The overall sound is impressive, what goes in..comes out.

The built-in effects are border-line useless. Vocal, bass and acoustic guitar are 'ok', but out of all the electric-guitar effects there's only 2 or 3 that produce something useable..all the rest produce lots and lots of noise. I have no idea who would use them. Built-in reverb is functional, a spring would be a vast improvement. A backlit lcd would be helpful. 40 gig hard drive seems like plenty of space. No need to run out and by more flash memory like some models. I really like the fact that it can hold its own master track, you don't have to mix to a different machine like the tape versions did. I don't have a problem having only 2 inputs, though some users might. Amazing how much stuff they packed into this little unit.

Well, everything on it works like it's supposed to....have had no problems with it. Of course, one should be gentle with it. I've been using it for 9 months with no troubles. I wouldn't take it on the road...it should be treated like a laptop computer.

I'm amazed at how may features you get for the price. The extra $100 for the fx version seems worth it, for the phantom power and xlr connectors alone. If you get any use out of the internal effects then you're ahead of the game.

I dont' know about support, fortunately i have not needed it ! From what i've read on other reviews, the support is not very good.

It's not much to look at, but that's not why i bought it. Ease of use and features made it appeal to me. And the fact that it's portable made it much more attractive than being forced to sit by my computer to record. I'll take real knobs and sliders over dragging a mouse anyday.

active musician

folk, blues

Sound quality is better than expected. Sure, it's only 16 bit sampling but it sonds great. It won;t make you sound like Frank Sinatra or Eddie Van Halen but you will sound like you. What you put in is exactly what you get out. There is some hiss when monitoring and mixing but it does not seem to be there when mastered to a CD. It is strictly a product of the components used for manufacturing. Quieter sound would have cost mor money and I'd be reviewing a different product.

XLR inputs. Some decent on-board effects (once you tame them a little). Great digital editing features make this a winner!

If you've ever laid hands on a cassette four-track you will have no trouble. It actually took me less time to unpack the thing than it did to lay down some test tracks. It's that easy! Just select an input, select a destination track, arm the track, and hit record.

It's mostly plastic but it is sturdy and well-made. The sliders are solid feeling with just the right amount of resistance. Smae goes for the knobs.

It is worth the price. I got it used, which makes it an even better value.

I have not had to deal with them at all.

It's rather nice looking unit. The color in the pictures does not d oit justice. It is a nice metal-flake silvery gray. this may not seem important but you will be spending hours looking at this thing so it might as well be easy pn the eyes.

Active gigging musician

Alt-rock, fold rock, electronica, noise, psychedelia

The only thing I can compare it to is the ADAT I used before it. The high frequency reproduction is a **little** harsher, but managable. It produces quiet, uncoloured tracks if you keep recording levels high and transfer digitally.

The biggest selling point of this unit for me initially was the dedicated physical controls for panning and EQ. It looked more like a mixing board than the other DAW's. After working with it for a couple of years now, I appreciate a lot more. It really is an incredible amount of technology packed into a small unit, especially if you're old enough to remember when cassette multi-tracks were the only option in this price range. It can operate as a MIDI master recorder, it has built in reverb and instrument effects that are adequate for project/demo recordings, it has non-destructive track editing, a built in master recorder independant from the 8 tracks, phantom powered XLR inputs, and USB connectivity so your recordings never have to leave the digital domain. Like others have already mentioned, a larger, backlit screen would have been an improvement.

The manual is well written, and once you spend some time with the unit, it's easy to operate. Making a cheat sheet of some of the more common functions and keeping it close by always helps with this kind of gear until you get familiar with it.

Like so much gear these days, DAW's are basically computers running proprietary software. So, as with all computers, if you have critical work you don't want to lose, SAVE SAVE SAVE! This unit has crashed a few times on me. The worst incident cost me hours of work because I hadn't taken 10 seconds to do a manual save. I eventually realized that each crash was caused by hitting transport control buttons in too quick a sequence. Since slowing my fingers down, I've had no crashes. Otherwise, the unit has functioned perfectly for two years now. I don't lug it around, so I can't speak to how rugged it might be.

Fantastic value. The amount of technology you get for the money is astounding.

I phoned tech support after the bad crash mentioned above. It was not toll free from Canada, I was on hold for a while, and the guy I eventually got was unable to help me. Basically "Sorry it crashed. We have no idea what might have happened. Yes, it sounds like you've lost all your work." It was a waste of time and money. I suspect they don't know any more than what's written in the manual.

