Tascam RC-3F

The TascamRC-3F foot switch is just perfect for the Tascam SD20M card player! The unit is built with a sturdy construction and is large enough to see what you doing while still playing an insturment! Made up of three switches, the centre one the largest for start/ stop action and the two smaller side switches for forward and back movements. However this can be altered to function controller in the record mode, which changes the switch actions. This is procedure is activated from the SD player. A long lead is supplied with the switch which is handy! There is a battery needed to function the switch, but will last a very long time. Tascam have decided to have a red light flashing when the switch is pressed, but underside switch of the switch were one can't see it, beats me. Very good switch in design and very well thought out.

The functions of the three switches on this pedal are set by the device it's plugged into, in my case the Tascam DP 24. It's great for jumping through your recording, punching in and out, etc. Really happy I got it, since it saves me constantly going over to the desk.

The plastic pedal part of the right switch was slightly mis-positioned. It made a click as it rubbed against another part of the device. and the travel was not the same as for the other two switches. it did, however, function as intended. I considered returning it, but I removed the base, twisted the plastic pedal part a little, and put it back together. Now the problem is fixed.

It is not a particularly rugged device, but if treated with respect I don't foresee any other problems arising. Notwithstanding the above mentioned issues, I would certainly buy it again.

I've heard a few people complain that this foot switch is expensive. Certainly compare to a 'dumb' standard foot switch that merely sends a on/off pulse it is.

However this model has 3 programmable switches and allows you to control your transport pretty comprehensively in a remote situation. Particularly good if your tracking drums on your own, or something of that nature and cant reach the main unit easily.

Build quality is solid and up to tascam standards. I like the big center switch particularly and all switches are nicely responsive, but don't trigger incorrectly. Stays where it's put. Some smaller switches tend to move around. Has a nice long lead, but of course because it does not use a standard TRS cable, there's no easy way to extend it.

I would recommend this highly if you need to track on your own with a tascam portastudio and want more than just a punch in option.

This is a strong well built pedal and works very well indeed. It comes with a fixed wired cable which is long enough for most studio or live requirements. (I would prefer to have the option to use different cable lengths but that is a minor issue)Very simple to set up and easy to use. It takes two double A batteries, I don't know how long the batteries last as I have just got it. The battery LED indicator is underneath which does not make sense and would serve better on top. The pedals are noise free and no clicks which are very good for recording stop start. Overall I like this simple design and it does the jobs I need it to do.