5 Press the PLAY (Á) button to switch to playback (punch
out) when you finish the replacement recording.
NOTE
When the recording source is set to a built-in microphone (INTERNAL MIC A/B), the sound of pressing a button to punch in and out could be recorded. This can be avoided by using a foot switch to punch in and out or the automatic punching in and out functions. (See “Automatically punching in and out” on page 43.)
TIP
You can also press the STOP (ª) key to punch out at the end of the replacement recording.

Using the foot switch to punch in/out

Using a foot switch connected to the REMOTE jack on the rear panel, you can punch in and out.
In step 4 above, step on the foot switch instead of pressing the RECORD (–) button. In step 5, step on the foot switch again
instead of pressing the PLAY (Á) button.
NOTE
Press the switch (pedal) that you have set to foot switch settings. By default, the center pedal (Foot SW C) is set to
38.)
PUNCH
. (See “Setting the foot switch” on page
PUNCH
in the

Setting the foot switch

Set the foot switch on the
1 When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU button to
open the
2 Use the DATA wheel to select
the F4 (¥) button to open the
3 Use the F3 (§) and F4 () buttons to select
4 Use the DATA wheel to select the function to assign to the
left foot switch pedal.
5 In the same way, use the
function of the center pedal and the set the function of the right pedal.
6 After making the settings, press the HOME button to return
to the Home Screen.
Setting Function
PLAY
REC
STOP
F FWD
REW Same as the unit’s REW (Ô) (TO ZERO) button
PUNCH
PLY/STP
CUE Locate to the last point where playback started
Default values:
MENU
Same as the unit’s PL AY (Á) button Same as the unit’s RECORD (–) button Same as the unit’s STOP (ª) button Same as the unit’s F FWD () (TO LAST REC)
button
Press during playback to PUNCH IN and during recording to PUNCH OUT
Press when stopped to start playback, and press at any other time to stop
CUE
PREFERENCE
screen.
Foot SW C
(L),
PUNCH
screen.
PREFERENCE
PREFERENCE
FootSW L
item to set the
Foot SW R
(C),
PLY/STP
(R)
, and press
screen.
item to
.
38 TASCAM DP-03SD
Foot switch TASCAM RC-3F (optional)
Page 39
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 bounce tracks 1–8 to mix down to tracks 1 and 2 (stereo bounce), or bounce tracks 1–8 as a mono mix to track 1 (mono bounce).
NOTE
Inside this unit, a mixdown is made to create a mix master that is recorded to the designated tracks.
TRACK 1
Drum L
TRACK 1 & 2
Rhythm, Bass, Piano, SE
TRACK 3
Perc. L
TRACK 3 Perc. L (Over­ writing possible)
TRACK 4
Perc. R
TRACK 4 Perc. R (Over­ writing possible)
TRACK 2
Drum R
Bounce tracks 1-8 to mix down to tracks 1-2
TRACK 5
Bass
TRACK 5 Bass (Over­ writing possible)
TRACK 6
Piano L
TRACK 6 Piano L (Over­ writing possible)
TRACK 7
Piano R
TRACK 7 Piano R (Over­ writing possible)
TRACK 8
SE
TRACK 8 SE (Over­ writing possible)
For a stereo bounce, press the REC buttons for any two
tracks. For a mono bounce (bouncing the mix to a single track) press the REC button for any one track.
3 Adjust the track faders and PAN knobs for the bounce source
tracks.
When making a stereo bounce, the lower numbered track is
the left (L) side.
For a mono bounce, turn the PAN knobs of the bounce
source tracks all the way to L.
Use the MASTER fader to adjust the overall level. 4 After returning to the start of the song, press the PL AY (Á)
button while pressing and holding the RECORD (–) button to start the bounce.

Confirming the result

Mute the bounce source tracks (see “Muting tracks” on page
49), and play the song from the beginning.
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 the last operation (single undo)” on page 36).
If you are satisfied with the result, press the BOUNCE button to return to the
After bouncing tracks, you can make new recordings over the other tracks.
MULTI TRACK
mode.
New recording possible on tracks 3-8
TRACK 1 & 2
Rhythm, Bass, Piano, SE
TRACK 3
Guitar L
TRACK 4
Guitar R
TRACK 5
Lead Guitar
TRACK 6
Lead Vocal
TRACK 7
Chorus L
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 the last operation (single undo)” on page 36).

Using the bounce function

1 In multitrack mode, press the BOUNCE button.
After the switches to BOUNCE mode and the Home Screen reopens.
Bounce !
pop-up message appears, the unit
TRACK 8
Chorus R
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 “Backing-up songs” on page 61 and “Connecting with a computer” on page
60).

Locate and search functions

Direct locate function

The current recorder position is shown at the top of the
display as “hours: minutes: seconds: frames” (there are 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 divisions. You can edit the value at the cursor positions. The seconds are selected in the following figure.
2 Press the REC buttons for the bounce destination tracks (the
indicators blink).
TASCAM DP-03SD 39
Page 40
7 – Recorder Functions
2 Turn the DATA wheel to change the value above the cursor.
When adjusting, the value will carry over automatically when it reaches the highest or lowest value in a field. For example, when turning 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. The time display blinks when using the DATA wheel. The blinking stops when the recorder moves to the displayed position.
3 Press the HOME button to move to a different time division
and turn the DATA wheel to change the value.
4 After setting the desired time value, press the PLAY (Á)
button to start playback from that position.

Location marks

The unit can store up to 999 location marks per song! Use these to mark the start of verses, vocal entry points, etc.

To set a location mark

While stopped, recording or playing, press and hold the LOCATE LIST [LOCATE SET] button at the point where you want the new
mark.
The mark number is shown next to the icon on the Home Screen. The mark number you see is the one at or immediately
before the current position. In the example below, indicates thefirst mark in the selected song.
NOTE
Marks are numbered in the order you enter them, not according to their position in the song. Mark 005 can therefore appear in a song before mark 001.
001
NOTE
Press the F1 (
• button to return to the Home Screen.
If the current song does not have any location marks, the
• location mark list will not open. A
pop-up appears briefly and then the screen opens.
EXIT
), LOCATE LIST [LOCATE SET] or HOME
No Locate Mark
I/O SETTING

To delete a location mark

You can erase a location mark when the recorder is stopped.
1 Press the LOCATE LIST [LOCATE SET] button to show the
location mark list.
2 Use the DATA wheel to select a mark and press the F2
(
EDIT
) to bring up the edit screen.
3 Press the F2 (
the
LOCATE LIST
4 Press the F1 (
button to return to the Home Screen.
NOTE
The marks are shown in the order they appear in the song,
• not by number.
This operation cannot be undone. Be certain before
• executing it.
DEL
) button to erase that mark and return to
screen.
EXIT
), LOCATE LIST [LOCATE SET] or HOME

To move to a location mark

Press the LOCATE LIST [LOCATE SET] to show the location mark list:
Use the DATA wheel to choose a mark (they’re listed in the order they appear in the song) and press F4 ( mark.
JUMP
) to jump to that

To edit a location mark

If you made a mistake when you entered a location mark, you can change the time of the mark.
TIP
This is sometimes called “trimming”.
1 Press the LOCATE LIST [LOCATE SET] button to show the
location mark list.
40 TASCAM DP-03SD
Page 41
7 – Recorder Functions
2 Use the DATA wheel to select a mark and press the F2
(
EDIT
) to bring up the edit screen.
NOTE
The marks are shown in the order they appear in the song,
• not by number.
3 Use the F3 (˙) and F4 (¥) buttons to move the cursor
between time fields.
4 Turn the DATA wheel to change the value above the cursor.
When adjusting, the value will carry over automatically when it reaches the highest or lowest value in a field. For example, when turning 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
You can’t move a mark forward past the next mark in the list, or backwards to before the previous mark in the list.
5 After you have finished editing, press the F1 (
to confirm the edited value and return to the
LIST
screen.
EXIT
) button
LOCATE

Return To Zero (TO ZERO) and Last Recording Position (TO LAST REC)

Use simple button operations to return to the top of a song or to the position where recording last started.
Return to the zero point (song beginning at 00:00:00:00)
Press the REW (Ô) (TO ZERO) button while pressing and holding the STOP (ª) button. (TO ZERO function)
Last Recording Position (the position recording last started)
Press the F FWD () (TO LAST REC) button while pressing and holding the STOP (ª) button. This function is useful when you want to record the same
passage again.

Fast forward/rewind search

Press the REW (Ô) (TO ZERO) or F FWD () (TO LAST REC) button when stopped to rewind or fast forward,
respectively.
Each time you press one of these keys, the speed increases from 10x to 50x, 100x and 1000x.
Press these buttons during playback to search backward or forward while pressing. The search speed is fixed at 10 times normal playback speed.

Repeat playback

Use the repeat playback function to play the same part again and again.
The repeated passage is time between the IN and OUT points.

