Overall User Ratings (based on 27 ratings)
  • Overall:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Sound:
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Features:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Ease of Use:
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Quality:
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Value:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Manufacturer Support:
    3.5 out of 5 stars
  • The Wow Factor:
    4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(27) (see rating details)
Submitted December 24, 2009 by a customer from hotmail.com

"Bang for the bucks!"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
This unit is perfect to record a 4-5 member band. With good sound engineering, you can get a pretty decent mix out of the Tascam US-1641, it will sound as good (or better) as any amateur recording you've heard. Can't expect a professional sound for this price but you can get pretty close to it.
Sound
Preamps are relatively quiet, sound quality is good (better than my previous interface: Novation X-Station) and the A/D converter seems to do the work just fine. I've improved some of my previous recordings with this little baby.
Features
Well, with a total of 16 inputs, the Tascam US-1641 has a lot of features! The only thing I don't like is that the headphone output can only monitor the input (you won't hear what comes out of your computer through the headphones). I've bought a Behringer 4Ch. headphone amp and wired it to a line output on the Tascam, now it works like a charm! For those who doesn't own a recording software, it comes with Cubase LE which is pretty interesting.
Ease of Use
Plug and play, literally... After that, if you know how to wire microphones and how to use your software, you should have no problem using the interface.
Quality
The unit seems pretty solid, with a good case, I've had no problems carrying it to gigs and recording sessions. The only thing that looks a little bit weaker is the gain pots.
Value
For this price, you won't get another unit with 16 inputs and the same sound quality. Definitively an excellent value for any amateur sound engineer looking to record a whole band.
Manufacturer Support
Dunno, haven't dealt with them but I've heard bad comments about Tascam's customer service.
The Wow Factor
Design is simple but professional, could have used better meter to monitor the inputs.

Musical Background:

Amateur Recording Engineer

Musical Style:

Progressive, Alternative, Rock, ect
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Submitted January 24, 2009 by a customer from yahoo.ca

"Go Get One."

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
I don't think I will ever need to buy another interface for a long time as this records my whole band at once without a problem using all 14 inputs.
Sound
I am overall pleased with the sound quality of this recording unit as I was using 2 delta 44 sound cards before and switched to the tascam recording interface.I am using 4 condencer mics using phantom power on the first 4 inputs and 4 dynamic mics on the other 4 inputs.I am using DI from the bass amp to line input 9 and a dynamic mic to input 10 also electronic drums are using inputs 12 and 13 directly in.I am so impressed with the sound quality.I also have mixed my old recordings with this and noticed a much better play back sound.
Features
It came with cubase LE4 and drivers and a virtual piano.I did not use cubase.I use sonar 6 and it works great.Very easy to use.
Ease of Use
Easy to use once you get the learning of how to set it up properly.I had to update the drivers and the firmware first.I then purchased a pci usb card for it as I had a nvidia usb chipset in my computer.I also recommend downloading and installing asio4all and no more dropouts.I also have 2 hard drives in my computer , one is for the operating system and the other is for my recording only.The faster the computer the better.Give it some time to set it up properly.
Quality
It seems like it is well built I give it an 8 as I think the knobs should be metal but they are plastic.But the rest of it seems solid.I would use it on the road if I had a road case for it.I think it will last a long time if I take care of it.
Value
I have looked and I have not seen a better product for this price range. There is so much here for the value that it just can't be beat.
Manufacturer Support
Never used it.

Musical Background:

active musician

Musical Style:

Metal
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Submitted January 5, 2011 by a customer from hotmail.com

