I needed a dedicated, stand-alone, 2-Track mastering recorder to capture mix down of multiple multitrack & MIDI devices in my studio. I don’t like Software 2-track Recorders due to the many risks and complications with that platform. If you are looking for a simple way to capture your final mixes and master on an affordable, reliable, safe, powerful hardware platform then you can’t beat Tascam. The SD-20M more than met my requirements, so wanted to share this with you in case you are interested in something different. I hope this information serves useful.
@Hadrorex4 жыл бұрын
Thank you for an outstanding presentation. Total class! You stated the three magic words. Safe, simple and reliable. For me EVERYTHING starts with clean juice. All my gear comes to life with nothing but Furmans! I bought my first SD20M when they first came out. I own three today. I run my drum kit (12 mics) into a rack-mounted Soundcraft MXFi- 16 mixer and into a SD20M for LIVE or into a dozen rack-mounted Presonus Channel Strips and into another SD20M recorder in the studio. No stinking computer needed. I use a combo of Audix D-series on the drums, Rode pencil condensers on the cymbals with two ADX-51 or two Rode NT-1 large diaphragm condensers for the overheads. A most simple setup that gives me what I want and need. The third SD20M is rack-mounted at my bed side along with a Rolls AM-FM tuner, a DOD 15X2 Equalizer, and a Crown amp all plugged into a Rolls Mix-mate 2. My bed room speakers are vintage Pioneer HPM-100-3-way. My headphones of choice are the Beyer-dynamic 770 studios.
@PowercoatMusic4 жыл бұрын
@@Hadrorex You’re most welcome. And yes, those are the magic words. We both understand we need quality machines that are easy to use. To be productive we must keep all distractions and risks to a minimum. Your setup sounds pretty sweet. It’s always cool to hear how other people roll. Thanks so much for the kind words and description of your rig. Wishing you all the very best.
@prouserprouser96464 жыл бұрын
@@PowercoatMusic hello there. Does this tascam support ID3 tags ( naming each song) thanks
@amberserpent3 жыл бұрын
Can I record audio to my smartphone or tablet via it? I want to record a video with a good sound of vocals and guitar.
@PowercoatMusic3 жыл бұрын
@@prouserprouser9646 Yes it does.
@ronaldmorrow11984 жыл бұрын
MUCH APPRECIATED YOUNG BROTHER..... I'M 61 YEARS OLD... BEEN AROUND A TIME OR TWO... WAY BEFORE THE COMPUTER AGE.... YOU SPEAK GOOD KNOWLEDGE ON EQUIPMENT... I STAND BY YOU IN TRUTH ON YOUR SITE....
@PowercoatMusic4 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much Sir. Your support is greatly appreciated!
@vninex362110 ай бұрын
Hello Powercoat Music, I'm glad you're here 👍 I too am using the Tascam to record vinyl. In the Record Settings there is a Threshold setting option, what is that all about and what should I set it to? Here are the choices: -6dB, -12dB, -24dB, -24db
@leonrosser1832 жыл бұрын
Your videos are a great help always . Im now getting an idea of an external mastering chain and thinking of going to portastudio now
@PowercoatMusic2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching. 👍🏿
@lifepath77412 жыл бұрын
You realise that your voice is pure gold? Use it in voice over to become rich.
@martinswift48932 жыл бұрын
Hi, when using the Tascam with an amp what input and output connectors are used. Do I need tape loop on the amp? Hope you understand my question? Thanks.
@PowercoatMusic2 жыл бұрын
Use the line inputs on the unit if your connecting to it from the outputs of an solid state amp. Thanks for watching. 👍🏿
@burkholdst.rudderberg35743 жыл бұрын
I love the unit, but there needs to be a interface ( cable ) between the SD-20M and the computer. The only way to transfer digital files to the computer to edit them, is to physically remove the sd card from the unit and then plug that into the computer. I know, it is hard to have everything!
@audiophilear6984 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much. I am wondering what is the difference between it and TASCAM DR-40 since it can also produce same 96Hz/24-Bit Resolution. If there is no difference in quality, I would go for the portable one.
@worldofisrael93223 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video. Thinking of buying. Can I record my dj mix?
@PowercoatMusic3 жыл бұрын
You're most welcome. Yes, you can record your DJ mix. Thanks for watching. 👍🏿
@mixtapesfrommylatepartner2 жыл бұрын
Could I connect this to my home hifi to record stuff off my minidisc player?
