Tascam DP008EX How To Record, Mixdown, and Master

A HowTo video for the Tascam DP008EX Digital Portastudio... quickly runs thru all the steps required to record, mix down, master, and finally export a song to a WAV file that you can import into a computer.

[@Moss_and_Such]

You just did what 10 other high production videos couldn't do. Taught someone how to use this thing.

[@jamesbenefield9972]

I have a 32sd and have never used it cause i'm dumb when it comes to this stuff. first video i've found that makes sense.

[@Sullaban]

I actually got so frustrated with my TASCAM 008 that I punched it and I was not drinking either. But bit by bit it gets better. My first video provided shows my TASCAM and my AMAZON Davis bass. Practice practice practice. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqm3qKl9payDbNE kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnrMiIelYtx-eck&authuser=0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqDHgXWhr5h-rZY kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqDHgXWhr5h-rZY

[@MeshuggahDave.]

With no banjo to boot

[@Allison_Chaynes]

Hahaha! I know, right

[@MasterAlexxx.Dominant1LLC]

Couldn't agree more with that!!

[@JohnB67]

First off, like HUNDREDS of others, THANK YOU!!! THIS is how simple tutorials need to be! I own several DAWs, and am pretty adept at using them. But, I miss the simplicity of hitting the power button and starting a recording. No software to boot up. No software upgrades. No driver issues. No interface issues. No latency. I just purchased a used, but like new, 008 off a private party and found the manual a touch intimidating. You just saved me HOURS, if not DAYS of headaches and frustration. Well done sir!!

[@tomcatucci]

I've had my Tascam DP-03 laying on the shelf for YEARS...could never learn how to use it. After watching several youtube videos and still knowing very, very little...I stumbled onto this video...AND THE HEAVENS opened up! A zillon pages of manual and you taught me all I need to know in 14 minutes. You are my recording hero. Thank you. soooo much.

[@tz7207]

Same here Tom#2.

[@leswright4108]

Yup. The dp03 and dp03sd look different from the DP008EX, but the functions, menus, and work-flow are very similar so a lot of what is covered here applies to your unit too.

[@heimizhou450]

This is the best tutorial for learning usage of DP-008Ex I saw in KZbin (>50). Thanks

[@ksandbergfl9609]

wow, thanks for the kind words

[@pfitzsimmons76]

thank you i especially appreciate your keeping the song short at only 15 seconds. So we can quickly see the nuts and bolts of how it works. Excellent video. Well done.

[@dadduorp]

I have a DP-008 as well as a DP32SD for at least 8 years and despite buying instructional DVDs and watching countless "tutorials", NONE have been as concise and to-the-point as yours! Thank YOU!!

[@cyoishi]

Great tutorial! Clear, precise, and easy to follow. Nicely done.

[@pfmdude]

So I've had a regular DP008 for like 6 years and I just FINALLY learned how to mix and master my multitracks and actually make a song. Thanks to your video! It was super helpful and even though mine isn't the EX, you still helped me to figure how to use it. A million thanks!

[@ksandbergfl9609]

cool, good luck with your recordings!

[@davejohnson-yi2rk]

Hands down one of the best tutorials of any subject I've seen on KZbin!!! If TASCAM & TEAC had more guys like this working for them, their digital recorders wouldn't have nearly as many 3 Star, 2 Star & 1 Star crap reviews on places like Amazon - - not to mention all the angry customers those low ratings represent. A real shame. We need more guys like Mr. Sandberg who give of their time and knowledge. He should've been hired to write the instruction manual and also make video instructions for ALL their recorders.

[@Sullaban]

Dave Johnson One thing I had to learn about the TASCAM is do not be drinking while you are working with it. I NOW understand very well why recording studios charge for their time. It takes a lot of time and patience to make any head way with these things. My first video (links provided ) shows my TASCAM STUFF. Take a look thanks. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqm3qKl9payDbNE kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnrMiIelYtx-eck&authuser=0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqDHgXWhr5h-rZY kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqDHgXWhr5h-rZY

[@danebridges]

The first tutorial out of a dozen that actually shows the damn thing in use, thanks so much for this!

