5 best multitrack digital recorders

Multitrack digital recorders are versatile audio recording devices that are related to portable recorders, studio recording equipment, and musical instruments. These recorders are designed to capture and process multiple audio tracks simultaneously, making them essential tools for musicians, audio engineers, and content creators.Here's what you need to know about multitrack digital recorders:

Multitrack Recording: Multitrack recorders can capture multiple audio signals or tracks independently. This allows for the recording of multiple instruments or sources separately, making it easier to mix and edit the audio later in the production process.
Portable Design: Many multitrack digital recorders are designed to be portable, making them ideal for on-the-go recording, field recording, live performances, and location audio capture. They often feature built-in microphones or inputs for external microphones and instruments.
Track Count: These recorders come in various configurations, offering different track counts. Common options include 4-track, 8-track, 16-track, and even 32-track recorders. The choice of track count depends on the complexity of your recording projects.
Built-in Effects and Processing: Some multitrack recorders include onboard effects and processing capabilities, allowing users to apply effects like reverb, compression, EQ, and more during recording or playback.
Touchscreen Interfaces: Many modern multitrack recorders feature intuitive touchscreen interfaces for easy navigation and control of recording parameters, track editing, and mixing.
Storage Options: These recorders typically use digital storage media like SD cards or internal hard drives to store recorded audio. Some models also offer USB connectivity for data transfer to a computer.
Battery or AC Powered: Portable multitrack recorders can be battery-powered, making them suitable for remote recording where power outlets may not be available. They can also be powered via AC adapters or USB power sources.
Connectivity: Multitrack recorders often include a range of input and output options, such as XLR, 1/4-inch, and MIDI inputs. They may also have USB ports for connecting to computers or external devices.
Editing and Mixing: Many multitrack recorders feature built-in editing and mixing capabilities, allowing users to arrange, edit, and mix tracks directly on the device.
Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) Integration: Some models can function as audio interfaces and seamlessly integrate with DAW software, enabling further editing, processing, and mixing on a computer.
Live Sound and Music Production: Multitrack digital recorders are commonly used for recording live concerts, rehearsals, and studio sessions, as well as for creating music tracks and demos.
Price Range: The price of multitrack digital recorders can vary widely, depending on their features, track count, and brand. Entry-level models are available for beginners, while professional-grade units cater to the needs of advanced users.

Multitrack digital recorders are powerful tools for capturing and producing high-quality audio recordings. Whether you're a musician, sound engineer, or content creator, these devices offer the flexibility and versatility needed to create and manipulate audio tracks in a variety of settings.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best multitrack digital recorders on the market

Tascam DP-006 6-Track Digital Pocketstudio Multi-Track Audio Recorder

Tascam

Based on 675 reviews Check latest price

Product description

TASCAM has been revolutionizing Portastudio since they invented them. For decades, TASCAM's Portastudio have remained the ideal scratch pads and easy-to-use home recording devices. Utilized by seminal artists and home for legendary albums throughout the years, TASCAM has stayed true to manufacturing rugged, compact, feature-rich song-writing and demo tools. The DP-006 is the most compact solid-state multi-track recorder on the market. TASCAM equipped it with 6-channels (2 Mono and 2 Stereo/Mono), selectable track modes, built-in high-quality stereo condenser mics and 2 mic/line inputs. This recorder will easily fit into any gig bag, pocket or suitcase. Clean only with dry cloth

Up to six tracks recording (2mono tracks+ 2mono/stereo switchable tracks)
CD quality recording (16bit/44.1kHz)
Two tracks simultaneous recording/ six tracks simultaneous playback
Dedicated stereo master track available
2 Built-in omni-directional condenser microphones

User questions & answers

Question:	I like to record from my portable PA (JBL EON210P) w/ RCA & 1/4" output. Is this a good recorder or is there other better options
Answer:	The DP006 is an entry level 4-6 track recorder. It's not a professional board, but it does what it claims to do very well.
Question:	can you record a live performace
Answer:	Absolutely! However your results will depend on the placement of the device. You could record a live performance using either the internal mic or using external mics strategically located. This little unit is pretty diverse in it's application. Results depend on your recording acumen. Which develop over time.
Question:	Can you transfer your recording to a thumb drive
Answer:	You record individual tracks that are then mixed down by you into a stereo mp3 with this same unit. From there, you can do anything with the mp3 file - put it on a thumb drive, email it, upload it, etc. If you are asking "can you go directly to thumb drive?", I don't think there is an easy way. It has an SD card that you can take out and put in any card reader, then you would be able to transfer onto a thumb drive.
Question:	does this need external speakers or are they built in? also what would be a good micraphone to use for i need one further away from the unit
Answer:	It does need some sort of device to output sound. It is equipped for headphones. You can use any mic you like as well as a condenser if you have phantom power capabilities. The onboard mics are good quality as well.