@PowercoatMusic2 жыл бұрын
Yes. Thanks for watching. 👍🏿
@miltonmagik10 ай бұрын
What about LUFs? Does the recording it makes meet the standards for digital platforms?
@PowercoatMusic10 ай бұрын
Yes it should, along with Loudness Units Relative To Full Scale if utilized properly. Thanks for watching.
@playonkorg3 жыл бұрын
Thanks...now I have this to buy ....very important for me, no mechanical drive like a drive motor or fan...its quiet :)
@PowercoatMusic3 жыл бұрын
I don't think you'll be disappointed. Thanks for watching and sharing. 👍🏿
@playonkorg3 жыл бұрын
@@PowercoatMusic I ordered today...thanks for your vid
@nickturner41504 жыл бұрын
Hello. Very informative video (Like all the rest you do on this channel). I've learnt a lot in a short time thanks to you. I have a question on this. Will this unit accept Micro SD cards in an adaptor. I want to put my final mixdowns onto a format I can put in my Phone for mobile listening. My phone, incidentally, will read and play WAV and MP3 formats.
@PowercoatMusic4 жыл бұрын
The answer to your question is "Yes". This device will accept MIcro SD cards in an adapter. My suggestion is to always ensure the SD card is on Tascam's "Tested Media List" for the unit. Thanks for watching and sharing. We appreciate it!
@nickturner41504 жыл бұрын
Just got one on the strength of your recommendation. Now to find the optimal position in the rack.
@darrenschmucker86173 жыл бұрын
Great video and very informative. The specific question that I have is, does the SD-20M contain an internal solid state drive in which you export audio tracks to a card or usb drive?
@PowercoatMusic3 жыл бұрын
No, SD-20M does not contain an internal drive. SD cards are the primary drives for this unit. Thanks for watching. 👍🏿
@michaelschiller13342 жыл бұрын
hi i would like to convert my vinyl to digital. would this tascam record from my vinyl source to this device directly as wav and have a true enhanced sound in comparison to other vinyl conversion software or hardware? my aim is to record without loss and to edit / name my files/tracks. thanks for any help.
@PowercoatMusic2 жыл бұрын
Yes, I believe this device will work for your project. Many others have used the unit to achieve the same with much success. Have fun and thanks for watching. 👍🏿
@luckyfisher72403 жыл бұрын
Can you mark new tracks without creating dead space on this unit when recording live dj sets?
@PowercoatMusic3 жыл бұрын
Yes. This unit has a built-in playlist function. You can create a list of files for playback for various scenarios. No need to create any dead space. Thanks for watching. 👍🏿
@theprogrammerrolandmc3039 Жыл бұрын
Someone at tascam could give advice on 2488 and MK11 and neo ...a way to replace the ide Harddrives i have tried startech ide to CF card adapter but does not work. Apart from having to find old used ide harddrives i am stuck with 2 machines that are useless.
@carhomie96814 жыл бұрын
Sound's good.
@PoaloC20123 жыл бұрын
I bought the machine after hearing this a month back and I can see why you use it as an off line store for your masters. Fast recall etc. I am just wondering what advantages the variable speed function has. Sorry Mr Powercoat I don't know your name.
@PowercoatMusic3 жыл бұрын
This function can adjust the playback speed between 50% and 100%. It's great for practicing and figuring out parts of a song. This is doesn't affect pitch, so it's awesome for making a song a bit faster or slow after it's recorded if you don't like the current tempo. Thanks for watching and sharing. 👍🏿
@craighughes-shug66943 жыл бұрын
Hi their, good video, i record and mix witht hr tascam model 24, their is no proper way to do a manual fade out in the context I’m needing it to, would this machine be capable to record a manual fade out on my final master?
@PowercoatMusic3 жыл бұрын
Yes. You could do a manual fade out on this machine. The knobs are small so it would be a bit tricky.
@craighughes-shug66943 жыл бұрын
@@PowercoatMusic cheers for getting back to me
@rickthompson10013 жыл бұрын
Hi, I am doing a radio show in a college studio that has a TASCAM SD-20M and would like to record the show but the kids have no idea how to record. I inserted the sd card in the slot and hit the record button and made sure the sd slider on the board was on and vol. up but it seems to record but has a flat line for the time but no audio. Can anyone help?
