Tascam DP-03 SD

Essential Information About the TASCAM DP-03SD Portable Studio

• 8-track standalone multitrack recorder: simultaneous recording on 2 tracks and simultaneous playback of 8 tracks, ideal for composing, arranging, and finalizing a song without a computer.


• Fast and musical workflow: 9 faders of 45 mm, dedicated controls per channel (volume, pan, effects), and a dedicated stereo master track to print your mix.


• Ready to record anywhere: 2 built-in omnidirectional condenser microphones + 2 XLR mic inputs with phantom power, to capture an idea immediately in stereo.


• From tracking to mastering: 2-band shelving equalization per track, stereo reverb via send, then mastering effects (equalizer, compressor, normalization, and limiter depending on processing) before WAV export via USB 2.0.

A Modern Portastudio in the TASCAM Tradition: Autonomy Serving Creativity

The DP-03SD follows the philosophy of TASCAM multitrack recorders: a machine dedicated to music, designed to go from idea to finished track with minimal setup. Its "tabletop studio" approach favors direct controls, simple navigation, and recording in PCM 44.1 kHz / 16-bit format on SD or SDHC cards, to maintain a stable and immediate workflow.

This memory card and USB transfer-oriented version emphasizes portability and ease of sharing: you can capture, edit, mix, master, then transfer the result to a computer for archiving, distribution, or encoding.

Who the TASCAM DP-03SD Makes a Difference For and Its Use Cases

The DP-03SD is particularly suited for songwriters, home studio musicians, rehearsal bands, and creators who want to record without getting lost in software settings. It is also very suitable for preproduction: laying down vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, or drum machines, then building an arrangement track by track.

Thanks to the switchable Hi-Z input, you can plug in a guitar or bass directly, while the TRS line inputs accept synthesizers and line-level sources. The two XLR mic inputs with phantom power allow the use of studio condenser microphones, and the built-in mics enable immediate stereo recording without cabling.

Recording, Editing, Mixing, and Export: A True Studio Without a Computer

Record with Precision: Tuner, Metronome, and Auto Punch

For clean and consistent takes, the DP-03SD includes a tuner and a metronome with dedicated buttons for instant access. The Auto Punch in/out function facilitates re-recording a marked passage (vocals, solo, note correction) without manually triggering recording start and stop, improving accuracy and reducing errors.

Edit Like a Workstation: Copy, Move, Cut, Undo

Editing is designed for speed: copy/paste, mute, track cloning, and workstation-style tools (copy, move, cut). The Undo/Redo history has multiple levels, including editing functions, to test ideas stress-free. Markers allow you to quickly locate a verse, chorus, vocal entry, or transition.

Mix at the Fader: Pan, Equalization, and Reverb Sends

Each track has a send to a stereo reverb processor and a 2-band shelving equalizer (bass/treble), with dedicated controls to quickly shape sources. The 45 mm faders and pan knobs make mixing tangible and intuitive, like on a small console. Once the mix is balanced, you record it on the dedicated stereo master track, ready to be transferred.

Track Bounce and WAV Import: More Arrangement Freedom

The Track Bounce function (pre-mixing) allows using more than 8 tracks total by grouping several already recorded tracks onto another track. Useful for stacking backing vocals, multiplying guitars, or densifying an arrangement without losing control. You can also import a WAV file via USB and integrate it into a project (intro, sample, guide, or take recorded elsewhere).

Integrated Mastering and USB 2.0 Transfer

To achieve a more present sound, the DP-03SD offers mastering effects (2-band equalizer, mono or multiband compressor, level normalizer, and finishing processing according to your settings) to increase overall level and density. Once satisfied, transfer your projects and audio files via the USB 2.0 port: simple for archiving, sharing, or finalizing on a computer.

Technical Specifications

Recording and Media

• Recording and playback format: PCM 44.1 kHz / 16-bit


• Recording media: SD card (512 MB to 2 GB) or SDHC card (4 to 32 GB)


• Simultaneous playback: 8 tracks


• Simultaneous recording: 2 tracks (stereo source or two independent mono sources)


• Master track: dedicated stereo track for mixing


• File system: MTR partition (TASCAM proprietary format) and FAT partition (FAT32)


• Audio import and export: WAV files via USB

Built-in Microphones

• Microphones: 2 omnidirectional condenser microphones

Analog Inputs

• Inputs A and B: balanced XLR


• Nominal input impedance (XLR): 2.4 kohms


• Nominal input level (XLR): -16 dBu


• Maximum input level (XLR): 0 dBu


• Input A: 6.35 mm TRS balanced jack


• INPUT A selector in MIC/LINE position: nominal input impedance >= 10 kohms


• INPUT A selector in MIC/LINE position: nominal input level +4 dBu


• INPUT A selector in MIC/LINE position: maximum input level +24 dBu


• INPUT A selector in GUITAR position: nominal input impedance >= 1 M?


• INPUT A selector in GUITAR position: nominal input level -2 dBV


• INPUT A selector in GUITAR position: maximum input level +14 dBV


• Input B: 6.35 mm TRS balanced jack


• Nominal input impedance (TRS): >= 10 kohms


• Nominal input level (TRS): +4 dBu


• Maximum input level (TRS): +24 dBu


• Phantom power: available on XLR mic inputs

Analog Outputs

• Line output: unbalanced RCA


• Nominal output impedance (RCA): 1 kohm


• Nominal output level (RCA): -10 dBV


• Maximum output level (RCA): +6 dBV


• Headphone output: 6.35 mm stereo jack


• Maximum headphone output power: 2 x 40 mW (THD+N <= 0.1%, at 32 ohms)

Other Connections

• USB port: mini-B connector


• USB: USB 2.0 HIGH SPEED, mass storage class devices


• REMOTE port: 2.5 mm jack (for RC-3F footswitch)


• Footswitch: TASCAM RC-3F available as an option, with three pedals and assignable functions


• Footswitch operation mode selection: yes

Processing and Production Functions

• Equalization: bass and treble shelving equalizer per track and on both inputs


• Effect: built-in reverb (send per track to stereo reverb)


• Built-in mastering effects: 2-band equalizer, mono or multiband compressor, level normalizer


• Auto Punch in/out function: yes


• Track Bounce function: yes

  ---

  Brand reference number: DP-03SD MANUFACTURER INFORMATION