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TASCAM HD-P2

Portable High-Definition Stereo Recorder

Item ID: HDP2

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The Professional's Choice for Challenging Recording Applications

Co-developed with Frontier Systems, the TASCAM HD-P2 portable high-definition Stereo Recorder can capture audio at up to 24-bit resolution and sampling rates of up to 192kHz onto CompactFlash media. The audio files are instantly available for editing or transfer to DAWs through the built-in FireWire connection. As you'd expect for pro applications, the HD-P2 includes high-end features like SMPTE timecode input for synchronization to external devices while in record or playback mode. What's more, it lets you handle those stressful "one-take-only" situations with ease thanks to the large, angled LCD and fast, intuitive user interface.


TASCAM HD-P2 at-a-Glance:
  • Records to convenient CompactFlash media at resolutions up to 24-bit and sample rates to 192kHz
  • Transfer data fast to any Mac or PC via built-in FireWire connection
  • Built-in Synchronization via full-featured timecode input
  • Large angled LCD and intuitive user interface
  • Onboard XLR mic inputs with phantom power, unbalanced RCA ins and outs plus S/PDIF digital I/O


Records High Definition Audio to CompactFlash Media
One of the HD-P2's coolest features (in our humble opinion, of course) is its ability to record directly to readily available, highly cost effective CompactFlash media. Prices seem to drop weekly on these, making one gig CF cards surprisingly affordable. But it's the audio quality that will impress you the most, since the HD-P2 can record at 24-bit resolution and at sample rates of up to 192kHz. Sure, that might be overkill right now, but isn't it nice to know that a year from now, you won't have to retire the unit and buy something else? The HD-P2 is truly a portable recorder capable of delivering pristine audio at all resolutions and sample rates you might need for today and well into the future.

Convenient FireWire Connectivity for Fast Data Transfers
TASCAM made a really wise choice by including FireWire connectivity in the HD-P2. So whether you want to send some audio to a Mac or PC for fine-tuning (or even major edits), you won't spend time twiddling your thumbs while some sloth-like data transfers are in progress. As we all know, FireWire is super fast. Need to send your audio into a full-blown digital audio workstation? No problemo, dude. The HD-P2 has you covered.

Built-in Synchronization
The TASCAM HD-P2 comes standard with a full featured timecode input, making it the most affordable recorder with built-in timecode ever made. Incoming LTC is connected to the locking XLR input for timetamping your broadcast WAVE files from a central clock. The HD-P2 also "Chases" incoming timecode during playback for review or loading into an editor. A video clock input allows frame edge resolve to a central blackburst source or use as a lock-and-release timecode slave.

Large Angled LCD and Intuitive User Interface
Although the HD-P2 was designed for demanding film shoots and live concerts, it's still simple and affordable enough for use in everyday situations. The large, angled backlit LCD is uncluttered, yet it delivers all the information you need to get the job done. The angled display is easily read from a tabletop or when the unit is shoulder mounted. The user interface is straightforward - there's no steep learning curve, so you can begin using the HD-P2 almost immediately.

Onboard XLR Inputs Plus Unbalanced RCA and S/PDIF I/O
The HD-P2 is ready to work with you, using the accessories you choose. For use with today's premium quality microphones, the unit has balanced XLR inputs with phantom power, so you can actually take your better mics out in the field for the best results. There are also unbalanced RCA ins and outs for those times when you need to record an analog line-level signal. Finally, the HD-P2 has a digital S/PDIF I/O, allowing it to easily interface with almost any other digital audio device on the planet, like DAT machines, hard disk recorders and more!

TASCAM HD-P2 Features:
  • Stereo recording to Compact Flash media
  • 44.1kHz to 192kHz sample rates at 16- or 24-bit resolution
  • Time-stamped Broadcast WAVE file format is easily imported into DAW software and spotted into projects with sample accuracy
  • Retake button allows user to re-do last recording with a single button press
  • Audio files continually re-saved to safeguard against data loss
  • Comprehensive system and transport control from the front panel or a PS/2 keyboard
  • XLR mic inputs with phantom power and analog peak limiter
  • Unbalanced stereo RCA I/O
  • S/PDIF digital I/O
  • Headphone output
  • Built-in mono microphone and speaker for desktop interview applications
  • Analog level controls for easy operation without the need to look at the unit
  • FireWire interface for fast data transfer to a computer
  • SMPTE/LTC timecode input on locking XLR balanced jack
  • Timestamps Broadcast WAVE recordings from SMPTE input
  • Chase locks to incoming SMPTE timecode
  • Video clock input resolves to house clock
  • Tri-level sync support for HDTV applications
  • Includes Frame Lock, Lock and Release and flexible Freewheel settings for unpredictable timecode sources
  • Pull-up and Pull-down sample rates included for video format compatibility
  • Familiar tape machine-style layout and function
  • Angled screen for table-top or shoulder strap use
  • Large, uncluttered LCD display
  • Shortcut keys and LED indicators for frequently-accessed functions
  • Recessed Compact Flash slot
  • Runs on (8) readily available AA batteries or DC power adapter
  • Approximately 5.5 hours of operating time on battery power

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Reviews
based on 7 customer reviews

Great DAT replacement

by Buck Natas from ATX
May 14, 2008
Music Background:
Now if I could afford a Nagra I would get one but this was within my budget and after researching all of the recorders in this class the HD-P2 seemed the way to go. I have had no problems with this un... read more [+]it at all. Excellent recording quality with my Earthworks QTC40 at 24/192. The large display makes the menus easy to read and navigate. Does what it says it will and does it well. The CS-P2 case is very nice too and I highly recommend it also. Tascam did this one right. close [-]