[@ksandbergfl9609]

thanks for noticing... the reason I made this video in the first place, is because the HowTo's at the time were pretty useless.... there might be better ones out there, now, but I haven't looked

[@dazzzzla]

A brilliant tutorial. I'm almost over my anxiety and sleepless nights re using this machine. Cheers.

[@MrThobias711]

I grew up on a tascam analog/pre digi and wore it out till it just couldn't be used anymore. I love these things. WEEN recorded a whole album on an 8 track. It's not only the device but it's the ingenuity of the artist that really makes these things beautiful.

[@gordonratzloff2029]

FINALLY! A step-by-step clear tutorial. Well done and thank you!

[@Mandrake591]

Thank you for the helpful video. You lost me momentarily in the “mastering” and “exporting” functions, so I slowed your KZbin video to 50 and then 75 percent speeds so your voice was slower and the button clicking was a bit more clear. This helped a lot, though. Left alone with just the manual might have sent me right back to my four track cassette recorder!

[@duxbill2957]

OMG NO SHIT I've read the entire 85 pages manual NUMEROUS times with no successful way of mastering down our songs. So yeah its been on the shelf for many years cuz we couldnt figure out the last part after watching EVERY video on this TASCAM for the last 7 or more YEARS- YOURS is the only one that looks hopeful (a bit out of focus) but i'm gonna try what you did!! THANK YOU

[@Fschramm1]

I must say, after having thing thing for 10 years, I think I can now record a song on it. Can I buy you a beer?

[@Sullaban]

Frank Schramm It was the devil to make any kind of progress on the thing. But maybe I will keep struggling with it. My first video (links provided ) is about my TASCAM. links provided kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqm3qKl9payDbNE kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnrMiIelYtx-eck&authuser=0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqDHgXWhr5h-rZY kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqDHgXWhr5h-rZY

[@ksandbergfl9609]

no.... but you can buy me TWO beers ;-)

[@NelsonClick]

Agreed with all below comments. All the ones below me. This is the best how-to vid for these Tascam portastudios that I've seen and I've seen dozens. Thank you very much.

[@CommishsPlace]

WOW! I cannot thank you enough for providing a simple, step-by-step procedure for using this device. You helped free up a lot of the mystery and hassle of unlocking all the features for creating, mixing and mastering a multi-track song. Thanks!!!

[@ksandbergfl9609]

thanks for the kind comments

[@gregorybrooks506]

buddy- that was the best tutorial I have ever seen with this unit. I am a novice, but the manual was very difficult to read. I saw your tutorial and I'm so thankful that you did that. It took a lot of patience my friend. Take care Greg Brooks

[@MrThobias711]

Like my favorite cooking show. Just a cook, a pan, a burner and butter. Simple and to the point and no flash. Love it

[@robina9185]

That was so uncomplicated compared to other similar videos. I get it now. Thank you.

[@barbaracox1239]

I hope Tascam is paying you for this awesome sales pitch. You just convince me to buy one.

[@ksandbergfl9609]

Ha! It's not a sales pitch, just a quick How To video I made on a Sunday morning, to help a fellow member of a guitar forum.

[@J_Trask]

I bought one just over a year ago and this video saved me a BUNCH of trial and error learning the basics. As a matter of fact I’m referring back to this video after taking a break from recording to jog my memory!

[@Sullaban]

Barbara Cox I am learning the hard way not to drink while screwing around with these darn things. I need to have all my focus while fighting with these beasts My first video (links provided) shows my 008 . Take a look. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqm3qKl9payDbNE kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnrMiIelYtx-eck&authuser=0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqDHgXWhr5h-rZY kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqDHgXWhr5h-rZY

[@jamessharier7529]

I love hands on videos, the manual explains a lot but seeing it visually makes it so much clearer.

