TC Electronic Impact Twin Next Generation Firewire Interface (Used)
- Write a Review
- SKU
- #584562000000000
An elite FireWire interface with 2 mic preamps, 14 ins/14 outs, 24-bit/192kHz HD conversion, and more.
Impact Twin is a state-of-the-art audio interface that features groundbreaking technology to ensure that the music you record sounds as good on the inside of your computer as it does on the outside. With the built-in preamp, converters, and recording tools, the TC Electronic Impact Twin offers a pristine path for your music to follow.
The interface's two mic preamps use TC Electronic's Impact III Technology which itself features three stages of top-level processing. You get a high-quality and very flexible mic preamp, superior 24-bit/192kHz HD conversion, plus a set of recording channel tools that lets you shape and optimize your sound making it the perfect recording. With each of these stages carefully combined behind Impact Twin's rugged and cool looking exterior, you have a FireWire interface you can take anywhere that offers the ultimate in recording quality.
The Impact III mic preamp makes the best of any microphone. Whether you record with the finest vintage tube mics, the most demanding low-budget condensers, or even a handheld dynamic, Impact Twin has been designed from the ground up to maximize the signal you record into your DAW. The preamps gives you maximum flexibility, and whether you're recording instrument, line, or mic; or with or without phantom power; the Impact Twin is one audio interface that works the way you need it to.
However, it's not all about the preamps. If your signal path doesn't then lead on to quality converters then you may as well pack up and go home. The TC Electronic Impact Twin's 24-bit/192kHz HD convertors let you select your conversion rate — all the way from 44.1kHz to the high-definition 192kHz — for the ultimate in pristine audio capture and maintaining the essential transients of your sound.
For years, TC Electronics has been an innovator in the world of signal enhancement, and Impact Twin includes essential recording channel tools that go even further to optimize your sound with onboard EQ, compressor and de-esser that quickly, simply, and invisibly tame and enhance those signals — no matter what you're recording.
Features
- Two mic preamps featuring IMPACT III technology
- 14 ins and 14 outs give you the flexibility to record and monitor just about any device you can think of
- Channel Tools quickly and easily optimize the tone of your recordings
- The tone of your guitars is beautifully preserved with two front-panel mounted Hi-Z guitar-optimized inputs
- Direct monitor reverb
- provides a simple way to add reverb at the monitor stage so singers can enjoy quality reverb through their headphones
- iCheck (Integrity Check) feature provides a shortcut for revealing artifacts of data reduction — essential when encoding MP3 or AAC files
- M40 Studio Reverb is based on algorithm from TC Electronic's acclaimed Reverb 4000 processor Multipurpose ResFilter provides ultra-fat filter sound.
- Assimilator EQ curve assimilation tool lets you quickly grab an EQ curve from any sound and apply it to your own
- Quick compressor access and feedback
- JetPLL jitter reduction
- 24-bit/192kHz HD conversion
- Ableton Live Lite 8 TC Electronic Edition included
- Acrylic front panel
- Plated and coated steel back plate
- Rubber coated soft touch cover surrounding metal chassis
- 3 LEDs per channel
- Mains Power Supply (included)
- 12V DC, adapter for 90 to 240 VAC, 50Hz to 60Hz (auto select)
You created your perfect sound. Own this TC Electronic FireWire interface to capture it as you hear it.
