Tascam US122 Audio/MIDI Interface with Free Software

2 XLR-fed phantom-powered mic inputs with inserts. 2 line level inputs (switchable to guitar level). 16 channels of MIDI I/O. 333 People rated this product:

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Manufacturer's Description for Tascam US122 Audio/MIDI Interface with Free Software

If you want to form a bridge between your music and your computer, there's a new solution that combines affordability and ease-of-use with powerful capabilities and excellent built-in compatibility with your computer: the US-122 from TASCAM and Frontier Design Group.

The US-122 features 2 XLR-based, phantom-powered mic inputs. As one of the only small computer interfaces with analog inserts, you can use the US-122 to place hardware devices (compressors, etc.) into the recording signal chain. Two line-level inputs on balanced 1/4 in. TRS jacks are included, and are switchable to guitar-level for direct instrument recording into your computer. The US-122 also provides a dedicated control for adjustable zero-latency direct monitoring, providing a sonically pure reference point before entering DAW processing. Its 2 line-level outputs provide control for levels, and a dedicated headphone output is also included.

In addition to audio interfacing, the US-122 gives you 16 channels of MIDI I/O for use with synthesizers and other sound generating equipment. The MIDI I/O is also handy for synchronization and automation with external devices.

For compatibility with a wide variety of computer systems, the US-122 excels. It includes drivers for compatibility with ASIO, WDM, GSIF and Apple Core Audio (OS X) software systems, so you can turn nearly any USB-equipped computer into a powerful audio recording system. Plus, the US-122 represents an excellent mobile recording solution. Since it's self-powered via USB, no separate power supply is required for operation, making it perfect for mobile recording systems based around laptop computers--just plug in a couple of condenser mics and go!

The US-122 is packaged with two valuable music production software tools at no added cost: TASCAM's GigaStudio 24 sampling workstation software and a special version of Steinberg's Cubasis recording/sequencing software. Right out of the box, you can install the software, plug in the US-122 and begin creating and recording new music.

With its compact, ergonomic design and rugged steel chassis, the US-122 meets the needs of everyone from hobbyist musicians through advanced professional recording engineers and producers. If you're into the creative advantages of computer recording, here's the tool that gets your ideas into your computer!

Features:
USB audio/MIDI computer interfacing

Mac and Windows compatible

2 XLR-fed phantom-powered mic inputs with inserts

2 line level inputs (switchable to guitar level)

16 channels of MIDI I/O

Adjustable zero-latency direct monitoring

2 line outputs with level control

Headphone output with level control

Self-powered via USB: perfect for both studio and location recording

Includes ASIO, WDM, GSIF and Apple Core Audio (OS X) drivers

Includes audio recording/MIDI sequencing software

Includes GigaStudio 24 sampling workstation software and Steinberg's Cubase LE

Compact and rugged steel construction zZounds is an authorized dealer of Tascam products.

Tascam Warranty

Tascam Warranty

If you have additional warranty questions, please call the manufacturer at 323-727-7617

zZounds is an
authorized Tascam dealer

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Customer Reviews

4 out of 5 (333 ratings) Rate and Review This Product

Read all 48 Tascam US122 Audio/MIDI Interface with Free Software Reviews

This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful. "May require some setup, but does what it should for a reasonable price."

Sound: I bought this product with a bit of trepidation after reading the various reviews and the subsequent frustration with pops, clicks, latency, etc. But since I make my living developing software I'm all too familiar with the conflicts that can occur when installing something new, so I took the plunge since this product had the features I wanted and the price to match. I installed the software, then plugged in the interface and it worked for the most part, but there were the reported pops, clicks, latency issues etc. Fortunately, the documentation that comes with this product helped fixed the issues that were contributing to the problems, you just actually have to read the help. If you are looking for a plug-n-play interface (on XP or XP Home in my case) that just works out of the box without any setup on your part, this may not be for you. But overall the setup was relatively painless and everything works as advertised, including the software. Audio and MIDI sync perfectly and the sound is pretty darn good for two bills. Feature: I was looking for a device with usable software to flush out ideas. I need phantom power, at least two inputs, and MIDI. I looked at many options including firewire devices but they either didn't have these features, or they did and were twice the price. I kept coming back to the Tascam US-122. The interface comes with everything you need to lay down audio tracks and sync to MIDI. The version of Cubase is pretty basic but it works and the Gigasampler while lean on sounds has a nice piano included and it syncs to the Cubase software without issue. Quality: Pretty stout overall. The knobs as reported have a giggly quality, but work smoothly. Value: This is the only product in its price range (to my knowledge) with these features. For two hundred dollars you have a complete recording solution including a sampler. Manufacturer Support: Haven't used it. I ordered the upgraded software (Cubase and Gigasampler 3LE) which is available from the Tascam website and is free of charge if you bought this after August, 2004. The website says it should be here in 2-3 weeks...we'll see. The Wow Factor: Does what I need it to do. Was slightly larger than I though it would be, but it still fits in my laptop bag and will work well for location recording. Overall: I plan on using this for a few years. As we all know, technology gets better and cheaper with each year. Hopefully this will hold up and still be a great utility piece down the road.

Style of Music: Symphonic, Electronic, New Age, Jazz

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"Older unit, but still good..."

Sound: This thing is leaps and bounds over the factory sound cards in my desktops and both of my laptops. Feature: Its a pretty straight forward interface, not too many features but the balanced/unbalanced selector switch is pretty cool as is the phantom power. Ease of Use: Super easy to connect, I bought my unit used and found drivers for both my XP and my Vista machines. Quality: Its used and was used pretty well before I bought it, and it still holds up like a CHAMP. Value: If you can find a used unit for a decent price then jump on it, if not I can only imagine the current model is completely worth it. I paid 50 for the interface plus a couple extras. The Wow Factor: I bought it didn't I? Overall: Its an older unit but still does the job, pretty nifty for a home studio setup. Better than the Behringer unit that was in my price range for sure.

Style of Music: Everything/Local

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Read all 48 Tascam US122 Audio/MIDI Interface with Free Software Reviews