Using IN, OUT and TO points

In addition to setting the repeat playback interval, the IN and OUT points are also used to set track editing intervals and as the punch in and punch out points when automatically punching in and out. Moreover, these points are used as the starting and ending points when creating a master track.
You can set these points during recording, playback or when the unit is stopped.
NOTE
The IN, OUT and TO points cannot be set or edited at the following times.
During repeat playback
• When in automatic punch in and out mode
• When the recorder is in MIXDOWN or MASTERING mode
• When the
• screen is open
Setting IN, OUT and TO points
Regardless of whether the unit is stopped, playing back or recording, you can set these points at the positions you like by pressing and holding the IN [SET IN], OUT [SET OUT] or TO [SET TO] button. The corresponding IN, OUT or TO point is set at the time when you began pressing and holding the button, and the time set appears below a pop-up message (
OUT !
Locating to IN, OUT and TO points
Regardless of whether the unit is stopped or playing back, you can press the IN [SET IN], OUT [SET OUT] or TO [SET TO] button to locate the corresponding point.
You can also use the
1 Press the LOCATE LIST [LOCATE SET] button to open a list
or
of location marks.
LOCATE LIST
SET TO !
SET IN pop-up message
I/O SETTING
or
as appropriate).
I/O SETTING
SET IN !, SET
screen to locate.
2 Press the F3 (
SETTING
POINT
screen.
) button to open the
TASCAM DP-03SD 41
I/O
Page 42
7 – Recorder Functions
Repeat icon
NOTE
If the current song does not have any location marks, the location mark list will not open. A “ pop-up appears briefly and then the screen opens.
3 Use the DATA wheel to select the mark, and press the F4
(
JUMP
) button to locate to the designated point.
Editing IN, OUT and TO points
1 Press the LOCATE LIST [LOCATE SET] button to open the
location mark list.
2 Press the F3 (
SETTING
NOTE
If the current song does not have any location marks, the location mark list will not open. A pop-up appears briefly and then the screen opens.
3 Use the DATA wheel to select a mark, and press the F2
(
EDIT
editing mode.
POINT
screen.
) button to open the
) button to open the
No Locate Mark
I/O SETTING
I/O
No Locate Mark
I/O SETTING
I/O SETTING
screen in
7 Press the F4 (
To return to the home screen without locating to the point,
press the F1 (
JUMP
) button to locate to the point.
EXIT
) or HOME button instead.

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.
The repeat icon on the Home Screen appears.
Playback starts from the IN point. When the OUT point is reached, after the repeat interval elapses, playback starts again from the IN point. Playback continues to repeat between the IN and OUT points.
3 Press the REPEAT button again to stop repeat playback.
The repeat 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.
4 Use the F3 (˙) and F4 (¥) buttons to move the time unit
cursor.
5 Use the DATA wheel to change the value of the unit at
the cursor. The larger adjacent time unit will automatically increase or decrease when a unit is turned past its high or low limit. For example, when the DATA wheel is turned to increase the second unit past 59, it will become “00” and the minute unit will increase by one.
6 Press the F1 (
the point to confirm the value and return to the
SETTING
EXIT
screen.
) button when you are done editing
I/O

Setting the interval between repetitions

The interval can be set from 1.0 to 9.9 seconds.
1 When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU button to
open the
2 Turn the DATA wheel to select
the F4 (¥) button to open the
3 Use the F3 (§) and F4 () buttons to select the setting
value for the set the value from
The default setting is
4 When finished making settings, press the HOME button to
return to the Home Screen.
MENU
screen.
Repeat Int
1.0
1.0sec
PREFERENCE
PREFERENCE
item. Turn the DATA wheel to
to
9.9 sec.
.
in 0.1-sec. units.
, and press
screen.
42 TASCAM DP-03SD
Page 43
7 – Recorder Functions
Au mode icon

Automatically punching in and out

When an IN point and an OUT point are set, press the AUTO PUNCH button to enter auto punch in/out mode.
to punch in/out
Auto punch in/out mode includes a rehearsal function. When using this function, monitoring between the IN and OUT points in the same way as when recording is possible without actually recording.

Rehearsal

1 When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU button to
open the
2 Press the REC buttons on tracks to use auto punch in/out
with them.
3 After setting the IN and OUT points, press the AUTO PUNCH
button to enter auto punch in/out mode.
MENU
screen.

Using auto punch in/out to record

When you are done rehearsing, you can use auto punch in/out for recording.
1 While in auto punch in/out mode, press and hold the
RECORD (–) button, and press the PLAY (Á) button. In the same way as during rehearsal, playback begins from
two seconds before the IN point. Recording occurs and the RECORD () 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 is exited and the transport locates to two seconds before the IN point.
NOTE
Auto punch in/out mode cannot be entered during repeat
• mode or if no REC button has been pushed.
Auto punch in/out can be undone.
4 Press the PLAY (Á) key.
Playback begins from two seconds before the IN point, and the sound monitored on the recording track(s) switches at the IN point from the track playback sound and the input
sound to just the input sound. The RECORD (–) indicator blinks when between the IN and OUT points.
When playback reaches the OUT point, the track playback sound and the input sound becomes the monitored sound
again, and the RECORD (–) indicator stops blinking and turns off. Playback automatically stops one second after the
OUT point.
You can repeat rehearsal until you are satisfied.
TASCAM DP-03SD 43
Page 44

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 the last operation (single undo)” on page
36).

Overview of track editing

This unit has the following track editing functions.
COPY/PASTE (copy and paste)
• COPY/INSERT (copy and insert)
• MOVE/PASTE (move and paste)
• MOVE/INSERT (move and 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)

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. They also use the current position when the editing operation is begun as the TO point. SILENCE, CUT, and OPEN use the IN and OUT points. These IN and OUT points are the same IN and OUT points used during repeat playback. See “Using IN, OUT and TO points” on page 41 for instructions about how to do this.
IN point
The IN point is the starting point for the part of the track subject to track editing.
The IN point is set at the time when you begin pressing the IN
[SET IN] button.
OUT point
The OUT point is the ending point for the part of the track subject to track editing.
The OUT point is set at the time when you begin pressing the
OUT [SET OUT] button.
TO point
The TO point is used as the PASTE destination point for COPY and MOVE operations.
The TO point is set at the time when you begin pressing the TO [SET TO] button.
The IN, OUT and TO points can also be changed on various editing screens.

Basic editing procedures

1 When the recorder is stopped and the Home Screen is open,
press the TRACK EDIT button to open the screen.
2 Use the DATA wheel to select the desired track editing
function, and press the F4 (¥) button to open that function’s screen.
3 Select the setting item value. If there are multiple setting
items, use the F3 (§) and F4 (¶) buttons to select one. Turn the DATA wheel to set an item’s value.
4 Press the F2 (
Press the F1 (
EDIT
EXEC
) button to execute the function.
BACK
) button to return to the
menu screen without executing the function.
TRACK EDIT
TRACK

Explanation of items

SOURCE TRK
• OPEN TRK
• CUT TRK
• SILENCE TRK
• CLEAN OUT TRK
This is the track to be edited. The choices available depend on the editing function.
1
to 8: single tracks
1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8
1-8
: all tracks
MST
: stereo master track
ALL
: all tracks or the stereo master track
: track pairs
SOURCE TRK screen
44 TASCAM DP-03SD
CLEAN OUT TRK screen
Page 45
8 – Editing Tracks
IN OUT TO
IN OUT TO
IN/OUT/TO
These points are used for editing. To change the IN, OUT or TO point, use the F3 (§) and F4 () buttons to select one. Then,
use the REW (Ô) (TO ZERO) and F FWD () (TO LAST REC) buttons to move the cursor and the DATA wheel to set the
time.
IN point editing screen
OUT point editing screen
TO point editing screen
DESTINATION TRK
Select the track that you want to be the destination for a COPY, INSERT or MOVE operation. The choices depend on what you have already chosen for the edited.
When a single track has been set as the
DESTINATION TRK
When a track pair (for example, 1/2) has been set as the
SOURCE TRK 1/2, 3/4, 5/6
When
1-8
DESTINATION TRK
words, this setting cannot be changed in this case.
, the
and 7/8 (track pairs).
(all tracks) has been set as the
SOURCE TRK
choices are 1 to 8 (single tracks).
DESTINATION TRK
choice is
1-8
as the track to be
SOURCE TRK
choices are
SOURCE TRK
(all tracks). In other
, the
, the
COPY TIMES
Set the number of times that the copied section will be pasted. Set the number between 1 and 99.

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 does not change the COPY source track.
This operation overwrites recorded data on the COPY destination track. Therefore, the length of the COPY destination track is not changed.
You can make multiple copies in a single operation. In other words, you can overwrite the COPY destination track from the TO point with a designated number of repetitions of the COPY data.
The following parameters are used in this operation.
SOURCE TRK (1 to 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 does not change the COPY source track.
TASCAM DP-03SD 45
Page 46
8 – Editing Tracks
IN OUT TO
IN OUT TO
IN OUT
This operation inserts recorded data into the COPY destination track. The recorded data on the COPY destination track after the TO point is offset by the amount of time used by the inserted audio data. Therefore, the COPY destination track becomes longer.
You can make multiple copies in a single operation. In other words, you can insert a designated number of repetitions of the COPY data into the COPY destination track from the TO point.
The following parameters are used in this operation.
SOURCE TRK (1 to 8, 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 1-8)
• IN/OUT/TO
• DESTINATION TRK
• COPY TIMES

MOVE/PASTE

IN OUT TO

MOVE/INSERT

IN OUT TO
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.
The following parameters are used in this operation.
SOURCE TRK (1 to 8, 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 1-8)
• IN/OUT/TO
• DESTINATION TRK
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.
The following parameters are used in this operation.
SOURCE TRK (1 to 8, 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 1-8)
• IN/OUT/TO
• DESTINATION TRK

OPEN (insert silence)

IN OUT
This function inserts silence between the IN and OUT points on the selected track.
This function splits the track at the IN point and shifts the recorded data after the IN point to after the OUT point. Therefore, the track becomes longer.
The following parameters are used in this operation.
OPEN TRK (1 to 8, 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 1-8,
• IN/OUT
ALL
)
46 TASCAM DP-03SD
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8 – Editing Tracks
IN OUT
IN OUT

CUT (remove part)

IN
This function cuts (deletes) the audio data between the IN and OUT points on the selected track, and shifts the remaining recording after the OUT point forward to the IN point. Therefore, the track becomes shorter.
The following parameters are used in this operation.
CUT TRK (1 to 8, 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 1-8,
• IN/OUT
ALL
)

SILENCE (part erase)

CLONE track (track duplication)

Use this function to duplicate a single track, a track pair or the stereo master track on a different track or track pair. Each track is copied entirely, so the IN/OUT/TO points have no effect.
The following parameters are used in this operation.
SOURCE TRK (1 to 8, 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8,1-8,
• DESTINATION TRK
NOTE
If you choose the same track for both the SOURCE TRK and the DESTINATION TRK and press the F2 (
Same Track
executed.
message appears and the operation is not
EXEC
MST
)
) button, the
IN OUT
This function cuts (deletes) the audio data between the IN and OUT points on the selected track, leaving silence between the IN and OUT points, as though there had been no recording.
This operation does not change the length of the track.
The following parameters are used in this operation.
SILENCE TRK (1 to 8, 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 1-8)
• IN/OUT
TIP
Using this function, you can delete short noises, for example.