Impact Twin Next Generation Firewire Interface Specifications:
- Digital Inputs and Outputs
- Connector (S/PDIF): RCA Phono, 75 Ohm
- Formats (S/PDIF and TOSLINK) S/PDIF (24-bit), IEC 958, Pro-status bits
- Connector (ADAT or TOSLINK): Optical Pipe
- Format (ADAT): 8-ch. @ 48kHz, 4-ch. SMUX @ 96kHz
- Digital IO engine: TCAT DICE II, handling all IO formats
- Clock and Jitter:
- Internal sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192kHz
- External sample rates: 43 to 193kHz, jitter rejection at all rates
- Jitter rejection engine: JET technology in TCAT DICE II
- Jitter rejection filter (4th order): > 3dB @ 10Hz, > 100dB @ 600Hz
- DIO interface jitter: < 1 ns peak, BW: 700Hz to 100kHz
- AD/DA conversion jitter: < 42 ps RMS, BW: 100Hz to 40kHz
- Digital output phase (stand-alone and across network): < 0.5 % of Sample Period
- Input slip sample tolerance(all DIs): +50 % to -50 % of sample period
- Processing delay DIO @ 96/48kHz: 0.15/0.3ms
- Frequency response DIO: DC to 23.9kHz &plumsn; 0.01dB @ 48kHz
- Line Inputs Ch. 1, 2, 3, 4
- Connectors: 1/4" Phone Jack (balanced)
- Impedance, Bal./Unbal.: 20 kOhm/25 kOhm
- Full scale input level @ 0dBFS: +13dBu
- THD+N: < -100dB (0.001 %) @ 1kHz, -1dBFS
- SNR: >111dB(A), >108dB, 20Hz to 20kHz
- Frequency response: +0/-0.5dB, 20Hz to 20kHz
- Crosstalk: < -100dB, 20Hz to 20kHz
- ADC
- A to D conversion: 24-bit, 128 x oversampling bitstream
- A to D delay: 0.68ms / 0.63ms @ 44.1kHz / 48kHz
- Mic. Inputs Ch. 1, 2
- Connectors: Neutrik Combo (XLR)
- Sensitivity full range pad on/off: -10/+10dBu -52/ -32dBu
- Total preamp gain: 62dB
- Impedance, Pad on/off: 2000/1300 ohm
- NF @ Rg = 150 ohm, Max. Gain: < 4dB
- EIN @ Rg = 150 ohm, Max. Gain: < -127dBu
- THD+N, Min. Gain: < -100dB (0.001%) @ 1kHz, -1dBFS
- SNR, Min. Gain: >109dB(A), >106dB, 20Hz to 20kHz
- 48-bit Precision EQ
- Hi Gain: +/- 12dB
- Hi Frequency: 200Hz to 40kHz
- Hi Bell: On: 6dB/oct. shelve / Off: Parametric
- Hi Mid Gain: +/- 12dB
- Hi Mid Frequency: 200Hz to 20kHz
- Hi Mid Bandwith: 0.10 to 4.0
- Lo Mid Gain: +/- 12dB
- Lo Mid Frequency: 20Hz to 2kHz
- Lo Mid Bandwidth: 0.10 to 4.0
- Lo Gain: +/- 12dB (only available when Lo cut is off)
- Lo frequency: 20Hz - 400Hz
- Lo CUT: On: Cut / Off: 6dB/oct. shelve
- Compression/De-Essing
- Compression/De-Essing styles: "Female Voice", "SoftFemale Voice", "HardMale Voice", "SoftMale "Voice", "Hard", "Guitar", "Bass", "Speak", "Sax", "Trumpet", "Snare", "Percussion", "All purpose"
- Instr. Inputs Ch. 1, 2
- Connectors: Neutrik Combo (1/4" phone jack)
- Sensitivity Range: -25dBu +17dBu
- Total Preamp gain: 42dB
- Impedance: 1 MOhm
- THD+N, Min. Gain: < -100dB (0.001%) @ 1kHz, -1dBFS
- SNR, Min. Gain: >107dB(A), >104dB, 20Hz to 20kHz
- Crosstalk: < -100dB, 20Hz to 20kHz
- Monitor/Line Outputs Ch. 1, 2, 3, 4:
- Connectors: 1/4" phone jack, ground sensing design
- Impedance: < 100 Ohm
- Level Range (Ch. 1, 2): -40dBu +12dBu (analog gain scale)
- Fixed Full Scale Range (Ch. 3, 4): +12dBu
- THD+N: < -94dB (0.002%) @ 1kHz, -1dBFS
- SNR: >111dB(A), >108dB, 20Hz to 20kHz
- Freq. Response: +0/-0.1dB, 20Hz to 20kHz
- Crosstalk: < -100dB, 20Hz to 20kHz
- DAC
- D to A Conversion: 24-bit, 128 x Oversampling Bitstream
- D to A Delay: 0.70ms / 0.65ms @ 44.1kHz / 48kHz
- Headphone Outputs
- Connectors: 2 x 1/4" Phone Jack (Stereo)
- Impedance: 80 Ohm
- Gain level range: -80dBu +16dBu @ 300 ohm (analog gain scale)
- THD+N: < -94dB (0.002%) @ 1kHz, -1dBFS
- SNR: >103dB(A), > 100dB, 20Hz to 20kHz
- Freq. response: +0/-0.1dB, 20Hz to 20kHz
- Crosstalk: < -100dB, 20Hz to 20kHz
- Power @ 40Ohm Load: 200mW
- Power @ 600Ohm Load: 93mW
- EMC complies with: EN 55103-1 and EN 55103-2, FCC part 15, Class B, CISPR 22 Class B
- EMC certified to: IEC 60065, EN 60065, UL60065 and CSA, E60065 CSA FILE #LR108093
- Operating Temperature: 32° F to 122° F (0° C to 50° C)
- Storage Temperature: -22° F to 167° F (-30° C to 70° C)
- Humidity: Max. 90% non-condensing
- Control interface: MIDI
- In/Out: 5-Pin DIN
- FireWire (DAW): IEEE 1394a, IEC 61883
- PPM meter (Ch. 1, 2)
- FireWire bus-powered: 8 to 30 VDC
- Power consumption: less than 14W