@PowercoatMusic3 жыл бұрын
One suggestion is to check the menu to ensure that that the system is set to record from the inputs your are actually plugged into. Keep in mind that there are 4, which consist of 2 1/4" and 2 XLR inputs on the front of the unit. You can record from either set of inputs. I hope this helps and thanks for watching. 👍🏿
@ccoleman77474 жыл бұрын
In this video are you giving a scenario whereas you are bypassing the Mastering on your DP-24 or using it in addition to? I'm considering the set up you are using with Tascam and trying to understand when and why I would use the SD-20 outside or along with the DP-24. I was thinking the DP-24 had what you are explaining in this video, could you elaborate?
@PowercoatMusic4 жыл бұрын
This video is for a person or persons who either do not have, choose not to use, or use a process whereas their technology may not be compatible with a DP-24 for in-unit Mastering. It all comes down to requirements and preference. If you have a DP-24 and Mastering that way is convenient for you, I suggest using it. It’s a great solution. However, that solution may not work for everyone all the time, so in comes the SD-20M. I have worked with people on projects whose technology is not always compatible with what I would like, so I have to be flexible, think outside the box, and master differently in those cases.
@ccoleman77474 жыл бұрын
@@PowercoatMusic I do not want to over extend myself, I'll start with the DP-24 and go from there. Thanks for the reply very helpful.
@nickturner41504 жыл бұрын
Hello there. How do you name/identify your files on this device?
@PowercoatMusic4 жыл бұрын
The SD-20 has a “File Name” feature on the Menu section. Here you can select the file name you want to change and then select the “Type” item to set the file name format. This is either WORD (which you determine) or DATE (this is system "yymmdd" format). On the WORD feature, you use the MULTI JOG dial to move the cursor and set the characters for the filename. On addition, you can also export the file(s) via the SD card to your PC and rename files there. This method is faster and what I do. I hope this information helps. Thanks so much for watching.
@byronp81583 жыл бұрын
Can I rip vinyl with this? I'm like you not trying to use software, it's too confusing to me.
@TheTuquito64 жыл бұрын
THANK YOU ? does the size of the memory card matter. can i use 256GB card in this machine? or does it max out at 128GB ? of-course 1U bus compatible ....
@PowercoatMusic4 жыл бұрын
Yes, size does matter. This unit can use 64MB-2GB SD cards, 4-32GB SDHC cards and 48-128GB SDX cards. Thanks for watching.
@dailyraillive14924 жыл бұрын
Great video. Alesis 3630 under neath
@PowercoatMusic4 жыл бұрын
Your know it. Definitely a 3630 lurking below. If you have not already, check out my video, “Alesis 3630 Compressor Limiter with Gate: Why and How I Use It” on this channel. Thanks for watching.
@martinswift48932 жыл бұрын
I'm using the Tascam to record vinyl. How do you control the volume coming into the Tascam? I can't figure it out. I'm recording through a phono amp into my integrated amp, then into the Tascam. I don't have any control of the volume on the Tascam, so it's coming out too loud. Hopefully it's something simple, that you might be able to help me with? Thanks.
@prickly-pear2 жыл бұрын
The input level knobs are on the far right of the front panel. You'll need to use the group 3-4 inputs, they're on the back. Preferably from the tape loop of your integrated amp, if it has one.
@martinswift48932 жыл бұрын
@@prickly-pear My amp has a recorder out. I thought that would do it. But no. I have zero control over the front input levels on the Tascam. I've tried every connection possible. I'm a bit annoyed because I only bought the amp for that reason. I don't really need one at the moment. I'm sure I'll get use out of it eventually. In the meantime I've had to order an RCA to TS lead to go from the front 1 & 2 inputs, so hopefully that'll sort it out. 🤞 Thanks for your reply.
@prickly-pear2 жыл бұрын
@@martinswift4893 on page 19 of the manual it talks about input gain, and on pg 20 the input level. Somewhat convoluted. Let me know if you solve it, I don't own this machine but was considering it for the same purpose as you.
@dont44502 жыл бұрын
I know this will only record on mp3 and wav format, but will it play back pre-recorded flac files?