I bought it for it's features. I don't care what it looks like, but fortunately it's not neon green or anything.

Hobbyist

Pop/Jazz

The sounds I've produced are exactly what i was aiming for. It's a matter of approaching it like a fancy CD burner. It's not going to color the sound, in a good way, like a tape machine but it will give you exactly what you put in. Seems as though the trick will always be... get your sound in the room before you push "record."

Pretty neat as far as effects go... some of the electric guitar settings actually sound similar to vintage fender amps. Most drum effects are a bit goofy but the compression is decent. I've rated it at 6 because the semi-parametric EQ is not enough. What's with only 2 inputs? What a pain!

Here's where I've run into trouble... my first dp01fx purchase was defective. Input A was dead right out of the box so I returned it within 2 hours of opening it. My replacement dp01fx worked like a dream for 6 months until... input A again! Sometimes it works and other times it's dead. Also, after 6 months of seamless punch recording, overnight it's turned into the *snap* *pop* *clip* *click* monster from my worst digital nightmare. I'm about to buy a new one, to continue working, while my used one is getting repaired. Ugh.

All in all, it seems to be a good product for the price. $500.00 is not that expensive considering that you could end up with an album that sounds as good as 'Sgt. Pepper', with the right kind of ears.

Nice people over the phone... they try to help but usually end up attempting to walk me through the recording process like I'm an amature. I know this machine like the back of my hand! As I've stated above... it's almost too simple to use. Today, over the phone, I told a support representative that i wanted them to send me a new one, for free, while my old one was being repaired. She told me, "Sir, if we did that we would have more products on loan than actual sales." HOLY GOD!!!! I swear, that's exactly what she said. Of course, I took complete advantage of that sweet moment.

I think it looks completely horrible and goofy. I like the faders though. They make me feel like I'm controlling a mixing board and not just some nerd with a mouse.

Songwriter, Producer

Neo Classic Rock

The sound is great. I use the optical output to my Tascam CD recorder, it simply doesn't get any better than that. The analog portion has a bit of hiss but I use the line inputs driven by a quality mixing console and there is no noise. Also, using quality condenser mikes on the built in mike inputs yields low noise.

Features are good. Wish the LCD was bigger and back lighted.

Read the manual, read the manual! Can't say that enough. All Digital recorders are pretty complicated, even the $10K +. A mouse and 17" monitor is easiest to use but that isn't going to happen on a $500 machine.

Mine was a factory re-box. Clean, no blemishes, like new. Didn't like the control and inputs on the front panel but that is not a "can't live with" issue. It does have a hard drive inside so "on the road" is asking a lot here. Some of the wording is just stamped into the metal. I rubbed some white tooth paste in them to make them more readable.

Unknown. Ten by default. Never had to return, have repaired or had a question about a Tascam product.

It has no sex appeal. I just needed a multitrack machine at a reasonable price.

Hobbyist

Christian, Cowboy, Country, Spoken word with sound effects

Compared to horrible TAPE, this machine is quite simply the nuts.

I nearly bought the version without reverb. I'm so pleased I didn't, because the machine's reverb has proved itself to be invaluable, especially for making my less than great voice sound reasonable, and giving an almost 'Pink Floyd' quality to keyboards.

At first, it would take me an hour or so to get it to work, sometimes to the stage where I was pressing buttons at random or thinking I'd broken it. Then, however, I realised the manual has ONE GLARING OMISSION in its set up procedure- it doesn't tell you to press the ENTER button after some of its otherwise clearly explained info. I still struggle a bit and always have the manual open.

It acts 100% perfectly, although I feel the need to treat it like a fragile flower, cocooning it in bubblewrap after use. I cannot envisage anybody being foolish enough to take it on the road, it just doesn't seem robust enough for that.

An absolute bargain.

Love the real knobs. It's all I ever wanted, although a 16 or even 32 track version of the same would interest me.

Ex bands. Now trying to write a classic album at home

Rock/Pop

Sound quality is excellent in my live recordings of jazz groups from Trios to Sextets. even with relatively cheap mics.

Apart from adding or subracting reble and bass I found I didn't need the effects, the sound was good enough without them. Sometimes difficult to arm tracks 3-8 when 1 & 2 have already been used. Tiny knobs on front of machine mic/line in could have been larger and numbered. Needs backlight on display, needed a torch in dimly lit clubs because I couldn't see the display.

