TASCAM Celesonic US-20x20 Multi-Channel USB Audio Interface

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TASCAM Celesonic US-20x20 Multi-Channel USB Audio Interface, Angle

TASCAM Celesonic US-20x20 Multi-Channel USB Audio Interface, Mixer Software

TASCAM Celesonic US-20x20 Multi-Channel USB Audio Interface, Rear

TASCAM Celesonic US-20x20 Multi-Channel USB Audio Interface, ve

This class-compliant USB 3.0 audio interface packs 8 mic preamps, 8 analog outs, ADAT and S/PDIF digital I/O, word clock, and MIDI I/O into one rack space.

Overview

TASCAM's Celesonic US-20x20 packs 20 channels of analog and digital I/O into a single rackspace with great-sounding preamps and USB 3.0/2.0 connectivity. Eight Ultra-HDDA microphone preamps provide 56dB of gain and high headroom to make microphones sound their best. Up to ten channels of digital I/O are included on ADAT and S/PDIF connectors, with word clock also provided for use with external clocks like TASCAM's CG-1000. MIDI I/O allows use with controllers and synthesizers, and sample rates up to 192kHz/24-bit are supported.

The TASCAM Celesonic US-20x20 is the first USB 3.0 interface to use class-compliant drivers for future-proof use with computers and tablets. A built-in DSP mixer includes parametric EQ and compression on every channel and a stereo reverb send for great-sounding monitor mixes. The DSP mixer can also be used as a live mixer or submixer with computer control. The US-20x20 has three operation modes - audio interface, digital mixer, and 8-channel digital mic preamp -for maximum flexibility.

Ultra-HDDA mic preamps provide high headroom for dynamic tracks

TASCAM's Ultra-HDDA mic preamps provide up to 57dB of gain with the highest headroom in their class. Meaning your tracks won't be distorted before they even hit your computer, resulting in sweeter mids and deep soundstaging.

Popularized in TASCAM's HS-P82 professional broadcast and film recorders, Ultra HDDA preamps have the performance to handle condenser, dynamic, and ribbon microphones. These… read more versatile preamps also feature line-level inputs for keyboards and other equipment.

Eight Ultra-HDDA Mic Preamps with 20dB of headroom

Ultra-HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps, an original TASCAM design, use discrete construction for superior audio quality. TASCAM has achieved an EIN rating of -125 dBu (EIN is a value measurement of the absence of noise). The preamps have over 20dB of headroom, well above competing interfaces. This headroom is especially helpful on high SPL sources like drums and guitars.

With other ratings that include a signal-to-noise ratio of 104 dB, we have achieved an extremely high level of audio performance. The key electronic components were selected through extensive listening tests.

Direct Inputs for Guitar and Bass

Two instrument-level inputs are provided for direct input of guitar or bass. Make the most of guitar effect plug-ins, such as the TH2 effect that is included with Cakewalk SONAR.

[Note] Guitar effect plug-ins and DAW software are sold separately.

High-grade Components Selected Through Careful Listening Tests

The TASCAM US Series interfaces have been engineered using the finest components available. Critical electronics such as the Audio4pro ADDA Converter by AKM Corporation enable the interface to boast a 104dB S/N ratio. TASCAM continues the legacy of creating products with professional high-end audio performance.

* Audio4pro is a brand name of AD converter by Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation - utilized in audio mixers and sound reinforcement equipment.

20 Inputs and 20 Outputs To Handle the Biggest Sessions

With (8) XLR/TRS inputs, (2) TRS inputs, multi-channel digital inputs via S/PDIF coaxial, and optical digital connectors, the US-20x20 provides a total of twenty simultaneous inputs when operating at 44.1kHz or 48kHz. Twenty simultaneous outputs are also transmitted from your DAW at 44.1kHz or 48kHz utilizing the (10) TRS line outputs, S/PDIF coaxial and optical digital outputs. The ADAT optical input/output support SMUX2 and SMUX4 - required for high sampling rates. Using (2) US-20x20 and the optical digital connections, it is possible to configure a (16) microphone recording system.

[Note] When operating at 88.2kHz or 96Khz, up to (16) inputs and (16) outputs are possible.
[Note] When operating at 176.4kHz or 192Khz, up to (12) inputs and (12) outputs are possible.

8 XLR/TRS inputs and 2 TRS inputs

The 8 XLR/TRS mic inputs have switchable +48V phantom power in banks of 4, making it possible to use 8 condenser mics at the same time. The 2 balanced line inputs on the rear of the unit are switchable between -10dBV and +4dBu. The user is able to interface an instrument of any level - balanced or unbalanced.

S/PDIF coaxial input/output

The product is equipped with S/PDIF coaxial input and output connectors for connection to effects processors, digital synths, or an external AD/DA converter. For a high-quality monitoring environment, the TASCAM DA-3000 Master Recorder / ADDA converter is recommended.

