D01209720B

DP-03SD
Digital Portastudio

OWNER'S MANUAL
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR
BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE
PERSONNEL.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within equilateral triangle, is intended to alert
the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclo-
sure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the litera-
ture accompanying the appliance.

For Canada
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR THIS CLASS B DIGITAL APPARATUS COMPLIES WITH CANADIAN
ICES-003.CET
SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPAREIL NUMERIQUE DE LA CLASSE B EST CONFORME A LA
APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. NORME NMB-003 DU CANADA.

For U.S.A. DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

This equipment complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. We, TEAC EUROPE GmbH. Bahnstrasse 12, 65205
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: Wiesbaden-Erbenheim, Germany declare in own
1) This device may not cause interference and responsibility, the TEAC product described in this
2) This device must accept any interference, including manual is in compliance with the corresponding
interference that may cause undesired operation of the technical standards.
device.
INFORMATION TO THE USER
This equipment has been tested and found to comply IN USA/CANADA, USE ONLY ON 120 V SUPPLY.
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to pro-
vide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instruction
manual, may cause harmful interference to radio com-
munications. However, there is no guarantee that inter-
ference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures.
a) Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
b) Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
c) Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dif-
ferent from that to which the receiver is connected.
d) Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV techni-
cian for help.
CAUTION
Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly
approved by TEAC CORPORATION for compliance could
void the user's authority to operate this equipment.

2 TASCAM DP-03SD
 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1 Read these instructions. • The apparatus draws nominal non-operating power
from the AC outlet with its POWER or STANDBY/ON
2 Keep these instructions. switch not in the ON position.
• The mains plug is used as the disconnect device, the
3 Heed all warnings. disconnect device shall remain readily operable.
4 Follow all instructions. • Caution should be taken when using earphones or
headphones with the product because excessive
5 Do not use this apparatus near water. sound pressure (volume) from earphones or
headphones can cause hearing loss.
6 Clean only with dry cloth. • If you are experiencing problems with this product,
contact TEAC for a service referral. Do not use the
7 Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in
product until it has been repaired.
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
CAUTION
8 Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators,
heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including • Do not expose this apparatus to drips or splashes.
amplifiers) that produce heat. • Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such as
vases, on the apparatus.
9 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized • Do not install this apparatus in a confined space
or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two such as a book case or similar unit.
blades with one wider than the other. A ground- • The apparatus should be located close enough to
ing type plug has two blades and a third grounding the AC outlet so that you can easily grasp the power
prong. The wide blade or the third prong are pro- cord plug at any time.
vided for your safety. If the provided plug does not • If the product uses batteries (including a battery
fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replace- pack or installed batteries), they should not be
exposed to sunshine, fire or excessive heat.
ment of the obsolete outlet.
• CAUTION for products that use replaceable lithium
10 Protect the power cord from being walked on or batteries: there is danger of explosion if a battery is
pinched particularly at plugs, convenience recep- replaced with an incorrect type of battery. Replace
tacles, and the point where they exit from the appa- only with the same or equivalent type.
ratus.
WARNING
11 Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer. • Products with Class ! construction are equipped
with a power supply cord that has a grounding
12 Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table plug. The cord of such a product must be plugged
specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the appa- into an AC outlet that has a protective grounding
ratus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving connection.
the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from
tip-over. ªª For China
“仅适用于海拔2000m以下地区安全使用”

“仅适用于非熱帯气候条件下安全使用”

“環境保護使用年限”

产品有毒有害物质或元素的名称及含量
13 Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or 机种 : DP-03SD 有毒有害物质或元素
铅 汞 镉 六价铬 多溴联苯 多溴二苯醚
when unused for long periods of time. 品名
(Pb) (Hg) (Cd) (Cr6+) (PBB) (PBDE)
1 CHASSIS部份 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
14 Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
2 线材部份 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
Servicing is required when the apparatus has been 3 PCB Assy部份 × ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or 4 电源部份 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects 5 附属品部份 × ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has 6 SEAL部份 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate 7 包装部份 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
normally, or has been dropped. ○：表示该有毒有害物质在该部件所有均质材料中的含有量
均在 SJ/T11363-2006 标准规定的限量要求以下。
×：表示该有毒有害物质至少在该部件的某一均质材料中的
含量超出 SJ/T11363-2006 标准规定的限量要求。
（针对现在代替技术困难的电子部品及合金中的铅)

TASCAM DP-03SD 3
 Contents
1 – Introduction...............................................6 5 – Song Management...................................30
Features................................................................................... 6 Partitions and songs.........................................................30
Product parts......................................................................... 6 Editing names......................................................................30
About this manual............................................................... 6 Loading a saved song.......................................................30
Intellectual property rights.............................................. 6 Creating a new song.........................................................30
Precautions for placement and use............................... 7 Saving a song......................................................................30
Beware of condensation.................................................... 7 Viewing song information..............................................31
Cleaning the unit.................................................................. 7 Copying songs....................................................................31
About SD cards..................................................................... 7 Erasing songs.......................................................................31
Precautions for use....................................................... 7 Protecting songs................................................................32
Using the TEAC Global Site............................................... 7
6 – Basic Recording........................................33
User registration................................................................... 7
Selecting the input sources............................................33
2 – Quick Start Guides.....................................8 Using phantom power ....................................................33
Playback and mixing........................................................... 8 Monitoring input signals.................................................33
Preparations.................................................................... 8 OL indicators and level meters.....................................34
Listening to the demo song...................................... 9 Assigning inputs.................................................................34
Recording and mastering...............................................10 Using input EQ (equalizer)..............................................34
Creating a new song..................................................10 Making the first recording .............................................35
Connecting and setting the input sources........ 11 Multitrack recording.........................................................35
Set the guitar as the recording source Prepare tracks for recording...................................35
for TRACK 1.................................................................... 11 Track pan and level settings....................................35
Adjusting and monitoring the input level......... 11 Input selection and assignment............................35
Recording a guitar to TRACK 1...............................12 Setting input levels.....................................................36
Playing back the recording......................................13 Record additional tracks...........................................36
Recording a guitar to TRACK 2...............................13 Undoing an operation .....................................................36
Recording a vocal to TRACK 3.................................14 Undoing the last operation (single undo)..........36
Mixing the tracks.........................................................15 Cancelling an undo operation (redo) ..................36
Mastering a stereo track...........................................16 Undoing a previous operation (multi-undo) ....36
Shutting down....................................................................18 Erasing the operation history.................................37
3 – Names and Functions of Parts................19 7 – Recorder Functions..................................38
Home Screen ......................................................................24 Punching in and out.........................................................38
Menu structure...................................................................24 Using the foot switch to punch in/out................38
Screen operations..............................................................25 Setting the foot switch..............................................38
4 – Preparations.............................................26 Bouncing tracks..................................................................39
Preparing the power and the SD card........................26 Using the bounce function......................................39
Installing an SD card .................................................26 Confirming the result................................................39
Ejecting the card ........................................................26 Locate and search functions..........................................39
Preparing the power..................................................26 Direct locate function................................................39
Startup & shutdown..........................................................27 Location marks...................................................................40
Starting up the unit....................................................27 To set a location mark................................................40
Shutting down.............................................................27 To move to a location mark.....................................40
Formatting SD cards.........................................................27 To delete a location mark.........................................40
Recorder modes.................................................................28 To edit a location mark..............................................40
Connecting other equipment.......................................28 Return To Zero (TO ZERO) and
Last Recording Position (TO LAST REC)...............41
Rear panel......................................................................28
Fast forward/rewind search.....................................41
Left side panel..............................................................29
Repeat playback.................................................................41
Adjusting the contrast......................................................29

4 TASCAM DP-03SD
 Contents

Using IN, OUT and TO points..................................41 Viewing information.........................................................56

Using repeat playback...............................................42
11 – SD Card Management............................57
Setting the interval between repetitions...........42
Overview of partitions.....................................................57
Automatically punching in and out............................43
Formatting cards................................................................57
Rehearsal........................................................................43
Reformatting MTR partitions.........................................58
Using auto punch in/out to record.......................43
Reformatting the FAT partition.....................................58
8 – Editing Tracks...........................................44 Viewing the capacity of the MTR partition...............59
Overview of track editing...............................................44 Initializing SD cards...........................................................59
Editing points...............................................................44
12 – Exchanging Data with a Computer.......60
Basic editing procedures .........................................44
Supported operating systems......................................60
Explanation of items..................................................44
Connecting with a computer........................................60
COPY/PASTE ........................................................................45
Disconnecting..............................................................60
COPY/INSERT .......................................................................45
Song backup and restoration........................................61
MOVE/PASTE .......................................................................46
Backing-up songs.......................................................61
MOVE/INSERT .....................................................................46
Restoring songs...........................................................62
OPEN (insert silence) ........................................................46
Track import and export..................................................63
CUT (remove part) ............................................................47
Importing tracks..........................................................63
SILENCE (part erase) .........................................................47
Exporting tracks..........................................................64
CLONE track (track duplication)....................................47
Exporting a stereo master track...................................65
CLEAN out (track erase)....................................................47
13 – Mastering compressor settings list......66
9 – Mixing down and mastering tracks........48
Library of mastering compressor presets.................66
Mixing down tracks...........................................................48
Masetring compressor parameters list .....................66
Levels and balance.....................................................48
Stereo position (panning) .......................................48 14 – Troubleshooting.....................................67
Track EQ (equalizer) ...................................................48
15 – Messages................................................68
Reverb ............................................................................48
General messages..............................................................68
Muting tracks ...............................................................49
Creating a stereo master track......................................49 16 – Specifications.........................................70
Setting the starting and ending points..............50 Ratings...................................................................................70
Recording a stereo master track ...........................50 Audio input/output ratings............................................70
Exiting MIXDOWN mode .........................................50 Control input/output ratings.........................................70
Checking the stereo master track................................51 Audio performance...........................................................70
End stereo master track checking.........................51 Computer requirements..................................................70
Mastering the stereo master track ..............................51 General..................................................................................71
Mastering procedures...............................................51 Backup memory.................................................................71
Using mastering EQ (equalizer)..............................52
17 – Commonly-used Functions...................73
Using mastering compression ...............................52
Using normalize...........................................................53
Copying the stereo master track...........................53
Exiting MASTERING mode ......................................53

10 – Miscellaneous Functions.......................54
Metronome..........................................................................54
Tuner.......................................................................................54
Chromatic tuner mode..............................................54
Oscillator mode............................................................55
Automatic power saving function...............................56
Restoring the initial preference settings...................56

TASCAM DP-03SD 5
 1 – Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of TASCAM’s 8-Track Digital • WAV files and backed-up songs on the FAT partition of the SD
Portastudio, the DP-03SD. card can be moved and copied to a computer connected by
Before connecting and using the unit, please take time to read USB 2.0
this manual thoroughly to ensure you understand how to • Punch IN/OUT and other functions can be assigned to and
properly set up and connect the unit, as well as the operation controlled by foot switches (RC-3F, sold separately)
of its many useful and convenient functions. After you have
finished reading this manual, please keep it in a safe place for
future reference.
Product parts
You can also download the Owner’s Manual from the TEAC The DP-03SD package contains the following items.
Global Site (http://teac-global.com/). Take care when opening the package not to damage the items.
Keep the package materials for transportation in the future.
Please contact the store where you purchased this unit if any
Features of these items are missing or have been damaged during
transportation.
This unit uses SD cards for multitrack recording of 2 tracks
simultaneously with up to 8 tracks of playback. Using the built- • Main unit......................................................................................... 1
in mixer functions, multiple tracks can be mixed down to stereo • AC adaptor (TASCAM PS-1225L)............................................. 1
to create a stereo master track.
• Power cord for AC adaptor....................................................... 1
Stereo master tracks created this way can be transferred to a
• SD card (in the unit).................................................................... 1
computer that is connected by USB.
• Owner’s manual (this document)........................................... 1
Moreover, since transferring data between the unit and a
computer is possible, in addition to stereo master tracks, you can The warranty is included at the end of this manual.
also copy the data for individual tracks and back up song files to
a computer. About this manual
• 8-track Digital Portastudio that uses SD cards as recording
media In this manual, we use the following conventions:
• Uses SD cards as recording media, and supports SDHC • The names of buttons and controls are given in the following
standards for large capacity cards of up to 32GB typeface: MENU.
• Multitrack recorder functions include simultaneous 2-track • Messages on the unit’s display are shown like this: MENU
recording and 8-track playback (44.1 kHz, 16-bit) • Characters that appear on a computer display are given in
• Nine 45-mm faders include eight track faders and one master the following light typeface: OK
level fader • The four buttons beneath the LCD display are called function
• Each track has independent REVERB and PAN adjustments buttons, and are referred to as F1, F2, F3 and F4 from left to
and track selection buttons, as well as volume faders and right. The functions displayed at the bottom of the screen
track select (REC) buttons above the buttons are sometimes shown after the button
• Input on two channels through standard 6.3-mm (1/4”) TRS name in parentheses (e.g. F4 (¥) button, F2 (EXEC)
jacks, XLR connectors or built-in microphones button).
• XLR connectors can supply phantom power • “SD memory card” is sometimes abbreviated as “SD card.”
• Built-in microphones can record mono tracks separately or a • Additional information is introduced in the styles below
stereo track together when needed:
• High-impedance guitar input supported by the standard jack TIP
on INPUT A
Useful hints when using the unit.
• Graphic display (128 x 64 pixel) with backlighting
• Independent two-band equalizers can be used on each input NOTE
and playback track Explanation of actions in special situation and supplement.
• Mixing down to a dedicated master track possible
CAUTION
• Included mastering effects can be used on mixdowns of
master tracks Instructions that should be followed to avoid injury, damage
to the unit or other equipment, and loss of data.
• Reverb effect can be adjusted independently for each
playback track
• Automatic punch in and out functions Intellectual property rights
• Track bounce function
• Track editing functions include COPY, MOVE, OPEN, CUT, • TASCAM and PORTASTUDIO are trademarks of TEAC
SILENCE, CLONE and CLEAN OUT Corporation, registered in the U.S. and other countries.
• Undo and redo functions, including multi-undo (and redo) • Microsoft, Windows, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows
using an operation history 7 and Windows 8 are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States
• Locate mark function
and/or other countries.
• Tuner and metronome functions
• Apple, Macintosh, iMac, Mac OS and Mac OS X are trademarks
of Apple Inc.

6 TASCAM DP-03SD
 1 – Introduction

• Pentium and Intel are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the

U.S. and/or other countries.
Cleaning the unit
• Other company names, product names and logos in this To clean the unit, wipe it gently with a soft dry cloth. Do not
document are the trademarks or registered trademarks of wipe with chemical cleaning cloths, paint thinner, ethyl alcohol
their respective owners. or other chemical agents to clean the unit as they could damage
the surface.
Any data, including, but not limited to information, described
herein are intended only as illustrations of such data and/or
information and not as the specifications for such data and/
or information. TEAC Corporation disclaims any warranty that
About SD cards
any use of such data and/or information shall be free from This unit uses SD cards for recording and playback. SD and SDHC
infringement of any third party’s intellectual property rights cards that are at least 512 MB in size can be used. A list of SD
or other proprietary rights, and further, assumes no liability cards that have been tested with this unit can be found on the
of whatsoever nature in the event of any such infringement, TEAC Global Site (http://teac-global.com/).
or arising from or connected with or related to the use of
such data and/or information.
Precautions for use
SD cards are delicate media. In order to avoid damaging a card
This product is designed to help you record and reproduce or the card slot, please take the following precautions when
sound works to which you own the copyright, or where handling them.
you have obtained permission from the copyright holder or
the rightful licensor. Unless you own the copyright, or have • Do not leave them in extremely hot or cold places.
obtained the appropriate permission from the copyright • Do not leave them in extremely humid places.
holder or the rightful licensor, your unauthorized recording, • Do not let them get wet.
reproduction or distribution thereof may result in severe • Do not put things on top of them or twist them.
criminal penalties under copyright laws and international Do not hit them.
•
copyright treaties. If you are uncertain about your rights,
• Do not remove or insert an SD card when the power is ON
contact your legal advisor. Under no circumstances will TEAC
Corporation be responsible for the consequences of any
illegal copying performed using the recorder.
Using the TEAC Global Site
You can download the Owner’s Manual necessary for this unit
from the TEAC Global Site (http://teac-global.com/).
Precautions for placement and use
1. Open the TEAC Global Site (http://teac-global.com/).
• The operating temperature should be between 5°C and 35°C 2. In the TASCAM Downloads section, click the desired
(41°F and 95°F). language to open the Downloads website page for that
• Do not install in the following types of places. Doing so could language.
degrade the sound quality and/or cause malfunctions.
NOTE
• Places with significant vibrations or that are otherwise
unstable If the desired language does not appear, click Other
Languages.
• Near windows or other places exposed to direct sunlight
• Near heaters or other extremely hot places 3. Click the product name in the “Search by Model Name”
section to open the Downloads page for that product.
• Extremely cold places
4. Select and download the Owner’s Manual that are needed.
• Places with bad ventilation or high humidity
• Very dusty locations
• Make sure that the unit is mounted in a level position for User registration
correct operation.
• Do not place any object on the unit for heat dissipation. Customers in the USA, please visit the TASCAM website (http://
tascam.com/) to register as a user online.
• Avoid installing this unit on top of any heat-generating
electrical device such as a power amplifier.

Beware of condensation
If the unit is moved from a cold to a warm place, or used
immediately after a cold room has been heated or otherwise
exposed to a sudden temperature change, condensation could
occur. Should this happen, leave the unit for one or two hours
before turning the unit on.

TASCAM DP-03SD 7
 2 – Quick Start Guides
There is a hook for holding the AC adaptor cord in place
Playback and mixing (cord holder) on the bottom panel. When using the adaptor,
In this section, we will play back the demo song on the included wrap the cord around this hook to prevent it from being
SD card. disconnected during use.

When this unit is purchased new, the SD card with the demo
song on it is already installed in the unit, but we will start by
explaining how to insert an SD card using the procedures below.

Preparations
1 Open the SD card slot cover on the left side panel and insert
the included SD card into the slot.
CAUTION
Be careful not to forcibly insert the card in the wrong
direction. Doing so could damage the slot or the card.
4 Connect headphones to the PHONES jack on the rear panel.

Headphones

2 After inserting the SD card, close the card slot cover.

3 Connect the included AC adaptor (TASCAM PS-1225L) to the 5 Press the STANDBY/ON button on the rear panel to turn the
DC IN 12V connector on the rear panel. power ON.

AC outlet
TASCAM
PS-1225L

DC plug

Startup Screen
After the unit starts the Home Screen appears on the display.

CAUTION
Never use any adaptor other than the TASCAM PS-1225L
AC adaptor (included), because it is designed for the power
requirements of this unit. Use of a different adaptor could
cause malfunction, fire or electric shock.
Home Screen

8 TASCAM DP-03SD
 2 – Quick Start Guides
CAUTION NOTE
• Do not remove or insert an SD card when the power is ON. When an item is selected, it appears as light characters on a
Always turn the power OFF (standby) before removing or dark background.
inserting a card.
• If you remove or insert an SD card when the power is ON, all
recorded data and settings made since the last time the unit
was shut down or a song was saved will be lost. These lost
data and settings cannot be recovered.
• When the power is ON, do not cut the power to the unit by
disconnecting the power cord, for example.
• Before turning the power ON, minimize the headphones
volume and the volume on any monitoring system connected
to this unit.

TIP
If an amplifier or powered speakers are connected to the
LINE OUT jacks, you can monitor using speakers.

Listening to the demo song

The included SD card in the unit contains a demo song. We
will use this demo song to practice listening to and mixing a
recording. 4 Use the DATA wheel to select the LOAD item and press the
1 Press the HOME button to open the Home Screen. F4 (¥) button to open the SONG LOAD screen, which
shows a list of the songs on the card.

5 Use the DATA wheel to select DEMO_03 and press the F2

(EXEC) button to load the demo song and return to the
SONG screen.

2 When the Home Screen is open, press the MENU button to

open the MENU screen.

6 Press the HOME button to return to the Home Screen.

3 Use the DATA wheel to select the SONG menu item and 7 Press the PLAY (Á) button, and raise the TRACK 1–8 faders,
press the F4 (¥) button to open the SONG screen. MASTER fader and PHONES LEVEL knob to listen to the
demo song.

TASCAM DP-03SD 9
 2 – Quick Start Guides
The MASTER fader adjusts the overall volume of TRACKS
1–8. The standard position of the MASTER fader is “0”.
Recording and mastering
Use TRACK 1–8 faders to adjust the balance of the tracks. In this section we will practice multitrack recording. In the
Use the PHONES LEVEL knob to adjust the final monitoring following example, we will explain how to record a rhythm
volume. guitar part with an electric guitar to track 1 and a lead guitar
part to track 2. Then, we will use the built-in microphone to
record vocals to track 3. Finally, we will mix down the tracks to
stereo.
In this section, we assume that you have already followed
the instructions in the previous section, and that you have
connected monitoring equipment, started the unit and installed
the SD card.

