TASCAM US-144MKII USB 2.0 4-channel Audio/MIDI Interface
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res13052511529237683643232TASCAM US-1641 USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI Computer Interface Level 2... $199.50 - $339.15
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Offers better performance in a smaller package.
The Tascam US-144MKII seamlessly continues the worldwide success of its predecessor US-144 offering better recording quality from a USB MIDI interface further reduced in size. Since it doesn't require an additional power supply, this portable audio interface is perfect for creating 4-channel recordings from analog and digital sources with a laptop computer.
Two XLR microphone inputs with switchable phantom power and high-quality preamps are the basis for good-sounding recordings, while input signals can be listened to by headphones with zero latency. Line-level and digital sources or an instrument can be connected as well. The Tascam USB MIDI interface has separate level controls for the line and headphones outputs, a mono switch, MIDI input and MIDI output, as well as a coaxial SPDIF output.
The US-144MKII interface supports sample rates up to 96 kHz at 24-bit resolution. While commercial audio CDs are produced at 44.1 kHz/16-bit, this interface offers you more than double the sample rate which means more detail for your recordings. (If you're fine with two audio channels and don't need a digital I/O, have a look at the Tascam US-122MKII.)
Features
- Provides four audio inputs and four audio outputs (two analog, two digital) for a Windows or Macintosh computer
- Two XLR mic inputs
- Switchable phantom power (48 volt)
- High-quality, low-noise mic preamps
- Two analog line inputs (one switchable to high impedance for use with guitars, basses, etc.)
- Stereo digital audio input and output (input: SPDIF, output: selectable SPDIF or AES/EBU)
- MIDI input, MIDI output
- Up to 96-kHz/24-bit for high quality recordings
- Zero-latency hardware monitoring with level control and mono switch
- Separate controls for output level and headphones volume
- USB 2.0 equipped (also supports USB 1.1)
- USB-powered, no AC adapter required
- Solid aluminum side panels
- Cubase LE4 included
Get a versatile, powerful Interface for your room!
US-144MKII USB 2.0 4-channel Audio/MIDI Interface Specifications:
- Host computer compatibility:
- Windows
- Operating systems: Windows XP 32 bit SP2/SP3, Windows XP 64 bit SP2, Windows Vista 32 bit SP2, Windows Vista 64 bit SP2
- or later
- Computer: Windows compatible computer with a USB port (USB 2.0 is recommended)
- CPU/clock: Pentium 4 1.4 GHz or faster
- AMD Athlon 1.4 GHz or faster (or equivalent processor)
- Memory: 512 MB or more for Windows XP 32-bit and Windows Vista 32-bit
- 1 GB or more for Windows XP 64-bit and Windows Vista 64-bit
- Macintosh
- Operating systems: Mac OS X 10.4.11, Mac OS X 10.5.6, or later
- Computer: Apple Macintosh series equipped with a USB port as standard equipment
- CPU/clock: Power PC G4, 1 GHz or faster, or Intel processor
- Memory: 512 MB or more
- Analogue audio inputs and outputs
- Mic input: XLR, balanced
- Nominal input level
- —58 dBu (INPUT control set to MIC), 14 dBu (INPUT control set to LINE)
- Maximum input level: +2 dBu (INPUT control set to LINE)
- Headroom: 16 dB
- Input impedance: 2.2 kOhm
- Line input: 6.3-mm jack, unbalanced
- Nominal input level: —40 dBu (INPUT control set to MIC): +4 dBu (INPUT control set to LINE)
- Maximum input level: +20 dBu (INPUT control set to LINE)
- Headroom: 16 dB
- Input impedance: 15 kOhm
- Guitar input (LINE/GUITAR IN R, GUITAR position): 6.3-mm jack, unbalanced
- Nominal input level: —51 dBu (INPUT control set to MIC)
- 7 dBu (INPUT control set to LINE)
- Maximum input level: +9 dBV (INPUT control set to LINE)
- Headroom: 16 dB
- Input impedance: 1 MOhm
- Line output (LINE OUT): RCA, unbalanced
- Nominal output level: —10 dBV
- Maximum output level: +6 dBV
- Output impedance: 200 Ohm
- Phones output (PHONES): 6.3-mm stereo jack
- Maximum output power: 18 mW + 18 mW (32 Ohm)
- Digital audio input and output
- Digital input (DIGITAL IN): RCA (coaxial)
- Format: IEC 60958-3 (SPDIF)
- Digital output (DIGITAL OUT): RCA (coaxial)
- Format: IEC 60958-3 (SPDIF) or IEC 60958-4 (AES/EBU), selectable via the software control panel
- Other inputs and outputs
- MIDI IN and MIDI OUT: 5-pin DIN connector (conform to MIDI specification)
- USB port: USB series B connector (4-pin)
- Format: USB 2.0 High speed (480 MHz), USB 2.0 Full speed (12 MHz, USB 1.1 equivalent)
- Audio performance