"you have probably looked at a few sound cards and read this. i did the same. its a wonderful qual sound card. theres loads on th"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
probably some time unitl usb3 comes out. with new
Sound
The sound is prestine and suits pro or home use. it has no effects gimics like like its expensive alternatives. the latency with 16 ch input and 4 outs is wonderful. far exceeding any other audio card i have owned (with less channnels!). i get 2ms in 4ms out with a 1 year old laptop in xp pro with audio tuning of the pc. its only drawback is it has only two unbalanced inputs (2 TS front ones). The mic inputs have phantom power so can provide the supply power for a direct box such as the behringer DI D120. (recommended! as a perfect partner). the manual is unclear about its line level signals in these 8 channels. but i can assure you they can work with line inputs! i have roland, korg and yamaha synths all going to this audio card and they all work at prestine full range levels. the spdif works. there is nothing to beat this unit and carries more input channels than audio cards at least twice the price. there is no ADAT but there is little requirement for this as ADAT reduces the audio qual to 16 bit anyway and this unit will work at 24bit. there is no compromise because its low cost other than only having the two unbalanced imputs. keyboards buyers be prepared to invest in DI boxes for each of your synths. but these di boxes have ground lifts in them an make your set up flexible as some synths need ground lifts and others dont. buy it if there is any left.
Features
all the necessaries. get the new driver from the tascam site as its replacing the cd version supllied in the box. there is also firmware to update (removes the little audio bump on start up)
Ease of Use
easy peasy to get results.
Quality
the product is made well and looks nice and better than its price suggestion. the gain knobs are plastic but firm in rotation so dont lose their position easily.
Value
brill value. beats presonus, steinberg etc; who use dated firewire integration (slower than USB2!!!!). the only competitor to come close is motu with dual usb and firewire integration.
Manufacturer Support
didnt need tech help. i have read they dont help too easily and have limited tech support resources.
The Wow Factor
it looks good and pro not cheapy.

Musical Background:

musician, recording engineer

Musical Style:

electronic
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Submitted September 18, 2010 by a customer from hotmail.com

TASCAM US1641 Interface Customer Review

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Sound
It sounds good. I really don't have much to compare with (my first real audio interface).
Features
It has many inputs: 8 mic pres (with phantom power). Two switchable hi-z inputs. Four balanced line inputs, and a digital stereo input. The level-knobs are small and the level LEDs can be hard to see because they're somewhat hidden by two rows of knobs.
Ease of Use
I rate this low due to the bundled DAW software (Cubase LE 5) that didn't work for me. I now use Reaper which works really well (last night I recorded drums with 7 mics).
Manufacturer Support
Cubase LE 5 not solved issue.

Musical Background:

Hobbyist
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Submitted March 23, 2012 by Seth Balmore in Bellmore, NY

"umm, grEAT"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This little guy is pretty awesome. I'm trying to record an album at house and I bought this so I could record drums properly. It works like a charm. I've used up to 7 inputs simultaneously and it runs very smoothly and outputs each signal to a separate track. It's a very quiet piece of hardware and very sturdy as well. My only gripe with is is that the chrome-looking knobs make it hard to see their settings, and the knobs themselves feel a bit flimsy. Other than that, this unit does exactly what it's supposed to do. (And don't forget to update your ASIO driver if you want it to run smoothly!)

Musical Background:

gigging Multi-instrumentalist
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Submitted January 10, 2008 by a customer from bbmusic.bc.ca

"Thanks Tascam!"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
I will probably use this unit for a long time to come. The only other thing that may appeal to me is a controller of some sort. Also, those new Controller/ mixers like the Yamaha n12 are most likely the way things are going to go. For now, I'm happy
Sound
Great unit for the price. Can't beat the sound you get for the money and added features. That's a norm I find with Tascam; Very generous for the money.
Features
It would have been nice to see a unit with all the goodies on the front face; 2 rack space perhaps? I don't know if that would make it cost prohibitive.
Ease of Use
Real easy to set-up. Everything is there in the box. READ the INSTRUCTIONS properly and you're running in no time.
Quality
The quality is superb. China really wants to be the world's manufacturing ground...And it shows. Nicely put together, paint and silkscreening is clean and the english is real english. Not chinglish!
Value
Definitively well priced. Perfect for a home based studio or even semi pro studio. I defy anyone to find something as extensive in features and sound for the same cash.
Manufacturer Support
Not had to use their services yet. Don't think I will need to either.
The Wow Factor
It appealled to me because of the amount of extras in has for the price point. I may even order a second one.

Musical Background:

Bass player, performer, recording engineer and sometimes producer

Musical Style:

Rock, country, gospel etc...
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Submitted March 23, 2008 by a customer from comcast.net

