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.

Overall User Ratings

Overall:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * . . . . 6 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * . . . . 6 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10

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"Buy it, Don't listen to the incompetent."

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10
 
 
 
Feature:
Does exactly as advertised. This is a very cost effective audio interface for a laptop. Sure you can use this with a desktop but this is designed for portability and it rates a 10 here. MIDI in and out 2 line in/guitar (Left and right channels)2 low Z XLR mike (Left and Right) Also the phone out can be summed by switching to mono if you are running only 1 channel. Again... this is NOT an interface for the band (yes you can MM it but Not what this is designed for)

Quality:
Again Tascam gives you your money's worth. Solid built and the pre's are quiet as a mouse. $200 ,, how can you go wrong? Buy it.

Value:
Can't beat it...$200 and no need for a power supply, built like a tank and utterly quiet. I am using mine with Cakewalk GT3 as my sound card in my lap top is not supported by GigaStudio24 :(

Desirability:
I bought it and recomend this highly. Again quiet as my studio monitor amp. SILENT.. amazing for the price.

Sound:
Awsome audio...This product adds "NOTHING" to your mix, just as it should be.

Support:
Can't say. I own several Tascam products and NEVER had to call. They do what they are meant to do.

Overall:
Meets my portable needs for the foreseeable future. It's an interface. It works and works well what more is needed? If you do know how to use a computer then Why are you looking for an audio interface to it. Don't blame the product if you can't follow simple instructions.

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"Feature packed audio/midi interface!"

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
 
 
 
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Feature:
This device has analog inserts! No other similarly priced audio/midi interface has anything even remotely similar...

Quality:
Built like a tank

Value:
would buy it again in a heartbeat

Desirability:
Mmmmmmm, yeah!

Sound:
Solid all the way...

Support:
(haven't needed any -- that says it all)

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"One hell of a product..."

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
 
 
 
Feature:
It is perfect for me because I just play guitar and sing (well try to sing) as a hobbie. It has many features that I can grow into if and when I get more into it.

Quality:
It seems to be built well, but I would still be gentle with it as with any electro-,echanical equipment.

Value:
For under $200.00, It's a great deal. It's everything I need in a affordable package.

Desirability:
I saw it... I did a little research... I wanted it.

Sound:
The sound is clean and clear. I am using the MXL 990/991 Recording Set. I includes a MXL 990 Condensor Mic and a MXL 991 Condensor Mic. I use the 990 for voice and the 991 for my acoustic guitar. You need to have good mic's to get a good sound, but I guess that goes for any Interface. Great Sound with these mic's.

Support:
Did not have to use it so I will give them the benafit of the doubt.

Overall:
Overall It's a great product. It's everything you could want for home recording on your PC in a single portable package. A lot of people told me about mixers and stuff, but the software comes with a mixer. I don't see any need for that other stuff when I can get it in a software package. This and a couple mic's is all I need for now. Maybe a keyboard for doing instruments that I don't have. For the people who under rated this product because they could not get it to work... I say... Find out why it don't work. It most likely is your computer or something you may have installed on your system. Don't blame it on the product until you know for sure. I had no problems what so ever installing it on XP with SP2. I even left my virus protection running which the manual does not recommend.

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"loyal, functional, simple. don't want anything else."

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * . . . . . . . 3 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Support:
* * . . . . . . . . 2 out of 10
 
 
 
Feature:
this is such a bare and functional machine, there were no 'features'..it came with a disk of some archaic recording program, which was useless. all i wanted when i bought it was a way to record my music, and it did that for me. i asked for nothing more, i got nothing more, and im really happy.

Quality:
this is truly a simply machine. its lightweight, it looks like it would break easily. aesthetically its a joke, but again it serves it purpose. its GREAT for on the road, i just stick it in my bag with my laptop and the usb cable and two seconds its up and running off my computers power.

Value:
i really just wanted something simple to record my music with, and it was affordable, and its done everything i wanted it to.

Desirability:
its not sexy. it looks a little like alan colmes.

Sound:
depends. if you record directly into the tascam, it sounds flat and vacant/ one dimensional.. but it has two xlr inputs and four guitar/instrument inputs, so i record either stereo mic or i even plug in a video camera and record through that and ive gotten some quality recordings from it.. just dont play directly into the machine, its terrible.