Product features

DP-006

Jot down ideas for your songs using these professional sounding multi-track recorders. For extra battery life, you can add the BP-6AA external battery pack. Two condenser microphones built into the front of the units record vocals or acoustic guitar anytime without the need for extra equipment or set-up time. Modeled after the top-selling DR series microphones, you can be assured high-quality sound. The DP-006 even includes a tripod mount for versatile set-up and placement.

Simple, Easy-to-Use Interface

Optimally designed for on-the-spot recording. No unnecessary features were included that might complicate the recording to ensure easy functionality, and dedicated knobs make recording faster than digging through menus. Designed with Portastudio functionality, these POCKETSTUDIOs are the easiest songwriting scratchpads you can buy.

Ultra Light Weight Design – Carry It With You Everywhere

The DP-006 and the DP-008EX both feature ultra light-weight designs to ensure portability. The DP-006 is 13 oz, and the DP-008EX is 21.5 oz. (without AA batteries)

Inputs for External Microphones and Electric/Acoustic Guitar

Both models have two inputs with 1/4" jacks, these terminals provide to connect an external microphone, an electric-acoustic guitar and a line-level device like a synthesizer. Cables sold seperately allow you to connect an iPad or other sound device.

Quickly Fix/Re-record Tracks with the UNDO/REDO Function

Fix performance errors using the Undo and Redo functions. Instant Undo frees you to try new ideas without worrying about erasing your last take.

Tascam DP-03SD 8-Track Digital Portastudio Multi-Track Audio Recorder

Tascam

Based on 601 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The DP-03SD is an affordable way to get into TASCAM's famed Porta studio system of making recording simple and affordable for musicians. The 8-track digital recorder captures your music at CD quality to affordable SD/SDHC cards, and a 2GB card is included with the recorder. With built-in microphones, effects, and mastering, the DP-03SD provides everything musicians need to record and share their music.

A digital recorder perfect for getting into TASCAM's famed PORTASTUDIO system of making recording simple and affordable
Features a simple body and intuitive operation, like a cassette MTR, but with 8-track recording and 2-channel simultaneous input
The XLR terminal supports condenser microphones while the TRS phone terminals enable guitar and keyboard connections.Frequency response:20Hz to 20kHz (+1/–3dB, INPUT (MIC/LINE) to LINE OUT)
Equipped with two high-quality stereo condenser microphones for on-demand recording anytime, anywhere
Create professionally-mastered audio with the DP-03SD alone through onboard mastering effects and editing functions
A tuner and metronome are built-in for tight-sounding tracks, each with its own dedicated button for quick access

User questions & answers

Question:	Do you have to record through the built in recorder or can you use a daw on your pc too
Answer:	Not sure how to but you can, that's made to record instrumentals and also vocals, I didn't need it because I make my instrumentals with a software so went with protools for vocals.
Question:	Does this come with a power supply and SD card, or do I need to buy them separately? I don't see anything about that in the description
Answer:	Yes on the power supply and sd card but you might want to buy a bigger sd card if your planning on recording alot.
Question:	other than the obvious extra tracks, is this relatively the same as the Tascam 24 track
Answer:	There are two versions of this unit, the DP-24SD and the DP-32. The DP-24 has 12 mono channels and 6 "Fixed"stereo channels. The DP-32 has 8 mono channels and 10 stereo or mono channels. You can only record 8 tracks at once so either 8/mono or 4/stereo (each stereo channel counts as 2 tracks) or any combination not to exceed 8 tracks. The processing and Physical layout are the same pretty much the same.
Question:	The dp 32sd says you can record 8 inputs at one time. the comments here say you can only record 2 inputs at one time. which is correct
Answer:	Look at which version they are reviewing. This Amazon listing allows buyers to choose one of three different recorders...one being the 8 track which only allows 2 inputs. The customer reviews below include the combined comments for purchases of all three versions... so you are obviously reading comments directed towards the 8 track version. The 32 track recorder does in fact allow eight inputs with simultaneous recording.