@PowercoatMusic2 жыл бұрын
No it won't. Thanks for watching. 👍🏿
@theenemyoftruth85522 жыл бұрын
Hi, I got one of these recently to rip vinyl. I also have a Rega Phono Mk3 preamp. I don't have an amp, so do I need one, and do I need different cables then the RCA's? I tried setting it up tonight but could only here it slightly through my headphones. Any help appreciated, thanks.
@PowercoatMusic2 жыл бұрын
RCAs should be fine. Check your source (preamp). That's most likely where the issue is. It may not be putting out a strong enough signal. Thanks for watching. 👍🏿
@theenemyoftruth85522 жыл бұрын
Thanks, I got the sound going. I had it on 1 & 2 instead of 3 & 4. But now I've got hum issues that I can't get rid off.
@prouserprouser96464 жыл бұрын
Hi can anyone tell me if this supports ID3 TAGS ( naming of your songs) instead of some players that just display .... Track 0001,0002,0003 etc thanks
@PowercoatMusic4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching. The answer to your question is "Yes". It is compatible with ID3 Tag version 2.4. I hope this helps.
@prouserprouser96464 жыл бұрын
@@PowercoatMusic thanks for getting back so quickly. I've bought and had to return two of the Denon DN 300r recorders .both units were suffering from very very noisey sound boards when plugged in to a monitor. I've always been a Denon man but of late they seam to be suffering with quality control issues. So thanks for the info on the ID3 tagging I will now order one on the strength of this conversation .many thanks phil uk
@lifepath77412 жыл бұрын
I should trust Tascam brand?
@PowercoatMusic2 жыл бұрын
Tascam was founded in 1971 and has been a solid leader in multi-track recording since then. The choice is always yours as to who you trust, but they have never let me down. Thanks for watching. 👍🏿
@truthfinder4973 Жыл бұрын
nice it kinda like a dat recorder.
@johngravel3394 жыл бұрын
Thanks. I appreciate your review. I prefer recording on hardware platforms....probably something I developed with my PortaStudio....
@PowercoatMusic4 жыл бұрын
You're most welcome. This is a great unit for mastering, sampling, and much more. It's hard to go wrong with the SD-20M. It should last a very long time.
@greggbleeker16958 ай бұрын
Step by step how to use it I've had one for 2 years and I have nothing
@EllasPOSEiDON4 жыл бұрын
24/96 only? That is poor. DSD256 would be a great step up from TASCAM or even KORG.
@PowercoatMusic4 жыл бұрын
It all depends on your requirements. For folks like myself who use it for mastering, the SD capacity is far more than adequate and very easy to work with. Thanks for watching and sharing.
@conbriosynthesizers34283 жыл бұрын
@@PowercoatMusic POOR? I'm tired of people pushing for ever-higher resolution when the music itself is rarely that good. It's recorded digitally, overcompressed and EQd etc etc. 24/96 is professional (actually above most professionals using 24/48 now) and far exceeds the capabilities of the human ear to detect differences. DSD is great, but for the price point, this is a strong entry.
@timpanic2 жыл бұрын
@@conbriosynthesizers3428 So true! They never get it :) 24/96 is more than enough for Audio. Other things are much more important. OP Amps of the unit etc makes more difference than conversation these days and even for that most people havent the ears, the right sources or knowledge to set up a proper A/B Test. They think with HighRes they can hear the songs better than the artist during the production. Crazy!
@dizmix6 ай бұрын
Nerd
@acefrehley37972 жыл бұрын
THE PRICES ARE TO HIGH. I PREVER THE MINIDISC DECK. AND TAPE DECKS HAVE DOLBY S. AND DOLBY HX-PRO. AND MPX-FILTER. AND TEST TONES. TO GET THE BEST OF MORE TAPES IN THE TREE TAPE SECTIONS. ORE USE DIGITAL TAPE. NEW THERE ARE MORE AND MORE L.P. S COMMIG BACK. THERE IS A WAITING LIST FOR ARTISTS. IF THEY WANT ONLY AN L.P.
@PowercoatMusic2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching and sharing your perspective. 👍🏿
@byronp81583 жыл бұрын
Can I rip vinyl with this? I'm like you not trying to use software, it's too confusing to me.
@PowercoatMusic3 жыл бұрын
Yes. Just plug the outputs of whatever rig you play your vinyl on to the inputs of the SD-20M and you should be good to go. You can record from just about any device with this unit, it’s fairly simple. That’s one of the reasons why I love it. Thanks for watching. 👍🏿