CLEAN out (track erase)

Use this function to completely erase the selected track. This erases the entire track, so the IN, OUT and TO points have no effect.
The following parameter is used in this operation.
CLEAN OUT TRK (1 to 8, 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 1-8)
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9 – Mixing down and mastering tracks

TRACK EQ

Mixing down tracks

Mixing down tracks is the process of adjusting the volumes and stereo positions of each recorded track and mixing them into a well-balanced stereo track.

Levels and balance

Use the TRACK 1-8 faders to adjust the relative balance of the tracks. Then use the MASTER fader to adjust the overall level. Watching the L and R meters on the display, adjust the level until it is suitable.
If the volume is too loud, the sound will be distorted.
NOTE
The track meters on the display show the recorded signal levels of the tracks. Therefore, these meters do not change when the TRACK faders 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 PAN knobs of the tracks to adjust the stereo positions of their signals.

Track EQ (equalizer)

Each track has a 2-band equalizer (EQ).
Set the track EQ using the EQ SETTING screen.
1 Press the EQ button to open the
EQ SETTING
screen.
2 Set the track EQ (equalizer).
The track equalizer has the following parameters.
GAIN FREQ
High-frequency gain
Hi
Setting range: ±12 dB (Default value: 0.0 dB)
Low-frequency gain
Lo
Setting range: ±12 dB (Default value: 0.0 dB)
Use the REC button to select the track.
Use the EQ HIGH knob to adjust the Hi gain and the EQ
LOW knob to adjust the Lo gain.
Use the F3 (§) and F4 () buttons to select Hi or Lo, and
use the DATA wheel to set the
Press the F1 (
settings. (See “Using input EQ (equalizer)” on page 34.)
3 After making the setting, press the HOME button to return
to the Home Screen.
NOTE
When track EQ is applied to a track, the track is shown on the Home Screen as in the illustration below.
Track EQ is used on all tracks in the example above.
INPUT
is ON
) button to make
High-frequency value Setting range: 1.7–18 kHz (Default value: 5 kHz)
Low-frequency value Setting range: 32 Hz–1.6 kHz (Default value: 350 Hz)
FREQ
value.
INPUT EQ

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.
NOTE
Both reverb and track EQ (equalization) can be used the same time. The reverb is applied after the track EQ.
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9 – Mixing down and mastering tracks
T 7 are muted
1 Press the REVERB button to open the
SETTING
2 Set the reverb using the following parameters.
TYPE
TIME
LEVEL
screen.
Parameters Setting values
Hall 1, Hall 2, Room, Studio, Plate
Reverb type
Reverb time (depth)
Reverb amount (volume)
1, Plate 2 (Default: Hall 1)
0.2 (0.8 for Plate types) – 3.2 Sec
0–100
REVERB
NOTE
The default values of each reverb type are as follows.
TYPE
Hall 1
Hall 2
Room
Studio
Plate 1
Plate 2
When a setting value is the same as the default value for the reverb type,
INI
appears below that setting value.
Default values
TIME LEVEL
1.8 80
2.2 80
1.4 10
0.6 20
1.4 60
1.8 60

Muting tracks

1 Press the MUTE button to open the
TRACK MUTE
screen.
Use the F3 (˙) and F4 (¥) buttons to select parameters,
and use the DATA wheel to set the parameters. The reverb return signal (signal after the effect is applied) is mixed into the stereo signal.
3 After making the reverb setting, press the HOME button to
return to the Home Screen.
4 Use the track REVERB knobs to adjust the amount of track
signal sent to the reverb effect.
2 Press the REC button of each track to turn mute ON or OFF
for it. When mute is ON, the track number is shown in inverse (dark number on light background).
Tracks 2,3,4 and 7 are muted in the example above.
3 After muting the desired tracks, press the HOME button to
return to the Home Screen.
NOTE
When tracks are muted, their track numbers also appear in inverse (dark number on light background) on the Home Screen as shown below.
racks 2, 3, 4 and

Creating a stereo master track

When you are satisfied with your mix, this unit can record the mixed down tracks and create a stereo master track internally.
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9 – Mixing down and mastering tracks
A stereo master track recorded by this unit is saved as part of the song.
This stereo master track can be recorded by an external stereo recorder, and can also be converted by the unit into a WAV file and exported to a computer. (See “Exporting a stereo master track” on page 65.)
NOTE
Only one stereo master track can be saved in each song.

Setting the starting and ending points

Before creating a stereo master track, set the stereo master track start and end points. The time between the song’s IN point and the OUT point will be recorded as the stereo master track.
Ordinarily, set the beginning of the song as the IN point and the end of the song as the OUT point.
Press and hold the IN [SET IN] button where you want to set the start (IN) point of the stereo master track, and press and hold the OUT [SET OUT] button where you want to set the end (OUT) point.
For details about how to change the IN and OUT points, see “Using IN, OUT and TO points” on page 41.

Recording a stereo master track

After setting the IN and OUT points, you are ready to record the stereo master track.
1 In MULTITRACK mode, press the MIXDOWN/MASTERING
button.
Some playback functions and other functions do not work
• when the unit is in mixdown mode. If you try to use one of
these functions, an “In Mixdown Mode” pop-up message appears.
2 Press and hold the RECORD (–) button and press the PL AY
(Á) button to start the mixdown. The RECORD (–) button indicator lights.
Regardless of the recorder’s current playback position, the mixdown starts from the IN point.
Use the TRACK faders and PAN knobs as necessary to mix the
tracks to stereo. These adjustments will be reflected in the stereo master track. When the recorder reaches the OUT point, recording automatically stops.
3 If you want to redo the creation of the stereo master track,
press and hold the RECORD (–) button and press the PLAY (Á) button to begin. A new stereo master track will
be created, and the previous stereo master track will be overwritten.
NOTE
After recording the stereo master track, you can play back the stereo master track to check it. (See “Checking the stereo master track” on page 51.)
TIP
You can also undo the creation of a stereo master track. In other words, after recording the stereo master track multiple times, you can undo and use a stereo master track that you recorded earlier.
After the unit switches to reopens.
In this state, if you play back or record, you can hear the signal of the mixed tracks (the signal being recorded) through headphones or a monitoring system.
NOTE
When in MIXDOWN mode,
• the upper left of the display.
If you try to enter
• interval between IN and OUT points is less than 4 seconds,
a cannot enter
In
• points.
Mixdown !
MIXDOWN
Trk Too Short
MIXDOWN
MIXDOWN
mode, you cannot change the IN, OUT or TO
pop-up message appears the
MIXDOWN
pop-up message appears and you
mode and the Home Screen
MIXDOWN
mode when the length of the
mode.
appears in the bar at

Exiting MIXDOWN mode

Press the MIXDOWN/MASTERING button twice to return to MULTITRACK mode.
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9 – Mixing down and mastering tracks

Checking the stereo master track

Follow these procedures to listen to a stereo master track after you have completed recording it.
1 In MIXDOWN mode, press the MIXDOWN/MASTERING
button. After the unit switches to reopens.
NOTE
When in MASTERING mode,
• bar at the upper left of the display.
When in MULTITRACK mode, press the MIXDOWN/
MASTERING button to activate MIXDOWN mode, and then
press the MIXDOWN/MASTERING button again to activate MASTERING mode.
MASTERING mode cannot be entered if there is no stereo
• master track.
2 In this state, press the PL AY (Á) button to start playback of
the stereo master track.
NOTE
Confirm that both the EQ and COMP items are shown to be OFF. If either is ON, the sound heard will be affected by the equalizer and/or compressor. (See “Using mastering EQ (equalizer)” on page 52 and “Using mastering compression” on page 52.)
3 In MASTERING mode, the transport controls have the
following functions.
• Since the stereo master track playback signal is output from
the PHONES jack and LINE OUT jacks, you can record the output to an external stereo recorder.
If you are not happy with the completed stereo master track, you can conduct a mixdown again.
NOTE
To listen to a stereo master track recorded in a saved song, load that song, set the recorder mode to
and press the PLAY (Á) button to start playback.
TIP
A stereo master track can be copied to any track pair among tracks 1–8 by creating a “clone” track (see “CLONE track (track duplication)” on page 47).
Mastering !
MASTERING
Press the PL AY (Á) button to play the stereo master track from the current position until its end.
Use the REW (Ô) (TO ZERO) and F FWD () (TO LAST REC) buttons to search backward and forward, in
the same way as in MULTITRACK mode. Press the STOP (ª) button to stop playback.
Ordinary recording is not possible.
Repeat and location mark functions cannot be used.
pop-up message appears the
mode and the Home Screen
MASTERING
appears in the
MASTERING
,

End stereo master track checking

When you are done checking the stereo master track, press the
MIXDOWN/MASTERING button to return to MULTITRACK mode.

Mastering the stereo master track

This unit has specialized tools for mastering the stereo master track. Use multi-band compression, equalization and normalization to adjust the overall volume and sound quality. Put the unit into MASTERING mode and use the mastering tools to finish (master) the stereo master track.

