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TASCAM DR-08 (No Longer Available)

Handheld Portable MicroSD Recorder, up to 24-bit/96kHz Resolution, with 2 Adjustable Cardioid Microphones, Built-in Speaker, 1/8" Stereo Mic/Line Input, USB 2.0 Connection, and Variable Speed Playback

Sorry, the TASCAM DR-08 is no longer available. We've left this page up for reference only. Check out the great alternatives on this page or call toll-free (800) 222-4700 to speak with a Sweetwater Sales Engineer about similar products.

From Our Research Team:

Spy-style Portable Recorder!

Incredibly compact! The DR-08 from TASCAM is among the slimmest portable recorders we've ever seen. Slip this one into your pocket or gig bag and you'll be ready to recorder anything, anytime. Better yet, you'll be able to record at better-than-CD-quality too. The DR-08 can record WAV or MP3 files, whichever you prefer, and it records to slim MicroSD media (a 2GB card comes with it). Just because it's slim, it doesn't mean it's not versatile. The DR-08 features two microphones that let you vary the angle, so you can get the right pickup for your source. Choose a tighter pattern when you're up close to an instrument or voice or spread them out when you need wider coverage — say, for recording a full band. That's only the beginning of the TASCAM DR-08...



We can't believe how much TASCAM packed into the little DR-08. It manages to feature a 1/8" stereo mic/line input, so you can bring in other sources — very convenient. There's even a headphone/line output for monitoring the signal or sending it to your other gear. Of course, you can always use the built-in speaker to preview your recordings or show your friends your cool tracks. A USB 2.0 connection is built in too, so you can connect it right to your computer and transfer all your files — it's easy.

Other helpful DR-08 features include the built-in foldable stand. Just pop the DR-08 on your desktop and record your acoustic jams or singer/songwriter ideas — ideal for the dorm room musician. A timer recording mode helps you cut down on long pauses before your track starts and low-cut filter helps kill problematic low-end rumble from ruining your otherwise awesome recordings.

Last not least, the TASCAM DR-08 is designed to help you not only record but practice. Use the Variable Speed Playback feature to play back files at different speeds — great for working on a solo until you can play it at the full tempo (or, why not see how fast you can shred!).

When you're ready to start recording, the TASCAM DR-08 is a great place to start — it's extremely portable and lightweight, so you're ready for spy-style recording adventures, with better-than-CD sound!

TASCAM DR-08 Portable MicroSD Recorder Features:
  • Portable digital recorder
  • WAV recording from 16-bit/44.1kHz up to 24-bit/96kHz
  • MP3 recording from 32k — 320 kbps
  • Records to MicroSD media (2GB card included)
  • Two cardioid microphones with variable angle mechanism
  • Variable Speed Playback
  • Auto recording mode
  • Timer recording mode
  • Manual and automatic gain control modes
  • Low cut filter and noise cancel functions
  • Built-in foldable stand for desktop recording
  • Pre-recording buffer (up to 2 seconds)
  • 1/8" stereo mic/line input with plug-in power
  • 1/8" stereo headphone/line output
  • Playlist and folder management
  • Built-in speaker
  • Transfer recordings to computer using USB 2.0 connection
  • 96x96 backlit LCD display
  • Powered by AAA batteries, USB power
  • Dimensions: 1.45" W x 5.41" D x 0.59" H
  • Weight: 2.72oz including batteries
  • Included accessories: 2x AAA battery, Micro-USB cable, 2GB MicroSD card

Get started recording with the super-slim TASCAM DR-08 portable recorder!
Specification Detail
Manufacturer Part Number DR-08

DR-08 Image Gallery

Can We Help?