TIP
This example uses the built-in mic for recording vocals, but
you could also connect an external mic to the INPUT A or
INPUT B connector on the rear panel and record with it.

Creating a new song

1 When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU button to
open the MENU screen.

8 Use the TRACK 1–8 PAN knobs to adjust the stereo position
of each track signal.

TIP
2 Use the DATA wheel to select the SONG item, and press the
• Press the STOP (ª) and REW (Ô) (TO ZERO) buttons at F4 (¥) button to open the SONG screen.
the same time to return to the beginning of the song (ZERO
point) (TO ZERO function) .
• If you press the wrong button and open a different screen,
press the HOME button to return to the Home Screen at any
time.

3 Use the DATA wheel to select the CREATE item, and press
the F4 (¥) button to open the SONG CREATE screen.

10 TASCAM DP-03SD
 2 – Quick Start Guides

The song that has been created is given the name (title) “
SONG***“ (*** is a number).
4 Change the name (title) of the song as necessary. (See
“Editing names” on page 30.)
5 Press the F2 (EXEC) button to save the currently loaded
song and create a new song.
Set the guitar as the recording source for
TRACK 1
By default, the recording source for tracks 1, 3, 5 and 7 is set to
INPUT A (“A”), and the recording source for tracks 2, 4, 6 and 8 is
set to INPUT B (“B”). See “Assigning inputs” on page 34.
In the “Connecting and setting the input sources” section above,
we set a guitar as the input source for INPUT A and the built-in
microphone (INTERNAL MIC B) as the input source for INPUT
B, so the guitar can be recorded to tracks 1, 3, 5 and 7, while
INTERNAL MIC B can be recorded to tracks 2, 4, 6 and 8. For this
reason, there is no need to change the input assignments in this
6 Press the HOME button to return to the Home Screen. example in order to record a guitar to track 1.

Connecting and setting the input sources Adjusting and monitoring the input level
1 Connect an electric guitar to the INPUT A jack on the rear 1 Press the HOME button to return to the Home Screen.
panel.

Guitar

2 Set the INPUT A switch to GUITAR.

2 Press the TRACK 1 REC button.

The TRACK 1 REC indicator blinks and the unit enters record
standby.

TIP
When connecting an electric-acoustic guitar with a built-
in preamp or an active-type electric guitar, or when using an
effects pedal, for example, between the guitar and this unit, set
in the INPUT A switch to MIC/LINE.
3 Set the INPUT B switch to INTERNAL MIC B to use the built-
in microphone on the right side of the front panel (MIC B) as TRACK 1 REC indicator
the input source for INPUT B.

TASCAM DP-03SD 11
 2 – Quick Start Guides
3 Use the INPUT A TRIM knob to adjust the guitar input level.
Recording a guitar to TRACK 1
Set the TRIM knob so that the OL indicator for INPUT A
does not light even when the loudest sound to be recorded 1 Press and hold the RECORD (º) button and press the PLAY
is input. (Á) button to start recording. Play the guitar.
If the OL indicator continues to light even when the TRIM The TRACK 1 REC indicator stop blinking and stays lit.
knob is turned down, the guitar signal itself is too loud. In
this case, lower the output level on the guitar.
OL indicator

When you play guitar, the input level is shown by the level TRACK 1 REC indicator
meters for “ ” (INPUT A) and “ ” (TRACK 1) on the
display.
2 When you are done performing, press the STOP (ª) button
to stop recording.
3 Press the TRACK 1 REC button to end record standby. Its
REC indicator becomes unlit.

When you raise the TRACK 1 fader, the MASTER fader and
the PHONES LEVEL knob, you can hear the sound of the
guitar through the headphones, and the and level
meters move.

NOTE
• Use the TRACK 1 PAN knob to set the stereo position when
monitoring.
• When the TRACK 1 REC indicator is unlit, the input cannot
be heard.

12 TASCAM DP-03SD
 2 – Quick Start Guides
2 Press the TRACK 2 REC button to set the SOURCE for
Playing back the recording
TRACK 2 to A.
1 To return to the beginning of the song (ZERO point), press
and hold the STOP (ª) button and press the REW (Ô) (TO
ZERO) button (TO ZERO function).
2 Press the PLAY (Á) button to play back the recording on
TRACK 1.
3 Use the TRACK 1 fader and the MASTER fader to adjust the
playback monitoring level. Use the PHONES LEVEL knob to
adjust the final monitoring volume.

3 Press the HOME button to return to the Home Screen.

TIP
Use the TRACK 1 PAN knob to set the stereo position when
monitoring.

Recording a guitar to TRACK 2

We will listen to the rhythm guitar on TRACK 1 as we record the 4 Press the TRACK 2 REC button. The TRACK 2 REC indicator
lead guitar on TRACK 2. blinks and the unit enters record standby.
Follow these procedures to change the recording source. When you play guitar, the input level is shown by the level
1 Press the ASSIGN button to open the INPUT ASSIGN meters for “ ” (INPUT A) and “ ” (TRACK 2) on the
display.
screen.

TRACK 2 REC indicator

On this page you can set the recording source for each track
to INPUT A or INPUT B.
By default, the recording source for tracks 1, 3, 5 and 7 is set
to INPUT A (A), and the recording source for tracks 2, 4, 6
and 8 is set to INPUT B (B).

TASCAM DP-03SD 13
 2 – Quick Start Guides
5 Return to the beginning of the song and start playback of
the recorded rhythm guitar. Play the lead guitar part along
with the recording.
Raise the TRACK 2 fader to hear both the playback of TRACK
1 and input guitar signal through your headphones.
2 Press the TRACK 3 REC button to set the SOURCE for
TRACK 3 to B.

6 As necessary, use the TRACK 1 and 2 faders, PAN knobs,

MASTER fader and PHONES LEVEL knob to adjust the
monitoring level and balance.

3 Press the HOME button to return to the Home Screen.

7 Return to the beginning of the song, press and hold the

RECORD (º) button and press the PLAY (Á) button to start
recording. Perform the lead guitar part.
The RECORD (º) button lights red, and the TRACK 2 REC
indicator stops blinking and stays lit.
4 Press the TRACK 3 REC button.
8 When you are done performing, press the STOP (ª) button Its REC indicator blinks and the unit enters record standby.
to stop recording.
9 Press the TRACK 2 REC button to end record standby. Its
REC indicator becomes unlit.

Recording a vocal to TRACK 3

1. Press the ASSIGN button to open the INPUT ASSIGN
screen.

TRACK 3 REC indicator

14 TASCAM DP-03SD
 2 – Quick Start Guides
5 Use the TRIM knob for INPUT B to adjust the input level 7 As necessary, use the TRACK 1 and 2 faders, PAN knobs,
suitably for the mic. MASTER fader and PHONES LEVEL knob to adjust the
Set the TRIM knob so that the OL indicator for INPUT B does monitoring level and balance.
not light even when the loudest sound to be recorded is
input.
OL indicator

When you input a sound through built-in MIC B, the input

level is shown by the “ ” level meter.

When you raise the TRACK 3 fader, the MASTER fader and
the PHONES LEVEL knob, you can hear the sound of the mic 8 Return to the beginning of the song, press and hold the
input through the headphones RECORD (º) button and press the PLAY (Á) button to start
recording. Sing your song.
The RECORD (º) button lights red, and the TRACK 3 REC
indicator stops blinking and stays lit.

9 When you are done singing, press the STOP (ª) button to
stop recording.
10 Press the TRACK 3 REC button to end record standby.
Its REC indicator becomes unlit.

Mixing the tracks

After you finish recording, the next step is to make a stereo mix.
1 Use the TRACK 1–3 faders to adjust their levels and balance.
Use the MASTER fader to adjust the overall level.

NOTE
If the OL indicator continues to light even when the TRIM
knob is turned down, the mic signal itself is too loud. In this
case, move the mic further away from the sound source or
lower the volume of the sound source. 2 Use the TRACK 1–3 PAN knobs to adjust the stereo positions
of each track.
CAUTION
Watch the and meters on the display as you make
• Always monitor through headphones when using a mic. If adjustments.
you monitor through speakers, feedback could occur.
6 Return to the beginning of the song, and start playback of
the recorded rhythm guitar and lead guitar parts. Sing along
with the recordings.
You can hear the playback of the recorded guitar parts on
tracks 1 and 2 along with the vocal on your headphones.

TASCAM DP-03SD 15
 2 – Quick Start Guides

3 Set the IN point.

The time from the IN point to the OUT point will be used for
the stereo master track.
Play back the song and press and hold the IN [SET IN]
button at the point where you want to start the stereo
master track. The SET IN ! pop-up appears. 6 Press and hold the RECORD (º) button and press the PLAY
(Á) button to start recording a stereo master track.
Recording automatically stops when the OUT point is
reached.

NOTE
• The IN and OUT points must be at least 4 seconds apart.
If the interval is shorter than 4 seconds, the Trk Too
Short pop-up appears and mixdown mode cannot be
started.
• During recording, you can use the track faders to adjust the
levels of the tracks and the overall level.
• You can use the equalizer and reverb effect while recording
a stereo master track. (See “Track EQ (equalizer)” on page
48 and “Reverb” on page 48.)
The time when you began to press and hold the IN [SET IN] • You can mute unwanted tracks so that they are not recorded
button is set as the IN point, which is where the mix down to the stereo master track. (See “Muting tracks” on page
will start. 49.)
4 Set the OUT point.
Play back the song and press and hold the OUT [SET OUT] Mastering a stereo track
button at the point where you want to end the stereo master
track. The SET OUT ! pop-up appears. Mastering is the process of adjusting a stereo master track to
improve the final sound.

ªª Confirming the stereo master track

1 In multitrack mode, press the MIXDOWN/MASTERING
button to open the MASTERING screen.
The unit begins mastering mode and the Home Screen
reopens. MASTERING appears in the upper left.

The time when you began to press and hold the OUT [SET
OUT] button is set as the OUT point, which is where the mix
down will end.
TIP
You can also use the IN [SET IN] and OUT [SET OUT]
buttons to set the IN and OUT points when playback is
stopped.
5 Press the MIXDOWN/MASTERING button to open the NOTE
MIXDOWN screen.
Mixdown mode is enabled and the Home Screen reopens. • Mastering mode cannot be started if you have not created a
stereo master track.
MIXDOWN appears in the upper left.
• From multitrack mode, press the MIXDOWN/MASTERING
button once to enter mixdown mode and once again to
enter mastering mode.

2 In this mode, press the PLAY (Á) button to listen to the

stereo master track that you have created.
NOTE
• Confirm that both the EQ and COMP items are shown to
be OFF. If either is ON, the sound heard will be affected
by the equalizer and/or compressor. (See “Using mastering

16 TASCAM DP-03SD
 2 – Quick Start Guides
EQ (equalizer)” on page 52 and “Using mastering ªª Applying compression
compression” on page 52.)
Use the compressor on the stereo master track to adjust the
• In MASTERING mode, the MASTER fader cannot be used impact of the entire song.
to adjust the level.
1 In mastering mode, press the F2 (COMP) button to open the
ªª Applying equalization MASTERING COMP screen.
In this example, we will use the equalizer on the master track to
reduce high frequencies and increase low frequencies slightly.
1 In mastering mode, press the F1 (EQ) button to open the
MASTERING EQ screen.

2 Press the F3 (LIB) button to open the library list.

2 Turn the EQ HIGH knob to the left to lower the Hi GAIN

knob shown on the screen. Set the value to –2.0dB to
reduce the high frequencies.
3 Next, turn the EQ LOW knob to the right to increase the
Lo GAIN knob shown on the screen. Set the value to
+6.0dB to increase the low frequencies.

4 Press the F2 (ON) button to turn the equalizer ON. The word 3 Use the DATA wheel to select POP ROCK 1 and press
OFF at the top left of the screen changes to ON. the F4 (EXEC) button to return to the MASTERING
5 Press the F1 (BACK) button to return to the Home screen. COMP screen.
6 Press the PLAY (Á) button to listen to the stereo master
track with equalization.

TIP
Press the F4 (PARM) button to open the screen where you
can also adjust the parameters of the compressor.
4 Press the F2 (ON) button to turn the compressor ON. The
word OFF at the top left of the screen changes to ON.

TASCAM DP-03SD 17
 2 – Quick Start Guides
5 Press the F1 (BACK) button to return to the Home screen.
Shutting down
6 Press the PLAY (Á) button to listen to the stereo master
track with compression. Turn the unit off when you are done using it.
NOTE 1 Press the HOME button to open the Home Screen.
If the EQ item is also ON, the effect of the equalizer on the
sound will also be heard.

ªª Normalizing the stereo master track

Normalizing maximizes the volume of the stereo master track.
1 In mastering mode, press the F3 (NORM) button to open the
NORMALIZE screen.

2 Press and hold the STANDBY/ON button on the rear panel

until PORTASTUDIO appears on the display.

2 Press the F4 (EXEC) button to normalize the track.

3 Press the F1 (BACK) button to return to the Home screen. When the unit completes its automatic shutdown
procedures, which includes recording various information
ªª Rerecord the stereo master track about the operations that have been conducted until now,
the power turns OFF (standby).
Record the master track with equalization and compression
applied to create a new stereo master track. Always use the procedures above to turn the power off
properly.
1 In mastering mode, press and hold the RECORD (º) button
and press the PLAY (Á) button. CAUTION
2 This will record over the master and create a new stereo If you cut the power to the unit by disconnecting the power
master track with equalization and compression applied. cord, for example, all recorded data and settings made since
the last time the unit was shut down or a song was saved will
be lost. These lost data and settings cannot be recovered.

18 TASCAM DP-03SD
 3 – Names and Functions of Parts
Top panel

1 TRIM knob/OL indicator (INPUT A) • Turn this switch ON only when using a condenser
Use this TRIM knob to adjust the input level of INPUT A. (See microphone that requires phantom power.
“Making the first recording” on page 35.) • Do not supply phantom power to an unbalanced dynamic
If the input source signal is too loud, the OL (overload) microphone.
indicator lights. • Supplying phantom power to some types of ribbon
2 INPUT A switch microphones could break them. Do not supply phantom
Set this according to the signal source input through the power to a ribbon microphone if you are in doubt.
INPUT A — MIC A connector or LINE A/GUITAR jack 4 ASSIGN button
on the rear panel. Set it to GUITAR when connecting an Use this button to set the input assignment (INPUT A
electric guitar or electric bass directly. Set it to MIC/LINE and INPUT B) of a track. Press this button to open the
when connecting a microphone or line level signal. Set it to INPUT ASSIGN screen on the display. The input signal
INTERNAL MIC A when using built-in MIC A. of the assigned input becomes the recording source. (See
3 PHANTOM button/indicator “Assigning inputs” on page 34.)
Press this button to open the PHANTOM screen where you 5 TRIM knob/OL indicator (INPUT B)
can turn phantom power ON and OFF. Use this TRIM knob to adjust the input level of INPUT B. (See
The indicator lights when phantom power is ON. “Making the first recording” on page 35.)
If the input source signal is too loud, the OL (overload)
CAUTION indicator lights.
• Use the MASTER fader to lower the output volume of the
unit before turning phantom power ON or OFF. Depending
6 INPUT B switch
Set this according to the signal source input through the
on the mic, a loud noise could occur, damaging equipment
INPUT B — MIC B connector or LINE B jack on the rear
and harming people’s hearing.
panel. Set it to MIC/LINE when connecting a microphone or
• Do not connect or disconnect a mic when phantom power is line level signal. Set it to INTERNAL MIC B when using built-
ON. in MIC B.

TASCAM DP-03SD 19
 3 – Names and Functions of Parts

7 BOUNCE button indicator blinks when the unit is stopped and lights when
Press this button to switch between MULTITRACK and recording.
BOUNCE modes. On the INPUT ASSIGN screen, press these buttons to
8 MIXDOWN/MASTERING button change the assignment.s
Press this button to switch between MULTITRACK, On the TRACK MUTE screen, press these buttons to mute
MIXDOWN and MASTERING modes. and unmute the tracks.
• In MULTITRACK mode, press this button to switch to Press these buttons when the TRACK EQ screen is open
MIXDOWN mode. to select tracks.
• In MIXDOWN mode, press this button to switch to i Track faders (TRACK 1–TRACK 8)
MASTERING mode if there is a stereo master track or to Use to adjust the monitoring level of the track’s playback
return to MULTITRACK mode if not. signal or the input signal assigned to the track. (See “Levels
• In MASTERING mode, press this button to return to and balance” on page 48.)
MULTITRACK mode.
o TRACK EDIT button
NOTE Press this to open the TRACK EDIT MENU screen. (See
“8 – Editing Tracks” on page 44.)
A pop-up appears when the mode changes.
p MENU button
9 REVERB button Press this to open the MENU screen.
Press to open the REVERB SETTING screen where you
can adjust reverb parameters. (See “Reverb” on page 48.) a HOME button
Press this to open the Home Screen.
0 PHONES LEVEL knob
Use this to adjust the headphones output volume. When the unit is stopped and the Home Screen is open, use
this button to move between the time counter divisions. (See
q EQ button “Direct locate function” on page 39.)
Press to open the EQ SETTING screen where you can
adjust track EQ parameters. (See “Track EQ (equalizer)” on s DATA wheel
page 48.) Use this to change parameter values and select items when
using menus.
After opening the EQ SETTING screen with this button,
press F1 (INPUT) to open the INPUT EQ screen where d METRONOME button
you can adjust input EQ parameters. (See “Using input EQ Press this to open the METRONOME screen. (“Metronome”
(equalizer)” on page 34.) on page 54.)
w EQ HIGH/EQ LOW knobs f TUNER button
Use EQ HIGH knob to adjust high-frequency gain on EQ Press this to open the TUNER screen. (See “Tuner” on page
setting screens, including the EQ SETTING, INPUT 54.)
EQ and MASTERING EQ screens. g MIC A
Use EQ LOW knob to adjust the low-frequency gain on EQ This built-in omnidirectional microphone becomes the input
setting screens, including the EQ SETTING, INPUT source for INPUT A when set to INTERNAL MIC A.
EQ and MASTERING EQ screens. When using the tuner, use this built-in microphone to input
e Display the sound of the instrument being tuned.
This shows various types of operation information.
r Function buttons
The functions of these buttons depend on the screen
currently displayed. The current function assignments are
shown at the bottom of the screen.

NOTE
For convenience, the four function buttons are referred to in
order from the left as F1, F2, F3 and F4 in this manual.
t REVERB knobs (TRACK 1–TRACK 8)
Use to adjust the level (volume) sent to the reverb effect of
the track’s playback signal or the input signal assigned to
that track.
y PAN knobs (TRACK 1–TRACK 8)
Use to adjust the stereo position of the track’s playback
signal or the input signal assigned to that track. (See “Stereo
position (panning)” on page 48.)
u REC buttons/indicators (TRACK 1–TRACK 8)
Use to arm a track for recording (turn recording ON/OFF).
To monitor a track’s input sound through headphones or
a monitoring system, press that track’s REC button. When
the track is armed for recording (REC button ON), the REC

20 TASCAM DP-03SD
 3 – Names and Functions of Parts

h MASTER fader When auto punch mode is active, appears on the

Use to adjust the stereo signal level output from the screen. (See “Automatically punching in and out” on page
LINE OUT jacks and PHONES jack. Use also to adjust the 43.)
recording level when bouncing or mixing down tracks. n UNDO/REDO [HISTORY] button/indicator
j MUTE button Press this button to undo the immediately previous action
Press to open the TRACK MUTE screen. (See “Muting (single undo) or cancel a single undo (redo). (See “Undoing
tracks” on page 49.) an operation” on page 36.)
k STOP (ª) button After a single undo or multi-undo, the UNDO/REDO
Press to stop playback, recording and searching forward/ indicator lights, showing that and operation has been
backward. undone.

Press at the same time as you press the REW (Ô) (TO Press and hold this button to open the HISTORY screen
ZERO) button or F FWD () (TO LAST REC) button to where you can view the recording and editing history and
locate the beginning of the song (ZERO point) or the last also conduct multi-undo operations.
position that recording started (last recording position). (See m REW (Ô) (TO ZERO) button
“Locate and search functions” on page 39.) When stopped, press this button to search backwards. Press
l PLAY (Á) button/indicator it repeatedly to change the speed from 10x to 50x, 100x and
Press this button to start playback. 1000x.
To start recording, press and hold the RECORD (–) button During playback, press this button to search backward while
and press this button. During recording, press this button to pressing.
stop recording and start playback (punch out). Press and hold the STOP (ª) button and press this button
During playback or recording, this indicator lights. to locate to the beginning of the song (ZERO point =
00:00:00:00). (See “Locate and search functions” on
; MIC B page 39.)
This built-in omnidirectional microphone becomes the input
source for INPUT B when set to INTERNAL MIC B. , F FWD () (TO LAST REC) button
When stopped, press this button to search forward. Press it
This built-in microphone does not function when using the
repeatedly to change the speed from 10x to 50x, 100x and
tuner.
1000x.
z RECORD (º) button/indicator During playback, press this button to search forward while
To start recording, press and hold this button and press the pressing.
PLAY (Á) button. During recording, this indicator lights.
Press and hold the STOP (ª) button and press this button
During playback, if you press this button when a track REC to locate to the last position that recording started (TO LAST
indicator is blinking, recording to that track will begin (punch REC). (See “Locate and search functions” on page 39.)
in). (See “Automatically punching in and out” on page 43.)
. IN [SET IN] button
x Various function buttons Press this button to locate to the IN point.
Press and hold this button to set the playback position at
that moment as the IN point.
/ OUT [SET OUT] button
Press this button to locate to the OUT point.
Press and hold this button to set the playback position at
that moment as the OUT point.
! TO [SET TO] button
Press this button to locate to the TO point.
Press and hold this button to set the playback position at
that moment as the TO point.

c REPEAT button
Press to turn repeat playback mode ON and OFF.
(See “Repeat playback” on page 41.)
v LOCATE LIST [LOCATE SET] button
Press this to open the LOCATE LIST screen. If the
current song does not contain any location marks, press this
to open the I/O SETTING screen.
Press and hold this button to add a mark at the current
location.
b AUTO PUNCH button
Press to turn the auto punch mode ON and OFF.