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 9.28" x 2.48" x 9.5" (235.8 x 63 x 241.2 mm)
- Weight: 3.3lb. (1.5kg)
Review Snapshot®
by PowerReviews(based on 6 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
Reviews
Reviewed by 6 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-6
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- Add Usb For Versatility
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Professional Recording
Comments about TC Electronic Impact Twin Next Generation Firewire Interface:
I bought the Impact Twin ("IT") a few months ago to replace the E-MU 1212m PCIe. The 1212m has received good reviews over the years with its mastering grade converters. I have also used the E-MU 1616m and 1820m, which are essentially the same as far as sound quality. However, none of the E-MU products can compare to the IT's sound performance as far as clarity. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that you would prefer the IT's sound over E-MU since the E-MU products sound pretty good and sound quality is subjective.
I connected my IT to an Allen & Heath ZED-12FX mixer in mono by simply running a 1/4-inch cable from the left output of the IT to one of the mixer's line-in next to an XLR connection. I have no latency problems even though the IT is FireWire and the ZED-12FX is USB. The sound is crisp, clean, and well-defined, and not metallic sounding, which is one thing I noticed about the 1212m (PCIe). Actually, as far as the E-MU products, the regular PCI card sounds better than the PCIe in that it is warmer sounding--Just my opinion. As far as overall sound, the E-MU 1212m (PCI) has a bit more fatness to the sound, which can be a good thing or bad thing--it's depends on your preference.
But when it comes to recording vocals the IT beats the E-MU products hands down. If you plan on setting up a home studio the IT the way to go. To this end, the IT's preamps are excellent, even better than the ZED's, which are good as well. The difference between the preamps is that the IT's are warmer, clear, and quiet, and simply make vocals sound noticeably better. But again, the ZED's preamps are also good and they are sufficient for live performance. However, if you're interested in setting up a home studio then the IT's preamps are the clear winner.
As far as the IT's FireWire connection, some have complained that its interface is not compatible with VIA chipsets. I used the IT with Windows 7/64-bit and a Gigabyte GA-990XA-UD3 motherboard and didn't experienced any chipset issues. However, after a month I decided to purchase a SIIG FireWire 2-Port PCIe (NN-E20012-S2). This FireWire card is doing an excellent job so far. One advantage is that it has a Molex connection to supply power directly to the card, which allows me to run the IT without using the external power adapter. I tend to us the IT's on/off button even though I'm using onboard power in order to eliminate the possibility of power spikes that can damage the IT. However, I have left the IT on and it does boot-up without needing to turn it off.
Also, the built-in features of the IT are easy to understand. My advice is to watch a few Youtube videos explaining the IT to understand how to adjust it.
The TC Near Control Panel software is basic and not as complicated as E-MU's Patchmix software that many have complained about. Also, the IT comes bundled with Abelton Live Lite 8 software but it does not come with an license number (at least I didn't see one), which means Live Lite can only be used in demo mode. I tried to authorize the software through Abelton's website but there is a request for a "serial number" which is nowhere to be found. So unless I'm not understanding something, it can only be used in demo mode.
Overall the IT is an outstanding bargain for the price.
Comments about TC Electronic Impact Twin Next Generation Firewire Interface:
Extremely Satisfied with product and MF! Return policy at MF made me feel comfortable trying the unit sight unseen. BTW, I almost never have to return a product as I do as much homework as possible before buy anything. Having said that, I buy from many music retailers online and in the store.
