TASCAM DP-008 8-Track Digital Portastudio

TASCAM DP-008 8-Track Digital Portastudio Review

TASCAM DP-008 8-Track Digital Portastudio Feature

• 8-track digital Portastudio with 2-track simultaneous recording capabilities
• Records to SD/SDHC memory cards up to 32 GB in size; comes with 2 GB SD card
• Each track has its own row of knobs for level, pan and effects
• Built-in metronome and chromatic tuner for tight-sounding tracks
• Powered by four AA batteries or optional power supply

Concentrate on your music and not on the recording process with the easy-to-use Tascam DP-008 8-track digital Portastudio, which can capture CD-quality audio wherever you roam. Using a Secure Digital (SD) memory card, you can record two tracks simultaneously and work with up to eight tracks in a multi-track project.

The easily portable Tascam DP-008 eight-track recorder (see larger image).

Side view of the Tascam DP-008 (see larger image).

You can use built-in microphones to grab ideas, plug condenser mics into the XLR inputs or plug a guitar directly in to lay tracks. There's even a metronome and chromatic tuner built-in for tight-sounding tracks. The DP-008 also allows you to digitally bounce tracks to make room for more, and touches like editing and undo make recording stress-free.

Each track on the DP-008 has its own row of knobs for level, pan and effects, just like Tascam's classic cassette Portastudios of the past. The effects knob sends to a built-in stereo reverb processor with hall, room, stage and other effects. Each track also has EQ to tailor the sound for your mix. When your song is complete, mix it to a dedicated stereo track while riding levels and flipping pan as much as you want. You can export your mix, or even individual tracks, as a WAV file.

What's in the Box
Tascam DP-008, USB cable, 2 GB SD card, batteries, user manual

Features and Specifications

• 8-track Digital Portastudio
• 2-track simultaneous recording
• (2) XLR microphone inputs with phantom power
• (2) 1/4-inch line inputs, one switchable to guitar level for direct recording
• 1/4-inch footswitch input and Autopunch features for punch-in recording
• RCA line outputs
• 1/8-inch stereo headphone output
• Chromatic tuner and metronome features
• Stereo reverb effect on send/return path
• Level, Pan and 2-band EQ controls per channel
• 44.1kHz/16-bit recording resolution
• Records to SD or SDHC Card media, up to 32 GB supported
• USB 2.0 connection to computer for backup and track/mixdown export
• Built-in stereo electret condenser microphones
• Backlit LCD display
• Powered by four AA batteries (included) or PS-P520 power supply (optional)
• Up to 5.5 hours of battery life (recording, phantom power off); up to 6 hours of battery life for playback
• Measures 8.7 x 1.42 x 4.98 inches and weighs 19.7 ounces (without batteries)

Musician's Gear MS-220 Tripod Mic Stand with Fixed Boom Black

Musician's Gear MS-220 Tripod Mic Stand with Fixed Boom Black Review

Musician's Gear MS-220 Tripod Mic Stand with Fixed Boom Black Feature

• Its adjustable height from floor to top thread is 35" to 61-7/8".

The MS-220 Tripod Microphone Stand has a thread adapter and tubular legs. Its adjustable height from floor to top thread is 35" to 61-7/8". The 30-1/4" fixed boom is not adjustable.

Behringer UCA222 U-Control Ultra-Low Latency 2 In/2 Out USB Audio Interface with Digital Output And Massive Software Bundle

Behringer UCA222 U-Control Ultra-Low Latency 2 In/2 Out USB Audio Interface with Digital Output And Massive Software Bundle Review

Behringer UCA222 U-Control Ultra-Low Latency 2 In/2 Out USB Audio Interface with Digital Output And Massive Software Bundle Feature

• Ultra-flexible audio interface connects your instruments, mixer, etc. with your computer for recording and playback
• Compact music production software included with feature-rich audio/MIDI sequencer that loads almost instantaneously on all computer platforms
• Massive software bundle includes Audacity audio editor, comprehensive podcasting software and over 150 virtual instruments and effect plug-ins
• Works with your PC or Mac computer - no setup or drivers required
• Stereo Headphone output with dedicated Level control lets you monitor both input and output
• Revolutionary energyXT2.5 Compact music production software included with feature-rich audio/MIDI sequencer
• Bundle includes Audacity audio editor, comprehensive podcasting software and over 150 virtual instruments and effect plug-ins
• Works with your PC or Mac computerno setup or drivers required
• Comprehensive podcasting software and over 150 virtual instruments and effect plug-ins