- Sampling rate: 44.1 kHz / 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz / 96 kHz (USB 2.0, High-speed only)
- Bit depth: 16/24 bit
- Frequency response (MIC IN to LINE OUT), 44.1/48 kHz sampling rate: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, +0.5 dB/—1 dB
- Frequency response (MIC IN to LINE OUT), 88.2/96 kHz sampling rate: 20 Hz – 40 kHz, +0.5/—1.5 dB
- Signal-to-noise ratio (LINE IN to LINE OUT, INPUT control set to LINE, 20 kHz LPF), Through ADC and DAC: 98 dB(A)
- Signal-to-noise ratio (LINE IN to LINE OUT, INPUT control set to LINE, 20 kHz LPF), Through direct monitor: 107 dB(A)
- Total harmonic distortion (LINE IN to LINE OUT, INPUT control set to LINE, 1 kHz, +20 dBu input, 20 kHz LPF), Through ADC and DAC: 0.0045%
- Total harmonic distortion (LINE IN to LINE OUT, INPUT control set to LINE, 1 kHz, +20 dBu input, 20 kHz LPF), Through direct monitor: 0.002%
- Power supply and other specifications
- Power supply: via USB (5 V, max. 500 mA)
- Operating temperature: 5—35° C
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 7.04" x 5.35" x 1.85" (179 x 136 x 47 mm)
- Weight: 0.7 kg
- Included accessories: USB cable, Cubase LE4
Review Snapshot®
by PowerReviews(based on 20 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
Most Liked Positive Review
Good Low-end Alternative
If you are on a budget, or just starting out, this interface will work well for you. Just keep in mind that the preamp is weak so it needs to be compensated.
...Read complete review
If you are on a budget, or just starting out, this interface will work well for you. Just keep in mind that the preamp is weak so it needs to be compensated.
This little gem provides a total of 4 inputs which can be used simultaneously. I currently use it as 2 stereo inputs rather than 4 mono inputs. It has a MIDI in and out which is very useful to compose an arrangement using a keyboard input and a sound module. Comes with CuBase LE 5 which also supports virtual instruments. Phantom power is adequate for most condenser mics, but the preamp on the input channels are weak. I recommend you use a small powered mixer or something similar to get a good signal, otherwise you could have some issues with noise on the gain by using the interface alone.
My current setup uses outputs from a small mixer into the XLR inputs on the interface. Every instrument gets connected to the mixer to adjust levels before it goes into the interface. MIDI in has a keyboard connected to it, and the MIDI out has a sound module connected to it. the stereo outputs on the sound module goes into the 1/4 inch inputs on the interface.
Nice sturdy construction, USB powered. Since the interface sits on its flat side, it takes up more room than I would care for. Nice and light, so it is very portable. I use a generic low-end PC with Win7 (64bit) and I can easily take them with me anywhere I go. It is not built to take much punishment, so I clean it for dust often and make sure I wrap it in a towel or something when I transport it.
For the price, it's hard to beat. The included software has a slight learning curve, but works well with the interface. If you have a DAW you are using already, the interface will work with most other software as well. Headphones work well. The line outs are adequate. Overall I was pleased that this worked well with my setup.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
look else where
I don't eg-zagerate when I say that this is the worst piece of musical equiment I ever purchased. But don't let me turn you to far off of the product. It can be a ...Read complete review
I don't eg-zagerate when I say that this is the worst piece of musical equiment I ever purchased. But don't let me turn you to far off of the product. It can be a good card for you pending what you want to use it for. I was using it with maschine, traktor, massive and reaktor. What I found was that I was unable to run two softwares through the card at the same time without using different input( there was a treable static when I did). When I call customer support I was on hold behind 1 person for 20 min before I hung up. I consulted the user manual at this point and found very misleading information. At this point I deside the best thing to do was to return the item and I instead have goten the kontrol for NI which works great.I was very up set with the capibility of this thing with traktor. Since this thing only has 2 output you can't set up a monitor and a main output with both a L+R pan.Finally, the physical quality of the knobs was very low. They felt like very thin plastic. The pro of this device is that it will record at a high latacy for one software at a pretty good price.