Word input/output enables connection with an external clock generator

With word clock BNC connection, synchronization with word clock BNC connection, with an external digital device is possible. A highly precise generator - such as one from the TASCAM CG Series - is recommended for complex system setups.

3 switchable modes - Interface, Mic Preamp and Mixer

The versatile Celesonic US-20x20 is an Interface for multitrack recording using a personal computer and DAW, a standalone mic preamp, or a mixer for live performances or mixing keyboards.

Mic Preamp Mode enabling use as a mic pre with analog & digital output

Mic Preamp Mode enables the use of the product as a standalone mic pre. In this mode, the XLR/TRS signal from the from panel flows through the Ultra-HDDA mic preamp, and is output through the TRS jack and the digital output on the rear panel. This is perfect for use into a mixer for live performances. It is not necessary to connect the interface to a personal computer via USB.

[Note] In Mic Preamp Mode, the sampling rate of the digital output is set to 44.1kHz. To change the sampling rate, a digital connection from a word clock master device must be established to the digital input connector.

[Note] When operating at 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz or 192kHz, the number of channels available from the optical digital connector is limited. At 88.2kHz and 96kHz, the output is limited to (4) channels - only the signals of IN1 through IN4 are available. At 176.4kHz and 192kHz, the output is limited to (2) channels - only the signals of IN1 and IN2 are available. And you can use only Optical or Coaxial. (All analog TRS output channels are available - IN1 through IN8)

Mixer mode enabling use for PA/SR and use as a keyboard mixer

Utilizing a 32-bit processing DSP mixer, the product can be used as a 6-bus mixer for PA/SR. In mixer mode, the US-20x20 provides an output patch bay and reverb effect. In mixer mode, the product is connected to a computer and the mixer is controlled from the computer. When (2) US-20x20 are connected, the result is a (16) channel digital mixer useful for live performances. In digital mixer mode, the motion of solo button provides "pre-fader-listen (PFL)".

[Note] When operating at 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, or 192kHz, the numbers of inputs to and outputs from the optical digital connectors are limited

Interface Mode for recording with a DAW

In Audio Interface Mode, the US-20x20 is used as a general audio interface connected to a personal computer, and used for recording with a DAW. The DSP mixer is enabled, and adjustment of dynamics such as balance, EQ, compression is possible during recording. In digital mixer mode, the motion of solo button provides "solo-in-place (SIP)".

[Note] When using the WDM driver, the number of output channels from an application is limited to less than 8 channels.

Advanced DSP mixer with EQ and compression on each channel

An obstacle with computer-based recording is latency (delayed audio signals). New USB 3.0 driver software has been developed to eliminate latency issues and driver set-up problems.

In addition, the built-in mixer provides near-zero latency monitoring while recording. It utilizes the high-performance Dual Core BlackFin DSP making it possible to offer 4-band EQ and compression on each channel. A stereo reverb is also provided for great-sounding headphone mixes.

[Note] When operating at 176.4kHz or 192kHz, the effects (EQ, compression, phase, and reverb) of the DSP mixer cannot be used.
[Note] USB3.0 connection requires Windows 10 or OSX 10.11.2 (or later).

High resolution recording up to 192Hz/24-bit

Record up to 192kHz/24-bit - which far exceeds CD quality (44.1kHz/16-bit). The product supports not only the increasing 24bit/96kHz recordings but also recordings at higher sampling rates, so it can be used for a long time in the future.

USB 3.0 computer connection, a leading transmission standard

USB 3.0 is used in the US-20x20 for (24) channels transmission at 192kHz/24-bit. This is not possible with USB 2.0.
USB OS
USB3.0/USB2.0

Windows 10
OSX El Capitan (10.11.2 or later)
USB2.0 Windows 8, Windows 7,
OS X Yosemite(10.10), OS X Mavericks(10.9),
OS X Mountain Lion(10.8)

Advanced DSP mixer with 4-band equalizer and compressor on each channel

Utilizing an Analog Devices BlackFin processor, the US-20x20 offers an advanced digital mixer. Every input has 4-band EQ, compressor, and low-cut filter. The DSP mixer can store up to (10) snapshots as scenes - making it easy to recall mixer settings

[Note] When operating at 176.4kHz or 192kHz, the effects (EQ, compression, phase, and reverb) of the DSP mixer cannot be used.

Reverb effect to enhance performance and recorded tracks.

The DSP mixer features reverb that can be used to enhance vocal and instrument recordings. The effect can be added to the monitored audio to enhance the performance while recording.

[Note] When operating at 176.4kHz or 192kHz, the effects (EQ, compression, phase, and reverb) of the DSP mixer cannot be used.