"A Very Sasified Customer!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I expect to have this for a long time. It is perfect for my home studio. I did a lot of research before buying this and I'm glad that I chose this unit. Thanks to Tweakheadz.com for all of the valuable information regarding this product.
Sound
This unit sounds great. I had a delta 44 previously which was a very solid interface but there is a definite increase in sound quality now that I am using the US1641. I had issues with my on board USB2 when installing this unit and installation failed the first time. I disabled the on board USB and installed a cheap USB card and the installation went fine. So far I have recorded 5 tracks (drums) at one time with no dropout or any other issues. The sound quality is great! My only issue is latency/delay when recording a guitar track and trying to hear the plugin effects while recording. I have made every adjustment that I can think of (I have read everything I can find about it also) and I still have a slight delay. I have also tweaked my PC for optimum audio performance. I'm thinking that I will eventually figure it out. Other then that, I am loving this unit. For the price you can't beat the number of inputs (and 8 of them XLR's!).
Features
Happy with the units features.
Ease of Use
If you are computer illiterate you may need assistance in the event of USB conflict or latency issues. Don't give up though...this unit is worth the effort. Look to online forums (see tweakheadz site for instance) for help if needed or find a computer savy friend.
Quality
I would give it a 10 but the latency issue (trying to hear effects while recording guitar) is still an issue for me. Even if I don't figure it out, this unit is worth what I paid for it.
Value
Definitely worth the price. ZZounds beat the price of a little known competitor and I got this for dirt cheap (less then open box price). ZZounds really came through on the price.
Manufacturer Support
Haven't dealt with them yet.
The Wow Factor
I like the fact that it is a rack mount interface. Pretty straight forward set up.

Musical Background:

Home studio /Hobbyist - Experienced musician

Musical Style:

Acoustic, Rock, Alternative Vanilla
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Submitted March 8, 2008 by a customer from onlinecorp.com

"THIS UNIT SUCKS!!! NO CUSTOMER SERVICE, NO SUPPORT, DO NOT BUY"

Overall: 0.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Sucks DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT
Sound
It keeps failing
Features
It includes Cubase LE4 which I thought was an upgrade. When I installed it blew up my license for my CubaseSX3 and would not import any of my SX3 song files, and would not allow me to run SX3 any longer. It took me an hour to remove it and reinstall.
Ease of Use
The software that controls this is a total joke, almost no settings.
Quality
Piece of CRAP - I have a Quad 2.8 processor, USB 2.0, 4gb ram, XP sp2, multiple SATA drives, and my recording drive is not the same and programs. I am running Sonar 6.1 Producer edition, and Cubase 3SX. I used to use RCP-1 card and never had these issues. I needed more inputs so I •upgraded• to your unit. But since purchase it has been a technical nightmare. I am spending more time troubleshooting than recording. 1 - when recording audio or playback, it would stall, or skip a bit, causing timing issues. This is very bad as I have lost many good takes and makes it impossible to complete assignments. 2 - In Sonar I cannot get it to work with ADSO only WHM in which case I can only use 8 channels, although Cubase works fine in ADSO? 3 - Sonar does not even playback, as soon as it starts it freezes up and gives a DROP OUT error. 4 - Every so often the sound would be distorted or shill, and I have to reset the unit by turning it off and on. 5 - In both Cubase and Sonar while recording a audio track the Midi tracks would either play in only one channel (left or right) or stop, stall, slow, speed up, and generally act erratic.
Value
Worthless.....
Manufacturer Support
I have called Tascam at least 10 times, and never got anyone on the phone. I tried in the morning, noon and night, weekdays. Nothing but perma hold. I tried emailing, but they dont answer that either. I sent over 5 and yet to get a reply. I even paid $4 to join a user sponsered Tascam Forum, since the company does not offer one. But after joining I found that they have no info on this unit No customer support AT ALL. Dont expect any.
The Wow Factor
Looks great, but does not work!

Musical Background:

Active Musician, Live Band, Songwriter, over 20 years with Midi

Musical Style:

All
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Submitted February 12, 2008 by a customer from aol.com

"Me likes!"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
If you're looking for a USB multi-track interface that has great value for the buck...get it! Just make sure your computer is up to the challenge.
Sound
Very nice! Had this for a month and done a few simultaneous full band recordings...4 drum tracks, bass, two guitars and keys. Single track recordings have gone very well too. Paired with Sony Acid Pro 6 it has worked like a charm. We are all impress how quite the ground noise level is. Also, have tried some tests with external tube pre-amps and Di boxes, pre mixer and everything has worked like a charm so far. I might give it a ten but I've never used "higher end" interfaces before.
Features
The unit is a little slim, but minor complaint. Nicely laid out and built overall though. Like the input/computer level mixer feature.
Ease of Use
Got it talking to Sony Acid Pro 6 with little effort. Just read the recommended procedures.
Quality
This is my second Tascam USB interface, the first being the US-122. This new unit is a smart/no brainer upgrade if you need more inputs. I knew I was getting a quality product since I have had no troubles with the US-122 for years now. Again probably garners a higher rating but I haven't used "higher end" components to compare it with.
Value
16 inputs for this price! Has worked flawlessly so far.
Manufacturer Support
Can't really rate it...Haven't needed it.
The Wow Factor
Very practical addition to my set-up.

