EasyManua.ls Logo

Tascam DP-004 User Manual

Tascam DP-004
112 pages
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
Page #1 background imageLoading...
Page #1 background image
DP-004
Portable
4-Track Digital
Pocketstudio
D01054920B
OWNER'S MANUAL
This device has a serial
number located on the
bottom panel. Please
record it and retain it for
your records.
Serial number:
__________________

Table of Contents

Other manuals for Tascam DP-004

Question and Answer IconNeed help?

Do you have a question about the Tascam DP-004 and is the answer not in the manual?

Tascam DP-004 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Number of Tracks4
Sample Rate44.1kHz
TypeDigital Portastudio
Recording FormatWAV
Bit Depth16-bit, 24-bit
Recording MediaSD/SDHC card (up to 32GB)
Inputs2 x XLR/TRS combo inputs
Outputs1 x Headphones
Built-in EffectsReverb
EQ3-band EQ
USBUSB 2.0
Power Supply4 x AA batteries or AC adapter

Summary

DP-004 Portable 4-Track Digital Pocketstudio

Owner's Manual

The official owner's manual for the TASCAM DP-004.

Important Safety Precautions

General Safety Instructions

Essential safety guidelines for using the TASCAM DP-004 apparatus.

Battery Safety Guidelines

Precautions for handling and using batteries to prevent hazards.

Declaration of Conformity

Statement of compliance with FCC rules for digital devices.

Disposal of Equipment and Batteries

Information on proper collection and disposal of old equipment and batteries.

Introduction

Overview of the TASCAM DP-004 Unit

Provides a general description of the DP-004's capabilities and design.

About This Manual

Guides the user on how to best use the manual for learning the unit's functions.

Manual Conventions

Explains the terminology and formatting used throughout the manual.

Product Parts Identification

Lists and identifies the components included with the main unit.

Trademarks

Lists registered trademarks and brand names associated with the product.

About SD Cards

Details specifications and compatibility for SD cards used with the unit.

Precautions for SD Card Use

Provides essential precautions for handling SD cards to prevent damage.

Beware of Condensation

Advises on preventing condensation issues when changing environmental temperatures.

Cleaning the Unit

Instructions on how to properly clean the exterior of the TASCAM DP-004.

Quick Start Guides

QSG 1: Playback and Mixing

Guide to playing and mixing a demo song using the unit's basic features.

Preparing to Listen to the Demo Song

Steps for inserting SD card and batteries to begin playback.

Playing and Mixing the Demo Song

Procedure for loading and controlling the demo song for playback and mixing.

Shutting Down the Unit

Instructions on how to safely power off the TASCAM DP-004.

QSG 2: Recording and Mastering

Guide to multitrack recording, mixing, and mastering using the unit.

Connecting and Setting Input Sources

Steps to connect external instruments and set input sources for recording.

Loading a Song File

Procedure for loading an existing song file for recording or editing.

Setting Guitar as Track 1 Recording Source

Configuring the input source for track 1 to record a guitar signal.

Adjusting Input Level and Monitoring

How to set input levels and monitor signals for optimal recording.

Recording Guitar to Track 1

Step-by-step guide to recording a guitar part onto track 1.

Listening to Your Recording

How to play back recorded tracks and adjust monitoring levels.

Adding Another Recording (1): Guitar to Track 2

Recording a second guitar part onto track 2 while listening to track 1.

Adding Another Recording (2): Vocals on Track 3

Recording vocals onto track 3, layering with previously recorded tracks.

Mixing the Tracks

Adjusting levels and panning to create a stereo mix from multiple tracks.

Mastering the Mix

Recording the final stereo mix as a master track.

Shutting Down the Unit

Final steps to safely power off the TASCAM DP-004 after use.

Names and Functions of Parts

Top Panel Controls

Detailed explanation of buttons and knobs on the top panel of the unit.

Front Panel Components

Identification and function of the front panel features, including built-in microphones.

Rear Panel Connections

Description of the input and output connectors located on the rear panel.

Right Side Panel Connections

Details of USB and DC power connectors on the right side panel.

Left Side Panel Connections

Explanation of MIC/LINE-GUITAR switch, and audio output connectors.

Bottom Panel Features

Location of battery compartment and SD card slot on the bottom panel.

Preparations

Preparing Power and SD Card

Steps for installing the SD card and preparing the unit's power source.

Installing an SD Card

Guide to inserting an SD card into the unit's slot correctly.

Installing Batteries

Instructions on how to insert AA batteries into the unit.

Preparing the Power Source

Information on powering the unit via batteries or an AC adapter.

Connecting an AC Adapter

Procedure for connecting the optional AC adapter for power.

Start-up and Shutdown Procedures

Steps for powering the unit on and off safely.

Starting Up the Unit

Guide to powering on the TASCAM DP-004 and accessing the Home Screen.

Shutting Down the Unit

Detailed steps and precautions for safely powering off the unit.

Formatting SD Cards

Instructions for formatting an SD card for use with the DP-004.

Display Screens Overview

Explanation of the different screens displayed by the unit.

Home Screen Details

Description of the Home Screen and its various indicators.

Screen Organization

How screens are organized and accessed via menus and dedicated keys.

Using the Screens

Navigation methods for interacting with the unit's display screens.

Editing Names

Procedures for editing song titles and file names.

Recorder Modes

Explanation of the different recording modes available on the unit.

Connecting with Other Equipment

Guidance on connecting external devices to the unit's rear and side panels.

Setting the LCD Contrast

Instructions for adjusting the contrast of the unit's LCD display.

Song Management

Partitions and Songs

Understanding how SD card partitions are used for storing songs.

Selecting the Active Partition

Steps to choose which SD card partition is currently active.

Loading a Saved Song

Procedure for loading an existing song from the active partition.

Creating a New Song

Steps to create a new song project and assign a name.

Saving a Song

How to manually save the current song project.

Viewing Song Information

How to check details like song name, partition, and remaining recording time.

Copying Songs

Instructions for copying songs within the same or to different partitions.

Erasing Songs

Procedure for deleting unwanted songs from the SD card.

Protecting Songs

How to prevent a song from being edited, recorded, or erased.

Basic Recording

Selecting the Input Source

Configuring input channels (INPUT A and B) for microphones, line, or guitar.

Monitoring the Input Signal

How to listen to input signals during recording or playback.

Setting the Monitoring Mode

Choosing between STEREO and MONOx2 modes for input monitoring.

About OL Indicators and Meters

Understanding overload indicators and signal level meters for inputs and tracks.

Assigning Input Channels to Tracks

Mapping INPUT A or B signals to specific tracks for recording.

Making the First Recording

Step-by-step guide to arming tracks and starting the initial recording.

Overdubbing Explained

Introduction to overdubbing: recording new sounds over existing tracks.

Setting Up for Overdubbing

Preparing the unit by setting REC indicators, track levels, and input assignments.

Recording an Overdub

The process of recording new audio onto a track while listening to others.

Mixdown Process

Adjusting levels and panning of recorded tracks to create a stereo mix.

Level and Balance Adjustments

Using LEVEL and MASTER LEVEL knobs for track and overall mix volume.

Stereo Position (Panning)

Adjusting the left-right placement of each track's signal in the stereo mix.

Mastering the Mix

Creating the final stereo master track from the mixed audio.

Setting the End Point for Mastering

Defining the OUT point which serves as the end of the stereo master recording.

Recording the Master Track

The process of recording the final stereo master mix.

Undoing Operations (Undo Function)

Using the undo feature to revert actions or restore previous states.

Erasing the Operation History

Clearing the operation history to free up memory or start fresh.

Recorder Functions

Punching In and Out

Technique for replacing sections of recorded tracks.

Bouncing Tracks Explained

Mixing multiple tracks down to fewer tracks, with source tracks being overwritten.

Using the Bounce Function

Step-by-step guide to performing a bounce operation.

Confirming Bounce Results

How to check the result of a bounce operation and make adjustments.

Locate and Search Functions

Methods for navigating to specific points within a song.

Direct Locate Function

Manually inputting time codes to jump to specific song positions.

RTZ and LRP Functions

Returning to the start of the song (RTZ) or last recording position (LRP).

Fast Forward and Rewind Search

Using keys to quickly scan through tracks at different speeds.

Repeat Playback

Playing a specific section of a song repeatedly.

Setting IN and OUT Points

Defining start (IN) and end (OUT) points for playback or editing.

Editing IN/OUT Points

Adjusting the precise start and end times for IN/OUT points.

Using Repeat Playback

Activating and deactivating repeat playback mode.

Setting the Interval Between Repetitions

Adjusting the time delay between repeated playback sections.

Miscellaneous Functions

Metronome Settings

Configuring the built-in metronome for tempo, beat, level, and mode.

Using the Metronome

How to enable and use the metronome during recording or playback.

Tuner Function

Using the built-in tuner to tune guitars and basses.

Turning Power Off Automatically

Setting an auto-off timer for battery-powered operation.

Restoring Initial Preference Settings

Resetting unit settings to their factory default values.

Viewing Information

Accessing information about the current song, SD card, system, and firmware.

SD Card Management

Overview of Partitions

Explanation of MTR and FAT partitions on SD cards.

Write-Protected Cards

How to use the write-protect switch on SD cards.

Formatting Cards and Setting Partition Sizes

Formatting the entire SD card and setting MTR partition sizes.

Reformatting MTR Partitions

Reformatting individual MTR partitions without changing their size.

Reformatting the FAT Partition

Reformatting only the FAT partition of the SD card.

Initializing SD Cards

Formatting the entire SD card as FAT32 for PC compatibility.

Editing Tracks

Overview of Track Editing

Introduction to the unit's track editing capabilities.

