Tascam DP-32 SD

Essential Information About the Tascam DP-32SD Portastudio

• Complete production without a computer: recording, editing, mixing, and mastering directly on the Portastudio, with simultaneous playback of up to 32 tracks and a dedicated stereo Master track.
• Up to 8 simultaneous takes via 8 combo XLR/6.35 mm jack inputs, ideal for capturing a band, a multi-mic drum kit, or a live session in a home studio.
• Ultra-direct "console" workflow: color LCD screen, 20 faders, and 12 encoders to keep your hands on the mix (levels, pan, EQ, effects) without breaking your inspiration.
• Reliable SD media: recording on SD/SDHC card (flash memory) for more robust and practical daily use, with track transfer to computer via USB.

An SD variant designed for mobile creation and "screenless" studio use

The DP-32SD follows the tradition of Tascam Portastudios: a standalone production station that adopts the habits of a console while bringing the flexibility of digital (virtual tracks, markers, effects, mastering). Its "all-in-one" logic makes it a coherent choice for those who want to record and finalize tracks without relying on a DAW, with simple-to-backup and portable SD/SDHC card storage.

Who is it for and what for: recording a band, home studio production, capturing rehearsals

The Tascam DP-32SD is aimed at musicians, bands, singer-songwriters, and technicians seeking an autonomous solution to record advanced demos, multitrack takes during rehearsals, or produce complete songs at home. Thanks to the 8 mic/line inputs and phantom power switchable in blocks of 4, you can combine condenser mics, dynamic mics, and line sources (keyboards, external preamps, drum machines). The instrument-level switchable input also allows direct recording of guitar or bass, convenient for quick composing or doubling tracks.

Key features: sound capture, "console" mixing, and integrated mastering

Multitrack recording and take organization

You can record up to 8 tracks simultaneously (44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, at 16 or 24 bits), then play back up to 32 tracks at once. The management of virtual tracks facilitates comparing different versions (alternative vocal takes, solos) and allows quick undo/redo. Markers (up to 99) speed up navigation within a song, while the built-in chromatic tuner and metronome secure recording sessions.

Input processing and effects: record clean, inspire performance

Even before recording, the signal can be processed (limiter, compressor, noise gate, exciter) to control dynamics and optimize take cleanliness. An effects send provides access to internal effects (reverb, delay, chorus), and the instrument input benefits from dedicated guitar effects (amp simulator, reverb, compressor, chorus, flanger, phaser). For integrating your external gear, an external effects send is also available.

Tactile mixing: faders, encoders, and integrated console

During mixing, the DP-32SD operates like a real console: 20 channel faders and dedicated controls for equalizers, panning, and effects sends. Its integrated 40-channel console allows mixing your 32 playback tracks with 8 input signals routed to the dedicated stereo Master track. The bounce function is valuable for freeing up tracks: you premix multiple sources to a mono or stereo track, then continue arranging without feeling "short" on channels.

Integrated mastering and USB transfer

Once the mix is finalized, the DP-32SD offers a mastering process to homogenize the output: correction, compression, and normalization, with dedicated effects (wideband or multiband stereo compressor, equalizer, noise shaping). Tracks can then be transferred to a computer via USB 2.0 for archiving, backup, or publishing.

Technical Specifications

Type and recording capabilities

• 32-track digital Portastudio
• 8 mono tracks and 12 stereo tracks (also usable as mono tracks)
• Up to 8 tracks simultaneous recording
• Sampling rates: 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz
• Resolution: 16-bit and 24-bit
• Simultaneous playback of 32 tracks
• Virtual tracks for comparing alternate versions and undo/redo
• Dedicated stereo Master track
• Marker management: up to 99 reference points

Recording media and file system

• Recording media: SD card (512 MB to 2 GB), SDHC card (4 to 32 GB)
• SD card file system (512 MB to 2 GB): FAT16
• SDHC card file system (4 to 32 GB): FAT32

Console and control

• Color LCD screen
• Console channel with 12 encoders for simple operation
• Integrated 40-channel console: mixing 32 playback tracks with 8 input signals routed to Master track
• 20 channel faders
• 12 rotary knobs for equalizers, panning, and effects
• Dedicated controls for equalizers, panning, and effects sends
• Bounce function: premixing to a mono or stereo track
• Built-in chromatic tuner
• Built-in metronome

Analog inputs

• 8 balanced MIC/LINE A-H inputs on combo XLR/6.35 mm jack connectors
• MIC/LINE A-H inputs, XLR (balanced): XLR-3-31 connector (1 ground, 2 hot, 3 cold)
• Input impedance (XLR): 2.4 kOhms
• Nominal input level (XLR): -14 dBu
• Maximum input level (XLR): +2 dBu
• MIC/LINE A-H inputs, 6.35 mm jack (balanced): TRS connector (3 contacts)
• Input impedance (jack): greater than 22 kOhms, or 1 MOhm (INPUT H, LINE-GUITAR selector in GUITAR position)
• Nominal input level (jack): +4 dBu
• Maximum input level (jack): +20 dBu
• Phantom power: switchable in blocks of 4 inputs
• One instrument-level switchable input for direct guitar or bass recording

Analog outputs

• Unbalanced stereo output STEREO OUT L/R on RCA connectors
• Nominal output level (STEREO OUT): -10 dBV
• Maximum output level (STEREO OUT): +6 dBV
• Output impedance (STEREO OUT): 200 ohms
• Control monitor output MONITOR OUT L/R on 6.35 mm TRS jacks (balanced)
• Nominal output level (MONITOR OUT): -2 dBu
• Maximum output level (MONITOR OUT): +14 dBu
• Output impedance (MONITOR OUT): 200 ohms
• Headphone output PHONES: 6.35 mm stereo jack
• Maximum headphone output power: 2 x 70 mW (THD + noise: 0.1%, load 32 ohms)

Effects sends and external integration

• Two effects sends EFFECT SENDS 1/2: 6.35 mm TS jacks (unbalanced)
• Nominal output level (EFFECT SENDS): -10 dBV
• Maximum output level (EFFECT SENDS): +6 dBV
• Output impedance (EFFECT SENDS): 200 ohms

Effects and processing

• Input processing: limiter, compressor, noise gate, exciter
• Guitar effects: amp simulator, reverb, compressor, chorus,