"CHOOSE....choose, and perish..." (DP-03 vs DP-006 vs DP-008)

[Tobermory]

I chose a DP-008EX in preference to a DP-003. For the most part because the DP-008 can be powered from batteries, which is the way I always use it. And this allows me to edit recorded tracks and play with (sub-)mixes on beaches and hilltops and when travelling in cars or trains and anywhere that I would otherwise be just sitting around waiting. (I always take spare batteries and SD cards) This frees up more of my time in the home studio for playing and recording. And I have a DP-24 there for mixing.

I also prefer mixing using rotary knobs for volume setting rather than short throw faders. Though I realise that I may be the only one.

 

[scott123]

One thing I don't quite understand (like OP, I'm looking at both of these units) .... Why would the smaller, cheaper version have input FX and the larger, more expensive not have that? As well as the bigger one having only manual mastering vs. the cheaper one which also has automatic mastering? (I'm not even sure what the advantage is, just something I noticed reading the comments).

 

[shredd]

This turned into a very interesting discussion/comparison. For me, it came down to '008 vs '03...the '006 wasn't up to my needs.

It started when I got my hands on a nearly brand-new '008, and followed the absolutely riveting thread about upgrading the f/ware to "turn it into" an '008EX, with it's enhancements/improvement.
That went perfectly, and now my "008" has the full capabilities of the 'EX. And I love the thing - for all the reasons mentioned in above posts: it's really small (the rotary faders help); it runs on 4 AA's; and has much/most of the features/capabilities of the '03, in a smaller/lighter package. And as @scott123 points out - some are BETTER than the '03.
While MOST people prefer sliding faders - I'd even count myself among them - I have NO PROBLEM effectively/accurately using the rotary ones on the '008/EX. So I'm with @Tobermory there.
Overall, I've found the '008/EX to be an outstanding unit.

ANYway. It wasn't too long before I was offered another great deal - an '03SD that had hardly been out of the box, AND came with the great RC-3F footswitch (which the '03 can use, but the '008's can't...score one for the '03). I basically got the whole bundle for a bag of pucks...couldn't turn it down.
SO: I actually ran them cheek-to-cheek for a while to see which will/won't do what, and how well, and so on. I'm not a specs-hawr, so I didn't do the fine-tooth-comb comparison there...I just wanted to see how they each perform.

Now, the '03 is a FINE unit...but I do NOT need it to be my home-based recorder (I already have a well-outfitted DP-32-based studio in my home) and the outstanding BOSS BR-800 for the small MTR role.
And for what I DO want a small/portable MTR for...the '008/EX has been the answer for me. I even had a BOSS MicroBR - a really micro/portable recorder - but found it pretty limited and didn't justify its' tiny footprint.
AND - keeping another Tascam in the stable helps - there's the 'familiarity factor'; and the '008 is extremely computer/file friendly, whereas even my BOSS has old & cantankerous proprietary connection software.
Soooo...I'd have to say that, for ME, the '008/EX won the battle; it's likely that the '03SD will be hitting the market...

 

[MichaelDuke]

Sorry to revive this thread. I had a similar dilemma deciding between the two, and went with the DP03, largely because of the intuitive form factor and the ability to work largely without menu diving. I do wish that I had known that the DP-008 had a de-esser. That would be really helpful for me.

 

[shredd]

Sorry to revive this thread. I had a similar dilemma deciding between the two, and went with the DP03, largely because of the intuitive form factor and the ability to work largely without menu diving. I do wish that I had known that the DP-008 had a de-esser. That would be really helpful for me.

Live 'n learn, I s'pose...the subtle and not-so-subtle differences in the units is why I went thru the above-documented agonizing over the choices...and why it's always advisable to do a "deep dive" when deciding, particularly in reading the manual and analyzing the specs/features/capabilities of each.
In my case, the decision was made easier by having BOTH units come along and join my 'stable' for direct comparison through usage...and the '008 proved to fit my needs more precisely, and won out over the '03. But I realize not everyone can do that...
Nonetheless - hopefully you and your '03 are playing nicely together...and if you aren't - you could replace it...

 

[MichaelDuke]

I do like the work flow, having sliders rather than knobs, and relative absence of menu diving on the DP-03, so I have no major regrets.

 

[Tom Boyles]

I recently came across a local guy selling a DP-03 and I'm glad I called him. (I have a DP-32 but the small DP-03 to capture quick ideas seemed worth taking a look.)

He really didn't know what the DP-03 was so he was selling it cheap and so I bought it from him.

One thing that stands out to me on all of these Portastudios (I also have had a 2488neo for a long time too) is the mastering suite.

Even this little DP-03 can take a quick song demo/idea and make it sound fairly solid sonically. I typically will have one of those moments that an interesting idea will come about and I quickly track it. Then I listen in the car whenever I'm out to allow something melody wise 'bubble up'.

The 2488neo and the DP-32 is just too much machine to hassle with for this process, but the DP-03 is perfect. Quick set up and get the idea down quickly. Quick mix, master and pop it in the car.

I keep the older models of these portastudios with a CD drive around because, well, what else am I to do with the spindles of CD-Rs I've got laying around?!

 

[shredd]

Congrats @Tom Boyles on scoring a good ‘03 deal!
These little P/Studios are indeed excellent ’scratch pads’ - small, easy to use, & sound great (many use ‘008’s & ‘03’s as their main rig!).

I also spent manymany years on the 2488’s (all 3 incarnations), and now run on an O/G DP-32, which I’ve come to love - I was very comfortable on my 2488’s, yet I find the ‘32 even easier to use!
My various small-format units are for portable/travel recording, and the aforementioned “scratch-pad” use (I actually often simply punch “record” and just play to the onboard mic’s, which sound surprisingly good!).

Current stable is DP-008 converted to EX; a BOSS BR-800; & a ZOOM MRS-1044 (the blt-in bass synth & drum machine is ossum), all with their own individual strengths.