Reviews
Reviewed by 20 customers
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Pros
- Clear Sound
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
Comments about TASCAM US-144MKII USB 2.0 4-channel Audio/MIDI Interface:
I bought the interface because I have bought Tascam equipment before. I was not disappointed. Worked like a champ right out of the box. The only downside is the steep learning curve with the Cbase software that came with it and the hurdles that need to be jumped to register the software. Cbase though allows two channel recording and I am looking forward to being able to do that. I am using Mixcraft 5 with the interface now and it recognized the interface and I have used it with no problems.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Bulky/Heavy
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
Comments about TASCAM US-144MKII USB 2.0 4-channel Audio/MIDI Interface:
Got this a few weeks ago, seems like a good piece of equipment. The sound quality is really good for me (I used to record through the line-in input on my computer). The Cubase LE5 that comes with it work great too, some setup issues that Google could solve pretty easily. Also works fine with Reaper, but nothing beats Cubase's drum-editor.
I only use this to DI-record my guitars, so I can't comment on the microphone-jacks on there.
Comments about TASCAM US-144MKII USB 2.0 4-channel Audio/MIDI Interface:
Small amounts of digital-sounding feedback, and after 2 months the left preamp started producing huge amounts of noise and hiss.
I wouldn't recommend this; there are other products in this price range that are probably more reliable. I'm thinking of getting the Xenyx 1202, for example.
Comments about TASCAM US-144MKII USB 2.0 4-channel Audio/MIDI Interface:
I like this thing but to repeat, the set-up and the Cubase need some learning and trial and error...but it works well. Oh the Cubase registration process is the funkiest and hardest I have ever experienced. Not bad enough to prevent me from recommending this, but they must be some strange folks to come up with that.
Oops filled in the wrong section, please see the next paragraph.
I'm running Windows 7. Really like this unit.Have used it for direct connect with strat and with strat via amp-to-mic, harmonica with mic, been multi-tracking and EQ and mix...nice. Haven't tried the MIDI yet. Output to powered monitors. Mic preamps are good and quiet, direct high z guitar input quiet and good tone. Has all the inputs/outputs I need. Controls are more than adequate. Read the other reviews and I understand the issues with set-up and with Cubase. It is not plug and play...but it's close.
First download the latest drivers from the Tascam site...very easy. Follow the Tascam set-up instructions. They are not well explained, but you can figure it out. I recommend downloading the user guide from the website so you can enlarge the screen shots to see the set-up screens better, it really helps.There is a good "Tascam US144 Set-up" video on Youtube that really helped me too. Then install Cubase LE5, but download the docs from the Steinberg site first. The US144 unit comes with a Cubase quick start guide that helps get it all going...but as others have said, Cubase is not intuitive. There are some good YouTube videos that help get that set up and recordings going, but you will have to put time in to figure it all out.
There are other set-ups in this price range but this one had all the features I wanted including MIDI. I think the sound quality and performance are very good, it's all I need for now. Seems very solid, connections aren't flimsy, controls nice and sensitive.
Comments about TASCAM US-144MKII USB 2.0 4-channel Audio/MIDI Interface:
It is a nice simple unit. Because it runs off of the USB it is more portable and useful than some of the other devices in its segment. It is a very efficient portable digital music recorder.
Easy to understand inputs, cubase software is easy to work with. While it has four inputs you can only use two simultaneously. I figured this when buying it but did not read that explicitly until I got the manual.
As others have said, the knobs feel a little delicate. It does work and function as intended thus far.
It is affordable and easy to use. There are others in the same price range which may provide more features and inputs. I feel that I got exactly what I paid for, though.