Sweetwater's friendly and knowledgeable Sales Engineers are regarded as the most experienced and educated professionals in the music industry, with extensive music backgrounds and intense training on the latest products and technologies. As your personal contact here at Sweetwater, they are available to provide personalized advice any time you need it.
Call toll-free (800) 222-4700 or E-mail us

Be the first to review this product

Just what I needed and more!

by Roger Bruner from Richmond, VA USA
May 11, 2012
Music Background: Guitar and bass player (almost fifty years), home recordist
I needed this recorder to record praise team practice at church so I'd have the exact same thing to practice with at home. I sit near the piano, but it picks up sufficiently well to get the voices fro... read more [+]m the choir. I run it through my limiter/compressor at home and add the individual tracks to an RW CD.

The quality has been so much better than I expected that I'm recording the songs I do at a nursing home and plan to make a CD of them when I get enough.

The playback volume isn't great, but I didn't expect it to be. Although I read the instruction book--most of it, anyhow--I found this unit so intuitive to use that I wouldn't have had to use the book. But without the book (my only criticism is a couple of typos) I wouldn't have learned about some of the features I wouldn't have thought of using. close [-]

Great Sound

by Avalanche Recording Studio from Goldsboro, North Carolina
December 26, 2011
Music Background: Recording Engineer / Live Sound Engineer
I purchased the Tascam DR-08 for quick live recordings. I was blown away at the quality of the sound ! If you are a singer /song writer you need one of these.

Holding up so far

by James from Colorado Springs, CO
December 31, 2010
Music Background: DJ, Musician, Producer, Hobbyist
I purchased this recorder right before burning man this year (2010) as a trial to see if I could get any good field recordings along the way. I didn't do much along the lines of field recording as the... read more [+]re was too much else going on but it worked out great in the end.

This is the only recorder I have ever used but to me the mics are plenty sensitive for what I need. Being able to switch between two record volumes with a switch on the side is really nice.

I have three complaints about this thing though:

It would have been nice to see this thing made out of metal. The front plate is sheet metal and that got a huge dent in it the first day but that's it. The mics are held on with plastic as well and I am still scared that they are going to snap off. It's been kicking around in my gig bag un protected for a while now and it's held up, but in the long run I can see it becoming a problem. Also, being made out of plastic, it creaks a bit in your hand.

The other complaint I have about this is that the glue holding the rubber feet on melts pretty easily. Maybe it was being out in the desert that did it but I would expect better. Though I don't know if the feet were really supposed to be sound isolating, it was nice when I still had them.

The output could be louder as well. The headphone out is fine but the speaker on the back is no where near loud enough.

It wasn't a complaint for me but some people might not enjoy fumbling with the micro-sd cards as they are really small.

The interface is a little strange as well but you get used to it.

One more note: It crashes the iPad when you try to use the Camera Connection kit to pull recordings off... but that's almost to be expected...

I hope this helps some people! close [-]

TASCAM DR-8

by DAVID KOYNOK from PA. USA
September 21, 2012
Music Background: LONG TIME MUSICIAN
IT WORKS AND SOUNDS GREAT LIVE OR IN LINE

Nice - but get the PDF manual

by Jeff from Huntsville, AL
April 9, 2012
Music Background: Not quitting my day job
The unit itself is great, works well, and has an intuitive function menu.

Sound quality is surprisingly good.

My only gripe was the incredibly tiny font in the supplied ... read more [+]user manual. Save some grief and download the PDF version of the manual so you can actually read it..The few problems I encountered were solved with a better view of the instructions. close [-]
Read more reviews

Everything was exactly as promised. I was impressed with the phone call I received from your guy when I had just placed the order. He was very thorough and professional in every way. I love my new digital piano. Your wide selection and excellent service as well as your "3 Payment Plan" and the 2 year warranty sealed the deal for me on this purchase. No one else could come close.


Cecil, Mesquite, TX
See Also: Handheld Recorders , TASCAM , TASCAM Portable Recorders

TASCAM DR-08

Today's Payment: $43.00
Includes $10 processing fee
Payment 2: $33.00
In approx. 30 days
Payment 3: $33.00
In approx. 60 days

Buy Today, Make

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Get your TASCAM DR-08 now and spread out the payments!


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