Managed to download to my computer via USB but the files weren't recognised, so now just download straight to CD-R.

Use it extensively almost every day at home recording my drums as well as recording live jazz groups once a week. Seems pretty sturdy.

Great value.

No support needed in the year I've had it.

Hobbyist/ amateur musician/ amateur recording engineer

Jazz

I have owned a Roland studio work station and I'd rate Tascam as being equal in sound quality.

I would like to see a light in the LCD.

Take your time learning the basics of operation and you will find the dp-01 fx to be super easy to use.

For the price...........super. As good as Roland.

Excellent...this not rocket science.

They stand behind their products 100%. A real quality company.

The design is really cool and totally functional.

30 years guitar player , 10 years professional.

R&B.

befor i say anything. if you havent read the manual then for sure you are missing out. read the manual from front to back and then use the baby or use the baby and the manual at the same time do something just get the manual read. serious. the sound quality is great. what it says on the meters is what is going to come out of this machine. it sounds good, then it records good. u have a nasty sound, oh, it will sound nasty. that simple. sounds good. even for those people that are like oh its a daw week pre amps its going to make noise, doesnt it all make noise? come on. it sounds good.

i use it for recording dj sets, beat machines (midi is easy.), sing, and sound effects. its nice and simple to use. everything is right where u want it to bee. the one feature i liked was the data wheel. its in a great place easy to get around everything and labeled very well. i'm hyped to use the punch in later on down the line, havent used it yet but all hte other features are sounding and working great.

the menu... the fack that there is no back light almost kills this litte machine. backlikght would have been great. also the faders are very strong, i like that and the knobs are comfortable and on point. the inputs should have been put in the back, but for what i'm doning, bring in diffrent people it works great, just keep the wires close and DON"T FORGET TO TURN OFF A CHANNEL WHEN YOU UNPLUG A CABEL. that is a nice feature. the ear phones could have been on top of the console but thats just me. but a back light for sure. if a backlight one comes out and i still have this one i'm going to be sending emails thats for sure..

feeels kind of soft. i mean it feels like it could break at any moment. i been thinking about buying a case for it but the inputs make that idea kind of weak. there is no rubber or anything for the faders. dust can fall in like nothing small little gap. the finish is nice.

this machine is going to be one of those things everyone should have got but never got it. i happen to belive that this and an AKAI can go hand in hand. thats just what i see.

dont know...

Recording Engineer

Drum and Bass House Hip Hop Rock Soul Funk Gospol

It has a very good sound. A good condenser mic helps here...I use an Audio Technica and it sounds rich.

It needs at least 2 more phantom powered xlr inputs. 5 total would be perfect, then I could mike up a drum kit half decently. The info screen SHOULD be backlit. I mean, how much could that cost? $20? I would have paid 20 bucks to be able to see the screen better..hint Tascam if you're reading!

Is very well made. Much better than the boss plastic crap that is out there. This is a pro unit.

A great value for the home studio!

Don't know.

pro musician

rock, jazz, blues

Probably my main issue with this unit is the sound quality leaves a lot to be desired. Specifically, the mic/line inputs are SO noisy as to be almost unusable in my opinion. I was recording a loudish guitar amp with a SM57 too (not a mic needing a lot of boost). I ended up using an external mic pre to cut the noise. Insert effects (guitar modeling etc.) are terrible. Basic reverb is functional and fine though.

I bought this because I don't need a lot of features like cut and paste editing etc. I wanted something I could work FAST on and this is great for that. I love the dedicated EQ and effect send knobs. However, I would have paid $20 for a backlit LCD. That is SO annoying. Also, a basic internal click would be SUPER helpful. Hooking up to a midi drum machine for a click is supported but why would anyone have anything that complicated in this price range?

seems put together well. Some kbos are a little loose.

Decent unit for the money though. Still, when will someone release a $699 version with better electronics that is backlit?

don't know. haven't needed any.

Appealing in its simplicity. See caveats above about the sound quality and lack of metronome or backlit. LCD

Active Musician

ALternative soaring music.

the overall sound is ok...considering you are using a decent condensor mic and rack gear.

For the price I paid it's ok. I don't like the EQ on it because it's only 2 band and you can't change the frequencies on the EQ while the track is playing. The effects aren't great for vocals so I had to get an external effects processor,but above all that, most importantly to me is that YOU CAN'T MIX YOUR OVERDUB ONTO THE SAME TRACK. IT REPLACES WHAT YOU RECORD WHEN YOU ARE PUNCHING IN. UGHHH!!