Comments about TASCAM US-144MKII USB 2.0 4-channel Audio/MIDI Interface:
Alright, so overall: I've used this with the Cubase software it came with and let me just say, it's a very hard program to understand and is poor quality. I upgraded to a MacBook and use garageband now. I've tried some really expensive mics as well as cheaper ones, and the quality seems to be bad no matter what. So, the only conclusion I have is that I must have a bad interface. This is the second one I've gone through. The guitar inputs are horrible and are scratchy and buzz whether it is VIA an amp or direct from a guitar. The XLR inputs are not very much better. They are either too quiet or you can bump up the imput volume all the way and get a buzzed scratched noise. I would NOT reccommend, seeing as I've tried all the variables and two different interfaces of this same model. You make the choice, but consider something else.
Two inputs are nice, it also has phantom power, of course. It has an output for headphones and RCA.
When I describe quality I'm talking about the build/durability. It is built nicely and seems strong and easily portible. Slim knobs that don't get stuck ot pulled off.
Please, spend you money more wisely. Get a Shure pre-amp or other interface, Firewire if possible. This one has quite a lot of issues.
Comments about TASCAM US-144MKII USB 2.0 4-channel Audio/MIDI Interface:
Its hard to describe this item,
First off the install software that came with the interface wouldnt install right, it wouldnt recognize the drivers, so you have to install the new drivers and firmware from tascam.com. And i dont know if it the interface or the audio recording software supplied but you cant record in stereo. Ok so now the about the audio recording software, it comes with Cubase LE 5, so when it works it well, and makes sence, but just about everytime i close the program you have to mess with the inputs and outputs (vst's) but just like every other program that lets you change and tweak most aspects its going to take a considerable time investment to get it all figured out. just to make the interface communicate with Cubase it took about 2 days.
Comments about TASCAM US-144MKII USB 2.0 4-channel Audio/MIDI Interface:
I own this unit and have used it successfully on Windows XP Pro (SP2) 32 bit, and Windows Vista Ultimate 64 bit with no problems. As with any interface be sure to download the latest drivers for your OS. Because of the high speed data transfer required, be sure you plug the USB into it's own bus. Don't share that bus with another USB product . Most computers including laptops have more than one bus with two or more inputs each. For a more pro setup, get an external hard drive for your audio data files. Keeping your DAW program files and data files on separate drives will provide better performance and eliminate dropouts while recording. Great unit! Highly recommended!
Comments about TASCAM US-144MKII USB 2.0 4-channel Audio/MIDI Interface:
If you are on a budget, or just starting out, this interface will work well for you. Just keep in mind that the preamp is weak so it needs to be compensated.
This little gem provides a total of 4 inputs which can be used simultaneously. I currently use it as 2 stereo inputs rather than 4 mono inputs. It has a MIDI in and out which is very useful to compose an arrangement using a keyboard input and a sound module. Comes with CuBase LE 5 which also supports virtual instruments. Phantom power is adequate for most condenser mics, but the preamp on the input channels are weak. I recommend you use a small powered mixer or something similar to get a good signal, otherwise you could have some issues with noise on the gain by using the interface alone.
My current setup uses outputs from a small mixer into the XLR inputs on the interface. Every instrument gets connected to the mixer to adjust levels before it goes into the interface. MIDI in has a keyboard connected to it, and the MIDI out has a sound module connected to it. the stereo outputs on the sound module goes into the 1/4 inch inputs on the interface.
Nice sturdy construction, USB powered. Since the interface sits on its flat side, it takes up more room than I would care for. Nice and light, so it is very portable. I use a generic low-end PC with Win7 (64bit) and I can easily take them with me anywhere I go. It is not built to take much punishment, so I clean it for dust often and make sure I wrap it in a towel or something when I transport it.
For the price, it's hard to beat. The included software has a slight learning curve, but works well with the interface. If you have a DAW you are using already, the interface will work with most other software as well. Headphones work well. The line outs are adequate. Overall I was pleased that this worked well with my setup.
Comments about TASCAM US-144MKII USB 2.0 4-channel Audio/MIDI Interface:
Ok, I read the previous reviews before buying this product. Do NOT purchase this audio interface unless you are running windows 7 32 or 64.. From the reviews this is what works. I have vista 64. No bueno. It just doesnt work. It clashes like the titans. My internet constantly crashes and the recording quality is scratchy as it can be. I went to Tascam and uploaded the new firmware and drivers and still the same issue occurs. Im sure this is a great product but if you arent running the right system, is just wont work properly. Let my experience save you the headaches. I give lows stars due to Tascam not fixing the driver issue with vista 64. Ill be upgrading to windows 7. Ill be back to let you know what happens.