1) Restock unit works perfectly. No issues with packaging or cosmetic condition. stickers on the original box seemed to indicate that the unit had been returned due to packaging damage. The unit came with a 3ft firewire 400 cord, an fw800 adapter, power supply and 2 software cd's (TC Near (the software control panel) and effects, Ableton lite tc electronic edition.) I'm using it with SonorLE. Haven't tried ableton yet. (went to the TC electronic site and downloaded the most recent drivers/firmware.)
2) Sounds Great!
3)Set up went smoothly on a 2007 era gateway gt5228 (amd athlon 64x2 4200+ dual core 2.2ghz and 2gb ram) running 32bit XP media center (i previously had to disable the mediacenter to run Sonar LE.) Anyone that can follow simple directions and has a smidgen of cognition should be up and running in 15-30 minutes on a PC, maybe less with a mac. I had planned to buy a FW card with the recommended Texas Instruments chip (<$20) but so far I have had no problems with the gateway's integrated VIA brand firewire card.Unit is powered by pc through the firewire connection.
4) The m40 reverb sounds very good and the other packaged effects are quite useful.Check out the youtube clips to see what they do.
5) Caveat's:
a) Firewire does not appear to be the future of interface connections on pc. I have not seen any new laptops or desktop units that come with FW. PCI FW Adapter cards are inexpensive for desktops but have yet to understand what is available for laptops. I had wanted to buy a laptop next.
b) My next pc will be 64bit windows 7 since 64bit is the way of the future and allows the use of more than 3.5g of ram. I have read reviews that claim to have problems with W7 64b. I'm not too concerned since I would expect that TC has developed drivers to address this.
Feels, looks and works great! Sound is very detailed and warm. In stereo playback the stereo imaging is stunning. I'm running KRK rokit5 monitors.
The restock deal was too good to pass up. I had also been consdering the Focusrite 24 DSP but the restock price, favorable reviews on the software and sound quality swayed me towards the Twin. I wouldn't let a few negative reviews on setup deter you from trying this unit. There are a lot of inexperienced people writing reviews and some people just have trouble with everything. FWIW, Stick to pro reviews written by adult professionals. I found the review at Sound und Sound to be consistent with my experience so far.
Comments about TC Electronic Impact Twin Next Generation Firewire Interface:
I own this TC Electronic Impact Twin audio interface for half year.This product is great. The quality of sound is extraordinary. Large dynamic range and flat frequency responce up to 24bit/192Khz. Features of products which combine software mixer with ultra precise op-ams and HD AD/DA make this device one of the best in its class. Connectivity options which included FireWire interface, SPDIF, ADAT an HD analog I/O makes device portable and usable even for live recording or DJ setup in a compact and robust case.
Comments about TC Electronic Impact Twin Next Generation Firewire Interface:
Have had this for over a month and still not working. Comes with Near front panel SW plus Ableton Lite which CD won't load so have to download almost 1GB. Device seems to have no output, Near front panel error can't detect Impact Twin and Ableton can't detect Near. I've been emailing back a forth with TC for almost a month and still nothing. I'll probably return and hope for something better with another product.
Comments about TC Electronic Impact Twin Next Generation Firewire Interface:
Okay, I have had the Impact Twin running on my Windows XP platform for about a week not, and it is running great. True, Tc Electronic is not quite ready for 64bit systems, nor is it quite ready for Windows 7. But if you are using XP, or are willing to, the Impact Twin runs fantastic.Furthermore, the impact twin has some really nice bundled software: Channel Tools, ResFilter, M40 Reverb (which sounds really good), and the Twin allows for the ability for monitoring reverb while recording vocals--a really nice touch.The twin seems to be built very well, and the pre-amps are really nice, excellent sound quality. Thus, if your are looking for an all in one recoding solution for yourself, or perhaps a friend, I would highly recommend the Impact Twin.
Comments about TC Electronic Impact Twin Next Generation Firewire Interface:
First off, this item has some great features, and it would be an incredible little recording unit if the drivers worked. If you are running Windows 7, DO NOT BUY THIS AT THIS TIME!! I have tried the drivers for both 32bit and 64bit (64bit being pre-release)version of Windows 7 and I constantly receive blue screens of death. I have had this unit for about 3 days now and, although the bundled software and the unit itself is quite nice, the drivers are absolute junk (at least when trying to use Windows 7). I had very high expectations for this unit, and I did months of research before finally buying it. Now I am left with utter disappointment and can not even make any reliable recordings--this just plain sucks. So, strong buyer caution.
Displaying reviews 1-6