Looking for a simple, affordable way to get your music into the digital realm? Or maybe you'd like to connect your computer to an external effects unit or recorder? Want to transfer your old cassette tapes to CD before the oxide falls off the tape? The fastest, easiest way to get analog audio into your computer is with the U-CONTROL UCA222 Audio Interface.

The fastest, easiest way to get analog audio into your computer. Click to enlarge.

S/PDIF optical output and headphone out with volume control.

Includes software such as XT Software's energyXT for recording right out of the box.

PC and Mac Ready
This ultra-compact, USB-powered device lets you connect your PC or Mac computer to virtually any piece of audio gear. It gets its power from your computer's USB bus, so no external power supply or batteries are required. And the UCA222 requires no special setup or drivers--just plug it in to a free USB port and start recording.

Versatility
The UCA222 features two analog mono inputs for connecting any line-level device, such as a mixer or tape deck, and two analog mono outputs for connecting active speakers or studio monitors. On the digital side, the UCA222 provides USB connectivity and an additional S/PDIF optical output for direct analog-to-digital conversion. The stereo headphone output has a dedicated level control and allows you listen to either the input source or the computer output.

Plenty of Options
When used as a professional interface between a mixing console and your computer, myriad options become available. Some of these might include connecting the UCA222's RCA outputs to the TAPE INPUT jacks of your mixer or active monitors, or directly into the input channels of the mixer. Connecting to mixer input channels gives you access to equalization and allows you to use the AUX Send features of your mixer to build extremely versatile monitor mixes for your recording sessions.

Tons of Free Software
Because you'll want to take full advantage of the UCA222's podcasting and recording potential we've included a massive software package including Audacity, Podifier, Juice, Podnova and Golden Ear. You're ready to go live on your Mac or PC computer right out of the box! You also get more than 100 virtual instruments and over 50 effects plug-ins, turning your computer into a complete home-based or mobile recording studio from input to output.

When you're ready to take your recording projects to the next level, XT Software's energyXT is just the trick. This amazing DAW (digital audio workstation) makes it easy to manipulate your audio and MIDI files, turning song ideas into stunning CD or web-ready recordings. energyXT includes its own multi-FX processor, built-in synthesizers and a drum machine, both of which can be accessed directly via an external controller (such as our UMA25S or UMX25) or programmed in step-write mode.

Great Value
For a fraction of the cost of other USB audio interfaces, you can have state-of-the-art digital conversion, world-class recording and editing software, and hassle-free connectivity between your PC or Mac Computer and any piece of audio gear.

What's in the Box
U-CONTROL UCA222 Audio Interface, Software CD, User's Manual Ultra-Low Latency 2 In/2 Out USB Audio Interface with Digital Output and Massive Software Bundle

Ion USB Turntable with Built-in CD Recording

Ion USB Turntable with Built-in CD Recording Review

Ion USB Turntable with Built-in CD Recording Feature

• All-in-one: built-in CD recorder copies music from vinyl
• Copy entire albums or make your own custom mix CDs
• Works stand-alone, or connected to your computer
• Includes EZ Vinyl Converter 2 software (PC) and EZ Audio Converter (Mac) for hassle-free computer recording
• Included sound editing software helps you remove noise, clicks, and pops from worn recordings

LP 2 CD is the fastest, easiest way to convert your vinyl records to CDs with none of the hassle of connecting a computer. Listen to your music in the car, at home, on your computer, or any place with a CD player.

The fastest, easiest way to convert your vinyl records to CDs. Click to enlarge.

Belt-driven turntable with a premium tone arm and cartridge. Click to enlarge.

Standard line output in addition to USB. Click to enlarge.