Product features

DP-03SD

The DP-03SD is an affordable way to get into TASCAM's famed Portastudio system of making recording simple and affordable for musicians. The 8-track digital recorder captures your music at CD quality to affordable SD/SDHC cards, and a 4GB card is included with the recorder. With built-in microphones, effects, and mastering, the DP-03SD provides everything musicians need to record and share their music.

Stereo Condenser Microphones

A pair of stereo condenser microphones is built into the front panel of the DP-03, helpful for capturing a rehearsal, live performance or songwriting ideas. Also included are a pair of high-quality XLR microphone preamps with phantom power for condenser microphones.

Tuner and Metronome

A tuner and metronome are built-in for tight-sounding tracks, each with its own dedicated button for quick access. Track can be edited with commands like copy/paste, silence, clone track and undo.

Bouncing

Bouncing is also available, even bouncing all eight tracks down to one or two. There’s even the option to import a WAV file through USB.

Utilizing SD/SDHC media ensures confident recording

The 8-track digital recorder captures your music at CD quality to affordable SD/SDHC cards, and a 4GB card is included with the recorder. When you’re satisfied, transfer your mix to a computer over USB 2.0.

Tascam DP-008EX 8-Track Digital Pocketstudio Multi-Track Audio Recorder,Black

Tascam

Based on 609 reviews Check latest price

Product description

TASCAM has been revolutionizing Portastudio since they invented them. For decades, TASCAM's Portastudio have remained the ideal scratch pads and easy-to-use home recording devices. Utilized by seminal artists and home for legendary albums throughout the years, TASCAM has stayed true to manufacturing rugged, compact, feature-rich song-writing and demo tools. TASCAM is introducing the DP-008EX 8-channel Pocketstudio with built-in input and master effects. Each channel is conveniently loaded with volume, pan, reverb-send knobs, auto-punch in/out, 2 XLR Mic inputs with +48V phantom power and built-in high-quality stereo condenser mics making the DP-008EX an ideal take-anywhere solid-state recorder.

A perfect music sketch pad with built-in high-quality stereo condenser microphones for multi-track recording anytime, anywhere
Easy to operate, just like a cassette MRT, with recording preparation achievable in just two steps after turning the device on
SD/SDHC cards are used for recording media, allowing data to be transferred to the computer via USB
To ensure a simple, easy-to-use interface, no unnecessary features were included that might complicate the recording process
Features two analog 1/4" inputs that allow users to connect external microphones, electric-acoustic guitars, and line-level devices
Also features two XLR inputs with +48V Phantom Power to allow the connection of external condenser microphones
Designed with many onboard effects for all input channels to get the most out of your recordings

User questions & answers

Question:	Can you record a drum machine track on here and add vocals and guitar later
Answer:	My boyfriend have a Apple laptop but the audio works really good. I’m happy to bay this for him
Question:	when you export multi track recordings, do the files keep their individual tracks
Answer:	Yes it does come with the pop filter.
Question:	i really want this unit, the reviews sound great, but i have a question: do you absolutely HAVE to download your music via some music software to your computer for some reason? or can you directly download to a CD recorder if you wish to
Answer:	If you are 6'4-6'5 you should be fine with the mic stand up right. We tested with our staff here. If you require additional height, you will need to prop up the stand.
Question:	I want to play a recorded backing track while singing live. Can I do this through the recorder or do I need to add a mixer downstream from it
Answer:	Yes, it had a standard connection.

Product features

DP-008EX

Jot down ideas for your songs using these pro sounding multi-track recorders. For extra battery life, you can add the BP-6AA external battery pack. The DP-006 and the DP-008EX have two condenser microphones built into the front of the units. Record vocals or acoustic guitar anytime without the need for extra equipment or set-up time. TASCAM carefully chose the best sounding microphones for our recorders. Modeled after the top-selling DR series microphones, you can be assured high-quality sound.

Simple, Easy-to-Use Interface

Both models are optimally designed for on-the-spot recording. No unnecessary features were included that might complicate the recording to ensure easy functionality, and dedicated knobs make recording faster than digging through menus. Designed with Portastudio functionality, these POCKETSTUDIOs are the easiest songwriting scratchpads you can buy.

