Tascam DP03sd

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 8 Jun 2023 12:15 pm

Well, I have the unit now.

If this is the 'simple' option, I'd hate to be confronted with something difficult.

However, my question is about tracks. I've read somewhere that backing tracks are available on YouTube. What should I write in 'search'? Should I be able to download these to my Windows PC and then, from there, on to the SD card that is the interface between my Tascam and my PC?

One day, I'll create my own tracks; for now, though, I just want to get started and see some sort of result.

Any advice would be very much appreciated.

Norman Evans · Post by **Norman Evans** » 8 Jun 2023 2:20 pm

Roger, Here's the easy way to load a track. Get a cable like this and find the track you want and play the track on your computer and record it to 2 tracks on the DP03 for stereo.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... ts-10-foot

You can type in the song you want on youtube and after the title type karaoke. You might get a good track. I typed in karaoke country songs and got this page.
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ ... ntry+songs

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 8 Jun 2023 3:03 pm

Thanks, Norman.

Have I got two 1/4" jack sockets on the DP03? I must look. I thought there was just one guitar-type socket.

Sounds like a good short cut, though. Much obliged.

Norman Evans · Post by **Norman Evans** » 8 Jun 2023 3:29 pm

There's 2 on mine.

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 11 Jun 2023 8:37 am

Norman:

Thank you. Yes, as you said, the unit has two 1/4" jack sockets.

I finally managed to record my Telecaster. Well, it's a step in the right direction! Even with some of the on-board reverb, it sounded sterile and thin. I now have no doubt that a mic on my amps will get far better results.

It's baby-steps for now, though. I was a bit confused when I first tried to record. The 'included' SD card has music prerecorded on all tracks which may explain why I was unable to get it to capture my guitar until I put my own empty SD card in the slot.

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 12 Jun 2023 12:38 am

Roger, this is a nice unit, you should have no problem tracking the next million $$$ seller ! Just remember that to EXPORT songs or tracks, they need to be converted to WAV files first. The DP03 does this inside the plastic box ! WAV files take up a lot of space so I would recommend getting a 32 GIG SD card rather than the 4 gig it comes with.

I bought one of these for my daughter, she loves it !

Have fun !

Best

TP

Norman Evans · Post by **Norman Evans** » 12 Jun 2023 4:49 am

Roger, Did you create a song before trying to record on the SD card that came with the unit? You can also reformat the card that came with it and that will erase the song that is prerecorded. You should format a new SD card before recording also.
If you have an amp with a direct out, you can probably get good results using it.

Regards, Norm

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 12 Jun 2023 4:49 am

Tony:

Much of the appeal of the Tascam was its built-in SD card 'interface'. Wiser heads than mine warned against me tackling a more up-to-date computer-based DAW system, given my trepidation with anything technical.

For many years I was constantly in TV and recording studios in the UK. I brought my instruments and my abilities. An engineer might tell me that he was going to try a such-and-such mic on my amp but all of it went over my head. I was focused on the chart in front of me.

So: this 'simple to use' device is challenge enough but I'll get there. It helped to read the manual online where I could magnify the typeface. The enclosed paper manual is close to illegible, even with my specs.

I had thought I'd have my first album mastered by next weekend.

I now realize it's going to take a wee bit longer....

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 12 Jun 2023 8:01 am

Norman:

I found out by accident about reformatting the card.

No, no song - I just wanted to tape something to see how (or if) it works.

Eventually, I'll chart some chord changes and compose something but that's down the road a bit.

Thanks for your help.

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 12 Jun 2023 1:59 pm

Roger Rettig wrote:
I had thought I'd have my first album mastered by next weekend. I now realize it's going to take a wee bit longer....

LOL Roger, give it another week !

As you know ,the thing about recording, once you figure out how to get a good clean recording, now ya 'gotta go back and play your best stuff !

Oh the joy of it all !

Jim Fogle · Post by **Jim Fogle** » 15 Jun 2023 8:25 am

Congratulations on your purchase Roger! I'm looking forward to hearing your recordings. I think you will have fun using the TASCAM DP-03sd once you get use to it.

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 15 Jun 2023 8:36 am

Thanks, guys!!

Well, I have a discounted Tascam condenser mic coming. It gets here Saturday.

After chatting with my pal who has a studio, I'm now wishing I'd bought two (only $50 each); capturing the steel in stereo with FX and sending it to two channels might sound good.

This is me, running before I can barely crawl!