[@danexplodes]

Bro, this was a great lesson. I bought this thing to make capturing the moment as easy as a tape recorder used to be. You got me there faster than I was expecting to get there. Thank you🤙🏼

[@croftperkins]

Your video is alive and well in November 2021. Thank you. I just bought one of these and I was so lost until I watched this. Lol

[@stevenwilliams9758]

I'll add myself to the list of everyone who is thanking you for a clear and concise video of how to use this multitrack recorder. The manual is intimidating...you made it look logical and easy... Thanks!!!

[@MyBoykinDog]

After I bought this recorder I started reading the manual that came with it and not long into it I realized I better look for some videos. Came across yours and it explained all I needed to know in less than 15 minutes!! Thank you for taking the time to do this! And for anyone else that has one of these or thinking of getting one, this is the video you want to watch to get started right!!

[@ronnie6813]

Just bought one of these today and I’m up and running in no time thanks to this video. Great work. Thanks for sharing 🎵🎤🎸

[@dtwow98]

Great, simple and informative video. We need more like it. I ordered the DP-008EX.

[@neillowery7634]

Love this video!! I bought my daughter this years ago and I feel so bad for not showing her how to use it and you knocked it out of the park ! I appreciate you and this video so much!!!

[@halprice4444]

You should get a commission! You sold it to me. It is exactly what I need! Thanks for your time and effort on this! Fantastic job from start to finish!

[@ZachKopkaZake]

Just got one this helps

[@smakovsky]

This is an awesome tutorial. Thank you very much for putting this together. Great setup too.

[@muzykfcm9411]

Yes. You are right. And what new with Tascam this year? Can check: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpOWdKqMr919sK8

[@timothymallon]

This has to be the best tutorial video on how to use the basic functions of this Tascam that I have ever found. I cant tell you how much I appreciate this video!

[@keithsandulak9844]

Wow! I bought this unit today on your explanation. Incredible! No manual, no experience, just you.... Just did the recording but so far.... that alone is worth the money. Thanks for your time👍

[@jontoubeaux7361]

Great tutorial for this, thank you. I had one many moons ago and returned it because you had not posted this video yet. I wanted to try it again for simple keyboard recording and viola! your video magically appeared. Straight and to the point, thanks again.

[@lewisshort7129]

Awesome job dude after three years im finally mixing down and transferring my my music to my computer

[@phinexblit9029]

Hay, you’re still atleast 50 times better & closer to it than me!!! 🎶

[@queenofnoise82]

Thank you for this video! I bought one of these Tascams 2 years ago and as someone who has never used a multi-track recorder, I was feeling a little overwhelmed by how to operate it. The manual was confusing and it was nice to find this video. It all makes sense now!

[@TimGarrisonMusic]

This was a fabulous video/tutorial. I've had my DP008EX for a few years and am just getting back into using it. I wanted to refresh myself on how to use the unit and found your video. Well done and it got me back making music in no time!!! Thank you!

[@vjw48sav]

Ditto everyone's appreciation. Will give it a try! Thank you.

[@barbaracox8791]

Thank you! I received my TASCAM yesterday and couldn't understand half of the booklet that came with it. I just knew that someone must have made a video for us dummies. I am so happy I found your video. I'm a visual learner and this is awesome. I've been using just my computer with Audacity and really wanted something more professional. But then when i got the Tascam I wondered if I had gone over my head. This video has given me hope again. I have bookmarked it so I can always return to it when I need a little refresher. Great Job!

[@aarne3187]

Very Helpful! I could never read through the manual to learn what you covered here so concisely.

[@wakethebarbarian4577]

You are a talented teacher. I tried to make a tutorial video for myself so I wouldn't have to refer back to the manual constantly if I don't use this mixer for a few months. I made several clumsy takes which will require splicing together. It appears you did this in one take which amazes me. Now I don't need to complete my video. TASCAM should include your video on DVD with the product so users don't pull their hair out.