Ease of Use:
it took me a while to figure out drivers , what to download on the website which they seemed to make unnecessarily complex. im using a mac os x system, thats what it seems made for, dont bother with windows, windows sucks anyway, what are you doing using microsoft, get a mac.

Support:
this is terrible. Tascam is the Enron of recording companies. luckily i haven't really had any problems with it yet, three years strong, but ive heard the stories

Overall:
i am satisfied. i realize my rating system doesnt really make sense, cause when you break this thing down individually, it really isn't that great of a product, but i would never want anything more complicated to record my music. im using a great microphone, so ultimately quality comes from the musician, not what youre recording with. it has been a loyal and functional machine from the start.

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"Well worth the money"

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
 
 
 
Feature:
The features are great. It has multiple inputs as well as a very useful USB output. It also does not require standard AC power, as it gets its power from the input and/or output.

Quality:
It's made well. That's all there is to say.

Value:
If you're going to be using it a lot, it is a great value. Especially if you are in a band, it will help you improve and see what you sound like.

Desirability:
It doesn't look incredible, but then, I really don't care how it looks. I care how it works.

Sound:
It records great, especially with Sony Soundforge...just make sure that when you're mixing, if you're pushing bass then get good headphones, or you won't be able to mix well.

Support:
I haven't dealt with the company, as I have had no problems.

Overall:
I expect to be satisfied with this product until A)It dies; B)I die: or C)I stop recording.

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"Solid, easy to use bit of gear"

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
 
 
 
Feature:
I really like the knobs on the box for adjusting levels - if a signal starts clipping you just turn a knob instead of clicking through lots of junk. There's virtually nothing to the software, basically just an driver with buffer settings.

Quality:
seems very well made, mine's traveled back and forth to various theatres with me.

Value:
It's a crowded market, depends on what you need

Desirability:
They really should leave the term "sex appeal" out of the description of this category. I'm glad I have it.

Sound:
Mic preamps are a little noisey - best to use condensers with it because they have more output. Also, I don't think it's a good box to use with software syths - playback latency isn't good, and I've heard this from other sources. Latency isn't a problem with overdubs, BTW, because of the direct monitor dial right on the box. Recorded sound is good provided your mic signal is hot enough.

Support:
Haven't needed it - this should be a n/a.

Overall:
It's a great, easy way to get two tracks into a laptop through a USB port.

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"Plug & Play - I'll hear you later..."

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* . . . . . . . . . 1 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * . . . . 6 out of 10
 
 
 
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Feature:
the product came with steinberg cubase le. if you're unemployed, it looks like a great product. if you have a job i recommend starting with audacity freeware - you don't have to hire an engineer to record something, and you will be recording in minutes... someday i'll take the time to learn steinberg cubase le... unless something obviously more user friendly comes along then i will purchase that instead. the software package was something i really wasn't looking for, and right now, something i have no use for.

Quality:
it appears to be stout, but i haven't given it the opportunity to break yet.

Value:
yes. i would like it more if they lost the bundled "free" software and sold the product alone at it's true price.

Sound:
i wanted something that i could plug into my pc, that would make the rest of the world vanish, and the us-122 does just that. prior to this i had been forced to use mics to record my guitar.

Support:
no interaction with customer support.

Overall:
i will be searching for user friendly "studio" type recording software. something that somebody with a job has time to figure out...

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"May require some setup, but does what it should for a reasonable price."

Overall:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * . . . . 6 out of 10
 
 
 
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.

Desirability:
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.

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.

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.

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.

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"TREAT YOURSELF TO A TASCAM GET"

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
 
 
 
Feature:
ONLY TWO INPUTS, PLEASE LETS HAVE SOME MORE, MABY SOME MEMORY DEVICE BUILT IN SO ONE CAN STORE INFO,

Quality:
IT'S BUILT LIKE A BATTLESHIP. A GOOD SOLID PRODUCT .

Value:
YES A GOOD PRODUCT AT A GOOD PRICE.

Desirability:
IT'S LOOKS COOL ,AS GOOD AS ANY THING PRESENTLY ON THE MARKET TODAY.

Support:
NO I HAVE'NT DEALT WITH TASCAM,

Overall:
I WIILL NOT BE LOOKING TO CHANGE IT FOR SOME TIME.

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"Excellent Product"

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * *