Description
24-Track Digital Portastudio
From the manufacturer
TASCAM DP-24SD
Digital Portastudio 24-Track SD Card Recorder
The DP-24SD Digital Portastudio is a 24-track workstation, allowing eight tracks of simultaneous recording. The built-in mixer includes everything you need for a professional-sounding mix, from EQ and reverb to amp simulation and multi-band mastering effects. The Digital Portastudio series creates finished productions without the need for a computer, instead using a simple-to-use control surface to keep you creative.
For clear display of your mix, the DP-24SD has a large, full color LCD displaying tracks, meters, and effects parameters. A set of 12 encoders control EQ, effects sends, and panning. Built-in effects include compression, guitar amp modeling, delay, reverb, with a total of 10 effects processors available during mixing.
Eight XLR mic/line inputs provide phantom power for condenser mics, switchable in banks of four. One input includes an instrument-level impedence switch for direct input recording of guitar or bass. Balanced monitor outputs and effects sends are also provided on the rear. A USB output allows tracks and mixes recorded to your SD card to be transferred to a computer for CD burning or sharing online.
Features at a glance
- Simultaneous 24-track playback
- 12 mono tracks + 6 stereo tracks
- Simultaneous 8-track recording
- 16 or 24 bit, 44.1 or 48 kHz recording
- 8 XLR/TRS combo connectors
- Phantom power supplied on all inputs (INPUT A-D,E-H)
Main Features
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19 faders eliminates layer structuringEven with the DP-24SD’s number of tracks and features, there’s no easier multi-track recorder to use. Eighteen track faders and one master fader allows instant access to any track without selecting pages or banks of faders. |
3.5″ full-color LCD and self-illuminated buttonsBoth models have a 3.5″ LCD screen and select, self-illuminated buttons – making it easy to view your entire creative process. Some of the illuminated buttons include (Source, Select, Rec, Mute). |
12 rotary knobs are linked to the LCD for easy operationThe DP-24SD have similarly employed rotary knobs to control dynamics such as EQ, effect send and other related features. |
Solid-state SD/SDHC media ensures confident recordingThe DP-24SD employ SD/SDHC media. SD/SDHC cards provide secure shock resistance due to the absence of any moving parts. File format of the DP-24SD is FAT 16 or 32. The Portastudio recorded files can be accessed on your computer when connected via USB. |
Mojambo –
Great Starting Point for Home StudioI wanted something I could record to without worrying about DAW latency issues, software compatibility, etc., and this unit seemed like my best option. I’m not looking to make the White Album, just some backing tracks for solo gigs and maybe a few demos and vanity “sell at the gig for ten bucks” CDs. At that, the DP-24 SD excels.It’s a very solid piece of hardware and more than capable of producing professional-sounding recordings without a HUGE learning curve. Not to say there’s NO learning curve; there is. It took me a couple weeks to become fairly proficient with the thing, and that only after several hours alone with YouTube tutorials, of which there are many. If you’re willing to put in the time, though, it quickly becomes second nature and you can crank out decent recordings in a fairly quick and painless fashion.It’s also easy to transfer WAV files to and from the unit and into (or out of) your DAW. I’ve finally decided on a workflow in which I record all my tracks to the DP24, then load them into my laptop for final mix-down and mastering. It’s all fairly seamless once you get the hang of it.I also plan to use the unit as a live mixer at solo gigs, since it has all the effects (verb, exciter, compressor, etc.) that I need for live shows, and will allow me to easily play the backing tracks along with my live performance.I paired my DP24 with a good set of earphones, some mid-priced studio monitors, a mid-priced mic, studio pre-amp, pop filter, acoustic panels, etc., to make a fairly decent little home studio that fits in one corner of my dining room. All told, I probably dropped less that a grand for the entire set up and the results I’ve been getting are at least as good as what I’ve gotten in “real” studios in the past.For the money, this unit is an amazing piece of hardware!
Robert W. Oliver –
Short Learning CurveI used a Yamaha AW44-16 for years. It did a good job, but it only had two XLR inputs and was not something that you could figure out in a few days. (I still have the two ring binders for the manual!) The DP-24SD one is far more user friendly, plus it has 8 XLR/quarter inch inputs that you can route to mono or stereo channels. The sound is good, and you can add EQ, effects, and mastering all in one box.TASCAM’s manual is okay, but Phil Tipping’s YouTube channel has a series of excellent tutorials that breaks down the process for you. He also wrote highly accessible user manual, which I also recommend.BE SURE to buy the right SD cards. The DP-24SD won’t accept an SD greater than 32GB, and the one that is most highly recommended is the SanDisk Extreme Pro. I got mine from Amazon.All in all, a great value, and I’m really enjoying mine!
Melodie –
Dynamic/Compressor Functions Only available for Live RecordingDepending on your application, the Tascam DP24SD could be your dream machine. For the money it offers a lot of capability. It has a professional feel and is built well. The firmware, for the most part, feels well designed. There are some menu sequences that are far from intuitive—nothing that a little repetition won’t cure. The manual covers most operations well. It’s weak in terms of clarifying various internal patching options/capabilities. Phil Tipping provides some excellent youtube videos that clarify what you can and cannot do in terms of patching with the DP24.I really needed the ability to apply dynamic/compressor effects to an existing .wav/track file—can’t do this with the DP24SD. An excellent 3-band compressor is available for mastering, but not available for individual use on an existing .wav track file. You can apply dynamic/compressor effects realtime while live recording via the XLR inputs, but that’s it. You do have the option of applying the “guitar” compressor to an existing .wav/track file; unfortunately, the guitar compressor has very limited control capability—making it almost worthless. One does have the option of using some of the sends to use outboard dynamic/compressor units, but that kind of defeats the whole purpose of using the DP24 to begin with.Not having the ability to use onboard dynamic/compressor effects on an existing .wav/track file was a deal breaker for me. I reluctantly returned my DP24SD. It would have been my dream machine if this capability had existed.
Jerry S. –
Great product, a bit difficult to learn.Great product but a bit of a challenge to learn for someone who isn’t a audio techy. You Tube videos helped and the manual too, but both are challenging. I’m slowly learning and a lot of it could and should be explained in an easier style to understand.
YogaDesires –
We bought a lower version first, but quickly upgrade to this oneAt first I tried to save money to buy one of the lower models of this brand, but after we received the first one that we ordered I returned it right away, and ordered the Tascam DP-24SD 24-Track Version. I am so happy with this one. I can record a track, and play a music (or multiple) track(s), while recording my voice, without recording the additional tracks.I use this as a hypnotist. After I write my clients new script they come in for session. During their session I play a music track softly, while recording only my voice for them to take the mp3 of the session (after I convert it from .wav) home for future use. This allows my clients to play their own music or no music in the future. So, they don’t get tired of the same music over and over.I have this connected to a wired microphone, a wireless microphone, additional memory cards, a Bluetooth headset for my client (using a Bluetooth air adapter), and some additional accessories I can’t remember right now.I’m really happy with this setup. I did rate “easy”ness as a 4, because, no this is not an easy piece of equipment to use. I love electronics, and I still reference the manual. The manual is helpful though and as long as you understand the music/sound lingo, and intermediate-advance electronics usage you’ll be fine. This is definitely not a beginners piece of equipment. There are much cheaper easier options if you are new to multi-track recording and mixing.
carlsbadidea –
Best for stand-alone production without a DAW.I decided to upgrade when my old Roland V-Studio finally gave up. I wanted something that was similar to operate. I first ordered a Tascam Model 12 because it looked pretty cool but then realized that you need to dump your files to a PC for any creative editing. I wanted something stand-alone like my old Roland.The DP series is much better suited for this purpose. It is well built and has a lot of hidden features. If you use a 32G SD card you will have a ton space for tracks. The firmware EQ and Effects are very good also. The manual leaves a lot to be desired though. You are best off to go to YouTube and watch the series by Phil Tipping (it is the best one). It covers all aspects of the unit. I watched it a couple of times before I ordered this unit.The only con with these models are LACK OF MIDI PORTS! I don’t know why they removed them but I guess that I can live without it.Overall I love it!
James Kim Peterson –
From Cassette to SD – Oh yeah baby!I had been given one of the older Tascam cassette tape portastudios a few years ago by another musician friend of mine and had a lot of fun with it. It still works great, so I will be handing this one down to my grandson who is just learning to play guitar. This new digital one is even better however, things like not having to wait for the tape to rewind and many other improvements. My favorite feature so far, is the track edit button, which I use over and over again trying to get my performance just right. Getting it right can sometimes be a challenge for me, if I miss a note, I hit the track edit button and away I go again until I get it right. My only complaint would be what others have mentioned also, they need to include a video out for the display screen. The existing screen looks very good and works great, if you can be directly in front of it. My set up is such that I have a laptop next to the portastudio to transfer backing tracks etc. onto it, the mouse is in between the two, so I have to keep leaning way over to see the screen. It would be excellent if I could switch between screens on my laptop to see the portastudio display. Other than that, I have no other complaints. It was very easy to set up and get recording right away, something I had a really hard time with when using computer software. I can’t speak to the mix down process/features, since I have not attempted that function yet but I’m sure it will work great. I would highly recommend this recorder for anyone who likes to record music, sounds for movie tracks, sound effects for live plays or just plain fun. Thanks Tascam for another great product.
Leckj –
make your backing track in DAW and your vocals and guitar with this.cant go wrong.You got to mix and master with a DAW, but to get your vocals and guitar with this is super easy once you get the hang of it. Have got a good enough laptop and audio interface but using this 24sd is much easier. But I mix and master with a DAW. Cakewalk by bandlab is free and there is nothing it cannot do.
Amber Booe –
MIxers POV ReviewThe sendsFX are decent but you cant eq your effect send bus. Thjs means you cant eq your reverd/delay time if you wanted.The compresser and most if not all the Dynamics effects suck.The EQ is just a simple 3 band. The high and low bands are just roll offs but the mid band has a Q.Its only an 8 channel mixer with 24 track mastering channels.I recommend you watch some YouTube videos before buying this. But never the less i do love my tanscam
SCOTT GIBSON –
Perfect for the home-recording artist – produces 24bit professional results – I use for my band!I am a professional musician and use this for my band, Sonic Chaos.I upgraded from the 8 track version and this is just as easy to use, but you get more tracks and nice features like usable on-board effects ( the noise suppressor works awesome when micing a high gain marshall to reduce hiss on mute parts!) – it has stereo inputs so if you use a roland or similar drum setup, you can input to a dual stereo track and adjust everything as one track. The mastering features are great and the recordings come out with plenty of headroom – noticable upgrade from the 16bit versions for sure! I searched high and low, and after many reviews and my own experiences, truly believe you cannot get a better home recording studio setup for less then 5 times its price. Its just that cool. Hear it in action on the latest Sonic Chaos tunes that s/b here on Amazon – “Radio Chaos” was recorded 100% on this.