DP-02CF Digital Portastudio

TASCAM's DP-02CF Digital Portastudio has enough recording power to let you create a full production at 16-bit/44.1kHz CD quality. The DP-02CF combines 8-track CD-quality recording with a Portastudio interface.

The DP-03CF Portastudio's one-button-per function design is for musicians who want to record quickly and have fun! First, record your stereo drum machine using its 2-track simultaneous recording, and then use the line inputs to record bass and layer guitar parts. A song position bar/beat display makes it easy to overdub. Or, if you're going the straight acoustic route (no drums), use the internal metronome to keep time.

Next, use the low-cut filter, two-band EQ, and pan controls to make sonic space for your vocals, which you can record with a high-quality condenser mic thanks to a pair of matched TASCAM preamps with XLR inputs and phantom power. There's also an EQ frequency button for finer control over the mix.

When you're happy with your tracks (and you should be happy with a DP-02), mix down to a dedicated stereo master track and save your final mixes to an included 1GB CompactFlash card (The DP-02 records two channels at a time to the card).

Finally, you can transfer your tracks and mixes or backup your song to a computer through a speedy USB 2.0 connection for MP3 encoding or CD burning from your Mac or PC. Let the fun begin!