[@ksandbergfl9609]

haha, yeah, I did it in one take... I didn't even think about it until you mentioned it.

[@RayRischpater]

Thanks a lot for this! I'm upgrading from the DP-006 (yeah, I know, I should have just sprung for the DP-008EX when I shelled out the money years ago), and this put my mind at ease that the workflow is essentially the same. Nice job. Well worth the time I took to watch it.

[@d.c.courtney7713]

Really good instructions, K. I was somewhat stumped with this recorder - and it's like you lit the path with your tutorial. I am truly indebted.

[@dstill212]

K SandbergFL Thank you SO much for this video!! This saved me SO much trouble and grief figuring this device out. Friends, if you get the NO MASTER TRK error message at Mastering here's why: During mixdown you need HOLD DOWN THE RECORD BUTTON for a couple seconds before you hit play. Don't release the record button until after your track starts playing and you see the red light lit up on the record button. Let the track play all the way thru the mixdown mode. THIS will create the 'master track' and eliminate the error message you're getting!

[@ksandbergfl9609]

Thanks for the clarification on that.

[@wino909]

I'm looking for a recorder that is quick and simple to use (for those ideas you need to get down in a hurry). Your demo sold me. Thanks so much for showing how easy this Tascam works and what good sound it produces!

[@topsecret519]

I couldn't figure out why my track 2 was only picking up the mic on the unit. It wasn't "assigned" to it. Thanking you sir. Excellent video!

[@droneopt]

The "track too short" error was driving me nuts when trying to master on my DP-03SD. Now I know what to do. I could apply most of this to my DP-03SD as the menu options are very similar. Great instruction and thanks for sharing this info.

[@alphonselrotting9220]

Thank you. I did it the hard way by figuring it out myself. Nice to see a clear, accurate, informative video like this. In my case, it just verified I was doing it correctly.

[@garymiller531]

Finally someone who actually explains this device, as the directions that come with it are very difficult for me to understand. The last recording device i used was back in the 70's lol!!! Thanks for your help Mr. Sandberg!!

[@danielresto147]

thz i bought this modal 008ex and i havent used it , i am trying it tomorrow for the first time because of your great ability to teach .... recording isnt easy like in the 1960 s but i am trying to imulate these technologies thz again daniel from puerto rico... keep up the good word your a special human being mr..

[@mrlionel1965]

This is a great demo. I am looking at a new multitrack unit. I used to have a Fostex MR8HD, it did a nice job, but mastering to a cd was a little bit of a challenge. This is so much more compact, the export to wave file would make very easy for burning CDs afterwards. Looking at this and a Zoom unit and this tutorial really has me thinking. Thanks for posting this.

[@tommybiker69]

Thanks for the simple explanation. Just started using it, and you short video helped immensely. Much easier to understand than the manual.

[@SavedInProgress]

I know I'm a year late to the party but I just got one of these and your video just totally confirmed my purchase option! Thank you and please keep up the good work!!!

[@elaineorourke3865]

Thank you K. Although I am using a DP-03, this video helped me to make my master mix and wav file. I searched many videos, but couldn't find step by step instructions until I found yours. You made it so much easier.

[@ksandbergfl9609]

Glad to hear that my video helped with the DP-03 too

[@walterfoy8282]

I've had one of these for a while but just getting around to playing with it. This video is very helpful. Thank you sir.

[@SpackleTab]

Very nice introduction to the tascam. A lot easier than reading the quick start guide that comes with the tascam. Well done!

[@liberte1334]

I love the way you explain things so clearly! Thank you!

[@andrewgardner7871]

Thank you so much for that. Was thinking of buying one and you've just convinced me. That really is how to make a video that people understand.