TASCAM DP-03SD 21
 3 – Names and Functions of Parts

Rear panel

@ STANDBY/ON button & INPUT B jack (balanced TRS standard jack)

When the power is in standby, press this button to turn it This is an input source when the INPUT B switch on the top
ON. When ON, press and hold this button to put the power panel is set to MIC/LINE.
into standby. (See “Startup & shutdown” on page 27.) You can input a line-level signal (balanced/unbalanced) or
# DC IN 12V jack mic signal (balanced/unbalanced).
Connect the dedicated AC adaptor (PS-1225L). * INPUT A jack (balanced TRS standard jack)
$ PHONES jack (stereo mini jack) This is an input source when the INPUT A switch on the top
Connect headphones. Use the PHONES LEVEL knob on the panel is set to MIC/LINE or GUITAR.
top panel to adjust the volume. You can input a guitar/line-level signal (balanced/
% LINE OUT jacks (unbalanced RCA) unbalanced) or mic signal (balanced/unbalanced).
Use these to connect a monitoring system (powered ( INPUT A connector (balanced XLR)
speakers or an amplifier with speakers). This is an input source when the INPUT A switch on the top
^ INPUT B connector (balanced XLR) panel is set to MIC/LINE.
This is an input source when the INPUT B switch on the top This is an XLR-type mic/line input jack.
panel is set to MIC/LINE. You can also connect a condenser microphone that requires
This is an XLR-type mic/line input jack. phantom power.
You can also connect a condenser microphone that requires (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)
phantom power.
NOTE
(1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)
Do not input signals into both the XLR and standard jacks at
NOTE the same time.
Do not input signals into both the XLR and standard jacks at ) REMOTE jack (2.5-mm TS jack)
the same time. Connect a TASCAM RC-3F foot switch (sold separately) to
allow a variety of remote control operations, including
punch in/out (start and stop recording).

22 TASCAM DP-03SD
 3 – Names and Functions of Parts

Left side panel

Q Kensington lock attachment hole (See “Connecting with a computer” on page 60.) (No USB
W SD card slot/USB connector cover cable is supplied with this unit. Please use one at hand or
purchase one is necessary.)
E USB port
Use a USB2.0-compliant mini-B cable to connect the unit R SD card slot
with a computer to share files with the computer, including Insert the SD card into this slot.
importing and exporting, as well as backing up song files.

Bottom panel

T Cord holder Y GROUND connector

Wrap the cord of the included TASCAM PS-1225L AC Depending on the use environment, you might hear noise
adaptor around this to prevent the plug from becoming when monitoring. If this occurs, use this connector to ground
disconnected accidentally. the unit. (Please prepare the necessary wiring yourself.)

TASCAM DP-03SD 23
 3 – Names and Functions of Parts

Home Screen Menu structure

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen, which
contains the following items.
Reference
Item Explanation
page
Shows file information,
INFORMATION SD card information and page 56
system information.
Load, save and create new
SONG page 30
songs, for example.
1 Recorder mode Format SD cards, for
Shows the current recorder mode. CARD page 57
example.
MULTI TRACK DATA BACKUP Backup and restore songs. page 61
BOUNCE IMPORT/ Import and export tracks page 63
MIXDOWN EXPORT and stereo master tracks. page 65
MASTERING Make and initialize settings page 29
for the repeat playback page 38
2 Location mark number indicator PREFERENCE
interval, contrast and foot page 42
The number (001-999) of the current location mark is shown
switch use. page 56
after the flag icon.
Use the following dedicated buttons to access specific functions.
3 SD card protection indicator
If the SD card is protected, the lock icon appears. Reference
Button Explanation
page
4 SD card insertion status
If an SD card is inserted appears. If not, appears. Turn PHANTOM power ON
PHANTOM page 33
and OFF.
5 Recorder transport state Assign INPUT A or B as the
When playing Á appears. When stopped ª appears. When ASSIGN page 34
track source.
recording –appears. When searching backward, Ô
BOUNCE Bounce a track. page 39
appears. When searching forward,  appears.
MIXDOWN/ Make and adjust stereo
6 Repeat playback/auto punch mode indicator page 49
MASTERING master tracks.
When repeat playback mode is active, appears.
REVERB Make reverb settings. page 48
When auto punch mode is active, appears.
Make track and input page 34
EQ
7 Recorder time counter equalizer settings. page 48
Shows the elapsed time from the start of the song. MUTE Mute tracks. page 49
8 Cursor TUNER Use to tune instruments page 54
This shows the time increment being edited. Use to operate the
METRONOME page 54
Turning the DATA wheel changes the value of the selected metronome
time increment. Each time you press the HOME button, the Use to set and jump to
LOCATE LIST
cursor moves in order from right to left (f, s, m, h) and back marks and IN/OUT/TO page 40
[LOCATE SET]
to the right after the hour increment is reached. points.
Press and hold to show
9 Level meters and EQ status for INPUTS A and B UNDO/REDO
the undo/redo history and page 36
Shows the signal levels of INPUT A ( ) and INPUT B ( ). [HISTORY]
select undo steps.
When INPUT EQ is ON, A and B are shown with frames
TRACK EDIT Edit tracks. page 44
( ).
0 Level meters and mute/track EQ status for TRACKS 1–8
Shows input levels when recording and playback signal
levels when playing back.
When mute is ON, the track number is shown in inverse. For
example, means that tracks 3 and 4 are muted.
When muting is OFF and TRACK EQ is ON, the track numbers
are shown with frames ( ).
q Level meter for stereo outputs (L, R)
Shows the signal level output from the LINE OUT jacks.

24 TASCAM DP-03SD
 3 – Names and Functions of Parts

• To execute an item, press the function button with the

Screen operations “EXEC” assignment.
Use the MENU button and dedicated buttons to open screens.
Follow the guidelines below to use the functions on the screens.
These examples show basic operation procedures, but the actual
assignments of the function buttons vary depending on the
screen.
• Use the DATA wheel to select the desired item. In this example of the SONG LOAD screen, if you press the
F2 (EXEC) button the song that is selected by the cursor will
be loaded.
• When the cursor is on a setting value, use the DATA wheel to
change the value. Use the function buttons with § and ¶
assignments to move the cursor.
In this example from the MENU screen, “SONG” is selected by
the F4 (¥) button.

NOTE
The assignments of the function buttons are shown at the
bottom of the screen above the buttons themselves. In this example of the COPY PASTE screen, you can use
the DATA wheel to change the value of the SOURCE TRK.
Use the F3 (§) and F4 (¶) buttons to move the cursor up
and down. Press the F2 (EXEC) button to copy and paste
the contents shown.
• When it is necessary to move left and right, use the REW
F1 F2 F3 F4
(Ô) (TO ZERO) and F FWD () (TO LAST REC) buttons.
At such times, an illustration appears on the screen showing
BACK appears above the F1 button, so the assignment that the REW (Ô) and F FWD () buttons are assigned
of the F1 button is “BACK” when using this screen. In this to control the CURSOR.
manual, we show this as the “F1 (BACK) button”. Likewise,
the assignments of the F2, F3 and F4 buttons are EXEC,
INS and DEL, respectively.
• When an item has a sub-screen (the MENU screen, for
example) a “¥” appears to the right of the item. Use the F4
(¥) button to advance to that sub-screen.
• Press the HOME button to return to the Home Screen.
• On a sub-screen, press the F1 (BACK) button to return to the
previous screen.

TASCAM DP-03SD 25
 4 – Preparations
Preparing the power and the SD card ªª Write-protected cards
SD cards have write-protect (lock) switches.

Installing an SD card
1 Open the SD card slot cover on the left side panel of the unit.
2 Insert the SD Card into the slot as shown in the illustration
until it clicks into place.

Unprotected Protected
When the protect switch is in the LOCK position, files cannot be
recorded or edited on the card. Slide the switch away from the
LOCK position if you want to record, erase or otherwise change
files on a card.

Preparing the power

3 After inserting the card, close the cover. As shown in the illustration, connect the included PS-1225L AC
adaptor to the DC IN 12V jack.
NOTE
An SD card is installed in the card slot when the unit is
shipped from the factory. You can use this card as is to
record and play back files. There is no need to reinsert it.
AC outlet
TASCAM
Ejecting the card PS-1225L

Push and insert the card further in to eject it.

DC plug

The bottom panel has a hook (cord holder) that can be used to
hold the AC adaptor cord in place.
When using it, wrap the cord around this cord holder to prevent
it from being disconnected during use.

CAUTION
• Always turn the power OFF before removing an SD card.
Removing a card while the power is still ON will cause any
recordings and settings made since the last time the power
was turned OFF or the song was saved to be lost. These data
and settings cannot be recovered.
• This unit uses SD cards for recording and playback. SD and
SDHC cards that are at least 512 MB in size can be used.
• A list of SD cards that have been tested with this unit can be
found on the TEAC Global Site (http://teac-global.com/).

CAUTION
• Use only the TASCAM PS-1225L AC adaptor and power
cord. Using an AC adaptor other than this one could cause
malfunction, fire or electric shock.
• The AC adaptor must be used to supply power to this unit.
Power cannot be supplied to this unit by USB.

26 TASCAM DP-03SD
 4 – Preparations

Startup & shutdown Formatting SD cards

To use a new SD card with this unit, it is necessary to format
it first. SD cards formatted by the unit are divided into FAT
Starting up the unit partitions and MTR partitions.
Press the STANDBY/ON button on the rear panel. For more information about partitions see “11 – SD Card
When the unit starts, the startup screen will appear followed by Management” on page 57.
the Home Screen, as shown below.
CAUTION
If you format a card, all data saved on it by this or any other
device will be erased and you will not be able to recover it.

NOTE
The included SD card is already formatted so formatting it
Startup Screen Home Screen
is not necessary. If you format this card the demo song on it
When the unit starts up it defaults to MULTITRACK recorder will be erased.
mode regardless of the mode used last before shutting down.
1 The first time you put a new SD card in this unit, a message
CAUTION prompting you to format it appears.
When turning the unit’s power ON and OFF (STANDBY), turn
down the volume of any speakers or amplifiers connected
to the unit. Moreover, do not wear headphones connected
to the unit when switching the power ON or OFF (STANDBY).
This will avoid damage to speakers and possible harm to
your hearing from noise that might occur.
NOTE
The message shown above prompting you to format it also
Shutting down appears if you put in an SD card that has been formatted by
Make the following preparations before shutting down the unit. any device other than this unit.

• Stop the recorder. (The unit cannot be shut down during 2 Press the F3 (YES) button.
playback, recording, searching forward, etc.) 3 The Home Screen appears after formatting completes
• Return to the Home Screen. properly.
• If the unit is connected to a computer, disconnect the USB NOTE
cable after conducting the necessary procedures on the
computer to unmount the unit. To cancel formatting press the F4 (NO) key instead in step 2
above.
After making these preparations, press and hold the STANDBY/
ON button on the rear panel until the following screen appears.

The power turns OFF (STANDBY) after the unit completes its
shutdown process, including saving various information from
your session.

CAUTION
• Do not disconnect the power cord or otherwise cut the
power supply when the power is ON. If you do so, all
recorded data and settings made since the last time the unit
was shut down or a song was saved will be lost. These lost
data and settings cannot be recovered.
• When the power is turned OFF (STANDBY), the operation
history of the currently loaded song will be erased (cleared).
When you turn the power back ON, the song will be restored
to the previous state, but you will not be able to undo or
redo operations on the song.

TASCAM DP-03SD 27
 4 – Preparations

Recorder modes Rear panel

This unit has four recorder modes.
MULTITRACK
Use to operate the unit as a multitrack recorder. AC outlet
TASCAM
BOUNCE PS-1225L

Use to bounce tracks. (See “Bouncing tracks” on page 39.)

MIXDOWN DC plug
Use to mix down tracks to create a stereo master track. (See
“Mixing down tracks” on page 48 and “Creating a stereo
master track” on page 49.)
MASTERING
Use to play stereo master tracks that you have created and apply
effects to them (mastering). (See “Checking the stereo master Headphones Footswitch
track” on page 51 and “Mastering the stereo master track” on TASCAM
page 51.) RC-3F
(Optional)
When the unit’s power is turned ON, it always starts up in
MULTITRACK mode.
When in any mode besides MULTITRACK mode, many of the
usual operations using the screen are unavailable.
In this Owner’s Manual, the MULTITRACK mode is the
recorder mode explained unless otherwise noted.

Powered speakers or
Connect guitar/base to INPUT A
Connecting other equipment amplifier and speakers

This section shows examples of connecting other equipment

with this unit. Connect mics to
MIC A and B

ªª Precautions before making connections

• Turn the power of this unit and all devices that you will
connect with it OFF (or put them in standby power mode)
Drum machine
beforehand.
• Supply power to all the devices from the same line. When Connect electronic keyboard
using a power strip, for example, use one with a cable that to INPUT A and B
has a high electric current capacity in order to minimize
power voltage variations.

CAUTION
• Do not input signals into both the XLR and standard jacks at
the same time.
• Do not connect a dynamic microphone using an unbalanced
connection when phantom power is ON. Doing so could
break it.
• Do not connect or disconnect a mic when phantom power is
ON. This could cause a loud noise and damage equipment.
• Turn the unit output volume down using the PHONES
knob and MASTER fader on the front panel before turning
phantom power ON or OFF. Depending on the mic, a loud
noise could occur, damaging equipment and harming
people’s hearing.

28 TASCAM DP-03SD
 4 – Preparations

Left side panel

Computer

USB

NOTE
Recorder functions cannot be used when the unit is
connected to a computer by USB.

Adjusting the contrast

The contrast of the display can be adjusted.
Follow the procedures below to adjust the contrast.
1 When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU button to
open the MENU screen.
2 Use the data wheel to select PREFERENCE, and press the
F4 (¥) button to open the PREFERENCE screen.

3 Use the F3 (§) and F4 (¶) buttons to select the Contrast

setting value, and use the DATA wheel to adjust the display
contrast.
The setting range is from 1–10.
The default value is 5.
Lower values reduce the display contrast while higher values
increase it.
Adjusting the contrast might make the display easier to read.
Its appearance differs depending on the angle from which it
is viewed, so adjust the contrast while the unit is in the actual
position in which it will be used.
4 After making the setting, press the HOME button to return
to the Home Screen.

TASCAM DP-03SD 29
 5 – Song Management
This unit manages data in units called “songs”. Ordinarily, each to the right of the currently loaded song. A lock ( ) icon
project should have its own “song” file. The first step is to load appears to the left of songs that are protected.
the song that you want to manage (load an existing song or
create a new song).
In a song, the audio data for the recorded multitrack (tracks 1–8)
and the stereo master track are saved.
This chapter starts with an explanation of SD card partitions,
and then covers basic operations, including procedures for
loading songs and creating new songs, as well as various song
management functions.

Partitions and songs 4 Use the DATA wheel to select the song you want, and press
the F2 (EXEC) button.
This unit uses SD cards to record songs. SD cards formatted by
The currently loaded song is saved and the selected song is
the unit are divided into partitions.
loaded.
The partitions include MTR partitions for recording song data
and FAT partitions that can be read and written to by computers. 5 Press the HOME button to return to the Home Screen.

Editing names Creating a new song

Follow these procedures to create a new song.
You can edit names on the following screens.
• When creating, saving or editing the name of a song (SAVE, 1 When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU button to
CREATE and NAME EDIT) open the MENU screen.
• When exporting a WAV file (NAME EDIT and EXPORT 2 Use the DATA wheel to select SONG, and press the F4 (¥)
MASTER) button to open the SONG screen.
• When backing up a song (SONG BACKUP) 3 Use the DATA wheel to select CREATE, and press the F4
(¥) button to open the SONG CREATE screen.

SONG CREATE name editing screen

Use the following controls to edit names.
• Use the REW (Ô) (TO ZERO) and F FWD () (TO LAST
REC) buttons to move the cursor (underline) position. The
character at the cursor position is the one that can be edited.
• Use the DATA wheel to change the characters at the cursor A default song name like “SONG****” is given to the new
(underline) position. Ordinary symbols, numerals and English song. (**** indicates a number. In the example above the
upper and lower case letters can be input. name is “SONG0020”.)
• To insert a blank at the cursor position, press the F3 (INS)
button. When editing a file name, an “A” is inserted at the 4 Change the song name (title) as necessary. (See “Editing
blank space. names” on page 30 for how to do this.)

• Press the F4 (DEL) button to delete the character at the TIP

cursor position. You can edit the name of a song later by selecting NAME
• When you have finished inputting and editing, press the F2 EDIT from the SONG screen. You can also edit the song
(EXEC) button to save the edited name. name when saving the song.
5 Press the F2 (EXEC) button to save the currently loaded
song and create the new song.
Loading a saved song
6 Press the HOME button to return to the Home Screen.
Follow these procedures to load the song you want.
1 When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU button to Saving a song
open the MENU screen.
2 Use the data wheel to select SONG, and press the F4 (¥) This unit automatically saves the current song during shutdown
button to open the SONG screen. and when loading another song. You can also save a song at any
time using the following procedures.
3 Use the DATA wheel to select LOAD, and press the F4 (¥)
button to open the SONG LOAD screen, which shows a 1 When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU button to
list of songs in the current partition. A star (*) icon appears open the MENU screen.

30 TASCAM DP-03SD
 5 – Song Management

2 Use the DATA wheel to select SONG, and press the F4 (¥)
button to open the SONG screen.
3 Use the DATA wheel to select SAVE, and press the F4 (¥)
button to open the SONG SAVE screen.

4 Use the DATA wheel to select a song that you want to copy,
and press the F4 (✔) button.
The song is selected as a copy source and a check appears in
the checkbox.
4 Change the song name (title) if you want, and then press the
F2 (EXEC) button (see “Editing names” on page 30). To
save without changing the name, just press the F2 (EXEC)
button.
5 Press the HOME button to return to the Home Screen.
NOTE
Viewing song information To remove a check from the checkbox, press the F4 (✔)
button while the song is selected.
You can check the name, partition and remaining recording time
of the currently loaded song. 5 To copy multiple songs, repeat step 4.
6 After selecting all the songs that you want to copy, press the
1 Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen. F2 (NEXT) button to open a screen where you can select
2 Use the DATA wheel to select INFORMATION, and press the MTR partition that you want to be the copy destination.
the F4 (¥) button to open the SONG (1/3) page of
the INFORMATION screen, which shows the name and
remaining recording time of the current song.

This screen also shows the amount of open space on the

partition selected (Free) and the size of the data of the song
being copied (Total). If the open space is smaller than the
size of the song, copying is not possible and a No Disk
Space warning appears.

NOTE
An SD card formatted by this unit can only have one
partition, so it is not usually possible to copy to a different
NOTE partition. However, this unit can use an SD card that has
The INFORMATION screen has three pages, including been created with multiple partitions on another TASCAM
SONG (1/3), CARD (2/3) and F/W (3/3). DP series unit, and copying between partitions is possible in
Use the F3 (PREV) and F4 (NEXT) buttons to change the this case.
page (see “Viewing information” on page 56). 7 Press the F4 (EXEC) button to copy the file(s) and return to
the SONG screen.

Copying songs NOTE

To cancel song copying, press the F1 (BACK) button instead
You can copy a single song or multiple songs at once. You can of the F4 (EXEC) button.
make a copy of a song in the same partition if you want to save a
certain mix, for example. 8. Press the HOME button to return to the Home Screen.

1 When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU button to

open the MENU screen. Erasing songs
2 Use the DATA wheel to select SONG, and press the F4 (¥)
button to open the SONG screen. You can erase a single song or multiple songs at once. You might
want to erase unneeded songs if the SD card starts to run out of
3 Use the DATA wheel to select COPY, and press the F4 (¥) open space.
button to open the SONG COPY screen, which shows a
list of songs. 1 When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU button to
open the MENU screen.

TASCAM DP-03SD 31
 5 – Song Management

2 Use the DATA wheel to select SONG, and press the F4 (¥) 7 Press the F3 (YES) button.
button to open the SONG screen. After the songs are erased, the SONG screen reopens.
3 Use the DATA wheel to select ERASE, and press the F4 (¥)
NOTE
button to open the SONG ERASE screen, which shows a
list of songs. To cancel erasing a song, press the F4 (NO) button instead
of F3 (YES) button.
8 Press the HOME button to return to the Home Screen.
NOTE
Every MTR partition must always have at least one song,
so if you erase all the songs on a partition, a new song is
created automatically.

Protecting songs
4 Use the DATA wheel to select a song that you want to erase If you protect a song, editing, recording and erasing of that song
and press the F4 (✔) button. is prevented.
A check appears in the checkbox next to the song. 1 Load the song that you want to protect.
2 When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU button to
open the MENU screen.
3 Use the DATA wheel to select SONG, and press the F4 (¥)
button to open the SONG screen.
4 Use the DATA wheel to select PROTECT, and press the F4
NOTE (¥) button to open the SONG PROTECT screen, where
you can turn protection ON and OFF.
To remove the check from the checkbox, press the F4 (✔)
while the song is selected.
5 To erase multiple songs, repeat step 4.
6 After selecting all songs that you want to erase, press the F2
(EXEC) button. A confirmation screen opens.

5 Use the DATA wheel to set PROTECT to ON, and press the
F2 (EXEC) button.
After PROTECT is turned ON, the SONG screen reopens.
6 Press the HOME button to return to the Home Screen.
NOTE
• In the song list used to copy, erase and conduct other
functions, a lock icon ( ) appears next to protected songs.
• If you try to execute a prohibited operation (edit, record,
erase) on a protected song, a “Song Protected”
message appears and the operation is prevented.
• To remove protection from a song, follow the above
procedures but set PROTECT to OFF in step 4.

32 TASCAM DP-03SD
 6 – Basic Recording
Selecting the input sources
This unit has two inputs (INPUT A and INPUT B) that can be
selected separately as input sources.
The input sources that can be selected with the INPUT A and
INPUT B switches include the built-in mics (MIC A and MIC B) NOTE
on the front panel or connected devices input through INPUT The screen above appears when phantom power is being
A and INPUT B on the rear panel. In addition to mic and line turned ON or OFF. No other operations can be conducted
signals, the INPUT A standard jack can accept guitar input. Set while this message is shown. Other operations will be
the INPUT A switch to GUITAR to input a guitar. possible after this message disappears and the Home Screen
reopens.
INPUT A INPUT B
Use when CAUTION
connecting a guitar • Turn the master fader down before turning phantom power
GUITAR or bass directly to — ON or OFF. Depending on the mic, a loud noise could occur,
the standard INPUT damaging equipment and harming people’s hearing.
A jack
• Do not connect or disconnect a mic when phantom power is
INPUT A jack (XLR INPUT B jack (XLR ON. This could cause a loud noise and damage equipment.
MIC/LINE
or standard jack) or standard jack)
INTERNAL MIC A/B Built-in mic (MIC A) Built-in mic (MIC B) • Turn phantom power ON only when using a condenser
microphone that requires phantom power.
NOTE • Do not supply phantom power to an unbalanced dynamic
Do not connect to both the XLR connector and the standard microphone. Doing so could break it.
jack of an input (INPUT A or INPUT B) at the same time. • Supplying phantom power to some types of ribbon
microphones could break them. Do not supply phantom
TIP power to a ribbon microphone if you are in doubt.
When connecting an electric-acoustic guitar with a built-
in preamp or an active electric guitar, as well as when
connecting an electric guitar with an effect pedal between it Monitoring input signals
and this unit, set the INPUT A switch to MIC/LINE.
To monitor an input signal press the REC button for the track set
to record that signal. That track’s REC indicator will light/blink.
Using phantom power NOTE
When connecting a condenser microphone that requires When the unit is playing back, both the playback signal
phantom power, follow the procedures below to turn phantom and the input source signals are mixed and output through
power ON. When phantom power is ON, phantom power is the PHONES and LINE OUT jacks and can be heard with
provided to the XLR jacks of both INPUT A and INPUT B. connected headphones and monitoring systems.
1 When the recorder is stopped, press the PHANTOM button
to open the PHANTOM screen.

2 Press the F4 (ON) button to turn phantom power ON. The

indicator above the PHANTOM button lights, and the Home
Screen reopens.
To turn phantom power OFF, press the F1 (OFF) button
instead.
The following screen appears whenever phantom power is
being turned ON or OFF.

TASCAM DP-03SD 33
 6 – Basic Recording

OL indicators and level meters Assigning inputs

The audio levels of this unit can be checked using the INPUT A When using this unit, “assigning inputs” means setting the
and INPUT B OL indicators and the level meters shown on the recording source for each track to either INPUT A or INPUT B.
display. This unit can simultaneously record a maximum of two tracks.
The level meters allow the signal levels to be monitored, and You can also record one input to two tracks simultaneously (in
they can also be used to confirm whether signals are being this case, you cannot use the other input). You cannot assign two
input into the unit. For example, if the A and B level meters are inputs to the same track.
moving a signal is being input into the unit even if you cannot
1 When the recorder is stopped, press the ASSIGN button to
hear anything when monitoring.
open the INPUT ASSIGN screen.
As shown below, if a “–” appears at the top of a level meter, the
level is too high (when a “–” appears, it will stay on screen for a
while before automatically disappearing). If the level is too loud,
the sound might be distorted, so lower the level until the “–”
stops appearing.
If an OL indicator lights, the signal from the input source could
By default, A (INPUT A) is assigned as the recording source
be too loud or the TRIM knob set too high.
for tracks 1, 3, 5 and 7, and B (INPUT B) is assigned as the
If the OL indicator lights even though the TRIM knob is set to recording source for tracks 2, 4, 6 and 8.
the minimum position, the input source signal is too strong.
Lower the volume on the input source. 2 Use the REC button to set the input source for each track to
either A (INPUT A) or B (INPUT B).
Each time you press the REC button the setting switches
Overload indication between A and B.
3 After making the settings, press the HOME button to return
to the Home Screen.

Input level meters (A, B)

The and level meters on the left side of the display show Using input EQ (equalizer)
the input levels of INPUT A and INPUT B.
INPUT A and INPUT B each have a two-band equalizer (EQ).
Use the INPUT A and INPUT B TRIM knobs and the output
volumes of the input sources to adjust the level. Use the INPUT EQ screen to make input EQ settings.

Track level meters (1–8) 1 Press the EQ button to open the EQ SETTING screen.
These level meters show either the playback signal levels or the
input signal levels of the corresponding tracks.
The signal levels shown by the track level meters depend on the
operating conditions as shown below.
Level meter
REC indicator Transport status
display contents
Track playback
Unlit Playback
signal
Blinks (record Track playback
Playback
standby) signal
Blinks (record
Stopped Track input signal
standby)
Lit (during
Recording Track input signal
recording)

NOTE
When the playback signal is being shown, the level of the
This shows the setting screen for track one (TR1).
recorded signal of the track is shown, so the levels shown by
the meters cannot be changed. 2 Press the F1 (INPUT) button to open the INPUT EQ
When the input signal is being shown, the levels shown by screen. This shows the setting screen for IN A.
the meters can be changed using the TRIM knobs for INPUT
A and INPUT B.
Stereo level meter (L, R)
These show the stereo bus output level of this unit. Adjust the
output level with the MASTER fader.

34 TASCAM DP-03SD
 6 – Basic Recording
The equalizer parameters are as follows. input EQ. Therefore, when using input EQ, you should also
watch the level meter of the track that has the affected input
GAIN FREQ
signal assigned to it.
High-frequency value
High-frequency gain
Setting range: 1.7–18 • The OL indicator lights if the input is too loud.
Hi Setting range: ±12 dB • If the OL indicator stays lit even when you lower the TRIM
kHz
(Default value: 0.0 dB) knob for that input, lower the input source signal level.
(Default value: 5 kHz)
Low-frequency value 3 Press and hold the RECORD (–) button and press the PLAY
Low-frequency gain
Setting range: 32 (Á) button to start recording. The RECORD (–) button lights
Lo Setting range: ±12 dB
Hz–1.6 kHz red and the track REC indicator stops blinking and stays lit.
(Default value: 0.0 dB)
(Default value: 350 Hz)
4 Press the STOP (ª) button to stop recording.
Use the F2 (IN B) (or (IN A)) button to switch between If you want to check a part of the recording, use the REW
INPUT A and INPUT B. (Ô) (TO ZERO) button, for example, to locate to it.
Use the EQ HIGH knob to adjust the Hi gain and the EQ
TIP
LOW knob to adjust the Lo gain.
Use the TO LAST REC function to locate to the last position
Use the F3 (§) and F4 (¶) button to select Hi or Lo, and
that recording started and the TO ZERO function to return
use the DATA wheel to set the FREQ value.
to the start of the song (00:00:00), for example, to
Press the F1 (TRACK) button to return to the EQ move through a recording easily. For information about the
SETTING screen. forward and backward search functions, see “Locate and
3 After making the setting, press the HOME button to return search functions” on page 39.
to the Home Screen. 5 Press the PLAY (Á) button to play back the recorded track.
NOTE Use the track faders and MASTER fader to adjust the
When input EQ is ON for an input, the input is shown on the playback level. Adjust the PHONES LEVEL knob or the
Home Screen as in the illustration below. volume control on your monitoring system to set the final
monitoring volume. Use the PAN knobs to set the stereo
position of each track between the left and right speakers.
NOTE
The track PAN knobs and level faders control that recorded
INPUT EQ is ON track’s playback output signal or the monitored input signal.
They do not control the signal being recorded to the track.
If you are not satisfied with the recorded sound, follow the
Making the first recording procedures above again from the beginning.

Before beginning the following recording procedures, connect a

recording source to an input, assign that input as the recording Multitrack recording
source for a track, and prepare your monitors (headphones).
You can record new sounds to different tracks while playing
1 Press the REC button of the track that you want to record back already recorded tracks.
on. The REC indicator blinks red (this status is called “record
standby”).
A maximum of two tracks can be recorded simultaneously. Prepare tracks for recording
If you press a different REC button when two track REC
1 Press the REC buttons of the already recorded tracks to
indicators are already blinking, the track that was put
disarm recording to them (REC indicators OFF).
into record standby first will become inactive and its REC
indicator will become unlit. 2 Press the REC buttons of the tracks that you want to record
to put them into record standby (REC indicators blinking).
For example, if you press the REC buttons for TRACK 1,
TRACK 2 and TRACK 3 in that order, TRACK 1, which was
pressed first, will no longer be in record standby, but TRACK Track pan and level settings
2 and TRACK 3, which were pressed afterwards, will still be in
Use the track faders and PAN knobs of the already recorded
record standby.
tracks to adjust their levels and stereo positions for monitoring
2 Set the recording level. their playback signals while making new recordings.
Use the INPUT A or INPUT B TRIM knob to adjust the input
level. Watch the A or B level meter on the display and the
OL indicator above and to the left of the TRIM knob while Input selection and assignment
setting the level suitably. Use the procedures described earlier in this chapter to assign
At the same time, confirm that sound heard from the input sources to tracks for recording.
headphones or the monitoring system is not distorted.
NOTE
• The level meter of the track that has an input signal
assigned to it shows the input level after the application of

TASCAM DP-03SD 35
 6 – Basic Recording

Setting input levels Undoing the last operation (single undo)

After making the above settings, press the PLAY (Á) button to Press the UNDO/REDO [HISTORY] button to return to the state
start playback. before the last operation was conducted. After doing this, the
Just as though you were recording, you can monitor the sound UNDO/REDO indicator lights, showing that redo (see below) is
of already recorded tracks playing back and the input sources on possible.
the tracks for recording, allowing you to check the monitoring
balance and volume. Adjust the input levels suitably as you UNDO/REDO
indicator
monitor both playback and input signals.

Record additional tracks

Press and hold the RECORD (–) button and press the PLAY (Á)
button to start the new recordings to the other tracks while
monitoring the playback signal

Undoing an operation Cancelling an undo operation (redo)

This unit allows you to undo an operation or recording that did Press the UNDO/REDO [HISTORY] buttons when its indicator is
not work as planned or was otherwise unsatisfactory. Undo can lit to return to the state of the last operation. The UNDO/REDO
be used on many ordinary operations, including editing and indicator becomes unlit.
recording operations.
NOTE
This unit has two types of undo functions. Single undo can be
If single undo is used when multi-undo (described below)
used with a simple button press, while multi-undo allows you to
has already been used to return the unit to a previous state,
return to a specific past operation and undo the operations that
it will go one more step backward.
occurred after it.
If you press the UNDO/REDO [HISTORY] button again
NOTE to redo, the single undo operation is cancelled, and the
The UNDO/REDO indicator lights when a single undo or previous multi-undo state is restored. In this case, the
multi-undo has been conducted operations undone by multi-undo are still retained in
history, so the UNDO/REDO indicator stays lit.

Undoing a previous operation (multi-undo)

1 Press and hold the UNDO/REDO [HISTORY] button to open
the HISTORY screen.

This screen shows the operation history as a list. Each

operation in the list is called an “event.”
The event list starts at the bottom with event number “0”
(-START UP-) and proceeds up to the most recent
event at the top, which has a * next to it.
All events in this list that occurred after a selected event
can be undone at once. This operation is called “multi-undo”
because it allows you to undo multiple events and return to
an earlier state.
2 Use the DATA wheel to select the event that you want to
return to (all events after the selected event will be undone).

36 TASCAM DP-03SD
 6 – Basic Recording
3 Press the F2 (EXEC) button to execute the multi-undo and 3 Press the F3 (YES) button.
restore the song state to just after the selected event was Another confirmation message appears again.
conducted. In this state, the UNDO/REDO indicator lights.
The event information undone through the above operation
is not erased. The unit has simply been returned to a
previous state. On the HISTORY screen, a * appears next
to the most recent event after undoing.

NOTE 4 Press the F3 (YES) button to clear the operation history and
When the HISTORY screen is open, the UNDO/REDO erase the unused data.
[HISTORY] button does not function, so single undo and The Home Screen reopens when this operation completes.
redo cannot be used.
NOTE
CAUTION To cancel erasing the operation history, press the F4 (NO)
• When saving a song, a maximum of 500 operation history button.
items can be saved with the song data. If the operation
history exceeds 500 items, the oldest events in the history TIP
are erased when the song is saved. These erased events • If you open the HISTORY screen immediately after
cannot be restored. erasing the operation history, the event (operation) that
• When the power is turned OFF (STANDBY) the operation appears is “0” (-START UP-), confirming that all
history is completely erased. The operation history is not operation history has been cleared.
restored when the power is turned ON again. • If you want to keep the operation history even when you
power OFF (STANDBY), turn song protect ON before turning
the power OFF (STANDBY) (see “Protecting songs” on page
Erasing the operation history 32).
When the power is turned OFF (STANDBY), the operation history
CAUTION
of the currently loaded song is erased (cleared).
You cannot undo erasing the operation history! Only erase it
When the power is turned ON again, the song last in use is
when you are certain that you want to do so.
reloaded in the same state it was in when the power was turned
OFF (STANDBY). The operation history is not restored, however,
so past operations cannot be undone or redone.

NOTE
The operation histories of songs that are not loaded are not
erased when the power is turned OFF (STANDBY).
Using the following procedures, you can also erase (clear)
the operation history of the currently loaded song without
turning the power OFF.
1 Press and hold the UNDO/REDO [HISTORY] button to open
the HISTORY screen.

2 Press the F4 (CLEAR) button.

A confirmation message appears.

TASCAM DP-03SD 37
 7 – Recorder Functions
NOTE
Punching in and out
Press the switch (pedal) that you have set to PUNCH in the
Punching in/out is a technique to replace a part of an already foot switch settings. By default, the center pedal (Foot SW
recorded track. C) is set to PUNCH. (See “Setting the foot switch” on page
Start playback and when you reach the part that you want 38.)
to replace, switch to record (punch in), then switch back to
playback (or stop) when you finish the part that you want to Setting the foot switch
replace (punch out).
Set the foot switch on the PREFERENCE screen.
1 Decide what part of the track you plan to replace and choose
a point to begin where the new recording can sit well with 1 When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU button to
the existing recording. open the MENU screen.
2 Press the REC button of the track that you plan to replace 2 Use the DATA wheel to select PREFERENCE, and press
part of to start record standby (REC indicator blinks). the F4 (¥) button to open the PREFERENCE screen.
3 Start playback before the part of the track that you want to 3 Use the F3 (§) and F4 (¶) buttons to select FootSW L.
replace.
4 Press the RECORD (–) button to start recording (punch
in) when you reach the part. Play or sing what you want to
record.
5 Press the PLAY (Á) button to switch to playback (punch
out) when you finish the replacement recording. 4 Use the DATA wheel to select the function to assign to the
left foot switch pedal.
NOTE
5 In the same way, use the Foot SW C item to set the
When the recording source is set to a built-in microphone
function of the center pedal and the Foot SW R item to
(INTERNAL MIC A/B), the sound of pressing a button to
set the function of the right pedal.
punch in and out could be recorded. This can be avoided
by using a foot switch to punch in and out or the automatic 6 After making the settings, press the HOME button to return
punching in and out functions. (See “Automatically punching to the Home Screen.
in and out” on page 43.) Setting Function

TIP PLAY Same as the unit’s PLAY (Á) button

REC Same as the unit’s RECORD (–) button
You can also press the STOP (ª) key to punch out at the end
of the replacement recording. STOP Same as the unit’s STOP (ª) button
Same as the unit’s F FWD () (TO LAST REC)
F FWD
button
Using the foot switch to punch in/out REW Same as the unit’s REW (Ô) (TO ZERO) button
Using a foot switch connected to the REMOTE jack on the rear Press during playback to PUNCH IN and during
PUNCH
panel, you can punch in and out. recording to PUNCH OUT
In step 4 above, step on the foot switch instead of pressing the Press when stopped to start playback, and press
PLY/STP
RECORD (–) button. In step 5, step on the foot switch again at any other time to stop
instead of pressing the PLAY (Á) button. CUE Locate to the last point where playback started
Default values: CUE (L), PUNCH (C), PLY/STP (R)

Foot switch
TASCAM RC-3F (optional)

38 TASCAM DP-03SD
 7 – Recorder Functions
For a stereo bounce, press the REC buttons for any two
Bouncing tracks tracks. For a mono bounce (bouncing the mix to a single
Use this unit’s bounce function to mix already recorded tracks track) press the REC button for any one track.
(1–8) down to one or two tracks. 3 Adjust the track faders and PAN knobs for the bounce source
Multitrack tape recorders can only bounce to an open track (in tracks.
other words, they can not record to a track that is also a source When making a stereo bounce, the lower numbered track is
of the mix). For example, tracks 1–7 could be bounced to track the left (L) side.
8, but tracks 1–8 could not be bounced to track 1. This unit, For a mono bounce, turn the PAN knobs of the bounce
however, does not have this limitation. You can bounce tracks source tracks all the way to L.
1–8 to mix down to tracks 1 and 2 (stereo bounce), or bounce Use the MASTER fader to adjust the overall level.
tracks 1–8 as a mono mix to track 1 (mono bounce).
4 After returning to the start of the song, press the PLAY (Á)
NOTE button while pressing and holding the RECORD (–) button
Inside this unit, a mixdown is made to create a mix master to start the bounce.
that is recorded to the designated tracks.
TRACK 1 TRACK 8
Confirming the result
TRACK 2 TRACK 3 TRACK 4 TRACK 5 TRACK 6 TRACK 7
Drum L Drum R Perc. L Perc. R Bass Piano L Piano R SE Mute the bounce source tracks (see “Muting tracks” on page
49), and play the song from the beginning.
If you are not satisfied with the result because, for example, the
balance between instruments is poor, or the pan settings are
Bounce tracks 1-8 to mix down to tracks 1-2 wrong, use the undo function (see “Undoing the last operation
(single undo)” on page 36).
If you are satisfied with the result, press the BOUNCE button to
return to the MULTI TRACK mode.
TRACK 1 & 2 TRACK 3 TRACK 4 TRACK 5 TRACK 6 TRACK 7 TRACK 8
Perc. L
(Over-
Perc. R
(Over-
Bass
(Over-
Piano L
(Over-
Piano R
(Over-
SE
(Over-
After bouncing tracks, you can make new recordings over the
Rhythm, Bass,
Piano, SE
writing
possible)
writing
possible)
writing
possible)
writing
possible)
writing
possible)
writing
possible) other tracks.

TIP
New recording possible on tracks 3-8
If it is possible that you might need the original tracks at
TRACK 1 & 2 TRACK 3 TRACK 4 TRACK 5 TRACK 6 TRACK 7 TRACK 8 some later time, back-up the track data to a computer or
Rhythm, Bass,
Piano, SE
Guitar L Guitar R Lead
Guitar
Lead
Vocal
Chorus L Chorus R
copy the song before bouncing (see “Backing-up songs”
on page 61 and “Connecting with a computer” on page
Source tracks are erased when they are bounce destinations. 60).
(In the illustration above the drum parts are overwritten
by the stereo mix). However, you can use the unit’s (undo)
function to return to the previous state if you make a Locate and search functions
mistake (see “Undoing the last operation (single undo)” on
page 36).
Direct locate function
Using the bounce function The current recorder position is shown at the top of the
display as “hours: minutes: seconds: frames” (there are 30
1 In multitrack mode, press the BOUNCE button.
frames per second). You can move the current recorder
position to a specific time by inputting it here.
1 On the Home Screen, use the HOME button to move the
cursor (underline) between time divisions. You can edit the
value at the cursor positions.
The seconds are selected in the following figure.

After the Bounce ! pop-up message appears, the unit

switches to BOUNCE mode and the Home Screen reopens.

2 Press the REC buttons for the bounce destination tracks (the
indicators blink).

TASCAM DP-03SD 39
 7 – Recorder Functions
2 Turn the DATA wheel to change the value above the cursor. NOTE
When adjusting, the value will carry over automatically when • Press the F1 (EXIT), LOCATE LIST [LOCATE SET] or HOME
it reaches the highest or lowest value in a field. For example, button to return to the Home Screen.
when turning the DATA wheel to increase the value in the
seconds field, the number will change from 59 to 0 and the • If the current song does not have any location marks, the
location mark list will not open. A No Locate Mark
minutes value will increase by one. The time display blinks
pop-up appears briefly and then the I/O SETTING
when using the DATA wheel. The blinking stops when the
screen opens.
recorder moves to the displayed position.
3 Press the HOME button to move to a different time division
and turn the DATA wheel to change the value. To delete a location mark
4 After setting the desired time value, press the PLAY (Á) You can erase a location mark when the recorder is stopped.
button to start playback from that position.
1 Press the LOCATE LIST [LOCATE SET] button to show the
location mark list.
Location marks
The unit can store up to 999 location marks per song! Use these
to mark the start of verses, vocal entry points, etc.

To set a location mark 2 Use the DATA wheel to select a mark and press the F2
While stopped, recording or playing, press and hold the LOCATE (EDIT) to bring up the edit screen.
LIST [LOCATE SET] button at the point where you want the new
mark.
The mark number is shown next to the icon on the Home
Screen. The mark number you see is the one at or immediately
before the current position. In the example below, 001
indicates thefirst mark in the selected song. 3 Press the F2 (DEL) button to erase that mark and return to
the LOCATE LIST screen.
4 Press the F1 (EXIT), LOCATE LIST [LOCATE SET] or HOME
button to return to the Home Screen.
NOTE
• The marks are shown in the order they appear in the song,
NOTE not by number.
Marks are numbered in the order you enter them, not • This operation cannot be undone. Be certain before
according to their position in the song. Mark 005 can executing it.
therefore appear in a song before mark 001.
To edit a location mark
To move to a location mark If you made a mistake when you entered a location mark, you
Press the LOCATE LIST [LOCATE SET] to show the location mark can change the time of the mark.
list:
TIP
This is sometimes called “trimming”.
1 Press the LOCATE LIST [LOCATE SET] button to show the
location mark list.

Use the DATA wheel to choose a mark (they’re listed in the order
they appear in the song) and press F4 (JUMP) to jump to that
mark.

40 TASCAM DP-03SD
 7 – Recorder Functions
2 Use the DATA wheel to select a mark and press the F2
(EDIT) to bring up the edit screen.
Repeat playback
Use the repeat playback function to play the same part again
and again.
The repeated passage is time between the IN and OUT points.

Using IN, OUT and TO points

NOTE
In addition to setting the repeat playback interval, the IN and
• The marks are shown in the order they appear in the song,
not by number. OUT points are also used to set track editing intervals and as the
punch in and punch out points when automatically punching
3 Use the F3 (˙) and F4 (¥) buttons to move the cursor in and out. Moreover, these points are used as the starting and
between time fields. ending points when creating a master track.
4 Turn the DATA wheel to change the value above the cursor. You can set these points during recording, playback or when the
When adjusting, the value will carry over automatically when unit is stopped.
it reaches the highest or lowest value in a field. For example,
when turning the DATA wheel to increase the value in the NOTE
seconds field, the number will change from 59 to 0 and the The IN, OUT and TO points cannot be set or edited at the
minutes value will increase by one. following times.
NOTE • During repeat playback
You can’t move a mark forward past the next mark in the • When in automatic punch in and out mode
list, or backwards to before the previous mark in the list. • When the recorder is in MIXDOWN or MASTERING mode
5 After you have finished editing, press the F1 (EXIT) button • When the LOCATE LIST or I/O SETTING
to confirm the edited value and return to the LOCATE screen is open
LIST screen. Setting IN, OUT and TO points
Regardless of whether the unit is stopped, playing back or
Return To Zero (TO ZERO) and Last Recording recording, you can set these points at the positions you like by
Position (TO LAST REC) pressing and holding the IN [SET IN], OUT [SET OUT] or TO [SET
TO] button. The corresponding IN, OUT or TO point is set at the
Use simple button operations to return to the top of a song or to
time when you began pressing and holding the button, and the
the position where recording last started.
time set appears below a pop-up message (SET IN !, SET
Return to the zero point (song beginning at 00:00:00:00) OUT ! or SET TO ! as appropriate).
Press the REW (Ô) (TO ZERO) button while pressing and
holding the STOP (ª) button. (TO ZERO function)
Last Recording Position (the position recording last started)
Press the F FWD () (TO LAST REC) button while pressing
and holding the STOP (ª) button.
SET IN pop-up message
This function is useful when you want to record the same
passage again. Locating to IN, OUT and TO points
Regardless of whether the unit is stopped or playing back, you
can press the IN [SET IN], OUT [SET OUT] or TO [SET TO] button
Fast forward/rewind search
to locate the corresponding point.
Press the REW (Ô) (TO ZERO) or F FWD () (TO You can also use the I/O SETTING screen to locate.
LAST REC) button when stopped to rewind or fast forward,
respectively. 1 Press the LOCATE LIST [LOCATE SET] button to open a list
of location marks.
Each time you press one of these keys, the speed increases from
10x to 50x, 100x and 1000x.
Press these buttons during playback to search backward or
forward while pressing. The search speed is fixed at 10 times
normal playback speed.

2 Press the F3 (POINT) button to open the I/O

SETTING screen.

TASCAM DP-03SD 41
 7 – Recorder Functions
NOTE 7 Press the F4 (JUMP) button to locate to the point.
If the current song does not have any location marks, the To return to the home screen without locating to the point,
location mark list will not open. A “No Locate Mark” press the F1 (EXIT) or HOME button instead.
pop-up appears briefly and then the I/O SETTING
screen opens.
Using repeat playback
3 Use the DATA wheel to select the mark, and press the F4
(JUMP) button to locate to the designated point. 1 Set the starting (IN) and ending (OUT) points for the time
that you want to repeat, and then return to the Home
Editing IN, OUT and TO points
Screen.
1 Press the LOCATE LIST [LOCATE SET] button to open the 2 Press the REPEAT button to start repeat playback.
location mark list. The repeat icon on the Home Screen appears.

2 Press the F3 (POINT) button to open the I/O

SETTING screen.

Repeat icon

NOTE
If the current song does not have any location marks, the Playback starts from the IN point. When the OUT point is
location mark list will not open. A No Locate Mark reached, after the repeat interval elapses, playback starts
pop-up appears briefly and then the I/O SETTING again from the IN point. Playback continues to repeat
screen opens. between the IN and OUT points.
3 Use the DATA wheel to select a mark, and press the F2 3 Press the REPEAT button again to stop repeat playback.
(EDIT) button to open the I/O SETTING screen in The repeat icon on the Home Screen disappears.
editing mode.
The next section explains how to set the repeat interval that
determines the amount of time until playback starts again after
the OUT point is reached.

Setting the interval between repetitions

4 Use the F3 (˙) and F4 (¥) buttons to move the time unit The interval can be set from 1.0 to 9.9 seconds.
cursor.
1 When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU button to
5 Use the DATA wheel to change the value of the unit at open the MENU screen.
the cursor. The larger adjacent time unit will automatically
increase or decrease when a unit is turned past its high or 2 Turn the DATA wheel to select PREFERENCE, and press
low limit. For example, when the DATA wheel is turned to the F4 (¥) button to open the PREFERENCE screen.
increase the second unit past 59, it will become “00” and 3 Use the F3 (§) and F4 (¶) buttons to select the setting
the minute unit will increase by one. value for the Repeat Int item. Turn the DATA wheel to
6 Press the F1 (EXIT) button when you are done editing set the value from 1.0 to 9.9 sec. in 0.1-sec. units.
the point to confirm the value and return to the I/O
SETTING screen.

The default setting is 1.0sec.

4 When finished making settings, press the HOME button to
return to the Home Screen.

42 TASCAM DP-03SD
 7 – Recorder Functions

Automatically punching in and out Using auto punch in/out to record

When you are done rehearsing, you can use auto punch in/out
When an IN point and an OUT point are set, press the AUTO
for recording.
PUNCH button to enter auto punch in/out mode.
1 While in auto punch in/out mode, press and hold the
Auto punch in/out RECORD (–) button, and press the PLAY (Á) button.
mode icon In the same way as during rehearsal, playback begins from
two seconds before the IN point. Recording occurs and the
RECORD (–) indicator lights between the IN and OUT points.
Auto punch in/out mode includes a rehearsal function. When 2. One second after reaching the OUT point, the recorder
using this function, monitoring between the IN and OUT points automatically stops, auto punch in/out mode is exited and
in the same way as when recording is possible without actually the transport locates to two seconds before the IN point.
recording. NOTE
• Auto punch in/out mode cannot be entered during repeat
Rehearsal mode or if no REC button has been pushed.
• Auto punch in/out can be undone.
1 When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU button to
open the MENU screen.
2 Press the REC buttons on tracks to use auto punch in/out
with them.
3 After setting the IN and OUT points, press the AUTO PUNCH
button to enter auto punch in/out mode.

4 Press the PLAY (Á) key.

Playback begins from two seconds before the IN point, and
the sound monitored on the recording track(s) switches at
the IN point from the track playback sound and the input
sound to just the input sound. The RECORD (–) indicator
blinks when between the IN and OUT points.
When playback reaches the OUT point, the track playback
sound and the input sound becomes the monitored sound
again, and the RECORD (–) indicator stops blinking and
turns off. Playback automatically stops one second after the
OUT point.
You can repeat rehearsal until you are satisfied.

TASCAM DP-03SD 43
 8 – Editing Tracks
Editing on a conventional tape recorder in the past required
advanced techniques, but with this unit editing tracks is easy
Basic editing procedures
and accurate. Moreover, with a tape recorder, an editing error 1 When the recorder is stopped and the Home Screen is open,
could not be undone, but this unit uses nondestructive editing, press the TRACK EDIT button to open the TRACK EDIT
allowing you to edit without altering the original data. This screen.
means that the undo function can be used to correct an edit
easily (see “Undoing the last operation (single undo)” on page
36).

Overview of track editing

2 Use the DATA wheel to select the desired track editing
This unit has the following track editing functions. function, and press the F4 (¥) button to open that function’s
• COPY/PASTE (copy and paste) screen.
• COPY/INSERT (copy and insert)
• MOVE/PASTE (move and paste)
• MOVE/INSERT (move and insert)
• OPEN (insert a silent section)
• CUT (remove part of a track)
3 Select the setting item value. If there are multiple setting
• SILENCE (erase part of a track)
items, use the F3 (§) and F4 (¶) buttons to select one. Turn
• CLONE TRACK (duplicate a track) the DATA wheel to set an item’s value.
• CLEAN OUT (erase a track) 4 Press the F2 (EXEC) button to execute the function.
Press the F1 (BACK) button to return to the TRACK
Editing points EDIT menu screen without executing the function.
Among the track editing functions, COPY/PASTE, COPY/INSERT,
MOVE/PASTE and MOVE/INSERT use the IN and OUT points as Explanation of items
editing points. They also use the current position when the
• SOURCE TRK
editing operation is begun as the TO point. SILENCE, CUT, and
OPEN use the IN and OUT points. These IN and OUT points are • OPEN TRK
the same IN and OUT points used during repeat playback. See • CUT TRK
“Using IN, OUT and TO points” on page 41 for instructions • SILENCE TRK
about how to do this. • CLEAN OUT TRK
IN point This is the track to be edited. The choices available depend on
The IN point is the starting point for the part of the track subject the editing function.
to track editing. 1 to 8: single tracks
•
The IN point is set at the time when you begin pressing the IN 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8: track pairs
•
[SET IN] button.
• 1-8: all tracks
OUT point • MST: stereo master track
The OUT point is the ending point for the part of the track • ALL: all tracks or the stereo master track
subject to track editing.
The OUT point is set at the time when you begin pressing the
OUT [SET OUT] button.
TO point
The TO point is used as the PASTE destination point for COPY
and MOVE operations. SOURCE TRK screen
The TO point is set at the time when you begin pressing the TO
[SET TO] button.
The IN, OUT and TO points can also be changed on various
editing screens.

CLEAN OUT TRK screen

44 TASCAM DP-03SD
 8 – Editing Tracks
IN/OUT/TO COPY TIMES
These points are used for editing. To change the IN, OUT or TO Set the number of times that the copied section will be pasted.
point, use the F3 (§) and F4 (¶) buttons to select one. Then, Set the number between 1 and 99.
use the REW (Ô) (TO ZERO) and F FWD () (TO LAST
REC) buttons to move the cursor and the DATA wheel to set the
time.

COPY/PASTE
IN point editing screen
IN OUT TO

IN OUT TO

OUT point editing screen

TO point editing screen This function copies the audio data from between the IN and
OUT points on the COPY source track, and pastes it on the COPY
DESTINATION TRK destination track starting from the TO point. This operation does
Select the track that you want to be the destination for a COPY, not change the COPY source track.
INSERT or MOVE operation. The choices depend on what you This operation overwrites recorded data on the COPY destination
have already chosen for the SOURCE TRK as the track to be track. Therefore, the length of the COPY destination track is not
edited. changed.
When a single track has been set as the SOURCE TRK, the You can make multiple copies in a single operation. In other
DESTINATION TRK choices are 1 to 8 (single tracks). words, you can overwrite the COPY destination track from the
When a track pair (for example, 1/2) has been set as the TO point with a designated number of repetitions of the COPY
SOURCE TRK, the DESTINATION TRK choices are data.
1/2, 3/4, 5/6 and 7/8 (track pairs). The following parameters are used in this operation.
When 1-8 (all tracks) has been set as the SOURCE TRK, the • SOURCE TRK (1 to 8, 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 1-8)
DESTINATION TRK choice is 1-8 (all tracks). In other • IN/OUT/TO
words, this setting cannot be changed in this case.
• DESTINATION TRK
• COPY TIMES

COPY/INSERT
IN OUT TO

IN OUT TO

This function copies the audio data from between the IN and
OUT points on the COPY source track, and inserts it on the COPY
destination track starting from the TO point. This operation does
not change the COPY source track.

TASCAM DP-03SD 45
 8 – Editing Tracks
This operation inserts recorded data into the COPY destination
track. The recorded data on the COPY destination track after the
MOVE/INSERT
TO point is offset by the amount of time used by the inserted
audio data. Therefore, the COPY destination track becomes IN OUT TO
longer.
You can make multiple copies in a single operation. In other
words, you can insert a designated number of repetitions of the
COPY data into the COPY destination track from the TO point. IN OUT TO
The following parameters are used in this operation.
• SOURCE TRK (1 to 8, 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 1-8)
• IN/OUT/TO
• DESTINATION TRK
• COPY TIMES

The audio data between the IN and OUT points on the MOVE
MOVE/PASTE source track is removed and inserted in the MOVE destination
track from the TO point. This operation leaves a silence between
IN OUT TO
the IN and OUT points on the MOVE source track.
This operation inserts recorded data into the MOVE destination
track starting from the TO point. Therefore, the MOVE destination
track becomes longer.
IN OUT TO
The following parameters are used in this operation.
• SOURCE TRK (1 to 8, 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 1-8)
• IN/OUT/TO
• DESTINATION TRK

OPEN (insert silence)

The audio data between the IN and OUT points on the MOVE
IN OUT
source track is removed and pasted in the MOVE destination
track starting from the TO point. This operation leaves a silence
between the IN and OUT points on the MOVE source track.
This operation overwrites recorded data on the MOVE
IN OUT
destination track. Therefore, the length of the MOVE destination
track is not changed.
The following parameters are used in this operation.
• SOURCE TRK (1 to 8, 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 1-8)
• IN/OUT/TO
• DESTINATION TRK

This function inserts silence between the IN and OUT points on

the selected track.
This function splits the track at the IN point and shifts the
recorded data after the IN point to after the OUT point.
Therefore, the track becomes longer.
The following parameters are used in this operation.
• OPEN TRK (1 to 8, 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 1-8, ALL)
• IN/OUT

46 TASCAM DP-03SD
 8 – Editing Tracks

CUT (remove part) CLONE track (track duplication)

IN OUT

IN

Use this function to duplicate a single track, a track pair or the

This function cuts (deletes) the audio data between the IN and stereo master track on a different track or track pair. Each track is
OUT points on the selected track, and shifts the remaining copied entirely, so the IN/OUT/TO points have no effect.
recording after the OUT point forward to the IN point. Therefore, The following parameters are used in this operation.
the track becomes shorter.
• SOURCE TRK (1 to 8, 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8,1-8, MST)
The following parameters are used in this operation.
• DESTINATION TRK
• CUT TRK (1 to 8, 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 1-8, ALL)
NOTE
• IN/OUT
If you choose the same track for both the SOURCE TRK and
the DESTINATION TRK and press the F2 (EXEC) button, the
SILENCE (part erase) Same Track message appears and the operation is not
executed.
IN OUT

CLEAN out (track erase)

IN OUT

This function cuts (deletes) the audio data between the IN and
OUT points on the selected track, leaving silence between the IN
and OUT points, as though there had been no recording.
Use this function to completely erase the selected track. This
This operation does not change the length of the track.
erases the entire track, so the IN, OUT and TO points have no
The following parameters are used in this operation. effect.
• SILENCE TRK (1 to 8, 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 1-8) The following parameter is used in this operation.
• IN/OUT • CLEAN OUT TRK (1 to 8, 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 1-8)
TIP
Using this function, you can delete short noises, for example.

TASCAM DP-03SD 47
 9 – Mixing down and mastering tracks
2 Set the track EQ (equalizer).
Mixing down tracks The track equalizer has the following parameters.
Mixing down tracks is the process of adjusting the volumes and GAIN FREQ
stereo positions of each recorded track and mixing them into a High-frequency gain High-frequency value
well-balanced stereo track. Hi Setting range: ±12 dB Setting range: 1.7–18 kHz
(Default value: 0.0 dB) (Default value: 5 kHz)
Levels and balance Low-frequency gain
Low-frequency value
Setting range: 32 Hz–1.6
Use the TRACK 1-8 faders to adjust the relative balance of the Lo Setting range: ±12 dB
kHz
tracks. Then use the MASTER fader to adjust the overall level. (Default value: 0.0 dB)
(Default value: 350 Hz)
Watching the L and R meters on the display, adjust the level
until it is suitable. Use the REC button to select the track.
If the volume is too loud, the sound will be distorted. Use the EQ HIGH knob to adjust the Hi gain and the EQ
LOW knob to adjust the Lo gain.
NOTE
Use the F3 (§) and F4 (¶) buttons to select Hi or Lo, and
The track meters on the display show the recorded signal use the DATA wheel to set the FREQ value.
levels of the tracks. Therefore, these meters do not change
Press the F1 (INPUT) button to make INPUT EQ
when the TRACK faders are adjusted.
settings. (See “Using input EQ (equalizer)” on page 34.)
TIP 3 After making the setting, press the HOME button to return
You do not need to keep the entire song at the same volume. to the Home Screen.
For example, you could gradually increase the volume NOTE
during a guitar solo.
When track EQ is applied to a track, the track is shown on
the Home Screen as in the illustration below.
Stereo position (panning)
Use the PAN knobs of the tracks to adjust the stereo positions of
their signals.
TRACK EQ is ON

Track EQ (equalizer)
Track EQ is used on all tracks in the example above.
Each track has a 2-band equalizer (EQ).
Set the track EQ using the EQ SETTING screen.
Reverb
1 Press the EQ button to open the EQ SETTING screen.
This unit has six types of reverb effects.
Adjust the level of the signal sent to the reverb effect from each
track by using their REVERB knobs.

NOTE
Both reverb and track EQ (equalization) can be used the
same time. The reverb is applied after the track EQ.

48 TASCAM DP-03SD
 9 – Mixing down and mastering tracks
1 Press the REVERB button to open the REVERB NOTE
SETTING screen. The default values of each reverb type are as follows.
Default values
TYPE
TIME LEVEL
Hall 1 1.8 80
Hall 2 2.2 80
Room 1.4 10
Studio 0.6 20
Plate 1 1.4 60
Plate 2 1.8 60
When a setting value is the same as the default value for the
reverb type, INI appears below that setting value.

Muting tracks
1 Press the MUTE button to open the TRACK MUTE screen.
2 Set the reverb using the following parameters.
Parameters Setting values
Hall 1, Hall 2, Room, Studio, Plate
TYPE Reverb type 1, Plate 2
(Default: Hall 1)
Reverb time
TIME 0.2 (0.8 for Plate types) – 3.2 Sec
(depth)
Reverb
LEVEL amount 0–100
(volume)

Use the F3 (˙) and F4 (¥) buttons to select parameters,

and use the DATA wheel to set the parameters.
The reverb return signal (signal after the effect is applied) is
mixed into the stereo signal.
3 After making the reverb setting, press the HOME button to
return to the Home Screen. 2 Press the REC button of each track to turn mute ON or OFF
4 Use the track REVERB knobs to adjust the amount of track for it. When mute is ON, the track number is shown in inverse
signal sent to the reverb effect. (dark number on light background).

Tracks 2,3,4 and 7 are muted in the example above.

3 After muting the desired tracks, press the HOME button to
return to the Home Screen.
NOTE
When tracks are muted, their track numbers also appear in
inverse (dark number on light background) on the Home
Screen as shown below.

Tracks 2, 3, 4 and
7 are muted

Creating a stereo master track

When you are satisfied with your mix, this unit can record the
mixed down tracks and create a stereo master track internally.

TASCAM DP-03SD 49
 9 – Mixing down and mastering tracks
A stereo master track recorded by this unit is saved as part of the • Some playback functions and other functions do not work
song. when the unit is in mixdown mode. If you try to use one of
This stereo master track can be recorded by an external stereo these functions, an “In Mixdown Mode” pop-up message
recorder, and can also be converted by the unit into a WAV file appears.
and exported to a computer. (See “Exporting a stereo master 2 Press and hold the RECORD (–) button and press the PLAY
track” on page 65.) (Á) button to start the mixdown. The RECORD (–) button
indicator lights.
NOTE
Regardless of the recorder’s current playback position, the
Only one stereo master track can be saved in each song. mixdown starts from the IN point.
Use the TRACK faders and PAN knobs as necessary to mix the
Setting the starting and ending points tracks to stereo. These adjustments will be reflected in the
stereo master track.
Before creating a stereo master track, set the stereo master track
When the recorder reaches the OUT point, recording
start and end points. The time between the song’s IN point and
automatically stops.
the OUT point will be recorded as the stereo master track.
Ordinarily, set the beginning of the song as the IN point and the 3 If you want to redo the creation of the stereo master track,
end of the song as the OUT point. press and hold the RECORD (–) button and press the
Press and hold the IN [SET IN] button where you want to set the PLAY (Á) button to begin. A new stereo master track will
be created, and the previous stereo master track will be
start (IN) point of the stereo master track, and press and hold the
overwritten.
OUT [SET OUT] button where you want to set the end (OUT)
point. NOTE
For details about how to change the IN and OUT points, see After recording the stereo master track, you can play back
“Using IN, OUT and TO points” on page 41. the stereo master track to check it. (See “Checking the stereo
master track” on page 51.)

Recording a stereo master track TIP

After setting the IN and OUT points, you are ready to record the You can also undo the creation of a stereo master track. In
stereo master track. other words, after recording the stereo master track multiple
times, you can undo and use a stereo master track that you
1 In MULTITRACK mode, press the MIXDOWN/MASTERING recorded earlier.
button.

Exiting MIXDOWN mode

Press the MIXDOWN/MASTERING button twice to return to
MULTITRACK mode.

After the Mixdown ! pop-up message appears the

unit switches to MIXDOWN mode and the Home Screen
reopens.

In this state, if you play back or record, you can hear the
signal of the mixed tracks (the signal being recorded)
through headphones or a monitoring system.

NOTE
• When in MIXDOWN mode, MIXDOWN appears in the bar at
the upper left of the display.
• If you try to enter MIXDOWN mode when the length of the
interval between IN and OUT points is less than 4 seconds,
a Trk Too Short pop-up message appears and you
cannot enter MIXDOWN mode.
• In MIXDOWN mode, you cannot change the IN, OUT or TO
points.

50 TASCAM DP-03SD
 9 – Mixing down and mastering tracks

Checking the stereo master track End stereo master track checking
When you are done checking the stereo master track, press the
Follow these procedures to listen to a stereo master track after
MIXDOWN/MASTERING button to return to MULTITRACK mode.
you have completed recording it.
1 In MIXDOWN mode, press the MIXDOWN/MASTERING
button. Mastering the stereo master track
After the Mastering ! pop-up message appears the
unit switches to MASTERING mode and the Home Screen This unit has specialized tools for mastering the stereo
reopens. master track. Use multi-band compression, equalization and
normalization to adjust the overall volume and sound quality.
Put the unit into MASTERING mode and use the mastering tools
to finish (master) the stereo master track.

Mastering procedures
NOTE Follow these steps to master a stereo track.
• When in MASTERING mode, MASTERING appears in the Step 1. Enter MASTERING mode.
bar at the upper left of the display. In mixdown mode, press the MIXDOWN/MASTERING button.
• When in MULTITRACK mode, press the MIXDOWN/ After the Mastering ! pop-up message appears the unit switches
MASTERING button to activate MIXDOWN mode, and then to MASTERING mode and the Home Screen reopens.
press the MIXDOWN/MASTERING button again to activate
MASTERING mode.
• MASTERING mode cannot be entered if there is no stereo
master track.

2 In this state, press the PLAY (Á) button to start playback of

the stereo master track.
NOTE
NOTE
• When in MULTITRACK mode, press the MIXDOWN/
Confirm that both the EQ and COMP items are shown to MASTERING button to activate MIXDOWN mode, and then
be OFF. If either is ON, the sound heard will be affected by press the MIXDOWN/MASTERING button again to activate
the equalizer and/or compressor. (See “Using mastering MASTERING mode.
EQ (equalizer)” on page 52 and “Using mastering
• MASTERING mode cannot be entered if there is no stereo
compression” on page 52.)
master track.
3 In MASTERING mode, the transport controls have the
Step 2. Use the mastering tools to adjust the sound of the track.
following functions.
Press the F1 (EQ), F2 (COMP) or F3 (NORM) button to open the
• Press the PLAY (Á) button to play the stereo master screen for the desired tool.
track from the current position until its end.
These include MASTERING EQ (equalizer), MASTERING
• Use the REW (Ô) (TO ZERO) and F FWD () (TO COMP (compressor) and NORMALIZE screens. You can also
LAST REC) buttons to search backward and forward, in
select either a single band or multi-band compressor using the
the same way as in MULTITRACK mode.
library. The multi-band compressor screen is split into a LOW
• Press the STOP (ª) button to stop playback. BAND, a MID BAND and a HIGH BAND.
• Ordinary recording is not possible. Make settings for each on their screens. (For details, see “Using
• Repeat and location mark functions cannot be used. mastering compression,” “Using mastering EQ (equalizer)” and
Since the stereo master track playback signal is output from “Normalizing” below.)
the PHONES jack and LINE OUT jacks, you can record the In MASTERING mode, since you can use the PLAY (Á), STOP
output to an external stereo recorder. (ª), REW (Ô) (TO ZERO) and F FWD () (TO LAST
If you are not happy with the completed stereo master track, REC) transport buttons, adjust the settings as you monitor the
you can conduct a mixdown again. playback signal.
Step 3. Record with mastering effects.
NOTE
After adjusting the settings of the mastering tools, press and
To listen to a stereo master track recorded in a saved song, hold the RECORD (–) button and press the PLAY (Á) button to
load that song, set the recorder mode to MASTERING, start recording. During recording, the PLAY (Á) and RECORD
and press the PLAY (Á) button to start playback. (–) indicators light.
TIP Recording always starts from 00:00:00:00 regardless of
the current position.
A stereo master track can be copied to any track pair among
tracks 1–8 by creating a “clone” track (see “CLONE track Recording in MASTERING mode overwrites the stereo master
(track duplication)” on page 47). track.

TASCAM DP-03SD 51
 9 – Mixing down and mastering tracks
NOTE
Using mastering compression
If you stop recording in the middle, a stereo master track will
be created until the time when you stopped the unit. You can select either a single band or multi-band type of
mastering compressor from the library.
Step 4. Check the mastered recording.
Multi-band compressors divide the stereo master track into
Turn the equalizer and compressor OFF before playing back the
low, mid and high frequency ranges that can be processed
mastered stereo track to check the results of mastering. Undo
using independent settings, allowing adjustment of the overall
and redo can be used, so you can compare the sound before and
volume balance.
after mastering.
By using compression, you can reduce unwanted peaks and
If you are not satisfied with the result: increase the overall gain in order to raise the volume, creating a
Undo the recording to restore the stereo master track to the mastered sound with greater impact.
state before being overwritten and repeat the mastering
1 When the MASTERING screen is open, press the F2
procedures above from Step 1.
(COMP) button to open the MASTERING COMP screen.
NOTE
Undo and redo cannot be used when the unit is in
MASTERING mode. Switch to MULTITRACK or MIXDOWN
mode to use these functions.

2 Press the F3 (LIB) button to open the library screen.

Using mastering EQ (equalizer)
1 When the MASTERING screen is open, press the F1 (EQ)
button to open the MASTERING EQ screen.

3 Use the DATA wheel to select an item in the library, and

press the F4 (EXEC) button to confirm the selection.
Items with the TYPE of COMPX3 are multi-band, while
2 Set the mastering equalizer using the following parameters. COMPX1 items are single band compressors.
GAIN FREQ After the item loads from the library, the MASTERING
COMP screen reopens.
High-frequency gain High-frequency value
Hi Setting range: ±12 dB Setting range: 1.7–18 kHz 4 Next, press the F4 (PARM) button to open the parameter
(Default value: 0.0 dB) (Default value: 5 kHz) setting screen.
Low-frequency value
Low-frequency gain
Setting range: 32 Hz–1.6
Lo Setting range: ±12 dB
kHz
(Default value: 0.0 dB)
(Default value: 350 Hz)
Use the EQ HIGH knob to adjust the Hi gain and the EQ
LOW knob to adjust the Lo gain. At this time, the selected band is shown in the upper left. If it
Use the F3 (§) and F4 (¶) buttons to select Hi or Lo, and is a multi-band compressor, press the F2 (BAND) button to
use the DATA wheel to set the FREQ value. change the band that you are adjusting. Each time you press
this button, the band cycles through LOW, MID and HIGH
Whether the mastering equalizer is ON or OFF is shown in
band. For single band types, F2 switches between BAND
the upper left of the display. When OFF, press the F2 (ON)
and “A.MAKEUP.
button to turn EQ ON, and when ON press the F2 (OFF)
button to turn EQ OFF. 5 Use the F3 (§) and F4 (¶) buttons to select the value of the
item that you want to set, and use the DATA wheel to set it.
When a setting is at its default value, an “i” appears next to
it.
The setting items and their ranges are as follows.
THRSHLD: Set the threshold value that determines when
the compressor begins to operate. (Range: –32 dB to 0 dB in
3 After making the setting, press the F1 (BACK) button to 1 dB steps)
return to the Home Screen. RATIO: Set the compression ratio. (1.0: 1, 1.1: 1, 1.3: 1, 1.5: 1,
The EQ item on the MASTERING screen shows whether 1.7: 1, 2.0: 1, 2.5: 1, 3.0: 1, 3.5: 1, 4.0: 1, 5.0: 1, 6.0: 1, 8.0: 1, 16.0:
the mastering equalizer is currently ON or OFF. 1, inf: 1)
LEVEL: Set the output level. (Range: -20 dB to +20 dB in 1
dB steps)
6 When using a multi-band compressor, press the F2 (BAND)
button to open the next band. Make settings as necessary
for all brands.

52 TASCAM DP-03SD
 9 – Mixing down and mastering tracks
7 When using a single band compressor, press the F2 (BAND)
button to show the A.MAKEUP setting.
Using normalize
Use the normalize function to automatically adjust the volume.
This function detects the highest volume level and raises the
overall volume until the highest level reaches the maximum
limit.

CAUTION
You can turn this automatic gain makeup function ON to
automatically increase the volume when it is decreased by If you use equalization or compression after normalizing
the compressor. When a setting is at its default value, an “i” the track, distortion might occur. Use normalization
appears next to it. after adjusting the sound quality with equalization and
compression.
8 After making the parameters settings, press the F1 (BACK)
button to return to the MASTERING COMP screen. 1 When the MASTERING screen is open, press the F3
(NORM) button to open the NORMALIZE screen.
9 Use the F2 (SW) button to turn the compressor ON and OFF.
The ON/OFF status is shown on the MASTERING COMP
screen.

ON/OFF indication

2 Press the F4 (EXEC) button to normalize the track.

3 After normalization completes, press the F1 (BACK) button
to return to the MASTERING screen.
10 When you have finished making the settings, press the F1
(BACK) button to return to the MASTERING screen.
For information about compressor settings, see “14 – Copying the stereo master track
Mastering compressor settings list.” You can use the clone track function to copy the stereo master
track to other tracks. (See “CLONE track (track duplication)” on
page 47.)

Exiting MASTERING mode

Press the MIXDOWN/MASTERING button to exit MASTERING
mode and return to ordinary MULTITRACK mode.

TASCAM DP-03SD 53
 10 – Miscellaneous Functions
NOTE
Metronome
• When the metronome is operating, you can monitor the
This unit has a built-in metronome function that can be used sound of the metronome through connected external
when the recorder is operating. You can set it to function during speakers. In this case, the metronome sound might also be
both playback and recording or only during recording. recorded when you use a microphone to record.

1 Press the METRONOME button to open the METRONOME • When the metronome is operating, you can adjust the
screen. LEVEL, but other items on the METRONOME screen
cannot be changed. Moreover, during recording, you
cannot open the METRONOME screen. You can adjust the
LEVEL if you start recording while the METRONOME
screen is open and do not switch to a different screen.

TIP
• You can use the metronome like a click track to help keep
time when recording the first tracks (rhythm guitar, bass,
etc.) in a song.
• If you want to use the metronome when practicing, you
can either turn each track’s fader all the way down during
playback or play a song that does not have any recordings.

Tuner
Use the built-in chromatic tuner to tune guitars and wind
2 Set the following items. Use the F3 (§) and F4 (¶) buttons instruments.
to select each item, and turn the DATA wheel to change the In addition to the chromatic tuner mode, which allows you to
value. tune an instrument while looking at the tuning meter, this unit’s
MODE tuner, also has an oscillator mode that outputs a standard pitch.
OFF Default, metronome OFF

REC&PLAY
Functions both during Chromatic tuner mode
recording and playback
Functions only during 1 Connect a guitar or bass to INPUT A. INPUT B cannot be
REC ONLY used for tuning.
recording
Use built-in MIC A when tuning wind instruments, for
TEMPO example.
Set speed from 20 to 250 beats per minute (BPM). 2 Set the INPUT A switch to GUITAR (see “Selecting the input
The default setting is 120. sources” on page 33).
BEAT To use the built-in mic, set the INPUT A switch to INTERNAL
MIC A.
Set the frequency of the accent from 1 to 12 for different
time signatures.
The default setting is 4.
LEVEL
Set the metronome volume from 0 to 100.
The default setting is 100.
3 When finished making settings, press the HOME button to
return to the Home Screen.
The metronome functions according to the MODE setting
made in step 2 above.
The metronome signal is not recorded even if set to operate
during recording.

54 TASCAM DP-03SD
 10 – Miscellaneous Functions
3 When the recorder is stopped, press the TUNER button to
open the TUNER screen.
Oscillator mode
The value of the CALIB item (standard frequency) is 1 When the recorder is stopped, press the TUNER button to
selected. open the TUNER screen.

2 Press the F4 (OSC.) button to display the oscillator screen.

The following settings can be made on this screen.

CALIB
Use this to adjust the standard frequency of A4. The setting
range is 435Hz–445Hz.
4 Turn the DATA wheel to set the standard frequency of the A The default setting is 440Hz.
note between 435 and 445 Hz. The default setting is 440 Hz.
NOTE
5 Play the instrument and begin tuning. The pitch name
Use this to set the note output. The setting range is C3–B5.
closest to the string appears above the meters. Tune the
string roughly until the sound name that you want appears. The default setting is A4.
Then, fine tune the string until the rectangle at the middle of LEVEL
the meter darkens, showing that the string is in tune. If the Use this to set the output level. The setting range is 10
pitch is too low, a bar extends to the left of the middle and (minimum) – 100 (maximum).
if it is too high it extends to the right. The more out of tune,
the longer the bar appears. The default setting is 50.
Use the F3 (§) and F4 (¶) buttons to select parameters,
and use the DATA wheel to set the parameter values.
Use the F2 (ON) button to turn the output ON and OFF.

When the pitch played matches the note shown, the note
name appears between the ¥˙ icons.

Use the F1 (CHROM) button to change to chromatic tuner

mode.
3 When you have finished tuning, press the HOME button to
return to the Home Screen.
6 When finished tuning, press the HOME button to return to
the Home Screen.
NOTE
If you want to monitor the input sound, press the REC button
of a track that has INPUT A assigned to it.

TASCAM DP-03SD 55
 10 – Miscellaneous Functions

Automatic power saving function Viewing information

You can set the amount of time until the unit automatically turns You can view information about the current song, the SD card
OFF (enters standby) after its last activity or operation. and the firmware.
1. When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU button to 1 Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.
open the MENU screen. 2 Turn the DATA wheel to select INFORMATION and press
2. Use the DATA wheel to select (highlight) the the F4 (¥) button.
PREFERENCE item and press the F4 [t] button to open
the PREFERENCE screen.
3. Use the F3 [5] and F4 [b] buttons to select (highlight) the
Auto Power Save item setting value, and use the
DATA wheel to set it to one of the following values.
Options: OFF (does not turn off automatically), 3min, 5min, The INFORMATION screen SONG (1/3) page
10min, 30min (default value) appears.

4. After completing the setting, press the HOME button to The INFORMATION screen has three pages including this
return to the Home Screen. one.
3 Use the F3 (PREV) and F4 (NEXT) buttons to change the
Restoring the initial preference page. The pages contain the following information.
SONG (1/3) page: name and partition of currently
settings loaded song, remaining recording time on partition
You can restore the PREFERENCE screen settings to their
initial values (the values that they had when the unit was
shipped from the factory). This operation is called initialization.
1 When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU button to
open the MENU screen.
CARD (2/3) page: MTR partitions and capacities, FAT
2 Turn the DATA wheel to select PREFERENCE, and press
partition capacity
the F4 (¥) button to open the PREFERENCE screen.

F/W (3/3) page: system firmware version

3 Use the F3 (§) and F4 (¶) buttons to select Exec next to
the Initialize item.

4 Press F2 (EXEC) to open a confirmation screen.

5 Press F3 (YES) to initialize the unit. The PREFERENCE

screen reopens when the process finishes.
NOTE
Press the F4 (NO) button to cancel initialization.
6 When finished, press the HOME button to return to the
Home Screen.

56 TASCAM DP-03SD
 11 – SD Card Management
3 Turn the DATA wheel to select FORMAT and press the F4
Overview of partitions (¥) button.
As described in “Partitions and songs” on page 30, SD cards The FORMAT screen opens.
formatted by this unit are divided into partitions. MTR partitions
are for recording data while the FAT partition can be accessed
MTR partition size
with a personal computer. FAT partition size
The FAT partition is FAT32 format and can be accessed by a Total card size
computer connected to this unit by USB. This FAT partition
is used to save songs and export stereo master tracks to
The following table shows the FAT and MTR partition sizes
computers, as well as to allow this unit to import audio files into
for different SD card capacities. The FAT partition size is set
songs, for example. For this reason, two steps are necessary to
automatically according to card capacity.
copy from a MTR partition and a computer. You can also format
an entire card or individual partition as well as change the Card capacity and partition size
divisions between partitions (repartition) as necessary.
Card capacity FAT partition MTR partition
CAUTION size size
Formatting and repartition operations cannot be undone! 32 GB 4GB 28 GB
16 GB 4GB 12 GB
NOTE
8 GB 2GB 6 GB
• The FAT (File Allocation Table) format is a disk format that 4 GB 2 GB 2 GB
can be read by a computer.
2 GB 1 GB 1 GB
• SD and SDHC card that are at least 512MB in size can be 1 GB 512 MB 512 MB
used.
512 MB 256 MB 256 MB
A message warning that all songs will be erased appears.
Formatting cards
This operation formats the entire card.

CAUTION
This operation erases all the data on the card and cannot
be undone! Confirm that you will not lose important data 4 Press the F3 (YES) button to format the card.
before formatting a card. For example, if you format a 16 GB card, 12 GB are left for
1 When the recorder is stopped, press MENU to open the MTR partitions after 4 GB is used for the FAT partition. (Since
MENU screen. 1GB is actually 1024 MB, the total size of the partitions does
not always match the card size.)
2 Turn the DATA wheel to select CARD, and press the F4 (¥)
button to open the CARD menu screen. • When formatting finishes the CARD menu screen reopens.
• After formatting, one song is automatically created in each
MTR partition.
• To cancel formatting, press the F4 (NO) button.

TASCAM DP-03SD 57
 11 – SD Card Management

Reformatting MTR partitions Reformatting the FAT partition

You can reformat an MTR partition if you want. Use this function You can also reformat just the FAT partition. The size of the FAT
when you just want to format a specific partition without partition cannot be changed.
changing its size.
CAUTION
CAUTION You cannot undo this operation! All data on the FAT
You cannot undo this operation! All the data on the selected partition will be erased, so be certain that you will not lose
MTR partition will be erased, so be certain that you will not anything important when reformatting.
lose anything important when reformatting.
1 When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU button to
1 When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.
open the MENU screen. 2 Turn the DATA wheel to select CARD, and press the F4 (¥)
2 Use the DATA wheel to select CARD, and press the F4 (¥) button to open the CARD menu screen.
button to open the CARD menu screen.

3 Turn the DATA wheel to select FAT REFORMAT, and

3 Turn the DATA wheel to select REFORMAT. press the F4 (¥) button.

Press the F4 (¥) button to open the REFORMAT screen. A pop-up message warning that all data on the FAT partition
will be erased appears.

A list of the MTR partitions and their sizes (not open

capacities) appear. 4 Press the F3 (YES) button to reformat the FAT partition.
A * marks the active partition. • When reformatting finishes the CARD menu screen reopens.
4 Turn the DATA wheel to select the partition that you want to • To cancel reformatting, press the F4 (NO) button.
reformat and press the F2 (EXEC) button.
A pop-up message warning that all data on the partition will
be erased appears.

5 Press the F3 (YES) button to reformat the partition.

• When reformatting finishes the CARD menu reopens.
• After reformatting, one song is automatically created in the
MTR partition.
• To cancel reformatting, press the F4 (NO) button.

58 TASCAM DP-03SD
 11 – SD Card Management

Viewing the capacity of the MTR Initializing SD cards

partition If you want to use an SD card that was used with this unit on
Follow these procedures to view the capacity of the MTR other equipment, we recommend that you initialize it.
partition. When you initialize an SD card, the entire card is formatted as
FAT32.
1 When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU button to
open the MENU screen. 1 When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU button to
2 Use the DATA wheel to select CARD, and press the F4 (¥) open the MENU screen.
button to open the CARD screen. 2 Turn the DATA wheel to select CARD, and press the F4 (¥)
button to open the CARD menu screen.

Use the DATA wheel to select PARTITION, and press the

F4 (¥) button to open the PARTITION screen, where 3 Turn the DATA wheel to select the SD INITIALIZE
you can view the capacity of the MTR partition. item and press the F4 (¥) button.

A pop-up message warning that all data on the card will be

erased appears.

4 Press the F3 (YES) button to initialize the entire card and

format it as FAT32.
To cancel initialization, press the F4 (NO) button.

CAUTION
After initializing an SD card, it is necessary to format it if you
want to use it with the DP-03SD again. (See “Formatting SD
cards” on page 27).

TASCAM DP-03SD 59
 12 – Exchanging Data with a Computer
You can backup song data on this unit to a computer and restore
backed-up song data later. Moreover, you can export track files
Connecting with a computer
and master files from a song to a computer and import audio To use the FAT partition of this unit, the unit must be connected
files on the computer to the unit. to a computer by USB. When connected by USB, this unit’s
Backed-up data can be restored to a different DP-03SD unit record, playback and other recorder operations cannot be used.
than the one that created it. In other words, files can be freely To connect with a computer, connect the USB port on the left
exchanged between DP-03SD units, making it easy to add side panel of the unit with a USB port on the computer using a
additional recordings or mix existing recordings in a different mini-B-type USB 2.0 cable. It does not matter whether you turn
location. the unit’s power ON before or after the USB connection is made.
NOTE If the USB connection is made while the unit’s power is ON,
the currently loaded song is saved before the USB connection
• The MTR partitions where song files are stored cannot be
directly accessed from a computer. becomes effective. When connected, the following screen
appears on the display.
• In this chapter, “computer” refers to a Windows or Macintosh
personal computer connected to this unit (see “Supported
operating systems” below).

CAUTION
If you want to remove an SD card from this unit and back-up
its data on a computer using a card reader, always turn off If you turn the unit’s power ON after making the USB connection,
the unit’s power before removing the card. the screen above appears right away.
The following types of data can be transferred from this unit to a The unit appears as an external drive named DP-03 on the
computer. computer’s display.
Entire songs The FAT partition of the TASCAM DP-03SD has three directories
You can transfer the data for an entire song from the unit’s (folders): BACKUP, WAVE and UTILITY.
BACKUP directory on the FAT partition to a computer. This
CAUTION
operation is called “backup.” In addition, data backed-up on a
computer can be transferred to the BACKUP directory on the • This unit can receive power from the AC adaptor. It cannot
FAT partition, and then restored as song data. This operation is be powered by a USB connection.
called “restore.” • Do not change the names of three directories (folder) in DP-
03.
WAV format tracks
One or more tracks can be converted to WAV files and exported • The total number of files and folders that this unit can
recognize on a FAT partition is 100. If the number exceeds
to a computer, and WAV files on a computer can be imported to
100, use a computer or other device to move them.
this unit. These WAV files are stored on the WAVE directory of
this unit’s FAT partition. • Do not disconnect the AC adaptor or otherwise cut the
power to the unit during data transfer. Doing so will cause
Stereo master track all the data to be lost. This lost data cannot be restored.
A stereo master track made on this unit can be transferred to a
computer as a stereo WAV file from the WAVE directory on the NOTE
FAT partition. Only export is possible. • Confirm that you have copied all the files that you want
to transfer to a computer to the FAT partition before
connecting the unit and the computer by USB.
Supported operating systems • The UTILITY directory is used to, for example, update the
system software used by the unit.
You can connect this unit to computers with the following
operating systems.
Windows
Disconnecting
Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8 (including Use the following procedures to disconnect the USB connection
8.1) correctly.

Mac OS X NOTE
Mac OS X 10.2 or later When disconnecting from a computer, the procedure on the
When this unit is connected to a computer, the computer computer might be called “eject”, “unmount” or “remove.”
recognizes it as a removable disk. There is no need for a special
CAUTION
driver.
When transferring data, do not disconnect the unit or
NOTE remove the USB cable. Doing so could cause data on the
Data transfer between this unit and a computer occurs at computer or this unit to be damaged.
USB 2.0 speed (maximum). Data can still be transferred if
the computer connection is USB1.1, but it will be slower.
In addition, to assure USB 2.0 speed, use a cable that meets
USB 2.0 standards.

60 TASCAM DP-03SD
 12 – Exchanging Data with a Computer
Disconnecting from Windows XP/Windows Vista/Windows 7/
Windows 8
Song backup and restoration
Follow the procedures below to disconnect computers that use Song backup saves not only audio tracks, but also backs up
Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8 operating editing data and other song data. Song restoration is the
systems. reverse of this process. In short, song data is transferred from
A PC card icon and arrow appear in the taskbar (usually at the the computer to the FAT partition of the unit and then used to
bottom right of the screen). restore the song.

Backing-up songs
1 When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU button to
open the MENU screen.
1 Left-click on this icon to open a pop-up bar. Click this pop- 2. Turn the DATA wheel to select DATA BACKUP. Press the
up bar to disconnect this unit from the computer. F4 (¥) button to open the DATA BACKUP menu.
2 After a message appears on the computer screen saying that
this unit can be disconnected, remove the USB cable.
This unit restarts and the Home Screen appears on the
display.
If a message appears on the computer screen saying that
this unit cannot be disconnected safely, do not disconnect 3 Use the DATA wheel to select SONG BACKUP, and press
the USB cable. Close all the computer programs and the F4 (¥) button to open a song list.
windows that are accessing files on this unit, and then try
the operation again.
Disconnecting from Macintosh systems
1 Drag the DP-03 icon that represents this unit to the Trash, or
type Command-E to eject the DP-03.
TIP
Depending on the OS version or OS settings you might also
be able to eject the DP-03 icon by clicking an eject button
next to it in the Finder window or by using a control button.
2 After the icon disappears from the desktop, remove the USB 4 Turn the DATA wheel to select the song that you want to
cable. backup, and press the F4 (NEXT) button.
This unit restarts and the Home Screen appears on the A screen appears that allows you to set the file name for the
display. song being backed up.

5 Use the REW (Ô)/F FWD () buttons, the DATA wheel
and the F3 (INS) and F4 (DEL) buttons, to name the song
(maximum of 8 characters) (see “Editing names” on page
30).

TASCAM DP-03SD 61
 12 – Exchanging Data with a Computer
6 After setting the name, press the F2 (EXEC) button. 5 Turn the DATA wheel to select DATA BACKUP and press
A backup copy of the song on the active partition is made the F4 (¥) button.
on the FAT partition (.001 is added as an extension).
Writing File appears on the display.

DATA BACKUP screen appears.

6 Turn the DATA wheel to select SONG RESTORE, and
When the backup is complete, the DATA BACKUP menu press the F4 (¥) button.
reopens.

NOTE
If the open space necessary to back-up a songs is not
available in the FAT partition, an error message appears.
In this case, connect this unit and a computer, and erase
The screen shows the backup files on the FAT partition.
unnecessary files on the partition using the computer to
make enough open space.
7 Connect this unit to a computer using a USB cable (see
“Connecting with a computer” on page 60).
8 Use the computer to copy backup files from the BACKUP
directory on the FAT partition of the unit to the computer.
9 After copying finishes, disconnect the unit from the NOTE
computer using the proper procedures and then remove the An error message appears if there are no files on the FAT
USB cable (see “Disconnecting” on page 60). partition.
CAUTION 7 Turn the DATA wheel to select the file that you want to
restore, and press the F2 (EXEC) button.
• If you use a computer to change the name of a song file that
has been backed up, use no more than eight ordinary single- The actual song name and a confirmation message (Are
byte English letters and numbers. you sure?) appear.

• Do not change the file extension.

Restoring songs
Basically, restoring is the reverse of backing up. In short, transfer
a backup file on a computer to this unit to restore a song.
NOTE
1 Connect this unit to a computer using a USB cable (see If the file name is short, spaces appear after the file name on
“Connecting with a computer” on page 60). the FAT partition, but those spaces are not included in the
2 Use the computer to copy backup files from the computer to actual file name.
the BACKUP directory on the FAT partition of the unit. 8 Press the F3 (YES) button.
3 When copying finishes, disconnect the unit from the After the currently loaded song is saved, the song selected in
computer using the proper procedures and then remove the step 6 is restored and loaded.
USB cable (see “Disconnecting” on page 60).
4 After this unit restarts automatically, press MENU to open NOTE
the MENU screen. If the open space on the card is insufficient, an error
message appears.
9 Press the HOME button to return to the Home Screen.

62 TASCAM DP-03SD
 12 – Exchanging Data with a Computer
7 Turn the DATA wheel to select the WAV file that you want to
Track import and export import, and press the F2 (NEXT) button.
You can import and export individual tracks between a computer The amount of open space on the MTR partition and the size
and this unit’s FAT partition. Files that can be imported/exported of the selected WAV file appear on the display.
as tracks must be WAV files (with the “.WAV” extension). You can
import both mono and stereo files and export mono files. If you
want to import audio into this unit that is of a different format,
you must convert it to a 16-bit, 44.1-kHz mono/stereo WAV file
first.
8 Turn the DATA wheel to select the track that you want to
Importing tracks import the WAV file to, and press the F4 (EXEC) button.
Importing begins.
1 Connect this unit to a computer using a USB cable (see
“Connecting with a computer” on page 60). NOTE
2 Use the computer to copy WAV files on its drive to the WAVE • If there is not enough open space or the file format is wrong,
directory in this unit’s FAT partition. an error message appears.
3 Disconnect the unit from the computer using the • The track that is the destination for the import must be
proper procedures and then remove the USB cable (see empty.
“Disconnecting” on page 60). This unit reads the file from the FAT partition, and imports it
to the designated track. The beginning of the file is set at the
4 After this unit restarts automatically, press the MENU button
start of the song (00:00:00:00).
to open the MENU screen.
In the same way as other recording tracks, you can edit the
5 Turn the DATA wheel to select IMPORT/EXPORT, and track that has received the imported file (see “8 – Editing
press the F4 (¥) button to open the IMPORT/EXPORT Tracks” on page 44).
menu.
• To import a stereo WAV file, an empty track pair is necessary.
9 After importing completes, press HOME to return to the
Home Screen.

6 Turn the DATA wheel to select IMPORT TRACK, and

press the F4 (¥) button.

WAV files on the FAT partition are shown.

NOTE
• This unit cannot use WAV files that are a sampling frequency
other than 44.1 kHz. Such files are not displayed even if they
have been imported.
If no files that can be imported are on the FAT partition,
a pop-up saying Import File Not Found
appears.
• If the file name is short, spaces appear after the file name on
the FAT partition, but those spaces are not included in the
actual file name.

TASCAM DP-03SD 63
 12 – Exchanging Data with a Computer
5 When you finish putting checks next to the tracks that you
Exporting tracks want to export, press the F2 (NEXT) button.
You can export tracks as 16-bit, 44.1-kHz mono WAV files. The amount or open space on the FAT partition (which is the
destination for the exported tracks) and the total number of
1 When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU button to
tracks to be exported is shown.
open the MENU screen.
2 Turn the DATA wheel to select IMPORT/EXPORT, and
press the F4 (¥) button to open the IMPORT/EXPORT
menu.

6 Press the F4 (EXEC) button. The selected track is exported

to the FAT partition with the edited file name with the
“.WAV” extension added as the track file name. If you have
previously exported a track file with the same name, a
3 Turn the DATA wheel to select the EXPORT TRACK
confirmation message (Duplicate name – Are
item, and press the F4 (¥) button.
you sure?) appears. Press the F3 (YES) button to
overwrite the older track.

Song tracks that have audio recordings are displayed in a list.

The file name makes the source track number clear.
7 Press the HOME button to return to the Home Screen.
8 Connect this unit to a computer (see “Connecting with a
computer” on page 60).
9 Use the computer to copy track files from the WAVE
directory on the FAT partition to the computer.
10 After exporting track files to the computer, disconnect the
TIP unit from the computer using the proper procedures and
Press F3 (NAME) to change the file name. then remove the USB cable (see “Disconnecting” on page
60).

NOTE
Song tracks that do not have audio recordings are not
displayed in the file list.
4 Turn the DATA wheel, to select a track for export, and press
the F4 (✔) button to put a check in the checkbox.

By checking multiple checkboxes, you can export more than

one track at once. Select a track and press the F4 (✔) button
again to remove the check from its checkbox.

64 TASCAM DP-03SD
 12 – Exchanging Data with a Computer
5 After setting the name, press the F2 (EXEC) button.
Exporting a stereo master track A stereo master track file is exported as a 16-bit, 44.1-kHz,
You can export a stereo master track that you have made on stereo WAV file to the FAT partition. The file name of the
the unit (see “Creating a stereo master track” on page 49) to a exported file is the name set in step 4 above plus the “.WAV”
computer. When you create a new stereo master track for a song, extension.
the existing stereo master track is overwritten, so if you want to If you have previously exported a stereo master track with
keep multiple different stereo master tracks, you might want to the same name, a confirmation message (Duplicate
save them to a computer. name - Are you sure?) appears.
Before starting the following export procedures, make sure
that the song that you want to export a stereo master track for
is currently loaded and that you have already created a stereo
master track for it.
1 When the recorder is stopped, press the MENU button to
open the MENU screen. Press the F3 (YES) button to overwrite the older track.
2 Turn the DATA wheel to select IMPORT/EXPORT, and If you don't want to overwrite the older track, press F4 (NO)
press the F4 (¥) button to open the IMPORT/EXPORT button.
menu.
NOTE
To cancel exporting, press the F1 (BACK) button.
6 Press the HOME button to return to the Home Screen.
7 Connect this unit to a computer using a USB cable (see
“Connecting with a computer” on page 60).
3 Turn the DATA wheel to select EXPORT MASTER, and 8 Use the computer to copy the stereo master file from the
press the F4 (¥) button. WAVE directory on the FAT partition of the unit to the
computer.
9 After copying finishes, disconnect the unit from the
computer using the proper procedures and then remove the
USB cable (see “Disconnecting” on page 60).

The default file name is displayed and can be edited.

NOTE
If there is no stereo master track, an error message appears.

4 Use the REW (Ô)/F FWD () buttons, the DATA wheel
and the F3 (INS) and F4 (DEL) buttons to edit the name
of the stereo master file being exported (See “Editing names”
on page 30).

TASCAM DP-03SD 65
 13 – Mastering compressor settings list
Library of mastering compressor presets
Multiband compressor

Preset name Description

Basic CD M. Good for basic CD mastering
Makes the sound quality more showy, bringing out low frequencies and especially
POP
emphasizing high frequencies
While bringing out the high frequencies, this also increases the impact of mid-range
POP Rock1
frequencies
POP Rock2 Applies even more compression than the “POP Rock1” setting
Rock1 Brings out a full low end suitable for rock
Rock2 Emphasizes low and high frequencies even more than “Rock1” for a sound that stands out
Classic Smooth compression suitable for classical music
Dance Suitable for dance music, this preset emphasizes very high and very low frequencies
Good for R&B and hip-hop, this puts strong compression on high frequencies and adds punch
R&B Hip Hop
to low frequencies

Single band compressor

Preset name Description

Basic Comp Basic setting for evening out the level
Basic Limit Basic limiter setting
Hard Comp Results in fairly deep compression
Hard Limit Deep limiter setting

If using the compressor causes the sound to become distorted, lower the gain of each band or adjust the mixdown so that the maximum
level does not quite cause the overload indicator to light. By doing this, you can achieve a good balance and effectively increase the
overall sound level.

Masetring compressor parameters list

Threshold Ratio Level Auto
Lib TYPE
High Mid Low High Mid Low High Mid Low Makeup
Basic CD M. 3 Band –16dB –11dB –15dB 3.0:1 3.0:1 3.0:1 +6dB +5dB +6dB —
POP 3 Band –13dB –13dB –11dB 4.0:1 4.0:1 4.0:1 +8dB +2dB +6dB —
POP Rock1 3 Band –13dB –13dB –11dB 4.0:1 4.0:1 4.0:1 +7dB +2dB +6dB —
POP Rock2 3 Band –15dB –13dB –11dB 6.0:1 6.0:1 6.0:1 +7dB +2dB +5dB —
Rock1 3 Band –17dB –13dB –11dB 2.0:1 2.0:1 3.0:1 +4dB +2dB +3dB —
Rock2 3 Band –17dB –13dB –11dB 2.0:1 2.0:1 4.0:1 +8dB +2dB +3dB —
Classic 3 Band –15dB –13dB –15dB 1.5:1 1.5:1 1.5:1 +3dB +5dB +3dB —
Dance 3 Band –14dB –13dB –16dB 4.0:1 1.5:1 4.0:1 +8dB +2dB +5dB —
R&B 3 Band –20dB –13dB –19dB 8.0:1 2.0:1 6.0:1 +11dB +1dB +8dB —
Basic Comp 1 Band –16dB –16dB –16dB 2.0:1 2.0:1 2.0:1 +2dB +2dB +2dB On
Basic Limit 1 Band –18dB –18dB –18dB 16:1 16:1 16:1 +2dB +2dB +2dB On
Hard Comp 1 Band –24dB –24dB –24dB 2.5:1 2.5:1 2.5:1 +2dB +2dB +2dB On
Hard Limit 1 Band –24dB –24dB –24dB 16:1 16:1 16:1 +1dB +1dB +1dB On

66 TASCAM DP-03SD
 14 – Troubleshooting
When working with any new piece of equipment like the unit, it’s
sometimes difficult to work out why something isn’t happening
the way you expect. The main thing is to take your time—after
all, you’re not paying hourly studio rates! Stop and think. Ask
yourself questions, like the ones below, and you can usually find
the answer.
Also, see the “15 – Messages” on page 68 for the meaning
of messages that may pop up on the display. Consult this
table when a message appears when an operation cannot be
completed by the unit.
Why can’t I hear any sound when I play back?
• Are the track faders of the tracks set to high enough?
• Is the MASTER fader set to high enough?
• Have you connected the PHONES or LINE OUT jack to your
monitoring system properly, and is your monitoring system
set up correctly?
• Is the PHONES LEVEL knob set to high enough?
Why does the sound I'm recording distorted?
• Are the TRIM knobs of the INPUT A or INPUT B on the top
panel of the unit set too high? Is the input source too loud?
• Isn’t the monitor system distorted as the monitor level is too
high?
Why can’t I record?
• You must have at least one track armed (REC indicator
blinking) before you start recording by pressing the PLAY (Á)
button while pressing the RECORD (–)button.
• Are input channels assigned to tracks (see “Assigning inputs”
on page 34)?
Why can’t my computer “see” the unit files?
• Is the unit connected to the computer via the USB terminal
(see “Connecting with a computer” on page 60)?
• Before making the USB connection, songs, tracks, or stereo
master tracks are backed up or exported to the FAT partition?
(Files on the MTR partition cannot directly be read.)
Noise occurs if I connect a passive guitar or bass directly.
• Connecting another device to the unit’s line output (LINE
OUT) jacks might reduce the noise.
• This might be caused by interference noise from another
device. If there is a power amplifier or other device that uses
a large transformer, a fluorescent light or something similar
nearby, you might be able to reduce the noise by changing
the distance and orientation of this unit in relation to such
equipment.
• You might also be able to reduce the noise if you use this
unit’s GROUND connector to ground the unit.
The unit turns off.
• This product is compliant with the European ErP standby
power regulations. In order to comply with these regulations,
the automatic power saving function is set to 30 minutes
when the unit is shipped from the factory. So, by default,
the unit will turn off automatically after 30 minutes elapse
without any operation. Change the automatic power saving
function setting if you want to disable it. (See “Automatic
power saving function” on page 56.)