Mastering procedures

Follow these steps to master a stereo track.
Step 1. Enter MASTERING mode. In mixdown mode, press the MIXDOWN/MASTERING button.
After the Mastering ! pop-up message appears the unit switches to MASTERING mode and the Home Screen reopens.
NOTE
When in MULTITRACK mode, press the MIXDOWN/
MASTERING button to activate MIXDOWN mode, and then
press the MIXDOWN/MASTERING button again to activate MASTERING mode.
MASTERING mode cannot be entered if there is no stereo
• master track.
Step 2. Use the mastering tools to adjust the sound of the track. Press the F1 (EQ), F2 ( screen for the desired tool.
These include
COMP
(compressor) and select either a single band or multi-band compressor using the library. The multi-band compressor screen is split into a LOW BAND, a MID BAND and a HIGH BAND.
Make settings for each on their screens. (For details, see “Using mastering compression,” “Using mastering EQ (equalizer)” and “Normalizing” below.)
In MASTERING mode, since you can use the PL AY (Á), STOP
(ª), REW (Ô) (TO ZERO) and F FWD () (TO LAST REC) transport buttons, adjust the settings as you monitor the
playback signal.
Step 3. Record with mastering effects. After adjusting the settings of the mastering tools, press and
hold the RECORD (–) button and press the PLAY (Á) button to start recording. During recording, the PL AY (Á) and RECORD (–) indicators light.
Recording always starts from the current position.
Recording in MASTERING mode overwrites the stereo master track.
COMP
) or F3 (
MASTERING EQ
NORMALIZE
(equalizer),
00:00:00:00
NORM
) button to open the
MASTERING
screens. You can also
regardless of
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9 – Mixing down and mastering tracks
NOTE
If you stop recording in the middle, a stereo master track will be created until the time when you stopped the unit.
Step 4. Check the mastered recording. Turn the equalizer and compressor OFF before playing back the mastered stereo track to check the results of mastering. Undo and redo can be used, so you can compare the sound before and after mastering.
If you are not satisfied with the result:
Undo the recording to restore the stereo master track to the state before being overwritten and repeat the mastering procedures above from Step 1.
NOTE
Undo and redo cannot be used when the unit is in MASTERING mode. Switch to MULTITRACK or MIXDOWN mode to use these functions.

Using mastering EQ (equalizer)

1 When the
button to open the
MASTERING
MASTERING EQ
screen is open, press the F1 (EQ)
screen.

Using mastering compression

You can select either a single band or multi-band type of mastering compressor from the library.
Multi-band compressors divide the stereo master track into low, mid and high frequency ranges that can be processed using independent settings, allowing adjustment of the overall volume balance.
By using compression, you can reduce unwanted peaks and increase the overall gain in order to raise the volume, creating a mastered sound with greater impact.
1 When the
(
COMP
2 Press the F3 (
MASTERING
) button to open the
LIB
screen is open, press the F2
) button to open the library screen.
MASTERING COMP
screen.
2 Set the mastering equalizer using the following parameters.
GAIN FREQ
High-frequency gain
Hi
Setting range: ±12 dB (Default value: 0.0 dB)
Low-frequency gain
Lo
Setting range: ±12 dB (Default value: 0.0 dB)
Use the EQ HIGH knob to adjust the Hi gain and the EQ LOW knob to adjust the Lo gain.
Use the F3 (§) and F4 () buttons to select Hi or Lo, and use the DATA wheel to set the
Whether the mastering equalizer is ON or the upper left of the display. When button to turn EQ ON, and when ON press the F2 ( button to turn EQ OFF.
3 After making the setting, press the F1 (
return to the Home Screen. The EQ item on the the mastering equalizer is currently ON or OFF.
MASTERING
High-frequency value Setting range: 1.7–18 kHz (Default value: 5 kHz)
Low-frequency value Setting range: 32 Hz–1.6 kHz (Default value: 350 Hz)
FREQ
value.
OFF
is shown in
OFF
, press the F2 (ON)
OFF
BACK
) button to
screen shows whether
)
3 Use the DATA wheel to select an item in the library, and
press the F4 ( Items with the
COMPX1
After the item loads from the library, the
COMP
4 Next, press the F4 (
setting screen.
At this time, the selected band is shown in the upper left. If it
is a multi-band compressor, press the F2 ( change the band that you are adjusting. Each time you press this button, the band cycles through band. For single band types, F2 switches between and “
A.MAKEUP
5 Use the F3 (§) and F4 () buttons to select the value of the
item that you want to set, and use the DATA wheel to set it. When a setting is at its default value, an “i” appears next to it. The setting items and their ranges are as follows.
THRSHLD
the compressor begins to operate. (Range: –32 dB to 0 dB in 1 dB steps)
RATIO
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
dB steps)
6 When using a multi-band compressor, press the F2 (
button to open the next band. Make settings as necessary for all brands.
EXEC
) button to confirm the selection.
TYPE
of
COMPX3
items are single band compressors.
screen reopens.
PARM
) button to open the parameter
.
: Set the threshold value that determines when
: Set the compression ratio. (1.0: 1, 1.1: 1, 1.3: 1, 1.5: 1,
: Set the output level. (Range: -20 dB to +20 dB in 1
are multi-band, while
MASTERING
BAND
) button to
LOW, MID
and
BAND
BAND
HIGH
)
52 TASCAM DP-03SD
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9 – Mixing down and mastering tracks
ON/OFF indication
7 When using a single band compressor, press the F2 (
button to show the
You can turn this automatic gain makeup function ON to automatically increase the volume when it is decreased by the compressor. When a setting is at its default value, an “i” appears next to it.
8 After making the parameters settings, press the F1 (
button to return to the
9 Use the F2 (SW) button to turn the compressor ON and OFF.
The ON/OFF status is shown on the screen.
10 When you have finished making the settings, press the F1
(
BACK
) button to return to the For information about compressor settings, see “14 – Mastering compressor settings list.”
A.MAKEUP
MASTERING COMP
setting.
MASTERING COMP
MASTERING
BAND
BACK
screen.
screen.
)
)

Using normalize

Use the normalize function to automatically adjust the volume.
This function detects the highest volume level and raises the overall volume until the highest level reaches the maximum limit.
CAUTION
If you use equalization or compression after normalizing the track, distortion might occur. Use normalization after adjusting the sound quality with equalization and compression.
1 When the
(
NORM
2 Press the F4 (
3 After normalization completes, press the F1 (
to return to the
MASTERING
) button to open the
EXEC
MASTERING
screen is open, press the F3
) button to normalize the track.
NORMALIZE
screen.
screen.
BACK
) button

Copying the stereo master track

You can use the clone track function to copy the stereo master track to other tracks. (See “CLONE track (track duplication)” on page 47.)

Exiting MASTERING mode

Press the MIXDOWN/MASTERING button to exit MASTERING mode and return to ordinary MULTITRACK mode.
TASCAM DP-03SD 53
Page 54

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 Press the METRONOME button to open the
screen.
2 Set the following items. Use the F3 (§) and F4 () buttons
to select each item, and turn the DATA wheel to change the value.
MODE
OFF
REC&PLAY
REC ONLY
TEMPO
Set speed from 20 to
The default setting is
BEAT
Set the frequency of the accent from 1 to 12 for different time signatures.
The default setting is 4.
LEVEL
Set the metronome volume from 0 to
The default setting is
3 When finished making settings, press the HOME button to
return to the Home Screen. The metronome functions according to the made in step 2 above.
The metronome signal is not recorded even if set to operate during recording.
Default, metronome OFF Functions both during
recording and playback Functions only during
recording
250
beats per minute (BPM).
120
.
100
.
METRONOME
100
.
MODE
setting
NOTE
When the metronome is operating, you can monitor the
• sound of the metronome through connected external
speakers. In this case, the metronome sound might also be recorded when you use a microphone to record.
When the metronome is operating, you can adjust the
LEVEL
cannot be changed. Moreover, during recording, you cannot open the
LEVEL
screen is open and do not switch to a different screen.
TIP
You can use the metronome like a click track to help keep
• time when recording the first tracks (rhythm guitar, bass,
etc.) in a song.
If you want to use the metronome when practicing, you
• can either turn each track’s fader all the way down during
playback or play a song that does not have any recordings.
, but other items on the
METRONOME
if you start recording while the
METRONOME
screen. You can adjust the
screen
METRONOME

Tuner

Use the built-in chromatic tuner to tune guitars and wind 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 when tuning wind instruments, for
example.
2 Set the INPUT A switch to GUITAR (see “Selecting the input
sources” on page 33).
To use the built-in mic, set the INPUT A switch to INTERNAL
MIC A.
54 TASCAM DP-03SD
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10 – Miscellaneous Functions
3 When the recorder is stopped, press the TUNER button to
open the The value of the selected.
4 Turn the DATA wheel to set the standard frequency of the A
note between 435 and 445 Hz. The default setting is 440 Hz.
5 Play the instrument and begin tuning. 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 more out of tune, the longer the bar appears.
TUNER
CALIB
screen.
item (standard frequency) is

Oscillator mode

1 When the recorder is stopped, press the TUNER button to
open the
2 Press the F4 (
The following settings can be made on this screen.
CALIB
Use this to adjust the standard frequency of A4. The setting range is 435Hz–445Hz.
The default setting is 440Hz.
NOTE
Use this to set the note output. The setting range is C3–B5.
The default setting is A4.
LEVEL
Use this to set the output level. The setting range is 10 (minimum) – 100 (maximum).
The default setting is 50. Use the F3 (§) and F4 () buttons to select parameters,
and use the DATA wheel to set the parameter values.
Use the F2 (ON) button to turn the output ON and OFF.
TUNER
OSC.
screen.
) button to display the oscillator screen.
When the pitch played matches the note shown, the note name appears between the ¥˙ icons.
6 When finished tuning, press the HOME button to return to
the Home Screen.
NOTE
If you want to monitor the input sound, press the REC button of a track that has
INPUT A
assigned to it.
Use the F1 ( mode.
3 When you have finished tuning, press the HOME button to
return to the Home Screen.
CHROM
) button to change to chromatic tuner
TASCAM DP-03SD 55
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10 – Miscellaneous Functions

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 DATA wheel to select (highlight) the
PREFERENCE
the
3. Use the F3 [5] and F4 [b] buttons to select (highlight) the
Auto Power Save
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 to open
PREFERENCE
screen.
item setting value, and use the

Restoring the initial preference settings

You can restore the initial values (the values that they had 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 Turn the DATA wheel to select
the F4 (¥) button to open the
PREFERENCE
MENU
screen.
screen settings to their
PREFERENCE
PREFERENCE
, and press
screen.

Viewing information

You can view information about the current song, the SD card and the firmware.
1 Press the MENU button to open the
2 Turn the DATA wheel to select
the F4 (¥) button.
The
INFORMATION
appears.
The
INFORMATION
one.
3 Use the F3 (
page. The pages contain the following information.
SONG (1/3)
loaded song, remaining recording time on partition
CARD (2/3)
partition capacity
PREV
screen
screen has three pages including this
) and F4 (
page: name and partition of currently
page: MTR partitions and capacities, FAT
NEXT
MENU
screen.
INFORMATION
SONG (1/3)
) buttons to change the
page
and press
3 Use the F3 (§) and F4 () buttons to select
the
Initialize
4 Press F2 (
5 Press F3 (
screen reopens when the process finishes.
NOTE
Press the F4 (NO) button to cancel initialization.
6 When finished, press the HOME button to return to the
Home Screen.
EXEC
YES
item.
) to open a confirmation screen.
) to initialize the unit. The
Exec
next to
PREFERENCE
56 TASCAM DP-03SD
F/W (3/3)
page: system firmware version
Page 57

11 – SD Card Management

MTR par

Overview of partitions

As described in “Partitions and songs” on page 30, 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.
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 master tracks 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 and SDHC card that are at least 512MB in size can be
• used.

Formatting cards

3 Turn the DATA wheel to select
(¥) button. The
FORMAT
FAT partition size
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.
Card capacity and partition size
Card capacity FAT partition
32 GB 4GB 28 GB
16 GB 4GB 12 GB
8 GB 2GB 6 GB
4 GB 2 GB 2 GB
2 GB 1 GB 1 GB
1 GB 512 MB 512 MB
512 MB 256 MB 256 MB
A message warning that all songs will be erased appears.
screen opens.
tition size
Total card size
FORMAT
size
and press the F4
MTR partition
size
This operation formats the entire card.
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 MENU to open the
MENU
screen.
2 Turn the DATA wheel to select
button to open the
CARD
CARD
, and press the F4 (¥)
menu screen.
4 Press the F3 (
For example, if you format a 16 GB card, 12 GB are left for MTR partitions after 4 GB is used for the FAT partition. (Since 1GB is actually 1024 MB, the total size of the partitions does not always match the card size.)
When formatting finishes the
• After formatting, one song is automatically created in each
• MTR partition.
To cancel formatting, press the F4 (NO) button.
YES
) button to format the card.
CARD
menu screen reopens.
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11 – SD Card Management

Reformatting MTR partitions

You can reformat an 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 MTR 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 DATA wheel to select
button to open the
3 Turn the DATA wheel to select
MENU
screen.
CARD
CARD
, and press the F4 (¥)
menu screen.
REFORMAT
.

Reformatting the FAT partition

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 Turn the DATA wheel to select
button to open the
3 Turn the DATA wheel to select
press the F4 (¥) button.
MENU
screen.
CARD
CARD
menu screen.
, and press the F4 (¥)
FAT REFORMAT
, and
Press the F4 (¥) button to open the
A list of the MTR partitions and their sizes (not open capacities) appear.
A * marks the active partition.
4 Turn the DATA wheel to select the partition that you want to
reformat and press the F2 ( A pop-up message warning that all data on the partition will be erased appears.
5 Press the F3 (
When reformatting finishes the
• After reformatting, one song is automatically created in the
• MTR partition.
To cancel reformatting, press the F4 (NO) button.
YES
) button to reformat the partition.
EXEC
REFORMAT
) button.
CARD
menu reopens.
screen.
A pop-up message warning that all data on the FAT partition will be erased appears.
4 Press the F3 (
When reformatting finishes the
• To cancel reformatting, press the F4 (NO) button.
YES
) button to reformat the FAT partition.
CARD
menu screen reopens.
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11 – SD Card Management

Viewing the capacity of the MTR partition

Follow these procedures to view the capacity of the MTR partition.
1 When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU button to
open the
2 Use the DATA wheel to select
button to open the CARD screen.
Use the DATA wheel to select
F4 (¥) button to open the you can view the capacity of the MTR partition.
MENU
screen.
CARD
, and press the F4 (¥)
PARTITION
PARTITION
, and press the
screen, where

Initializing SD cards

If you want to use an SD card that was used with this unit on 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 Turn the DATA wheel to select
button to open the
3 Turn the DATA wheel to select the
item and press the F4 (¥) button.
MENU
screen.
CARD
CARD
, and press the F4 (¥)
menu screen.
SD INITIALIZE
A pop-up message warning that all data on the card will be erased appears.
4 Press the F3 (
format it as FAT32. To cancel initialization, press the F4 (NO) button.
CAUTION
After initializing an SD card, it is necessary to format it if you want to use it with the DP-03SD again. (See “Formatting SD cards” on page 27).
YES
) button to initialize the entire card and
TASCAM DP-03SD 59
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12 – Exchanging Data with a Computer

You can backup song data on this unit to a computer and restore backed-up song data later. Moreover, you can export track files and 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-03SD unit than the one that created it. In other words, files can be freely exchanged between DP-03SD units, making it easy to add additional recordings or mix existing recordings in a different location.
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
• personal computer connected to this unit (see “Supported
operating systems” below).
CAUTION
If you want to remove an SD card from this unit and back-up its data on a computer using a card reader, always turn off the unit’s power before removing the card.
The following types of data can be transferred from this unit to a computer.
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.”
WAV format tracks
One or more tracks can be converted to WAV files and exported to a computer, and WAV files on a computer can be imported to this unit. These WAV files are stored on the WAVE directory of this unit’s FAT partition.
Stereo master track
A stereo master track made on this unit can be transferred to a computer as a stereo WAV file from the WAVE directory on the FAT partition. Only export is possible.

Supported operating systems

You can connect this unit to computers with the following operating systems.
Windows
Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8 (including
8.1)
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 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 left side panel of the unit with a USB port on the computer using a mini-B-type USB 2.0 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 the unit’s power is ON, the currently loaded song is saved before the USB connection becomes effective. When connected, 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-03 on the computer’s display.
The FAT partition of the TASCAM DP-03SD has three directories (folders): BACKUP, WAVE and UTILITY.
CAUTION
This unit can receive power from the AC adaptor. It cannot
• be powered by a USB connection.
Do not change the names of three directories (folder) in DP-
03.
The total number of files and folders that this unit can
• recognize on a FAT partition is 100. If the number exceeds
100, use a computer or other device to move them.
Do not disconnect the AC adaptor or otherwise cut the
• power to the unit during data transfer. Doing so will cause
all the data to be lost. This lost data cannot be restored.
NOTE
Confirm that you have copied all the files that you want
• to transfer to a computer to the FAT partition before
connecting the unit and the computer by USB.
The UTILITY directory is used to, for example, update the
• system software used by the unit.

Disconnecting

Use the following procedures to disconnect the USB connection correctly.
NOTE
When disconnecting from a computer, the procedure on the computer might be called “eject”, “unmount” or “remove.”
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.
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12 – Exchanging Data with a Computer
Disconnecting from Windows XP/Windows Vista/Windows 7/ Windows 8
Follow the procedures below to disconnect computers that use Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8 operating systems.
A PC card icon and arrow appear in the taskbar (usually at the bottom right of the screen).
1 Left-click on this icon to open a pop-up bar. Click this pop-
up bar to disconnect this unit from the computer.
2 After a message appears on the computer screen saying that
this unit can be disconnected, remove the USB cable. This unit restarts and the Home Screen appears on the display.
If a message appears on the computer screen saying that this unit cannot be disconnected safely, do not disconnect the USB cable. Close all the computer programs and windows that are accessing files on this unit, and then try the operation again.
Disconnecting from Macintosh systems

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 data is transferred from the computer to the FAT partition of the unit and then used to restore the song.

Backing-up songs

1 When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU button to
open the
2. Turn the D ATA wheel to select
F4 (¥) button to open the
3 Use the DATA wheel to select
the F4 (¥) button to open a song list.
MENU
screen.
DATA BACKUP
DATA BACKUP
SONG BACKUP
. Press the
menu.
, and press
1 Drag the DP-03 icon that represents this unit to the Trash, or
type Command-E to eject the DP-03.
TIP
Depending on the OS version or OS settings you might also be able to eject the DP-03 icon by clicking an eject button next to it in the Finder window or by using a control button.
2 After the icon disappears from the desktop, remove the USB
cable. This unit restarts and the Home Screen appears on the display.
4 Turn the DATA wheel to select the song that you want to
backup, and press the F4 ( A screen appears that allows you to set the file name for the song being backed up.
5 Use the REW (Ô)/F FWD () buttons, the DATA wheel
and the F3 ( (maximum of 8 characters) (see “Editing names” on page
30).
INS
) and F4 (
NEXT
) button.
DEL
) buttons, to name the song
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12 – Exchanging Data with a Computer
6 After setting the name, press the F2 (
A backup copy of the song on the active partition is made on the FAT partition (
Writing File
When the backup is complete, the reopens.
NOTE
If the open space necessary to back-up a songs is not available in the FAT partition, an error 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 a USB cable (see
“Connecting with a computer” on page 60).
8 Use the computer to copy backup files from the BACKUP
directory on the FAT partition of the unit to the computer.
9 After copying finishes, disconnect the unit from the
computer using the proper procedures and then remove the USB cable (see “Disconnecting” on page 60).
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 single-
byte English letters and numbers.
Do not change the file extension.
.001
is added as an extension).
appears on the display.
EXEC
) button.
DATA BACKUP
menu
5 Turn the DATA wheel to select
the F4 (¥) button.
DATA BACKUP
6 Turn the DATA wheel to select
press the F4 (¥) button.
The screen shows the backup files on the FAT partition.
NOTE
An error message appears if there are no files on the FAT partition.
7 Turn the DATA wheel to select the file that you want to
restore, and press the F2 ( The actual song name and a confirmation message (
you sure
screen appears.
?) appear.
DATA BACKUP
SONG RESTORE
EXEC
) button.
and press
, and
Are

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 a USB cable (see
“Connecting with a computer” on page 60).
2 Use the computer to copy backup files from the computer to
the BACKUP directory on the FAT partition of the unit.
3 When copying finishes, disconnect the unit from the
computer using the proper procedures and then remove the USB cable (see “Disconnecting” on page 60).
4 After this unit restarts automatically, press MENU to open
the
MENU
screen.
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 (
After the currently loaded song is saved, the song selected in step 6 is restored and loaded.
NOTE
If the open space on the card is insufficient, an error message appears.
9 Press the HOME button to return to the Home Screen.
YES
) button.
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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 WAV files (with the “.WAV” extension). You can import both mono and stereo files and export mono files. If you want to import audio into this unit that is of a different format, you must convert it to a 16-bit, 44.1-kHz mono/stereo WAV file first.

