Tascam US-122

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Category:

External Audio Interfaces

Brand:

Tascam

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Average price :

$230.00

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List of user reviews Tascam US-122

Tascam US-122 By moosers on 01/11/2010 Music is my profession

Characteristics

The Tascam US-122 is a compact USB audio interface with both audio and MIDI capabilities.  This is aimed for the user who wants a small audio interface to build a small home studio around.  The US-122 has two XLR mic inputs and stereo 1/4" connections as well.  It also has a MIDI input and output and 1/4" outputs for monitors and headphones.  In total, you've got the ability to record two tracks at once, whether it be by mic or direct line.

Utilization

The make up of the Tascam US-122 interface is very straight forward.  Everything is clearly labeled and easy to understand, as it is indeed catered for those who are new with audio interfaces and computer recording.  You can use the interface with pretty much any software, but I've used it with Cubase.  Since I wasn't using this within my own recording rig, I'm not sure about the specs that I used with it, but I do know that the interface ran smoothly and that I didn't get any latency will using it on a Mac Book lap top.  This only has the capabilities to record two tracks at a time, but I was able to run a bunch of pre-recorded tracks along with it as well.

Getting Started

The process of getting the Tascam US-122 up and running is one that I wasn't involved with as it was already set up when I tried using it.  However, judging by looking at it and from what I know about audio interfaces, I would say that this should be a fairly simple process to set up depending on what type of configuration you're running the interface with.  I've never had a need to check out the manual for the US-122, so I can't say anything about its make up...

Overall Opinion

While I can't say that the mic preamps on the Tascam US-122 have all that great of a sound, for those who want a low priced audio interface to get your home recording studio up and running, I believe that this should be tried out and investigated.  I love how compact it is, as it makes it easy to move from place to place if you wanted to get a mobile studio going.  It also has a good amount of features for such a small interface.  This is definitely a good budget audio interface to check out if you're looking for one to get started with.

Tascam US-122 By M Elise on 12/10/2008

Characteristics

This is an inexpensive USB powered external audio interface for your computer; the purpose of which is to replace your computer's built-in sound card and provide superior sound and better audio hook up options. It features two XLR mic inputs with phantom power option, two quarter inch line/guitar in jacks, two quarter inch insert jacks, adjustable input levels, RCA line out jacks, midi in/out, headphone out jack, headphone level knob, line out level knob, direct monitor level knob, switch for mono or stereo monitoring, and plenty of LED lights that help you see whats going on. The unit is solidly built and is housed in a metal case.

Utilization

When I first installed this on an old G3 Imac there where a few timing issues but I was able to resolve them by adjusting the buffer. I once tried to install this on a friend's PC laptop and was never able to get it to work. It could have been the laptop or it could have been the US-122s software. I don't know.

Getting Started

I only used this unit briefly to make multi-track recordings. I have never had any problems. In recent years I use it occasionally to input cassette and LP recordings into my computer for conversion to audio CDs and MP3s. The unit works nicely with no issues. I like the unit ergonomically with its knobs on top, small size, and strong construction. Its easy, clear and straightforward to use. The unit sounds good but not as good as my Motu 828 Firewire audio interface. I can hear the difference but I don't know how to describe the difference. The US-122 is powered completely by USB so it makes sense that the amplifiers are not as sophisticated as a unit such as the Motu 828 which is powered by more juice.

Overall Opinion

I bought this when it first came out and at the time it was a ground breaking product for its price range. Now Tascam has a newer version and there are many other similar brands on the market. I have not heard or used any of these. However for my needs I have no reason to ever abandon this unit in favor of a newer one.

Tascam US-122 By bpmccauley1 on 10/12/2008 I'd like to make music my profession

Characteristics

The choice to purchase the Tascam US-122 was really easy for me, it was cheap and would allow me to record two tracks at the same time. When this interface was purchased I was very new to the world of recording my own music and I was looking for exactly what this little guy had, good price and decent features, like the ability to be completely portable with my laptop, recording on the go is a must for me.
I am an acoustic musician so you won't find me plugging my guitar directly into the US-122, instead I use my MXL990 and 991 to mic my guitar. Additionally I use this with a Dell Inspiron 6000, 2GB RAM, 60GB Hard Drive.

Utilization

Once this thing was finally at my home, getting it to work for the first time was a bit difficult, at the time I chalked it up to my inexperience but have since realized that it was definately the product.
I had a very hard time installing the software for this thing on my computer. There were definate issues with Windows XP Professional and Home. It was crazy, I finally found a forum online that explained to me what I needed to do. I had to install the software, and cancel the setup, this process had to be done 3 times, then on the thrid time for some reason it would work, crazy if you ask me.
Then I had to try and follow the crazy instructions on how to set up my computer to work with the interface, you know changing sound ins, AISO...that kind of thing. For a beginner at the time it was definitley frustrating.
Once I got everything working, I had to learn how to use Cubase LE (the bundled version that came with the US-122)...again this recording software and the instruction manual that came with it was less than beginner friendly. All of the instructions were in professional recording language (not surprisingly really), but I had to go and look up definitions of most of the words in the manual. Again, maybe just because I was a beginner, but I'm a pretty intelligent guy, seems to be that it should not have been that difficult to figure out.

Getting Started

All of that being said, once I did get things figured out, this product is really great. I've owned it for several years and I've used it often. It is the only recording interface that I use. I've even trusted it to record some other bands in the area. Granted you aren't going to be recording drums with this thing since you can only record 2 tracks simultaneously, but for acoustic stuff or a few instruments this thing is great and you can take it where ever you go as long as you've got your laptop and a mic you've got a recording studio.
The digial sound that actually comes back out from my computer and to my ears is really way better than I could have imagined for the price of the unit. I think I got mine for around $150 or something like that, definately worth it.

Overall Opinion

Like I said I've been using the Tascam US-122 for several years now. I will admit that I definitley had many, many issues to iron out before I could get the thing to work properly, but once I got everything worked out I was really happy with the product.
I would definately suggest that if you are looking for a cheap way to get some tracks laid down with very decent quality to buy this product.

Tascam US-122 By EyeLWait4U on 03/08/2008

Characteristics

The TASCAM brand US-122 interface quite simply allows you to use two line level inputs and two line level outputs to record professional sounding audio into your personal computer be it a PC or MAC brand. It's simple to use, easy to install (literally about 20-30 minutes) and it is really affordable. We purchased it on sale for about $185.00 at a local music shop shortly after it was released on the market.

Utilization

Here are the facts: Most any computer has a crappy sound card. I don't care if you bought yours for 200.00 or more dollars. It is still crappy and produces good audio for your playback on the computer but not professional for professional audio recording. Now, I know, I know...you don't want to buy anything else. I get that. You've already spent too much money now to create you home studio. I did too. But, imagine a professional CD you produce that sounds great the first time, no pops, no clicks, no hisses and is CLEAN sound.

Getting Started

Note: This also instantly accepts non-powered microphones and it powers them with built in trinkle power (phantom power) and it also accepts guitar levels instantly. It features headphone and separate volume control and also full MIDI for your audio recording/keyboard and sequencing. It's not cheap plastic but steel. Buy you. You'll be glad you did.

Overall Opinion

Buy it! You'll be glad you did.

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