It works fine for recording. I don't use alot of the features(mainly just the volume sliders , pan, and the returns and sends).For effects and EQ and such I use rack gear.

I have been calling and calling and calling, still haven't talked to anyone.From the looks of things neither has anyone else.....What's going on Tascam?

I don't like the way it's made. Meaning the weird shape.lol.

All

The built in effects are awesome, don't have to run my guitar through an amp or pedals, it's great!

It's a bit wierd at first, but once you get going its easy to do.

hobbyist

rock/metal/punk

Well i have owned the DP01 for over a year now. I play in a metal band Which is hard to get good sound becuase theres so much going on with drums vocals and guitar but this thing really handles it quite well i know lots of people who go in and pay alot of money for recordings and me and my band get a better sound out of this thing than most studios its great for its price and creating demo discs,and it works excelent for acoustic music.

I really enjoy the copy and paste section where i can copy and paste parts so i dont have to replay them over and over again but everything on this is very useful.

Getting great sound can be kind of difficult, it takes some experimentaion and some testing before you can get the sound your looking for. As far as modifying sound to your personal taste its alright there isnt a whole wide range of variety. As far as useing it its very easy the manual can be a little confusing at times but for the most part you shouldnt have a problem working with it.

I have only had one problem with it and it was when my drummer dropped it didnt work so it can be pretty fragile other then that i have never had a problem with loseing information or haveing it just break for no reason. its always a good idea to be careful with it when takeing it on the road i would just make sure its in a safe place where it wont fall or get crushed or anything. Im hopeing it will last me a long time it all depends on how you take care of it.

I would deffenintly say this is worth the price. It has been one of the best investments i have made. Its not proffessional, but you get some pretty damn good sound out of it especially for the price. Very Worth it and ver good for makeing Demos.

Support was great i did have some questions about it and they where able to help me figure it out very easily and quickly. When i dropped mine and broke it i brought it in under the warranty and they fixed good as new with in a short amount of time. I have yet to be displeased with the service i have gotten from the company.

haha well this is kind of a weird one but i guess its alright it just looks like a normal recording machine. It didnt really catch my eye when i first saw it but its a great product.

Active Muscian, Profesional Guitar Player

Metal,Calssical,Jazz

The sound is good and of course you get what you put into it. You will be able to make a good qaulity cd. The FX are mediocre. People have said it isnt loud. I dont see any problems there.

For the amount digital recorders out there in this category, the DP01FX offers a load of features and professional aspects for a modest price. 40GB hard drive as well is a plus. USB, Phantom XLR Inputs etc.

Solid. Should last me till I die id imagine.

In this group of recorders, this is the BEST all around value.

Face it, ive checked around and aint no one getting through via EMAIL to tascam. I know I havnt.

Yeah, whatever, i think the mr-8 looks nice red and all but what does it matter what it looks like ??

song writer

Muzik from the soul !

just got it this week, i am not allowed to try it until dec. 25th but i peeked in the box and checked out the really cool blue unit ! can't wait to do a review.( i ordered the dpo1...the one with no fx

I am monitoring by headphones and the sound is not bad. My unit has a glitch however and I am going to have to return it. There is a buzz (like a mosquito on distortion) that comes randomly in the headphones. It doesn't get recorded, so I am guess it's a loose/bad connection somewhere inside the machine. I even went out a bought a new pair of headphones to be sure it was just a bad set. I also changed all cords etc., so I know now that the machine is faulty. The sound of the guitar FX is disappointing, specifically any of the distorted effects, since they all have a very loud buzz/hum (like a bad cord) that you can't get rid of, so this is recorded. Makes for an ugly-sounding track.

Lots of great features. I haven't tried to the PC upload yet, but I will. As mentioned above, the electric guitar effects are sketchy (hit and miss), but the acoustic effects work well and so do the voice effects (although they could use some additional voice effects). You can tweak the effects quite a bit as well, which is nice.

Well, to be fair, mine has a problem (as noted above), so I am not overly enthused about the quality of the product at this point. I have only had it for four days.

Value is excellent (glitch aside). I don't thing there will be much debate on this one.

I e-mailed Tascam with a question before I bought this unit. That was four weeks ago. They never replied at all. I hope I don't need to contact them with anything.

I think that for the price it is hard to beat this unit in today's market. A lot of people are going to want this one.

Part time musician for fun

Pop-punk, some acoustic strumming, alternative etc. Many styles