The LP 2 CD Turntable
The included turntable is belt-driven, with a premium tone arm and cartridge to get you the best sound from your vinyl. It's as great for simple playback as it is for conversion. 33 1/3 and 45 RPM vinyl are both supported, and you can also record 78 RPM albums using the included software.

Record Directly to CD-R/RW
LP 2 CD features an on-board CD burner that lets you record one or more CD copies of a record with ease. Just place your record on the turntable and insert a blank CD. Play your vinyl, hit the record button and let LP 2 CD do the rest.

Records on blank CD-R/RW discs.

USB Interface
Thanks to the LP 2 CD's USB interface, you can also connect your computer and easily transfer your music to your iTunes, iPod, or MP3 player. LP 2 CD comes with software for fast, easy importing to your iTunes library. Mac and PC compatible.

Conversion Software
LP 2 CD includes a software CD with EZ Vinyl Converter for PC (with auto track detection) and EZ Audio Converter for Mac. They are the simplest way to record and convert vinyl directly to iTunes. Before you know it, you'll be listening to songs you haven´t heard in years in iTunes or on your iPod. A free download version of EZ Vinyl Converter with Gracenote MusicID is included for automatic track naming.

What's in the Box
LP 2 CD turntable, Dustcover, Cartridge with stylus, RCA audio cable, AC adapter, Quick start guide LP 2 CD is the fastest, easiest way to convert your vinyl records to CDs with none of the hassle of connecting a computer. Listen to your music in the car, at home, on your computer, or any place with a CD player! Play your album into LP 2 CD and record one or more CD copies in the internal CD burner. Or, connect your computer and easily transfer your music to your iTunes, iPod, or MP3 player. LP 2 CD comes with software for fast, easy importing to your iTunes library. Just place your record on the turntable and insert a blank CD. Play your vinyl, hit the record button and let LP 2 CD do the rest! LP 2 CD includes a software CD with EZ Vinyl Converter for PC (with auto track detection) and EZ Audio Converter for Mac. They are the simplest way to record and convert vinyl directly to iTunes. It´s like magic! Before you know it, you'll be listening to songs you haven´t heard in years in iTunes or on your iPod. A free download version of EZ Vinyl Converter with Gracenote ™ MusicID is included for automatic track naming. Now you can listen to your music in the car, at home, on your computer, or any place with a standard CD player. Converting your records is a snap with LP 2 CD. iPod and iTunes are trademarks of Apple, Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. Gracenoteâ„¢ is a trademark of Gracenote, Inc.

Alto Professional APX1000, Class D, Digital Power Amp 2x250W @ 8ohm 2x400W @ 4ohm. 12.1lbs

Alto Professional APX1000, Class D, Digital Power Amp 2x250W @ 8ohm 2x400W @ 4ohm. 12.1lbs Review

Alto Professional APX1000, Class D, Digital Power Amp 2x250W @ 8ohm 2x400W @ 4ohm. 12.1lbs Feature

• 1000 Watts at 8 bridged mono
• 2 x 500 Watts at 4 ; 2 x 250 Watts at 8
• Efficient Class D power
• Balanced combo input jacks
• Lightweight, two rack-space design

Class D, Digital Power Amp 2x250W @ 8ohm 2x400W @ 4ohm. 12.1lbs

Yamaha MG82CX 8 Input Stereo Mixer with Digital Effects

Yamaha MG82CX 8 Input Stereo Mixer with Digital Effects Review

Yamaha MG82CX 8 Input Stereo Mixer with Digital Effects Feature

• 8-input, 2-bus design
• 2 channels of single-knob compression
• 3-band EQ on inputs
• SPX quality digital effects

The MG82CX is a compact mixer with 8 total input channels: four mono and four stereo line inputs. Mono inputs have switchable 48V phantom power. Stereo inputs can accept either RCA or ¼" connectors. Channels 1 and 2 offer single-knob compression, a Yamaha exclusive. This feature, designed for easy use, allows inputs with very wide dynamics to be better heard. For example, with the right amount of compression, a vocal that must be whispered in quiet parts and screamed out in louder parts will be better balanced in the mix. The built-in digital effect, based on Yamaha’s award winning SPX line of processors, offers 16 reverb, delay and echo editable presets. Dual 8-segment LED meters allow visual monitoring of the main stereo outputs. A small footprint allows easy placement.

Sony ECMMS907 Digital Recording Microphone

Sony ECMMS907 Digital Recording Microphone Review

Sony ECMMS907 Digital Recording Microphone Feature

• Electret condenser stereo microphone for advanced amateur use
• Mid/side (MS) capsules create natural stereo panorama
• Adjust pickup angle (90-120 degrees) for single voice/instrument or multi-voice/instrument
• Cannon XLR connector; oxygen-free copper Litz cord
• Ideal for DAT or MD digital recorders

The ECM-MS907 one-point stereo microphone was created for the advanced amateur to make instrumental recordings. Ideal for usage with MiniDisc Walkman and DAT portables, or any number of recorders on the market, the ECM-MS907 features a one-point stereo design, mid/side (MS) capsules with a switchable pickup angle, an Oxygen-free Copper (OFC) mic cable and a gold-plated stereo miniplug.

Created for the advanced amateur to make instrumental recordings.

One-Point Stereo Design
Enjoy full stereo recording with one small electret condenser mic. Perfect for live shows, single instruments, field recording, and anything else you want to point a mic at.

Mid/Side (MS) Switch
This allows you to select the pickup angle between left and right channel--choose 90 degrees for a single voice or instrument, or 120 degrees to pick up many voices and instruments, arranged across the stage

OFC Cable and Gold-Plated Plug
Both the Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) cable and the gold-plated plug provide maximum performance and minimum noise.

Ideal for Portable Digital Recorders
With a wide dynamic range to complement digital recording systems, the ECM-MS907 is ideal for modern flash, DAT, MD, and other recording devices. It's L-shaped stereo mini-plug is standard on most.

Low-Profile Design
The ECM-MS907 features an inconspicuous, compact design for easy portability, with a triangular shape that fits comfortably in the hand.

Mid/Side (MS) capsules
The ECM-MS907 features mid/side capsules for natural stereo panorama. The Mid capsule picks up monophonic sound while the Side capsule picks up left/right difference sound--subtracting and adding the two capsule signals yields separate left and right channels (this permits electronic adjustment of pickup angle).

What's in the Box
ECM-MS907 Microphone, Stand/Holder, Windscreen, Carrying Case Sony ECM-MS907 Microphone ECM-MS907 Microphones

The Porta-Booth Pro - Your Recording Studio At Home and on the Road

The Porta-Booth Pro - Your Recording Studio At Home and on the Road Review

The Porta-Booth Pro - Your Recording Studio At Home and on the Road Feature

• Sonic stage "auditorium" design is more than twice as large as a standard Porta-Booth
• The seven pound Porta-Booth Pro ® assembles in second. Just close two zippers.
• Ruggedly constructed of 600 denier fabric with reflective piping.
• Two zip open slots accomodate long microphones, boom arm / floor / desktop Mic stands.
• The newly improved and larger LED light clip illuminates and holds your script or sheet music.

After years of trying to get good audio in acoustically untreated spaces and trying all the tricks - building pillow forts, hanging blankets on the wall, huddling in mid-summer under a thick comforter reading copy by a keychain flashlight - I decided I had to come up with some kind of easily transportable sound booth for on the road recording. The original Porta-Booth® was the result. Since then I've gotten lots of requests for a bigger, more robust booth that could be used as a permanent and portable recording solution - accommodating larger and longer microphones and lengthy scripts. After hours of conversations with audio pros and over a year of prototyping - testing more than a dozen designs - I'm very proud to introduce the purpose-built: Porta-Booth Pro® a professional quality sound studio with the audio quality you'd expect from a human-sized sound booth at a fraction of the size and cost because you don't need to be inside a sound booth - your microphone does!

Now improved!
New! Larger LED that uses easily replaceable AAA batteries
New! Larger 'articulated' clip to securely hold your script
New! 'Anti-sway' strap for those who mount their Pro's on a boom-arm mic stand.
New! A thicker bottom for more stability and re-spec'd side walls so the audio is even smoother and keeps even more ambiant noise out!