Musical Background:

Active Musician

Musical Style:

Progressive Rock, electronic
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Submitted August 3, 2010

TASCAM US1641 Interface Customer Review

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Brilliant product, though if you are planning on upgrading to more inputs later you might have to sell it as it is not chainable nor can support ADAT inputs etc. but if you want that many inputs then its perfect!
Sound
I'm not an expert at mic preamps and stuff but these seem quite fine, hardly any noise from them.
Features
16 inputs in total is pretty good, though with only 4 outputs surround sound mixing isn't possible. phantom power on all mics, 2 front inputs with switchable guitar/balanced inputs. I wish the XLR jacks were the ones with the jack holes in them so you could choose between line or mic. Also ability to add more inputs with ADAT or something would be good. but hey, its cheap as chips!
Ease of Use
pretty simple, comes with its own Asio drivers which are very stable.
Quality
For the price you'd expect something a bit shoddy, but this is built like a brick! Tough metal construction and although the knobs are plastic they feel very sturdy and in-place. Also Tascam make very reliable products so this isn't another piece of behringer-type disposable gear.
Value
Incredible value, get one!!
Manufacturer Support
never needed to contact.
The Wow Factor
Looks quite classy... though i've seen much classier interfaces.

Musical Background:

Hobbyist

Musical Style:

Rock
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Submitted January 8, 2010

"Hands Down Best Connectivity for $"

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Sound
Great sound...just as good as Digidesign product with PTLE. People that complain about this unit either do not know how to use it, have not loaded the Cubase updates properly, are using outdated or non-compatible software. If you are getting drop outs you should be able to change the buffer settings to take care of this. One review mentioned that the sound is not that loud....you can adjust output on the transporter bar to as load as you want it...again they don't know how to use the software. All recording software is a pain in the ass to learn...Cubase, ProTools, etc. Don't get into recording unless you want to dedicate countless hours learning how this stuff works and being frustrated as hell. There is nothing that will touch this out there for the price. You would have to pay at least double for anytning else that has enough connections to record a whole drum kit with...and come on the software is INCLUDED with this and compares to ProTools LE!
Features
Cubase software included!
Ease of Use
It's always easier to use an interface that is part of the same company as the software...like digidesign and ProTools...but for the price this is worth the extra learning curve to get all of the VST connections, etc. figured out.
Value
You won't find anything close out there with this many mic pres and connections for this price.
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Submitted April 23, 2009

"Same thing as $1,000+ products for peanuts"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Sound
I own a Digi001 with ProTools LE and have had nothing but problems for last five years with drivers, etc. I was scared to switch to this because I could no longer use ProTools, but despite what negative info is out there on Cubase LE 4....it is pretty much the same thing...gives you just as good of a recording and this costs peanuts (litterally $1,000) less than my protools setup with this much connectivity. I was scared that Cubase EQ would not hold up to ProTools LE EQIII...but it is almost the same in terms of sound and functionality. Effects like guitar effects in both ProTools and Cubase are very average...about the same...but at least Cubase gives you more for your money...like Tremelo which I can actually use for something. I will never waste my money on ProTools sytem again after owning this. In my opinion, this is about as good as it gets for home recording. You would have to step up to the $2-$10K range (like HD system) to get a better sound. Cubase LE gives you 48 tracks. I have recorded at least 10 so far simultaniously. You also get 8 sends and 8 plugins per track/channel. The bad rap on Cubase LE is due to the limit in effects, sends, and simultanious tracks that could be used in the past...but this is no longer the case. This is great software for the $
Ease of Use
It was not easy to learn. You have to spend time reading the manual and reading blogs on line. ProTools was easier to use in a lot of ways, but once you learn this you will find that the recording quality is pretty much the same with less bugs.
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Submitted April 8, 2008