Importing tracks

1 Connect this unit to a computer using a USB cable (see
“Connecting with a computer” on page 60).
2 Use the computer to copy WAV files on its drive to the WAVE
directory in this unit’s FAT partition.
3 Disconnect the unit from the computer using the
proper procedures and then remove the USB cable (see “Disconnecting” on page 60).
4 After this unit restarts automatically, press the MENU button
to open the
5 Turn the DATA wheel to select
press the F4 (¥) button to open the menu.
MENU
screen.
IMPORT/EXPORT
IMPORT/EXPORT
, and
7 Turn the DATA wheel to select the WAV file that you want to
import, and press the F2 ( The amount of open space on the MTR partition and the size of the selected WAV file appear on the display.
8 Turn the DATA wheel to select the track that you want to
import the WAV file to, and press the F4 ( Importing begins.
NOTE
If there is not enough open space or the file format is wrong,
• an error 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 (00:00:00:00). 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 44).
To import a stereo WAV file, an empty track pair is necessary.
9 After importing completes, press HOME to return to the
Home Screen.
NEXT
) button.
EXEC
) button.
6 Turn the DATA wheel to select
press the F4 (¥) button.
WAV files on the FAT partition are shown.
NOTE
This unit cannot use WAV files that are a sampling frequency
• 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, a pop-up saying 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.
Import File Not Found
IMPORT TRACK
, and
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12 – Exchanging Data with a Computer

Exporting tracks

You can export tracks as 16-bit, 44.1-kHz mono WAV files.
1 When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU button to
open the
2 Turn the DATA wheel to select
press the F4 (¥) button to open the menu.
3 Turn the DATA wheel to select the
item, and press the F4 (¥) button.
Song tracks that have audio recordings are displayed in a list. The file name makes the source track number clear.
TIP
Press F3 (
MENU
screen.
NAME
) to change the file name.
IMPORT/EXPORT
IMPORT/EXPORT
EXPORT TRACK
, and
5 When you finish putting checks next to the tracks that you
want to export, press the F2 ( The amount or 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.
6 Press the F4 (
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, a
confirmation message (
you sure?
overwrite the older track.
7 Press the HOME button to return to the Home Screen.
8 Connect this unit to a computer (see “Connecting with a
computer” on page 60).
9 Use the computer to copy track files from the WAVE
directory on the FAT partition to the computer.
10 After exporting track files to the computer, disconnect the
unit from the computer using the proper procedures and
then remove the USB cable (see “Disconnecting” on page
60).
EXEC
) button. The selected track is exported
) appears. Press the F3 (
NEXT
) button.
Duplicate name
YES
) button to
Are
NOTE
Song tracks that do not have audio recordings are not displayed in the file list.
4 Turn the DATA wheel, to select a track for export, and press
the F4 () button to put a check in the checkbox.
By checking multiple checkboxes, you can export more than
one track at once. Select a track and press the F4 () button again to remove the check from its checkbox.
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12 – Exchanging Data with a Computer

Exporting a stereo master track

You can export a stereo master track that you have made on the unit (see “Creating a stereo master track” on page 49) to a computer. 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 might want to save them to a computer.
Before starting the following export procedures, make sure that the song that you want to export a stereo master track for 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 Turn the DATA wheel to select
press the F4 (¥) button to open the menu.
3 Turn the DATA wheel to select
press the F4 (¥) button.
MENU
screen.
IMPORT/EXPORT
IMPORT/EXPORT
EXPORT MASTER
, and
, and
5 After setting the name, press the F2 (
A stereo master track file is exported as a 16-bit, 44.1-kHz, 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, a confirmation message (
name - Are you sure?
Press the F3 (
If you don't want to overwrite the older track, press F4 (NO)
button.
NOTE
To cancel exporting, press the F1 (
6 Press the HOME button to return to the Home Screen.
7 Connect this unit to a computer using a USB cable (see
“Connecting with a computer” on page 60).
8 Use the computer to copy the stereo master file from the
YES
) button to overwrite the older track.
EXEC
) button.
Duplicate
) appears.
BACK
) button.
WAVE directory on the FAT partition of the unit to the
computer.
9 After copying finishes, disconnect the unit from the
computer using the proper procedures and then remove the
USB cable (see “Disconnecting” on page 60).
The default file name is displayed and can be edited.
NOTE
If there is no stereo master track, an error message appears.
4 Use the REW (Ô)/F FWD () buttons, the DATA wheel
and the F3 ( of the stereo master file being exported (See “Editing names” on page 30).
INS
) and F4 (
DEL
) buttons to edit the name
TASCAM DP-03SD 65
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13 – Mastering compressor settings list

Library of mastering compressor presets

Multiband compressor
Preset name Description
Basic CD M. Good for basic CD mastering
POP
POP Rock1
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
Single band compressor
Makes the sound quality more showy, bringing out low frequencies and especially emphasizing high frequencies
While bringing out the high frequencies, this also increases the impact of mid-range frequencies
Good for R&B and hip-hop, this puts strong compression on high frequencies and adds punch to low frequencies
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 using the compressor causes the sound to become distorted, lower the gain of each band or adjust the mixdown so that the maximum level does not quite cause the overload indicator to light. By doing this, you can achieve a good balance and effectively increase the overall sound level.

Masetring compressor parameters list

Lib TYPE
Basic CD M. 3 Band –16dB –11dB –15dB 3.0:1 3.0:1 3.0:1 +6dB +5dB +6dB — POP 3 Band –13dB –13dB –11dB 4.0:1 4.0:1 4.0:1 +8dB +2dB +6dB — POP Rock1 3 Band –13dB –13dB –11dB 4.0:1 4.0:1 4.0:1 +7dB +2dB +6dB — POP Rock2 3 Band –15dB –13dB –11dB 6.0:1 6.0:1 6.0:1 +7dB +2dB +5dB — Rock1 3 Band –17dB –13dB –11dB 2.0:1 2.0:1 3.0:1 +4dB +2dB +3dB — Rock2 3 Band –17dB –13dB –11dB 2.0:1 2.0:1 4.0:1 +8dB +2dB +3dB — Classic 3 Band –15dB –13dB –15dB 1.5:1 1.5:1 1.5:1 +3dB +5dB +3dB — Dance 3 Band –14dB –13dB –16dB 4.0:1 1.5:1 4.0:1 +8dB +2dB +5dB — R&B 3 Band –20dB –13dB –19dB 8.0:1 2.0:1 6.0:1 +11dB +1dB +8dB — Basic Comp 1 Band –16dB –16dB –16dB 2.0:1 2.0:1 2.0:1 +2dB +2dB +2dB On Basic Limit 1 Band –18dB –18dB –18dB 16:1 16:1 16:1 +2dB +2dB +2dB On Hard Comp 1 Band –24dB –24dB –24dB 2.5:1 2.5:1 2.5:1 +2dB +2dB +2dB On Hard Limit 1 Band –24dB –24dB –24dB 16:1 16:1 16:1 +1dB +1dB +1dB On
High Mid Low High Mid Low High Mid Low
Threshold Ratio Level
Auto
Makeup
66 TASCAM DP-03SD
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When working with any new piece of equipment like the unit, it’s sometimes difficult to work out why 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 “15 – Messages” on page 68 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 track faders of the tracks set to high enough?
• Is the MASTER fader set to high enough?
• Have you connected the PHONES or LINE OUT jack to your
• monitoring system properly, and is your monitoring system
set up correctly?
Is the PHONES LEVEL knob set to high enough?
Why does the sound I'm recording distorted?
Are the TRIM knobs of the INPUT A or INPUT B on the top
• panel of the unit set too high? Is the input source too loud?
Isn’t the monitor system distorted as the monitor level is too
• high?
Why can’t I record?
You must have at least one track armed (REC indicator
• blinking) before you start recording by pressing the PL AY (Á)
button while pressing the RECORD (–)button.
Are input channels assigned to tracks (see “Assigning inputs”
• on page 34)?
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 60)?
Before making the USB connection, songs, tracks, or stereo
• master tracks are backed up or exported to the FAT partition?
(Files on the MTR partition cannot directly be read.)
Noise occurs if I connect a passive guitar or bass directly.
Connecting another device to the unit’s line output (LINE
OUT) jacks 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.
You might also be able to reduce the noise if you use this
• unit’s GROUND connector to ground the unit.
The unit turns off.
This product is compliant with the European ErP standby
• power regulations. In order to comply with these regulations,
the automatic power saving function is set to 30 minutes when the unit is shipped from the factory. So, by default, the unit will turn off automatically after 30 minutes elapse without any operation. Change the automatic power saving function setting if you want to disable it. (See “Automatic power saving function” on page 56.)