Driver software can be installed without connecting the interface

The Windows driver software can be installed without connecting the interface. The installation can be completed by simply following the on-screen instructions. On a Mac, the interfaces can be used without installing a driver, but it is recommend that the Setting Panel software be installed so useful settings can be made.

Sleek industrial design that inspires creativity

We have applied the engineering expertise from years of making audio interfaces to create products that are both pioneering and practical. With their distinctive styling, these interfaces fit perfectly on the desktops of musicians and stimulate creativity.

TASCAM's new US series satisfies the needs of musicians from an aesthetic as well as ergonomic perspective. With its unique honeycomb structure on the side panels, the main body has a sense of weight, while also maintaining a delicacy that matches the user's needs.

Honeycomb structures are a feature of modern architecture, but are also a vital resource whose exceptional technical structure we can use in design. As this structure is found in nature, it has a stability and flexibility which comes with being an organic form.

-Axel Hartmann@ designbox
designbox (Official Website) : A German audio design company founded by Axel Hartmann and Stephan Leitl in 1995 which has worked on several design projects for famous music industry products such as synthesizers, effect pedals and amp simulators.

Angled design provides excellent usability on a desktop

The angled design of the US-20x20 makes desktop viewing and operation much easier than a flat box on a table. No more stretching the neck or twisting the wrist to operate an interface.

Built to tough robust full metal body

The durable metal jacket is employed for heavy duty use.

Separate volume controls for headphones and line output

The interfaces are designed with separate headphone and line output volume controls so even when both powered monitors and headphones are connected, the user can set an optimum level for each during operation.

Dual 70mW+70mW Headphone Outputs

The high-output 70mW+70mW (into 32ohms) headphone amplifiers makes headphone monitoring easy, during loud sessions. This assures you enough monitoring volume even while recording in the same room of a rehearsal studio.

Class-compliant Drivers Support iPads and other Tablets

You will not need another audio interface if you decide you want to make music using an iPad or other iOS device. The performance of these interfaces has been tested with major DAWs - you can continue to use them even if you change DAW software. Since these units include MIDI inputs and outputs, they can also be used as MIDI interfaces.

Connect with an iPad or another iOS device

Use a genuine Apple Lightning-USB camera adapter to connect the unit to an iPad or other iOS device.

[Note] A genuine Apple Lightning-USB camera adapter is not included with this product.
[Note] When connected, the US-20x20 will not provide power to the iOS device.
Tested with Sonar, Pro Tools, Cubase, Live, Studio One, and GarageBand

TASCAM has tested the interface operation with popular DAWs.
MIDI input and output enable connection with keyboards and other MIDI devices

MIDI input and output connectors allow connection with keyboards and other sound sources that employ MIDI connectors. The interfaces can also be used for synchronized operation of multitrack recorders and other external recording equipment.

Rackmount Adapters and hex keys are included

The US-20x20 is supplied with the biocell side panels, but TASCAM also includes rack ears and a hex wrench - making it easy to remove the side panels and rackmount the interface if desired.

Specs

Sampling frequency:
- USB2.0: 44.1k/48k/88.2k/96k Hz
- USB3.0: 44.1k/48k/88.2k/96k/176.4k/192k Hz
- Quantization bit rate:16/24bit

Analog audio inputs (Front):
- MIC IN (BALANCED):IN 1-8
- Connector:XLR-3-31(1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)
- Input impedance:2.4k ohms

Nominal input level:
- GAIN: MAX: -68dBu (0.0003Vrms)
- GAIN: MIN: -12dBu (0.195Vrms)
- Maximum input level: +8dBu (1.947Vrms)
- Gain: 56dB

INST IN (UNBALANCED): IN 1-2:
- Connector: 6.3mm (1/4") TS-jack (T: HOT, S: GND) (When set to "INST" at LINE/INST switch)
- Input impedance: 1M ohms or more

Nominal input level:
- GAIN: MAX: -68dBV (0.0004Vrms)
- GAIN: MIN: -12dBV (0.251Vrms)
- Maximum input level: +8dBV (0.2512Vrms)
- Gain: 56dB

LINE IN (BALANCED): IN 3-8
- Connector: 6.3mm (1/4") TRS-jack (T: HOT, R: COLD, S: GND)
- Input impedance: 10k ohms
- Nominal input level:
- GAIN: MAX: -41dBu (0.0069Vrms)
- GAIN: MIN: +4dBu (1.228Vrms)
- Maximum input level: +24dBu (12.282Vrms)
- Gain: 56dB

Analog audio inputs (Rear):
- LINE IN (UNBALANCED): IN 9-10
- Connector: 6.3mm (1/4") TS-jack (T: HOT, S: GND) (When set to "-10dBV" at LEVEL switch)
- Input impedance: 10k ohms or more
- Nominal input level: -10dBV (0.3162Vrms)
- Maximum input level: +10dBV (3.162Vrms)