Edit Points

Using IN and OUT points for track editing functions.

Basic Editing Procedures

General steps for accessing and performing track editing functions.

CLONE TRACK (Track Duplication)

Copying entire tracks, track pairs, or master tracks to different tracks.

CLEAN OUT (Track Erase)

Completely erasing a selected track, including all its data.

SILENCE (Part Erase)

Erasing a section of a track between IN and OUT points, creating silence.

CUT (Remove Part)

Erasing a segment of a track and moving subsequent audio forward.

OPEN (Insert Silence)

Inserting a silent passage into a track at the IN point.

Exchanging Data with a Computer

Backing Up and Restoring Songs

Transferring entire songs between the unit and a computer for backup and restore.

Entire Song Backup and Restore

Procedures for backing up and restoring complete songs.

WAV Format Tracks

Exporting and importing individual tracks as WAV files.

Stereo Master Mix Transfer

Exporting the final stereo master mix to a computer.

Supported Operating Systems

Lists compatible operating systems for connecting the unit to a computer.

Connecting with a Computer

Steps for establishing a USB connection between the unit and a computer.

Disconnecting from Computer

Proper procedures for safely disconnecting the USB connection.

Backing-Up Songs

Detailed steps for backing up song data to a computer.

Restoring Songs from Backup

Procedure for restoring previously backed-up songs from a computer.

Track Import and Export

Importing and exporting individual audio tracks in WAV format.

Importing Tracks

Steps to import WAV files into the unit's tracks.

Exporting Tracks

Steps to export audio tracks as WAV files to a computer.

Exporting a Stereo Master

Exporting the final stereo master mix to a computer as a WAV file.

Troubleshooting

No Sound During Playback

Diagnosing and resolving issues with no audio output during playback.

Distorted Sound During Recording

Troubleshooting causes of distorted audio during recording.

Cannot Record

Resolving issues preventing the unit from recording audio.

Computer Cannot See Unit Files

Troubleshooting connection problems when accessing unit files via USB.

Specifications & Messages

Audio Input/Output Ratings

Technical specifications for audio input and output levels and impedance.

Audio Performance Specifications

Details on frequency response, distortion, and S/N ratio.

General Specifications

Information on recording media, file systems, and battery life.

Dimensions and Weight

Physical dimensions and weight of the TASCAM DP-004 unit.

Recommended USB Host Controller

Information on compatible USB host controllers for optimal performance.

Supported Operating Systems

Lists compatible operating systems for connecting the unit to a computer.

Block Diagram

Visual representation of the unit's internal signal flow and components.

Error Messages

List of popup messages and their meanings or remedies.

Commonly-used Functions

Formatting SD Card Partitions

Quick reference for formatting FAT partitions and setting partition sizes.

Setting and Editing IN/OUT Points

Shortcut for setting and editing IN/OUT points for playback or editing.

USB Connection Management

Quick guide to connecting and disconnecting the unit via USB.

Importing WAV Files to Tracks

Shortcut for importing WAV audio files into tracks.

Managing SD Card Partitions

Quick reference for selecting active partitions on the SD card.

Tuning Guitar or Bass

Shortcut for accessing the built-in tuner function.

Finding Current Partition Information

Shortcut to view information about the currently active partition.

Making SD Card PC Usable

Shortcut for initializing the SD card for PC compatibility.

Formatting SD Card

Shortcut for formatting the SD card.

Creating a New Song

Shortcut for initiating the creation of a new song project.

Creating a Stereo Master Track

Shortcut for entering master recording mode to create a stereo master.

Exporting Stereo Master to PC

Shortcut for exporting the stereo master mix to a computer.

Undo/Redo Operations

Shortcuts for performing single undo or redo operations.

Naming Songs

Shortcut for accessing the song naming/editing function.

Protecting and Unprotecting Songs

Shortcuts for protecting and unprotecting songs.

Displaying Song Names

Shortcut for viewing song information.

Song Management Shortcuts

Shortcuts for copying, deleting, saving, and loading songs.

Backing Up Songs to PC

Shortcut for backing up songs to a computer.

Track Editing Shortcuts

Shortcuts for cleaning out, inserting silence, cutting, and cloning tracks.

Exporting Track Contents to PC

Shortcut for exporting individual track contents to a computer.

Bounce Tracks Function

Shortcuts for performing bounce operations, including ping-pong.

Metronome Settings and Usage

Shortcuts for configuring and using the metronome.

Finding Recording Time Left

Shortcut to check the remaining recording time.

Playback Stereo Master Track

Shortcut for playing back a created stereo master track.

Input and Monitoring Settings

Shortcuts for setting input sources and monitoring modes.

Track Assignment and Repeat Interval

Shortcuts for changing track assignments and repeat intervals.

Auto Off and Screen Contrast

Shortcuts for adjusting auto power off and screen contrast.

Related product manuals