14 – Troubleshooting

TASCAM DP-03SD 67
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15 – Messages

General messages

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
Card Full
Empty Export Track
File Not Found
I/O Too Short
Import File Not Found
Import File Too Large
In Bounce Mode In Master Mode In Punch Mode In Repeat Mode
I
nvalid Card
Mark Full
Master Track Not Found
Master Track Too Large
No Armed Track
No Disk Space
No Locate Mark
No Master Trk
No SD Card No Undo History
Not Stopped
Now Recording Protected Card Same Track SD Size Error
Song Protected
Too Many songs
The SD card is full during recording. You tried to export a track that does not contain any recording data.
This pop-up appears if you try to export a song track that does not contain any recording. (See “Track import and export” on page 63.) Export a song track that has been recorded.
You are trying to restore a song when there are no backed-up songs on the FAT partition (See “Song backup and restoration” on page 61).
You are trying to enter repeat mode, but the time between the IN and OUT points is too short. Make the time longer (more than 4 seconds). (See “Using IN, OUT and TO points” on page
41.) You are trying to import a WAV file from the FAT partition when there are no WAV files there
(See “Importing tracks” on page 63). Connect the unit to a PC and transfer some files to the FAT partition for import.
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 MTR partion and try again.
You tried to perform an action that cannot be done while in Bounce mode. You tried to perform an action that cannot be done while in Master mode. You tried to use a function that is prohibited during punch in/out mode. You tried to perform an action that cannot be done while in Repeat mode. Insert another SD card after turning off the unit, or format the card by MENU ®
FORMAT
You tried to store more than 999 location marks in a song (See “Location marks” on page
40). Delete some location marks and try again. You have tried to export a stereo master track (“Exporting a stereo master track” on page
65) when the song does not have one. Master the song and then export the stereo master track.
You tried to export a stereo master track which was too large for the remaining space on the FAT partition (See “Exporting a stereo master track” on page 65). Connect the unit to a computer and free up some space on the FAT partition or reformat the FAT partition.
You tried to enter auto punch in/out mode when no tracks were in record standby. (See “Automatically punching in and out” on page 43.) Put a track into record standby before enabling auto punch in/out mode
This pop-up message appears when the MTR partition does not contain enough open space when you are trying to create or copy a song. Erase an unwanted song (see “Erasing songs” on page 31), format the card (see “Formatting cards” on page 57) or take other steps to make space available on a card.
You’re trying to edit the location mark list (see “To edit a location mark” on page 40) when no location marks have been set.
You have tried to use a non-existent master track as the source in a track cloning operation (see “CLONE track (track duplication)” on page 47). Select another source or master the song and try again.
Insert an SD card after turning off the unit. There are no actions to be undone. (See “Erasing the operation history” on page 37.) The recorder is moving (not stopped, but playing back, recording, etc.) and you have pressed
a button such as the UN/REDO [HISTORY] button which cannot be used until you press STOP.
You are trying to perform an action which cannot be done while recording. To record or edit, turn off the unit and un-protect the SD card. You cannot clone a track to itself. (See “CLONE track (track duplication)” on page 47.) Use an SD card larger than 512 MB. The song is protected (“Protecting songs” on page 32) and you are trying to change it
(record or edit, etc.). Unprotect the song. You have 250 songs on one partition. You must delete some before you can create another
song.
.
CARD
®
68 TASCAM DP-03SD
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Messages Meaning and remedy
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
15 – Messages
This message appears if you try to import a file when all tracks already have recordings. (See “Importing tracks” on page 63.)
Save the song and turn the unit off and then on, and perform track edit again. You are trying to enter mixdown mode but the time between the IN and OUT points is too
short. Make the time longer (more than 4 seconds). (See “Using IN, OUT and TO points” on page 41.)
Even if the card has enough remaining memory space, this error may occur when you record a long song or edit a lot. You may be able to continue the work if you clear the history (See “Erasing the operation history” on page 37.) which may increase the open work memory. You may also be able to continue work by turning the unit off and then on again, which may increase the open work memory.
If any of these errors occur, turn the unit power OFF and restart it. If these error message continue to appear, please contact a TASCAM Service Center.
TASCAM DP-03SD 69
Page 70

16 – Specifications

Ratings

Recording media
SD card (512 MB - 2 GB) or SDHC card (4 GB - 32 GB)
File system
MTR partition: TASCAM original
FAT partition: FAT32
Built-in mic
Omni directional, 2 pcs

Audio input/output ratings

INPUT A jack
ª
XLR type (Balanced)
Connector: XLR-3-31
(1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)
Input impedance: 2.4 kΩ
Standard input level: –16 dBu
Maximum input level: 0 dBu
1/4” phone jack type (Balanced)
Connector: 6.3 mm (1/4”) TRS phone jack
(Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND)
When INPUT A switch is set to MIC/LINE:
Input impedance: 10 kΩ or more
Standard input level: +4 dBu
Maximum input level: +24 dBu
Headroom: 20 dB
When INPUT A switch is set to GUITAR:
Input impedance: 1 MΩ
Standard input level: –2 dBV
Maximum input level: +14 dBV
Headroom: 16 dB
INPUT B jack
ª
XLR type (Balanced)
Connector: XLR-3-31
(1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)
Input impedance: 2.4 kΩ
Standard input level: –16 dBu
Maximum input level: 0 dBu
1/4” phone jack type (Balanced)
Connector: 6.3 mm (1/4”) TRS phone jack
(Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND)
Input impedance: 10 k Ω or more
Standard input level: +4 dBu
Maximum input level: +24 dBu
Headroom: 20 dB
Maximum output level: +6 dBV
PHONES jack
ª
Connector: 3.5 mm stereo mini jack
Maximum output level: 40 mW + 40 mW or more (THD + N 0.1% or less, 32Ω load)

Control input/output ratings

USB jack
Connector: Mini-B type
Format: USB 2.0 HIGH SPEED, mass storage class
REMOTE jack
Connector: 2.5 mm TS jack

Audio performance

Frequency response
INPUT (MIC/LINE) LINE OUT:
Distortion
INPUT (MIC/LINE) LINE OUT: 0.01% or less
S/N ratio
INPUT (MIC/LINE) LINE OUT: 90 dB or more
20 Hz to 20 kHz, +1 dB/–3 dB

Computer requirements

See the TASCAM website for updated information about OS compatibility.
Windows
Pentium 300 MHz or faster
128 MB or more memory
USB port (USB 2.0 recommended)
Macintosh
Power PC, iMac, G3, G4 266 MHz or faster
64 MB or more memory
USB port (USB 2.0 recommended)
Recommended USB host controller
Intel chipset
Supported OS
Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8 (including
8.1)
Macintosh Mac OS X 10.2 or later
LINE OUT jack
ª
Connector: RCA pin jack
Standard output level: –10 dBV
70 TASCAM DP-03SD
Page 71
16 – Specifications

General

Power supply
TASCAM PS-1225L AC adaptor (included)
AC input: 100-240 V, 1.0 A
DC output: +12 V, 2.5 A
Power consumption
5 W
Dimensions (WHD)
290 x 54.1 x 207.2 mm/
11.42 x 2.13 x 8.16 in
(w/o projections)
Dimensional drawings
Weight
1.4 kg/3.1 lb (w/o AC adaptor)
Operating temperature range
5 - 35°C/41 - 95°F

Backup memory

The following settings are backed up even when the unit power is turned off.
PREFERENCE item
Repeat Int
• Contrast
• Foot switch L/C/R
290mm
Illustrations in this manual might differ from the actual
• product.
In order to improve the product, specifications and
• appearance could be changed without prior notice.
207.2mm
54.1mm
TASCAM DP-03SD 71
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16 – Specifications
Block diagram
72 TASCAM DP-03SD
Page 73

