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Tapco by Mackie Link.USB 2-Channel USB Audio Interface

Combo mic/line/instrument inputs. Includes Mackie's Tracktion 2 Music Production Software

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About This Product!
Description
The Link.USB is Tapco's highly portable computer audio interface for connecting two channels of high-quality audio from the real world into your Mac or PC computer using a common USB connection. As cost-effective as it is compact, Link.USB doesn't chintz out when it comes to sound quality. It features pro-level 24-bit/96kHz fidelity and premium-grade mic preamps. Link.USB comes complete with beginner-friendly Tracktion 2 Music Production Software and Final Mix CD Mastering Plug-in, both courtesy of Mackie.

Exceptional sound quality
For the Link.USB, Mackie started with two of the best mic preamps available in any audio interface at this price range. With combo mic/line/instrument inputs, these Mackie-designed preamps will capture the nuances of any sound you throw at them. This exceptional sound is preserved all the way to your computer thanks to modern 24-bit/96kHz digital audio converters on the way in, as well as the way out to headphones and your Studio Monitors.

Small, but mighty
All that great sound potential is cleverly packed into a compact case less than 2-inches high and 8-inches long. Link.USB tucks comfortably alongside your laptop when you're on the go, and connects with a single USB cable when you're ready to get busy. It's bus powered, meaning it draws its juice from your computer for no-sacrifice recording and mixing, no matter where you end up. And with a unique swivel foot design, you can stand the Link.USB on its side in tighter workspaces, then stow it when it's time to go.

Looks Ain't Deceiving
The Link.USB has soft rubber side-cheeks to protect it from impacts, and keeps it from sliding off your desk if the earth suddenly spins off its axis. Silver side rails act like roll bars to protect its precious knobs from being sheared off while in transit. The TAPCO Link.USBit's hard working, smart, and sexy?just like you wish everyone else was.

Simple, Powerful, Tracktion 2
The Link.USB includes Mackie's Tracktion 2 Music Production Software. It's the easiest software out there to get you started using your computer to record. And once you've mastered the basics, there's plenty of room to grow with Tracktion's truly professional feature set. It even comes bundled with a great assortment of plug-in effects, including Mackie's Dynamics Suite to help you keep the mix tight, plus Mackie's Final Mix CD mastering plug-in for when you're ready to share your music with the world.

Features
Two-channel 24-bit/96kHz USB audio interface*

Combo mic/line/instrument inputs

Mackie-designed high-headroom mic preamps

48v phantom power

Low latency direct monitoring

Bus powered for extreme portability

Mac and PC compatible

Convenient, collapsible swivel-foot for desktop operation

Includes Mackie Tracktion 2 Software

*Note: 96kHz sample rate support (WDM, uni-directional)

Technical Info

Frequency response:
-- Any input to monitor output: +0, ?0.5 dB, 22 Hz to 22 kHz @ 48 kHz SR

-- Any input to phones output: +0, ?3 dB, 30 Hz to 22 kHz @ 48 kHz SR (600 ohm load)

Distortion -- THD + Noise (1 kHz, ?1 dBFS @ 48 kHz SR):
-- Mic input to monitor output: < 0.005%

Dynamic range -- mic input to monitor output (48 kHz SR, A-weighted): 100 dB

Input impedance:
-- Mic input: 3 k ohm

-- Line input: 20 k ohm balanced, 20 k ohm unbalanced

-- Instr input: 1 M ohm

Output impedance:
-- Monitor output: 200 ohm

-- Headphone Output: < 1 ohm

Crosstalk:
-- Monitor output (1 kHz, Left to Right): 70 dB

-- Headphone output (1 kHz, Left to Right): ?80 dB

Maximum input level:
-- Mic in (XLR): 2.2 dBu

-- Line in: +4.5 dBu

-- Instr in: +5.4 dBu

Maximum output level:
-- Monitor output: +4.2 dBu

-- Heaphone output: 18 mW into 600 ohm

A/D and D/A conversion: 24 bit, 44.1/48/88.2/96 kHz

Dimensions:
-- Height: 1.7 in/43 mm

-- Width: 6.1 in/155 mm

-- Depth: 6.8 in/173 mm, 7.6 in/193 mm with handles

Weight: 1.4 lb/0.6 kg

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Tapco by Mackie Link.USB 2-Channel USB Audio Interface Reviews

25 People rated this product :
           7 out of 10
           9 out of 10
"A good minimal product"
Feature:
There aren't too many features in the link.usb, but it's not meant to be an all in one peice of gear

Quality:
The only problem I find is that the Phones knob is too close to the jack, so when it's in the horizontal position it's kind of hard to grip and turn properly. I tripped over one of the XLRs plugged into this thing and it hit the hardwood floor from about 3 feet up, and it's still truckin.

Value:
If all you need is a preamp (or two), chances are that this thing is a good fit for you. The software is actually pretty decent. It's not protools but it's very intuitive and easy to use. For tracking and recording I've switched from Audition to Tracktion.

Sound:
I'd say it sounds pretty good, especially since it's a budget piece of equipment.

Ease of Use:
Pretty easy, I had a few hitches starting up but messing with a few settings got it up and running and it hasn't failed me since.

Overall:
I use this on my laptop and my desktop (both PCs), I think the best feature of this thing is the fact that it's bus powered. If you plan on recording to your computer, just think of this as a decent preamp with free (full functioning) software.

Submitted: 01/05/2007
Style of Music: Hip Hop and Electronic
3 of 3 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?    
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           7 out of 10
"Good for basic home recording, does what it's supposed to do"
Feature:
Simple design & rubber casing nice to have, as is swing-out stand (if desktop space is limited). Unit is USB buss powered, so no wall-wart worries. Neutrik inputs are inconveniently located on the on the back of the unit. Inclusion of Tracktion 2 is very cool -- my previous experience was with an older version of Logic, and I much prefer Traction's interface and workflow.

Quality:
Not the beefiest-feeling device. Knobs are a bit small and feel flimsy, but are functional.

Value:
Good bang-for-the-buck. It's a simple, portable two input I/O device with USB connection and solid software included; nice combo with a laptop PC. Biggest beef I have is with slight latency when recording, but no FireWire connections are available in this price range.

Desirability:
Simple and functional, but not elegant or awe-inspiring.

Sound:
Have used for 6 months and have been pleased with input and output sound quality - crisp & detailed, works well with DI tracks of guitar, bass, and vocals. Preamps have good range, as do headphone and L/R outs to my monitor amp. Haven't used the unit's phantom power, as I have a tube pre for my condenser mic. USB 1.1 connection means some latency when recording.

Ease of Use:
Easy with WinXP. Install software and driver, plug it in, go. Had one problem with LinkUSB driver, but full uninstall & reinstall remedied this.

Support:
Dealt with manufacturer once via email -- response time was 2-3 days, emailed reply was not comprehensive, but the suggestion worked. Tapco's web site is not the most user-friendly, and it's hard to find info on driver updates and user forums.

Overall:
Satisfied with it now as it does what I need: mixing and home recording of single/dual input tracks. If/when I replace this, I'll go with a more substantial I/O device or mixer with more inputs and faster data transfer. Size / portability is nice.

Submitted: 02/22/2007
Style of Music: rock
3 of 3 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?    
Thanks for your opinion!
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