[@Bluebaren]

This is better than reading the manual.I love it .Thank you so much for doing all the hard work for us .

[@DualsPortvet]

I know this is old, but I just wanted to give a thanks for the informative video. Yesterday was my first time ever toughing one of these. I have a very limited knowledge of soundboards and equipment. The good thing is I pick things up pretty quick. This video made it even quicker! While I will say you left a few things out, I was able to record my first song (for my Aunt), mix it, master it, and then I used Audacity to convert the wav file into an MP3 file so she can send the song off to the copyright office. You saved the day for real! My question, and I'm 99% sure the church has this hooked up to the soundboard wrong, is how are you playing back the tracks once recorded? They have the DP008 hooked up by way of the headphone jack off the SB. I then tried to hook up the RCA outputs from the DP008 to the RCA inputs on the SB. This works for the playback, but if I try to record I get a horrible screech! I'm guessing that's because it's in a virtual loop? Maybe trying to record and play itself? Anyways, I unplugged the RCAs, recorded and then plugged them back in until we were done recording. How did you have your speakers hooked up? Did you have to do something similar or were you able to have it all hooked up? I guess I'm just curious as to how you had your system hooked together. I also guess I could have saved a lot of typing by just asking that. lol Anyways. Great video.

[@robertcronin6603]

Man, thanks! I just bought one of these things used from pawn shop in Canada on eBay - after watching your video I'm not intimidated in the least as to how to use it - thumbs up - this looks like a cool little machine

[@shrug_shrugsly]

Fantastic tutorial! I have no attention span and you really kept me tuned in. No fluff, just instructions. I didn't get confused once, either! :D

[@augustuskaesar9977]

This year I bought a Tascam Dp 008 EX , althought I don't speak english but I understand it , this video si a great point of start for me that not found spanish info, I think that I practice Ill get it. Greetings from Perú

[@roalik4270]

Thank you for making this. Looks like hours of fun just waiting to happen.

[@wolfgangkirby6820]

Thank you from the bottom of my heart , I finally FINALLY can use this thing fully .

[@marcusgronwall706]

Clear, quick and understandable even for someone as restless as me! Good job!

[@haroldvondenstein]

Thanks....came back after a year for a refresher. Yours is still the best video on this ... :) Mastering our new song....much appreciated and never never take this down! Only diff is I connected to computer via usb and just copied the file to my computer....thanks again for the detailed demo.

[@josephamego1528]

I'm thinking of buying one of these Tascam's, the video was very informative, There are a lot of videos on here where all the owner does is just press buttons without saying what they are doing, this video is by far the best that I have come across. Thank you.

[@EdwardSobek]

Thank you K. Just got my 008ex today. Your video is perfect for getting started fast.

[@Pickinwilly71]

Really needed this video, Thank you for taking the time to do it!!

[@joemonroe1106]

Really appreciate you running through this as efficiently as you did. Like most new experiences....Using this device may seem at first to be kinda complicated from start to finish for a novice, but after going through it a few times, the steps will make sense and in hindsight you ll wonder why it ever seemed confusing at all. The tech inside these little boxes is kinda amazing...especially considering I got mine for 69 bucks (used but like new condition) Very good job on the video here.

[@ksandbergfl9609]

the only part I don't like is that you have to set In/Out points for mixdown.... it should work like the old cassette Portastudios.... where you FF or RW to where you want to start, and start mixing. Having to set an In/Out point is non-intuitive - didn't I already FF or RW to the "In" point? I should be able to FF/RW to the start point, tap the Mixdown button, and be in Mixdown mode until I press Stop (which - DUH - would be the Out point, right?)

[@mrlionel1965]

This is a great tutorial. I just ordered mine a few days ago. I can't wait to start playing with it.

[@johnglass9191]

Thanks! I always feel better when I see someone actually doing what the manual says. Much appreciated.