17 – Commonly-used Functions

This section is a brief guide to some operations on the DP-03SD which may not be immediately obvious from looking at the panel controls.
Button sequences are written like this: STOP + Ô means “press and hold the STOP button and press Ô.” Menu items are written like this: MENU ® CARD ® FORMAT, meaning “press the MENU button, select the CARD menu, and then the
FORMAT action.
The list of popup messages and their meaning (“15 – Messages” on page 68) may also be useful to you.
How to Buttons, etc. to press Description
Add reverb REVERB See “Reverb” on page 48.
Adjust the gain and frequency of EQ (equalizer)
Back up a song to a PC Bounce tracks BOUNCE See “Bouncing tracks” on page 39.
Change the interval time during repeat
Change the screen contrast Change the track to which INPUT A/B is
assigned Copy a song
Create a new song
Create a stereo master track MIXDOWN/MASTERING
Cut and close up part a track
Delete a location mark
Delete a song
Delete the whole of a track
Display the song name
Edit the IN and OUT and TO points
Edit the location marks
Export a stereo master track to a PC
Export a track's contents to PC
Find out how much time is left for recording
Format an SD card
Format the FAT partition
Format the MTR partition
Import a WAV file to a track (from the FAT partition)
Insert silence at a point in a track
Jump to a location mark
Jump to the IN and OUT and TO points Press IN, OUT or TO
Load a song
Make all of an SD card usable by a PC
Make an exact copy of (clone) a track
Metronome settings METRONOME See “Metronome” on page 54. Mute the playback sound of the track MUTE See “Muting tracks” on page 49. Name a song
EQ
MENU ® DATA BACKUP ® SONG BACKUP
MENU ® PREFERENCE
MENU ® PREFERENCE
ASSIGN See “Assigning inputs” on page 34.
MENU ® SONG ® COPY MENU ® SONG ® CREATE
TRACK EDIT ® CUT LOCATE LIST ® select the mark with D ATA
wheel ® F2 (EDIT) ® F2 (DEL) MENU ® SONG ® ERASE TRACK EDIT ® CLEAN OUT MENU ® INFORMATION LOCATE LIST ® F3
(F3 is not necessary if no marks have been added yet)
LOCATE LIST ® select the mark with D ATA wheel ® F2 (EDIT)
MENU ® IMPORT/EXPORT ® EXPORT MASTER
MENU ® IMPORT/EXPORT ® EXPORT TRACK
MENU ® INFORMATION
MENU ® CARD ® FORMAT
MENU ® CARD ® FAT REFORMAT
MENU ® CARD ® REFORMAT
MENU ® IMPORT/EXPORT ® IMPORT
TRACK
TRACK EDIT ® OPEN LOCATE LIST ® select the mark with D ATA
wheel ® F4 (JUMP)
MENU ® SONG ® LOAD MENU ® CARD ® SD INITIALIZE
TRACK EDIT ® CLONE TRACK
MENU ® SONG ® NAME EDIT
See “Using input EQ (equalizer)” on page
34. See “Track EQ (equalizer)” on page 48.
See “Backing-up songs” on page 61.
See “Setting the interval between repetitions” on page 42.
See “Adjusting the contrast” on page 29.
See “Copying songs” on page 31.
See “Creating a new song” on page 30. See “Creating a stereo master track” on
page 49. See “CUT (remove part)” on page 47.
See “Location marks” on page 40.
See “Erasing songs” on page 31.
See “CLEAN out (track erase)” on page 47.
See “Viewing information” on page 56.
See “Using IN, OUT and TO points” on page
41.
See “Location marks” on page 40.
See “Exporting a stereo master track” on page 65.
See “Exporting tracks” on page 64.
See “Viewing song information” on page
31. See “Formatting cards” on page 57. See “Reformatting the FAT partition” on
page 58. See “Reformatting MTR partitions” on page
58.
See “Importing tracks” on page 63.
See “OPEN (insert silence)” on page 46.
See “Location marks” on page 40.
See “Using IN, OUT and TO points” on page
41. See “Loading a saved song” on page 30.
See “Initializing SD cards” on page 59". See “CLONE track (track duplication)” on
page 47.
See “Editing names” on page 30.
TASCAM DP-03SD 73
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17 – Commonly-used Functions
How to Buttons, etc. to press Description
Normalize the volume of the stereo master track
Ping-pong (bounce) to other tracks BOUNCE See “Bouncing tracks” on page 39.
Playback a created stereo master track MIXDOWN/MASTERING x 2
Protect a song
Record a guitar Set the INPUT A switch to GUITAR
Redo one operation UNDO/REDO See “Undoing an operation” on page 36. Remove a section of a track and replace it
with silence Remove the USB connection Disconnect the unit from a PC See “Disconnecting” on page 60. Restore a song from a PC
Save a song Set a location mark Press and hold LOCATE LIST See “Location marks” on page 40.
Set the IN and OUT points Press and hold IN, OUT or TO
Tune a guitar or wind instrument TUNER See “Tuner” on page 54. Undo one operation UNDO/REDO See “Undoing an operation” on page 36. Un-protect a song Use EQ (equalizer) on a track EQ See “Track EQ (equalizer)” on page 48.
Use EQ (equalizer) on an input signal EQ
Use equalization on the stereo master track
Use phantom power PHANTOM See “Using phantom power” on page 33.
Use the built-in mic
Use the metronome METRONOME See “Metronome” on page 54.
Use the USB connection
User compression on the stereo master track
MIXDOWN/MASTERINGx2 ® F3
MENU ® SONG ® PROTECT
TRACK EDIT ® SILENCE
MENU ® DATA BACKUP ® SONG RESTORE MENU ® SONG ® SAVE
MENU ® SONG ® PROTECT
MIXDOWN/MASTERINGx2 ® F1
Set the INPUT A/B switch to INTERNAL MIC A/B
Connect the unit and a PC with the USB cable.
MIXDOWN/MASTERINGx2 ® F2
See “Mastering the stereo master track” on page 51.
See “Checking the stereo master track” on page 51.
See “Protecting songs” on page 32. See “Selecting the input sources” on page
33.
See “SILENCE (part erase)” on page 47.
See “Restoring songs” on page 62.
See “Saving a song” on page 30.
See “Using IN, OUT and TO points” on page
41.
See “Protecting songs” on page 32.
See “Using input EQ (equalizer)” on page
34. See “Mastering the stereo master track” on
page 51.
See “Selecting the input sources” on page
33.
See “Connecting with a computer” on page
60.
See “Mastering the stereo master track” on page 51.
74 TASCAM DP-03SD
Page 75
WARRANTY
< In the United States >
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. This warranty is only valid within the country the unit was originally purchased.
WHAT IS AND IS NOT COVERED
Except as specied below, this warranty covers all defects in materials and workmanship in this product. The following are not covered by the warranty:
1. Damage to or deterioration of the external cabinet.
2. Damages resulting from accident, misuse, abuse or neglect.
3. Damage resulting from failure to perform basic daily maintenance and/or calibration or otherwise resulting from failure to follow instructions contained in your owner’s manual.
4. Damage occurring during shipment of the product. (Claims must be presented to the carrier)
5. Damage resulting from repair or attempted repair by anyone other than TEAC or an authorized TASCAM service station.
6. Damage resulting from causes other than product defects, including lack of technical skill, competence, or experience of the user.
7. Damage to any unit which has been altered or on which the serial number has been defaced, modied or is missing.
WHO MAY ENFORCE THE WARRANTY
This warranty may be enforced only by the original purchaser.
LENGTH OF WARRANTY
All parts except heads and disk drives are warranted for one (1) year from the date of original purchase. Heads and disk drives are warranted to ninety (90) days from date of original purchase. Labor is warranted for ninety (90) days from date of original purchase.
WHAT WE WILL PAY FOR
We will pay all labor and material expenses for items covered by the warranty. Payment of shipping charges is discussed in the next section of this warranty.
HOW YOU CAN GET WARRANTY SERVICE
Your unit must be serviced by an authorized TASCAM service station in the United States. (This warranty is not enforceable outside the U.S.) If you are unable to locate an authorized TASCAM service station in your area, please contact us. We either will refer you to an authorized service station or instruct you to return the unit to the factory. Whenever warranty service is required, you must present a copy of the original dated sales receipt from an Authorized TASCAM Dealer. You must pay any shipping charges if it is necessary to ship the product to service. However, if the necessary repairs are covered by the warranty, we will pay return surface shipping charges to any destination within the United States.
LIMITATION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES
Any implied warranties, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, are limited in duration to the length of this warranty.
EXCLUSION OF DAMAGES
TEAC’s liability for any defective product is limited to repair or replacement of the product, at TEAC’s option. TEAC shall not be liable for:
1.
Damages based upon inconvenience, loss of use of the product, loss of time interrupted operation or commercial loss; or
2. Any other damages, whether incidental, consequential or otherwise.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts and/or do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations and exclusions may not apply to you.
To locate an Authorized Service Center in Your Area
CALL 1-800-447-8322
< Europe >
This product is subject to the legal warranty regulations of the country of purchase. In case of a defect or a problem, please contact the dealer where you bought the product.
Ce produit est sujet aux réglementations concernant la garantie légale dans le pays d’achat. En cas de défaut ou de problème, veuillez contacter le revendeur chez qui vous avez acheté le produit.
Dieses Gerät unterliegt den gesetzlichen Gewährleistungsbestimmungen des Landes, in dem es erworben wurde. Bitte wenden Sie sich im Gewährleistungsfall an den Händler, bei dem sie das Gerät erworben haben.
Questo apparecchio è conforme alle norme sulla garanzia vigenti nel rispettivo Paese in cui esso è stato acquistato. Si prega di rivolgersi al proprio commerciante, presso il quale è stato acquistato l’apparecchio, nel caso in cui si voglia richiedere una prestazione in garanzia.
Las condiciones de garantía de este aparato están sujetas a las disposiciones legales sobre garantía del país en el que ha sido adquirido. En caso de garantía, debe dirigirse al establecimiento donde adquirió el aparato.
< In other countries/areas >
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary by country, state or province. If you have a warranty claim or request, please contact the dealer where you bought the product.
该保证书赋予了顾客特定的合法权利,并且因国家, 州或省等地域的不同,顾客可能拥有其他权利。如需 申请或要求保修,请与购买本产品的销售店进行联系。
If you require repair services for your contact the dealer where the product was purchased from or the
TASCAM
Distributor in your country. A list of
can be found on our website at:
TASCAM
equipment, please
http://teac-global.com/
TASCAM
Distributors
Page 76
TEAC CORPORATION
Phone: +81-42-356-9143 1-47 Ochiai, Tama-shi, Tokyo 206-8530 Japan
http://tascam.jp/
TEAC AMERICA, INC. http://tascam.com/
Phone: +1-323-726-0303 1834 Gage Road, Montebello, California 90640 USA
TEAC MEXICO, S.A. de C.V. http://teacmexico.net/
Phone: +52-55-5010-6000 Río Churubusco 364, Colonia Del Carmen, Delegación Coyoacán, CP 04100, México DF, México
TEAC UK LIMITED http://tascam.eu/
Phone: + 44-8451-302511 Meridien House, Ground Floor,69 - 71, Clarendon Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 1DS, UK
TEAC EUROPE GmbH http://tascam.eu/
Phone: +49-611-71580 Bahnstrasse 12, 65205 Wiesbaden-Erbenheim, Germany
TEAC SALES & TRADING(SHENZHEN) CO., LTD http://tascam.cn/
Phone: +86-755-88311561~2 Room 817, Block A, Hailrun Complex, 6021 Shennan Blvd., Futian District, Shenzhen 518040, China
Printed in China
WARRANTY
Model/Modèle/Modell Modello/Modelo/型号
DP-03SD
Serial No./No de Série/Seriennummer Numero di serie/Número de serie/序列号
Date of purchase/Date de l’achat/Datum des Kaufs Data dell’acquisto/Fecha de compra/购买日期
http://teac-global.com/
Owner’s name/Nom du possesseur/Name des Eigentümers Nome del proprietario/Nombre del propietario/顾客姓名
Address/Adresse/Adresse Indirizzo/Dirección/顾客地址
Dealer’s name/Nom du détaillant/Name des Händlers Nome del commerciante/Nombre del establecimiento/销售店名
Dealer’s address/Adresse du détaillant/Adresse des Händlers Indirizzo del commerciante/Dirección del establecimiento/销售店地址
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