"USB2.0 puts out the Firewire"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
I may eventually trade up to the Echo line someday, but only if I can truly hear a diference in the AD/DA. I don't own any separate pres, and perhaps will outgrow this if those reveal weaknesses not apparent with my current set-up. I had nothing but problems with FW (Presonus and Focusrite); very happy this USB2.0 unit works with ease.
Sound
Great bang for the buck. I don't own expensive pres, so I'm sure there is bette rout there, but it sounds great -- expected to be somewhat idsappointed on sound quality given the great price, and was leasantly surprised by the musicality of the sound.
Features
All about the 8 mic ins. I didn't bother with the Cubase LE; use FL Studio and it conncted up no problems at all.
Ease of Use
I decided to experiment with this as a USB2.0 after a really hard time getting FW units working with my laptop (never got Firebox to work; Saffire LE does wrok, but took a lot of time and effort to get going). I'm told the FW problems arise if you don't have the TI chipset for FW. I don't care -- that should not be my problem to deal with. This was like butter, installed in minutes, no drops or pops, have done 4 simultaneous channels so far with ease.
Quality
Plastic control knobs look a bit cheap, the metering is very basic; but the overall look is nice. Bang for the buck is awesome.
Value
8 mics, nice sounding unit (equivalent to Focusrite Saffire LE) for 300+ delivered! Awesome value.
Manufacturer Support
no opinion

Musical Background:

hobbyist/musician
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Submitted February 5, 2008

"Like mama always taught, you get what you pay for. If a good horse cost you a grand, yet someone was gonna sell you one for a hu"

Overall: 0.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
We have a couple of tracks to finish, and we'll be selling/trading this disposable piece of technological brain-cramp for something better like a Firepod or an 8pre. and get a Motu 8pre - now you'll sound like a million $$$ studio.
Sound
Sound is descent. The A/Dc's and D/A'c are decent. But sound levels going into the DAW are surprisingly low. We have to nearly max out the input trim pot. This can't be good for sound. Thought it was just our unit, sent it in to Tascam, they sent us a new one - same thing: at three quarters of the way up on the gain, you hardly get 10-15db's into your DAW. This is with the singer singing at his loudest comfortable levels, directly into the mic, almost touching it. To get the desired -6dbs, I have to max out the trim. That sucks. Condensers give slightly better signal, but not much. I've tried various mics, dynamic and condenser - same result.
Features
It's ok. Average. Onboard VU's are tiny little LEDs. Multicolor, so one per each front channel. Central control hub(software) is pathetic, with hardly any controls or features.
Ease of Use
Drivers installation is kind of silly, requiring plugging and unplugging several times within set time windows. Latency only has five set increments - no user programmable parameters to fine tune. Central control hub is useless and feels very unprofessional, especially when compared to other products from 7 years ago in the same price range, with excellent software controls for fine tuning, patching, and routing.
Quality
Cosmetics are descent. Software part of it should've never even left the lab - and that's what matters most. Looks are shallow anyways.
Value
Paying even one dollar is too much for a product you can't and won't use.
Manufacturer Support
The worst I have ever experienced with any pro audio. I could expect this from some flight-by-night infomercial "weight-loss miracle" company. Each time I called (and I had to call at least 5 times because of this product) I was made to wait an average of 10-15 minutes, was told that tech support is on lunch and to call back later, and worst of all I got yelled at by a very impatient and irritable tech support rep. And all I did was try to tell him my side of the problem. He just kept reading off silly elementary questions like "was the power button on", and wanted yes or no answers. Treated me like he was doin ME, THE CUSTOMER, a favor. Didn't apologize, didn't thank for calling, didn't even say "have a good day" before hanging up.
The Wow Factor
This product is a like a blow up doll filled with raw sewage. Many folks I've contacted, have used it with many difficulties and problems, such as dropouts, clicks snaps, and poor latency. Again looks and low price mean nothing if you can't use it.

Musical Background:

Active musician, Composer/Producer

Musical Style:

Classical, Rock, Electronica
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Submitted November 11, 2007 by a customer from comcast.net

"Its Great!"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
everything is great. I went from a 6 input sound card that could only run on win 98 to finally being able to use win xp or even vista.
Sound
Good sound for the price
Features
Usual
Ease of Use
It setup quick and was ready to use in 20 min.
Quality
just got it no issues yet so far so good
Value
14 inputs for this price ..... wow
Manufacturer Support
did not have to use yet
The Wow Factor
this is a must for any home studio.

Musical Background:

hobbyist

Musical Style:

rock
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