TASCAM DP-03SD 67
 15 – Messages
General messages
The following popup messages alert you to conditions that may arise while you are using the unit. Consult this table if you see something
you do not understand.

Messages Meaning and remedy

Card Full The SD card is full during recording.
You tried to export a track that does not contain any recording data.
Empty Export Track This pop-up appears if you try to export a song track that does not contain any recording.
(See “Track import and export” on page 63.) Export a song track that has been recorded.
You are trying to restore a song when there are no backed-up songs on the FAT partition (See
File Not Found
“Song backup and restoration” on page 61).
You are trying to enter repeat mode, but the time between the IN and OUT points is too short.
I/O Too Short Make the time longer (more than 4 seconds). (See “Using IN, OUT and TO points” on page
41.)
You are trying to import a WAV file from the FAT partition when there are no WAV files there
Import File Not Found (See “Importing tracks” on page 63). Connect the unit to a PC and transfer some files to the
FAT partition for import.
You are trying to import a WAV file from the FAT partition that is too large for the remaining
Import File Too Large
space on the partition. Free up some space on the MTR partion and try again.
In Bounce Mode You tried to perform an action that cannot be done while in Bounce mode.
In Master Mode You tried to perform an action that cannot be done while in Master mode.
In Punch Mode You tried to use a function that is prohibited during punch in/out mode.
In Repeat Mode You tried to perform an action that cannot be done while in Repeat mode.
Insert another SD card after turning off the unit, or format the card by MENU ® CARD ®
Invalid Card
FORMAT.
You tried to store more than 999 location marks in a song (See “Location marks” on page
Mark Full
40). Delete some location marks and try again.
You have tried to export a stereo master track (“Exporting a stereo master track” on page
Master Track Not Found 65) when the song does not have one. Master the song and then export the stereo master
track.
You tried to export a stereo master track which was too large for the remaining space on
Master Track Too Large the FAT partition (See “Exporting a stereo master track” on page 65). Connect the unit to a
computer and free up some space on the FAT partition or reformat the FAT partition.
You tried to enter auto punch in/out mode when no tracks were in record standby. (See
No Armed Track “Automatically punching in and out” on page 43.)
Put a track into record standby before enabling auto punch in/out mode
This pop-up message appears when the MTR partition does not contain enough open space
when you are trying to create or copy a song.
No Disk Space
Erase an unwanted song (see “Erasing songs” on page 31), format the card (see “Formatting
cards” on page 57) or take other steps to make space available on a card.
You’re trying to edit the location mark list (see “To edit a location mark” on page 40) when
No Locate Mark
no location marks have been set.
You have tried to use a non-existent master track as the source in a track cloning operation
No Master Trk (see “CLONE track (track duplication)” on page 47). Select another source or master the
song and try again.
No SD Card Insert an SD card after turning off the unit.
No Undo History There are no actions to be undone. (See “Erasing the operation history” on page 37.)
The recorder is moving (not stopped, but playing back, recording, etc.) and you have pressed
Not Stopped a button such as the UN/REDO [HISTORY] button which cannot be used until you press
STOP.
Now Recording You are trying to perform an action which cannot be done while recording.
Protected Card To record or edit, turn off the unit and un-protect the SD card.
Same Track You cannot clone a track to itself. (See “CLONE track (track duplication)” on page 47.)
SD Size Error Use an SD card larger than 512 MB.
The song is protected (“Protecting songs” on page 32) and you are trying to change it
Song Protected
(record or edit, etc.). Unprotect the song.
You have 250 songs on one partition. You must delete some before you can create another
Too Many songs
song.

68 TASCAM DP-03SD
 15 – Messages

Messages Meaning and remedy

This message appears if you try to import a file when all tracks already have recordings. (See
Track Full
“Importing tracks” on page 63.)
Trk Edit Fail Save the song and turn the unit off and then on, and perform track edit again.
You are trying to enter mixdown mode but the time between the IN and OUT points is too
Trk Too Short short. Make the time longer (more than 4 seconds). (See “Using IN, OUT and TO points” on
page 41.)
Even if the card has enough remaining memory space, this error may occur when you record
a long song or edit a lot.
You may be able to continue the work if you clear the history (See “Erasing the operation
Work Memory Full
history” on page 37.) which may increase the open work memory.
You may also be able to continue work by turning the unit off and then on again, which may
increase the open work memory.
Audio Rst Fail
Device Error
FileErr
FX Busy
FX Rx Failed
I/F Error If any of these errors occur, turn the unit power OFF and restart it.
Mount Error If these error message continue to appear, please contact a TASCAM Service Center.
SaveParam Fail
SD-Card Error!
SD Not Found
SD Read Busy
SD Write Busy

TASCAM DP-03SD 69
 16 – Specifications
Maximum output level: +6 dBV
Ratings
Recording media
ªª PHONES jack
Connector: 3.5 mm stereo mini jack
SD card (512 MB - 2 GB) or SDHC card (4 GB - 32 GB)
Maximum output level: 40 mW + 40 mW or more (THD + N 0.1%
File system or less, 32Ω load)
MTR partition: TASCAM original
FAT partition: FAT32
Control input/output ratings
Built-in mic
Omni directional, 2 pcs USB jack
Connector: Mini-B type
Format: USB 2.0 HIGH SPEED, mass storage class
Audio input/output ratings
REMOTE jack
Connector: 2.5 mm TS jack
ªª INPUT A jack
XLR type (Balanced)
Connector: XLR-3-31 Audio performance
(1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)
Frequency response
Input impedance: 2.4 kΩ
INPUT (MIC/LINE) → LINE OUT: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +1 dB/–3 dB
Standard input level: –16 dBu
Maximum input level: 0 dBu Distortion
INPUT (MIC/LINE) → LINE OUT: 0.01% or less
1/4” phone jack type (Balanced)
Connector: 6.3 mm (1/4”) TRS phone jack S/N ratio
(Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND) INPUT (MIC/LINE) → LINE OUT: 90 dB or more
When INPUT A switch is set to MIC/LINE:
Input impedance: 10 kΩ or more Computer requirements
Standard input level: +4 dBu
Maximum input level: +24 dBu See the TASCAM website for updated information about OS
compatibility.
Headroom: 20 dB
When INPUT A switch is set to GUITAR: Windows
Input impedance: 1 MΩ Pentium 300 MHz or faster
Standard input level: –2 dBV 128 MB or more memory
Maximum input level: +14 dBV USB port (USB 2.0 recommended)
Headroom: 16 dB Macintosh
Power PC, iMac, G3, G4 266 MHz or faster
ªª INPUT B jack 64 MB or more memory
XLR type (Balanced) USB port (USB 2.0 recommended)
Connector: XLR-3-31
Recommended USB host controller
(1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)
Intel chipset
Input impedance: 2.4 kΩ
Supported OS
Standard input level: –16 dBu
Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8 (including
Maximum input level: 0 dBu
8.1)
1/4” phone jack type (Balanced) Macintosh Mac OS X 10.2 or later
Connector: 6.3 mm (1/4”) TRS phone jack
(Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND)
Input impedance: 10 kΩ or more
Standard input level: +4 dBu
Maximum input level: +24 dBu
Headroom: 20 dB

ªª LINE OUT jack

Connector: RCA pin jack
Standard output level: –10 dBV

70 TASCAM DP-03SD
 16 – Specifications
Weight
General
1.4 kg/3.1 lb (w/o AC adaptor)
Power supply Operating temperature range
TASCAM PS-1225L AC adaptor (included) 5 - 35°C/41 - 95°F
AC input: 100-240 V, 1.0 A
DC output: +12 V, 2.5 A
Backup memory
Power consumption
5W The following settings are backed up even when the unit power
is turned off.
Dimensions (WHD)
PREFERENCE item
290 x 54.1 x 207.2 mm/
11.42 x 2.13 x 8.16 in • Repeat Int
• Contrast
(w/o projections)
• Foot switch L/C/R

Dimensional drawings

207.2mm

290mm 54.1mm

• Illustrations in this manual might differ from the actual

product.
• In order to improve the product, specifications and
appearance could be changed without prior notice.

TASCAM DP-03SD 71
 16 – Specifications

Block diagram

72 TASCAM DP-03SD
 17 – Commonly-used Functions
This section is a brief guide to some operations on the DP-03SD which may not be immediately obvious from looking at the panel
controls.
Button sequences are written like this: STOP + Ô means “press and hold the STOP button and press Ô.”
Menu items are written like this: MENU ® CARD ® FORMAT, meaning “press the MENU button, select the CARD menu, and then the
FORMAT action.
The list of popup messages and their meaning (“15 – Messages” on page 68) may also be useful to you.
How to Buttons, etc. to press Description
Add reverb REVERB See “Reverb” on page 48.
See “Using input EQ (equalizer)” on page
Adjust the gain and frequency of EQ
EQ 34.
(equalizer)
See “Track EQ (equalizer)” on page 48.
Back up a song to a PC MENU ® DATA BACKUP ® SONG BACKUP See “Backing-up songs” on page 61.
Bounce tracks BOUNCE See “Bouncing tracks” on page 39.
See “Setting the interval between
Change the interval time during repeat MENU ® PREFERENCE
repetitions” on page 42.
Change the screen contrast MENU ® PREFERENCE See “Adjusting the contrast” on page 29.
Change the track to which INPUT A/B is
ASSIGN See “Assigning inputs” on page 34.
assigned
Copy a song MENU ® SONG ® COPY See “Copying songs” on page 31.
Create a new song MENU ® SONG ® CREATE See “Creating a new song” on page 30.
See “Creating a stereo master track” on
Create a stereo master track MIXDOWN/MASTERING
page 49.
Cut and close up part a track TRACK EDIT ® CUT See “CUT (remove part)” on page 47.
LOCATE LIST ® select the mark with DATA
Delete a location mark See “Location marks” on page 40.
wheel ® F2 (EDIT) ® F2 (DEL)
Delete a song MENU ® SONG ® ERASE See “Erasing songs” on page 31.
Delete the whole of a track TRACK EDIT ® CLEAN OUT See “CLEAN out (track erase)” on page 47.
Display the song name MENU ® INFORMATION See “Viewing information” on page 56.
LOCATE LIST ® F3
See “Using IN, OUT and TO points” on page
Edit the IN and OUT and TO points (F3 is not necessary if no marks have been
41.
added yet)
LOCATE LIST ® select the mark with DATA
Edit the location marks See “Location marks” on page 40.
wheel ® F2 (EDIT)
MENU ® IMPORT/EXPORT ® EXPORT See “Exporting a stereo master track” on
Export a stereo master track to a PC
MASTER page 65.
MENU ® IMPORT/EXPORT ® EXPORT
Export a track's contents to PC See “Exporting tracks” on page 64.
TRACK
See “Viewing song information” on page
Find out how much time is left for recording MENU ® INFORMATION
31.
Format an SD card MENU ® CARD ® FORMAT See “Formatting cards” on page 57.
See “Reformatting the FAT partition” on
Format the FAT partition MENU ® CARD ® FAT REFORMAT
page 58.
See “Reformatting MTR partitions” on page
Format the MTR partition MENU ® CARD ® REFORMAT
58.
Import a WAV file to a track (from the FAT MENU ® IMPORT/EXPORT ® IMPORT
See “Importing tracks” on page 63.
partition) TRACK
Insert silence at a point in a track TRACK EDIT ® OPEN See “OPEN (insert silence)” on page 46.
LOCATE LIST ® select the mark with DATA
Jump to a location mark See “Location marks” on page 40.
wheel ® F4 (JUMP)
See “Using IN, OUT and TO points” on page
Jump to the IN and OUT and TO points Press IN, OUT or TO
41.
Load a song MENU ® SONG ® LOAD See “Loading a saved song” on page 30.
Make all of an SD card usable by a PC MENU ® CARD ® SD INITIALIZE See “Initializing SD cards” on page 59".
See “CLONE track (track duplication)” on
Make an exact copy of (clone) a track TRACK EDIT ® CLONE TRACK
page 47.
Metronome settings METRONOME See “Metronome” on page 54.
Mute the playback sound of the track MUTE See “Muting tracks” on page 49.
Name a song MENU ® SONG ® NAME EDIT See “Editing names” on page 30.

TASCAM DP-03SD 73
 17 – Commonly-used Functions

How to Buttons, etc. to press Description

Normalize the volume of the stereo master See “Mastering the stereo master track” on
MIXDOWN/MASTERINGx2 ® F3
track page 51.
Ping-pong (bounce) to other tracks BOUNCE See “Bouncing tracks” on page 39.
See “Checking the stereo master track” on
Playback a created stereo master track MIXDOWN/MASTERING x 2
page 51.
Protect a song MENU ® SONG ® PROTECT See “Protecting songs” on page 32.
See “Selecting the input sources” on page
Record a guitar Set the INPUT A switch to GUITAR
33.
Redo one operation UNDO/REDO See “Undoing an operation” on page 36.
Remove a section of a track and replace it
TRACK EDIT ® SILENCE See “SILENCE (part erase)” on page 47.
with silence
Remove the USB connection Disconnect the unit from a PC See “Disconnecting” on page 60.
Restore a song from a PC MENU ® DATA BACKUP ® SONG RESTORE See “Restoring songs” on page 62.
Save a song MENU ® SONG ® SAVE See “Saving a song” on page 30.
Set a location mark Press and hold LOCATE LIST See “Location marks” on page 40.
See “Using IN, OUT and TO points” on page
Set the IN and OUT points Press and hold IN, OUT or TO
41.
Tune a guitar or wind instrument TUNER See “Tuner” on page 54.
Undo one operation UNDO/REDO See “Undoing an operation” on page 36.
Un-protect a song MENU ® SONG ® PROTECT See “Protecting songs” on page 32.
Use EQ (equalizer) on a track EQ See “Track EQ (equalizer)” on page 48.
See “Using input EQ (equalizer)” on page
Use EQ (equalizer) on an input signal EQ
34.
See “Mastering the stereo master track” on
Use equalization on the stereo master track MIXDOWN/MASTERINGx2 ® F1
page 51.
Use phantom power PHANTOM See “Using phantom power” on page 33.
Set the INPUT A/B switch to INTERNAL See “Selecting the input sources” on page
Use the built-in mic
MIC A/B 33.
Use the metronome METRONOME See “Metronome” on page 54.
Connect the unit and a PC with the USB See “Connecting with a computer” on page
Use the USB connection
cable. 60.
User compression on the stereo master See “Mastering the stereo master track” on
MIXDOWN/MASTERINGx2 ® F2
track page 51.

74 TASCAM DP-03SD
 ✂
WARRANTY
< In the United States > WHAT WE WILL PAY FOR < Europe >
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have We will pay all labor and material expenses for items covered by the This product is subject to the legal warranty regulations of the country
other rights which vary from state to state. This warranty is only valid warranty. Payment of shipping charges is discussed in the next section of purchase. In case of a defect or a problem, please contact the dealer
within the country the unit was originally purchased. of this warranty. where you bought the product.
WHAT IS AND IS NOT COVERED HOW YOU CAN GET WARRANTY SERVICE Ce produit est sujet aux réglementations concernant la garantie
Except as specified below, this warranty covers all defects in materials Your unit must be serviced by an authorized TASCAM service station in légale dans le pays d’achat. En cas de défaut ou de problème, veuillez
and workmanship in this product. The following are not covered by the the United States. (This warranty is not enforceable outside the U.S.) If contacter le revendeur chez qui vous avez acheté le produit.
warranty: you are unable to locate an authorized TASCAM service station in your Dieses Gerät unterliegt den gesetzlichen
1. Damage to or deterioration of the external cabinet. area, please contact us. We either will refer you to an authorized service Gewährleistungsbestimmungen des Landes, in dem es erworben
2. Damages resulting from accident, misuse, abuse or neglect. station or instruct you to return the unit to the factory. Whenever wurde. Bitte wenden Sie sich im Gewährleistungsfall an den Händler,
3. Damage resulting from failure to perform basic daily warranty service is required, you must present a copy of the original bei dem sie das Gerät erworben haben.
maintenance and/or calibration or otherwise resulting from dated sales receipt from an Authorized TASCAM Dealer.
You must pay any shipping charges if it is necessary to ship the product to Questo apparecchio è conforme alle norme sulla garanzia vigenti nel
failure to follow instructions contained in your owner’s rispettivo Paese in cui esso è stato acquistato. Si prega di rivolgersi al
manual. service. However, if the necessary repairs are covered by the warranty, we will
pay return surface shipping charges to any destination within the United States. proprio commerciante, presso il quale è stato acquistato l’apparecchio,
4. Damage occurring during shipment of the product. (Claims nel caso in cui si voglia richiedere una prestazione in garanzia.
must be presented to the carrier) LIMITATION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES
Las condiciones de garantía de este aparato están sujetas a las disposiciones
5. Damage resulting from repair or attempted repair by Any implied warranties, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY legales sobre garantía del país en el que ha sido adquirido. En caso de
anyone other than TEAC or an authorized TASCAM service AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, are limited in duration to the garantía, debe dirigirse al establecimiento donde adquirió el aparato.
station. length of this warranty.
6. Damage resulting from causes other than product defects, < In other countries/areas >
including lack of technical skill, competence, or experience
EXCLUSION OF DAMAGES
of the user. TEAC’s liability for any defective product is limited to repair or This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have
replacement of the product, at TEAC’s option. TEAC shall not be liable for: other rights that vary by country, state or province.
7. Damage to any unit which has been altered or on which the
1. Damages based upon inconvenience, loss of use of the product, If you have a warranty claim or request, please contact the dealer where
serial number has been defaced, modified or is missing.
loss of time interrupted operation or commercial loss; or you bought the product.
WHO MAY ENFORCE THE WARRANTY 2. Any other damages, whether incidental, consequential or 该保证书赋予了顾客特定的合法权利，并且因国家，
This warranty may be enforced only by the original purchaser. otherwise. 州或省等地域的不同，顾客可能拥有其他权利。如需
LENGTH OF WARRANTY Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts 申请或要求保修，请与购买本产品的销售店进行联系。
All parts except heads and disk drives are warranted for one (1) year and/or do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
If you require repair services for your TASCAM equipment, please
from the date of original purchase. Heads and disk drives are warranted damages, so the above limitations and exclusions may not apply to you.
contact the dealer where the product was purchased from or the
to ninety (90) days from date of original purchase. Labor is warranted for To locate an Authorized Service Center in Your Area TASCAM Distributor in your country. A list of TASCAM Distributors
ninety (90) days from date of original purchase. CALL 1-800-447-8322 can be found on our website at: http://teac-global.com/
 TEAC CORPORATION http://tascam.jp/
Phone: +81-42-356-9143
1-47 Ochiai, Tama-shi, Tokyo 206-8530 Japan

TEAC AMERICA, INC. http://tascam.com/

Phone: +1-323-726-0303
1834 Gage Road, Montebello, California 90640 USA

TEAC MEXICO, S.A. de C.V. http://teacmexico.net/

Phone: +52-55-5010-6000
Río Churubusco 364, Colonia Del Carmen, Delegación Coyoacán, CP 04100, México DF, México

TEAC UK LIMITED http://tascam.eu/

Phone: +44-8451-302511
Meridien House, Ground Floor,69 - 71, Clarendon Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 1DS, UK

TEAC EUROPE GmbH http://tascam.eu/

Phone: +49-611-71580
Bahnstrasse 12, 65205 Wiesbaden-Erbenheim, Germany

TEAC SALES & TRADING(SHENZHEN) CO., LTD http://tascam.cn/

Phone: +86-755-88311561~2
Room 817, Block A, Hailrun Complex, 6021 Shennan Blvd., Futian District, Shenzhen 518040, China

Printed in China

✂
WARRANTY
Model/Modèle/Modell Owner’s name/Nom du possesseur/Name des Eigentümers
Modello/Modelo/型号 Nome del proprietario/Nombre del propietario/顾客姓名

DP-03SD
Serial No./No de Série/Seriennummer Address/Adresse/Adresse
Numero di serie/Número de serie/序列号 Indirizzo/Dirección/顾客地址

Date of purchase/Date de l’achat/Datum des Kaufs Dealer’s name/Nom du détaillant/Name des Händlers
Data dell’acquisto/Fecha de compra/购买日期 Nome del commerciante/Nombre del establecimiento/销售店名

Dealer’s address/Adresse du détaillant/Adresse des Händlers

Indirizzo del commerciante/Dirección del establecimiento/销售店地址

http://teac-global.com/