Ultra Light Weight Design – Carry It With You Everywhere

The DP-006 and the DP-008EX both feature ultra light-weight designs to ensure portability. The DP-006 is 13 oz, and the DP-008EX is 21.5 oz. (without AA batteries)

High-Speed Data Transfer via USB2.0

Both models record to widely available SD/SDHC card media (4GB card included). In addition, both models can connect to PCs via USB2.0 for high-speed data transferring. All song ideas can be transferred via USB or SD card readers to and from the units at any point in the recording process.

Two XLR Inputs with +48V Phantom Power

The DP-008EX can supply phantom power for condenser microphones, even when operated with AA batteries.

(Notice: Operating time becomes shorter when used with phantom power supply. We recommend connecting TASCAM's BP-6AA or a power supply when using phantom power.)

Behringer Digital Multitrack Recorder (U-PHORIA STUDIO PRO)

Behringer

Based on 17 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Behringer U-PHORIA STUDIO PRO Complete recording Bundle with high definition USB Audio Interface, condenser microphone, studio Headphones and more.

Everything you need for professional music production, digital home recording and podcasting
Get a full recording studio “out of the box” including U-PHORIA UMC202HD USB audio interface, C-1 condenser microphone, HPS5000 studio headphones and more
Audiophile 2x2, 24-bit/192 kHz USB Audio Interface with MIDAS mic Preamplifiers
Professional, large-diaphragm condenser microphone for unsurpassed audio quality
High-performance studio Headphones with ultra-wide frequency response

User questions & answers

Question:	does it come with all the necessary cables
Answer:	It comes with one microphone cable and one USB cable to connect to your computer. That's all you will need .
Question:	Does it include any DAW software
Answer:	No..

Product features

U-PHORIA STUDIO PRO

Complete Recording Bundle with High Definition USB Audio Interface, Condenser Microphone, Studio Headphones and More

Everything you need for professional music production, digital home recording and podcasting
Get a full recording studio "out of the box" including U-PHORIA UMC202HD USB audio interface, C-1 condenser microphone, HPS5000 studio headphones and more
Audiophile 2x2, 24-Bit/192 kHz USB Audio Interface with Midas Mic Preamplifiers

Professional, large-diaphragm condenser microphone for unsurpassed audio quality
High-performance studio headphones with ultra-wide frequency response

U-PHORIA STUDIO PRO

Looking for the ideal way to express yourself? Ever dreamed of becoming a famous producer? Then podcasting is the answer and the U-PHORIA STUDIO PRO bundle has everything you need to make high-quality podcasts, produce your own music and home recordings! Included in this incredible recording bundle you’ll find a U-PHORIA UMC202HD USB audio interface, C-1 condenser microphone and HPS5000 studio headphones. Just add your favorite DAW and you’ll be up and running in mere moments – right out-of-the-box!

UMC202HD

This blazingly fast USB 2.0 studio in a box will have you recording your next masterpiece in minutes with all the connectivity for microphones, guitars, bass and keyboards. Record the perfect vocal right to your computer-based DAW thanks to the 2 astonishingly pure, world-class Midas-designed mic preamps, which include +48 Volt phantom power for condenser microphones, all going through studio-grade 24-Bit/192 kHz converters for the best possible sound quality. Whether you’re a singer-songwriter, producer on the go, or just need a rock-solid interface for running backing tracks at a gig, the ultra-dependable U-PHORIA UMC202HD will help you shine in the digital domain.

Studio-Grade C-1 Mic

The C-1 microphone is a professional-quality condenser microphone designed to capture your sound with incredible realism, sensitivity and accuracy. With C-1’s outstanding cardioid pickup pattern for excellent sound source separation and feedback rejection, this ultra-low noise mic is an excellent choice for any recording scenario. The C-1 just may be the only microphone your studio will ever need.

Professional HPS5000 Headphones

HPS5000 headphones provide everything you need for comfortable listening. The ear cups contain high-efficiency cobalt capsules that deliver high-definition bass and super-transparent treble. Featuring a single-sided cord that resists tangling, an ultra-comfortable headband and a 1/4" adapter for the 1/8" connector, HPS5000 phones are compatible with everything from your smartphone – to your mixing console.

Zoom Digital Multitrack Recorder (PCF-6)

Zoom

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

If you record with a ZOOM F6 and need an easy way to carry it on location, then the PCF-6 Protective Case is the perfect companion. Durable and lightweight, this protective case is suitable for any indoor or outdoor environment. It offers top, side, and bottom access to the unit as well as a clear-windowed top cover so you can monitor the recorder’s screen in all production conditions.