LINE IN (BALANCED): IN 9-10
- Connector: 6.3mm (1/4") TRS-jack (T: HOT, R: COLD, S: GND) (When set to "+4dBu" at LEVEL switch)
- Input impedance: 10k ohms
- Nominal input level: +4dBu (1.228Vrms)
- Maximum input level: +24dBu (12.1282Vrms)

Digital audio inputs:
- COAXIAL:
- Connector: RCA pin jack
- Format: IEC60958-3(S/PDIF)
- Input impedance: 75 ohm
- Input level: 0.5Vp-p / 75 ohm

OPTICAL (S/MUX):
- Connector: OPTICAL (JEITA RC-5720C)
- Format: Multi-channel optical format

Analog audio outputs:
- LINE OUT (BALANCED): OUT 1-10
- Connector: 6.3mm (1/4") TRS-jack (T: HOT, R: COLD, S: GND)
- Output impedance: 100ohms
- Nominal output level: +4dBu (1.228Vrms)
- Maximum output level: +24dBu (12.277Vrms)

Digital audio outputs:
COAXIAL:
- Connector: RCA pin jack
- Format: IEC60958-3(S/PDIF) / IEC60958-4(AES/EBU)
- Input impedance: 75 ohm
- Input level: 0.5Vp-p / 75 ohm

OPTICAL (S/MUX):
- Connector: OPTICAL (JEITA RC-5720C)
- Format: Multi-channel optical format (S/MUX4 is available in 88.2k/96k/176.4k/192k Hz)

MIDI IN / OUT:
- Connector: Din 5-pin
- Format: Standard MIDI format

WORD IN:
- Connector: BNC (Permissible frequency deviation at the time of external synchronization)
- Input voltage: 2.0Vpp to 5.0Vpp
- Input impedance: 75 ohm +/-10%
- Input level: +/-100ppm

WORD OUT:
- Connector: BNC with OUT/THRU select switch
- Output voltage: 2.0Vpp (75ohm loaded)
- Output impedance: 75 ohm +/-10%
- Sampling frequency: 44.1k/48k/88.2k/96k/176.4k/192k Hz

USB:
- Connector: USB3.0/2.0 B type, USB3.0 SuperSpeed (5Gbps)/USB2.0 HIGH SPEED (480Mbps)

PHONES:
- Connector: 6.3mm (1/4") stereo phone jack
- Maximum output level: 70mW+70mW or more (THD+N 0.1% or less, 32ohms loaded)

- Power: Dedicated AC adapter (GPE248-120200-Z, included)
- Power consumption: 20W
- Dimensions: (W x H x D) 52 x 2.32 x 8.7" (445 x 59 x 222mm)
- Weight: 5.95 lb. (2.7kg)
- Operating temperature: 5 to 35*C
- Accessories: Rack mount adapter, USB2.0 cable, USB3.0 cable, User's manual, warranty card, dedicated AC adapter

Frequency response:
- LINE OUT (BALANCED):
- 44.1k/48k Hz: 20Hz to 20 kHz, +/-0.3dB (JEITA)
- 88.2k/96k Hz: 20Hz to 40 kHz, +/-0.3dB (JEITA)
- 176.4k/192k Hz: 20H to 80 kHz +/-0.5dB (JEITA)
- THD: 0.005% or less
- S/N ratio: 104dB or more
- Crosstalk: 100dB or more

PC Compatibility:

- Windows:
- OS: Windows 7(32-bit SP1, 64-bit SP1), Windows 8.0(32-bit, 64-bit), Windows 8.1(32-bit, 64-bit)
- Compatible computers: Windows-compatible computer with a USB 2.0 port: Windows-compatible computer with a USB 2.0 or USB3.0 port
- CPU type/speed: Dual core/2 GHz or faster
- Memory: 2GB or more
- DRIVER: ASIO2.0, WDM(MME), MIDI
- USB Audio Class 2.0, ASIO2.0, WDM(MME), MIDI
- Note: When using WDM driver, number of output channels from an application has limitation less than 8 channels.
- Screen resolution: 1280 x 800 Dot or more

- Macintosh:
- OS: OS X Mountain Lion(10.8), OS X Mavericks(10.9), OS X Yosemite(10.10)
- Compatible computers: Apple Mac computer with a USB 2.0 port: Apple Mac computer with a USB 2.0 or USB3.0 port
- CPU type/speed: Dual core/2 GHz or faster
- Memory: 2GB or more
- DRIVER: Core Audio, Core MIDI
- Screen resolution: 1280 x 800 Dot or more

- iOS:
- OS: iOS 7