GREAATT

by James Solomon from Orlando, FL
February 8, 2008
Music Background: Student, Sound Designer, Boom Operator, Field Recorder, Post-Production
Bought this a couple months ago after getting sick of using its DAT version of this hardware. Knew it would be great to go digital. After using it on various projects including some movies, it has p... read more [+]roven to save time and work beautifully. I have yet to use all its features but for what I have used it for I am glad I made the purchase. If you are in the market for one of these I would truly recommend it! close [-]

Tascam got it right!

by Bob Sellman from Haddon Heights, NJ
November 28, 2006
Music Background: Recording engineer (and amateur performer)
Tascam really designed and built this recorder right! Everything works really well except for two minor complaints I have (and an easy solution for one). I've used it for both master recording sessi... read more [+]ons (I do stereo acoustic type recording on location) and for concert performance recording, using AC power and using battery power.

If you are looking for a 2 track recorder, look no further!

Here are my comments about specific aspects of this recorder:

Sound quality: Excellent, top quality sonic quality including excellent mic preamps.

Metering: The meter level displays are clear and easy to read in spite of the small overall size of the recorder (about the size of a large book). There is no peak hold ability, although I do not consider this a problem (just a minor complaint).

Input level controls: Excellent ganged rotary controls that work well. Since they are ganged you don't have to attempt to raise or lower two separate controls an equal amount if you need to adjust levels.

Power handling: It really shines in this area. Uses an external AC supply or internally 8 AA batteries and works well on NiMH batteries (about 2.5 hours recording time). What is really impressive is that it switches automatically between AC and internal battery power depending upon what is the best source at the moment. If you keep batteries in it, if you lose the AC power it should keep on running because it will switch to the batteries automatically (while recording!).

Display: Display is clear and readable and a decent size for the overall size of the unit. If you need to change a setting while recording, you can push the menu button and select the appropriate item from the menu without interrupting the recording. I recently was recording a concert on battery power and realized that the batteries were losing power faster than they should have because when I had previously used it (on AC power) I had the display backlight set to always on (which consumes much more power). I was able to go to the menu and change the backlight time so it would go off after 2 minutes (and conserve battery power)....and I did this while the recording continued.

Media handling: It uses compact flash media and includes a test function that will test your media and tell you which sampling rates/bit levels your media can successfully record at in an easy to read chart. Obviously, since it uses compact flash media and not an internal hard drive, there is no noise from the unit.

Monitoring: Here's where there is a minor problem (with an easy fix). Headphone monitoring works extremely well with a wide range level control; however, when the headphones are not plugged in the internal speaker ALWAYS is on and cannot be turned off. The simple solution is to always leave the 1/4" to 1/8" adapter for the headphones plugged into the headphone jack so the speakers are always turned off.

The Case: Really well designed case that enables complete operation of the recorder while it's in the case by opening the appropriate access covers. You even have access to the batteries if you need to change them.

Recording options: Records at any combination from 44.1kHz to 192kHz with 16 or 24 bit depth (as long as your compact flash card handles the highest sampling rates). I personally would prefer to record at 96 kHz and 32 bit depth than 192kHz and 24 bits, since I feel that a higher bit depth would be far more useful than a higher rate, but that has no effect on my rating of this recorder.

In summary, with this recorder, a pair of excellent mics, a mic stand, mic cables, and batteries you are set to record at the highest quality with ease. close [-]

Excellent machine

by Cameron Ogilvie from Toronto, ON, Canada
August 4, 2008
Music Background: Classicaly trained Pro Musician & Recording Engineer
This machine is nearly perfect for my purposes.

I record mostly live concerts and this is my back-up. It has dropped the ball only once in 150 concerts... After reviewing the situatio... read more [+]n, it actually was my fault for not formatting the memory card before the show.

Additionally I have used it for field work as a sound-recordist for low-budget films. Works great in all sorts of weather... I just wish there was a better accessory battery or aftermarket battery product, as swapping out 8 AA batteries puts a halt in production for more time than you would like.

The only serious complaint I have are some of the screws that hold the unit together have become corroded... I had the predecessor DA-p1 (DAT machine) and it never suffered from this even under the same environmental conditions.

This is a fantastic product for the money. I am even considering buying a second one so I don't have to lug the pro-tools kit around for my smaller recording jobs. close [-]

Save your time

by Mike from Northeast Ohio
March 10, 2009
Music Background: Hobbyist live sound taper
This is a very nice recorder, a step up from entry level in my opinion but not by a whole lot.

The reason this only deserves 3 stars...Is the fact; this recorder can not take any compact flash ... read more [+]cards larger than 8GB. Tascam refuses to do anything about it. As a matter of a fact. This isn't even a tascam recorder it is made by Frontier, with a tascam badge.When several of us emailed Tascam looking for a new firmware to address the 8gb card limitation their reply was they would get with Frontier on that. 2 years later and no word from Tascam and they stopped responding to emails asking if this will ever even be addressed.

Want to record at 192/24? Sure go ahead but don't expect to get more than 2 hours on your CF cards.Since it seems Tascam and Frontier won't address the end users of this issue I feel it is important to let everyone who is considering this product to be fully aware you will never be able to use a CF larger than 8gbs which is ridiculous. close [-]
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TASCAM HD-P2

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