[@ksandbergfl9609]

Yes it's nice when you can follow the directions in a manual, and they actually work! ;-)

[@judehanley9980]

So well done, so helpful. thank you!!! DP-008EX sat on a shelf for 3 years until I found this video. Tascam should hire you to make videos.

[@dtwow98]

Great job explaining the basics! Hope to see more tutorials on the Tascam DP-008EX.

[@nms823]

Thank you for taking the time to do this video. It saved me a lot of time and trial and error!

[@creativeforgery]

I've came back to this 4 times. If I have a hiatus with my gear, I always overlook something! The last issue was pressing the 'Rec' on the track!

[@SeanDoranirishman]

You did a very good, yet simple explanation, for getting started. Thank you!

[@neilpoyner5451]

Super tutorial, great guidance thanks very much. I have used it many a time to get to grips with my Tascam. Very thorough and easy to follow/understand.

[@FindizeDotCom]

Nice job. Love to see more advanced videos from you. Appreciated. Many thanks.

[@elenapineda1703]

This is a great tutorial. Thank you for making it so simple and concise.

[@grahamcharlton9704]

Excellent - really useful. Have one of these arriving soon - I'll be able to get started straight away thanks to your video.

[@John6-40]

Best tutorial I've ever seen on KZbin. Well done. Now that I know I can operate one of these, I definitely want one. The reverb is what sells me.

[@ksandbergfl9609]

the reverb on this unit is studio quality, really really nice

[@normaricketts7867]

i have tascam 008 all the way here in JAMAICA and u helped me to understand alot... Respect

[@TRACE41]

excellent demo on how to record, mixdown , master and export on the 008 tascam, very useful information, thanks.

[@haroldvondenstein]

Great job...when the student is ready the teacher appears. Just what I needed right now for the song I recorded on my Tascam. Many thanks. :)

[@waynesmith3002]

thanks for a fantastic instructional video.....I bought this recorder and set it aside and then saw your video and finally learned to use the DP008ex.....really helpful for us senior users haha....thanks again....Wayne

[@mr.mckinnon5680]

I have the 008. I don't have the mixdown feature on mine . Bought it at a pawn shop without a user's manual. And this video has been very helpful. Thank you for your information.

[@richardlalonde3272]

great tutorial, especially appreciate the help on exporting files. Was having trouble finding where to do this!

[@joincapt.matthew5528]

Excellent tutorial. You made the complex very simlle!! You are a natural educator. Keep it up!!

[@edhubble]

I’ve been trying to decide between the Tascam and the Zoom r8. I know the Zoom has more features but seeing this tutorial may just have persuaded me to get the Tascam - because I’ll use it!

[@jesusvazquez6836]

Last year I made a recording using this video, it was very useful. I made a youtube video that is still active and serve for my promo. Today I'm making a new one. Thanks a lot to the guy responsible for the tutoring.

[@KevinBeegan]

Literally a perfect explanation of how to use this device.. thanks very much for the information

[@stereorifles3191]

I come back to this video all the time because I forget how to do stuff with this recorder🤣 Thanks for this upload

[@kathytrammel8440]

I can't decide between this or the Boss BR-80, I just want to play my guitar, sing and record it and add some effects to all of it, this is all new to me and I am looking for a clean hobby to spend my time with. I am not a serious musician, just enjoy playing the guitar and wanted to see what else I can add in, great video.

[@CFMRocks]

A good Tip that I find nobody is mentioning in any tutorials, that's very important... managing the Recording Input Signals and controlling the master volume and track volumes.... Line Clipping and using your Eq Features....

[@blondi_80]

I have the same akai speakers you have there, the RPM3’s I love them they are great.

[@sprh60]

Now I finally know how to use my DP03sd. Thanks alot!!!

[@tonyx2802]

I just want to thank you Sir!! Just got one of these today and you really helped me. Regards from England. You're a true gent! 🤗

[@ksandbergfl9609]

Go Leicester City Foxes!! 👍🏻🏆