I have been using bigger multi track recorder's since reel to reel and cassette machines but the recording quality today is really good and this mini 8 track machine is no exception. It has limitations as it only records on two channels at once but for me it is ideal for off site work such as live gigs or even recording sound effects such as wildlife or traffic as it can run off batteries as well as an adaptor. The memory card allows it to be transferred to bigger home studios / Daws with ease.
As a starter multitrack it is a brilliant entry level for those who want to record at a budget price. It doesn't have inbuilt rhythm patterns but that can be solved by connecting a drum machine but that omission is compensated for by lots of other features and effects.
The inbuilt mics and it's small package makes portability a breeze as will fit in a gigbag or laptop bag. Quality Microphones can off course be added to enhance the quality although the inbuilt mics do a good job if a sound check is made before tecording. As well as recording performances it is also useful for recording inspirational ideas in a hurry and also for entry level multi track recording.
A good by for both beginners and experienced recording enthusiasts.

Compact, portable (battery powered), versatile but steep learning curve (the manual is 91 pages long and gives a good level of instructional detail; some of the screenshot and icon images are, however, tiny and difficult to see). The missing star is down to me - I was looking for a handy, one button recording device to use at song-writing sessions (for instance). The Portastudio will require more set-up time and so not be as "instant" as I had thought. But I can see that it will be faster and more portable than my computer-based DAW. I'd recommend finding and reading equipment handbooks before purchase if possible, when comparing different products. Now I've got used to the Portastudio, I'm not sure I'd change it for a simpler device (I think anyone browsing the Anderton's site would see what I had in mind), but I'm left wondering whether I will be doing mixing and mastering on the device, or upload to a computer-based editing workstation.

The DP 008ex has a few editing feature improvements and works well in line with products. I wish it had more lines in (RCA pin or 1/8 jacks) would be great. It offers what I need with portability, flexibility, clarity and ease of use (relatively), which enhances the ability to create , collaborate and produce some quality works.

I like the smaller footprint, the knobs versus sliders, the mechanics in general. I would recommend a foot switch if you need a little extra flexibility,( helps if you're playing and working as your own sound technician). Give yourself a little time to actually read the manual and become familiar with what it will do. Experiment and let that imagination go! Record what you do and then listen, you'll just get better and may be surprised at what you can make happen.
Of course, if you're an OCD perfectionist type like myself you do it over and over, to make it a little better. But, I have a lot of fun with it. Got to love what you do! Do what you love! Remember to buy extra memory cards (high speed). Sure beats cassettes. Another good function - digital conversion from other formats.

It's a great unit for those who want to avoid daw multitracking . Tascam have designed this machine to be what you need and no more . It keeps music making very focused . There's alot more you can do on 8 track than people might normally give credit for. Looking back by traditional standards it's a very powerful machine