Tascam US-1800

The Tascam US1800 was an interface that I used for a few months in 2011. It connected easily to my computer via USB connection. This unit is rackable taking up one rack space on my desktop workstation. This interface has 16 inputs that you can record with simultaneously and 4 outputs. 14 of the inputs are analog and 8 inputs are for XLR mics and it does provide phantom power. This interface had everything that I needed at the time.

UTILIZATION

It was easy to set up and start using, it came with a manual that was easy to follow and the disk to load the driver was easy to use, because all I had to do was just put it in my PC and it installed the software then the interface was recognized by Cubase and Pro Tools.

GETTING STARTED

I liked using it in Pro Tools 10 a lot because that is where I do most of my recording at and instead of paying a lot of money for one of those interfaces that Pro Tools endorses I was able to get the same features but only pay about half that price.

OVERALL OPINION

This interface is good, and I feel that it is very underrated because no one is talking about using it. The only downside to it was sometimes there would be a latency issue when working with Pro Tools 10 depending on what you are recording and how many tracks you are recording at the same time. You can work around this but sometimes it is very annoying. At first I just thought it was my PC until other users told me about that same problem and it’s mainly because of the USB connection and recording with multiple tracks. This was probably the last USB interface that I have purchase since then I went all to fire wire because I think the speed is much better.

I bought this card due to its numerous I/Os to use it with a good external preamp (Goldmike) + headphone amp. The inputs on the front panel are very practical (for instruments).
For the price, it's impossible to get more I/Os.

USE

The installation with the CD is hassle-free, but then it all goes south: It's impossible to use direct monitoring due to the weakness of the signal, even after going into a headphone amp. Likewise, it's impossible to do direct monitoring via the additional line outputs (which is confirmed in the manual). In short, it has lots of outputs, but they are worthless. Finally, I got loud "plops" through my speakers, which I didn't have with my old Presonus.
I asked for my money back after 3 days.

OPERATION

It's okay, the control panel is a bit on the minimalist side, but nothing too serious.

OVERALL OPINION

It promises a lot on paper, but it's impossible to use this soundcard correctly for recording applications.

I chose it given its number of xlr jack inputs
and the brand's reputation.

USE

Worthless drivers, is Tascam mocking its users?
Is Tascam shooting itself in the foot?


OPERATION

It's impossible to install the drivers for windows 7 64bits from Tascam's site.
Lousy after-sale service, inconsistent.


OVERALL OPINION

I sent it back after one month of looking for solutions.
I bought a presonus vsl 1818 soundcard and had no issues with the installation, the manual is clear.
Tascam will have lots of problems in the sound/midi interface world.

8 XLR inputs with 48V phantom power per groups of 4
2 Instrument inputs on 1/4" jacks, switchable to line inputs
4 Line inputs on 1/4" jacks with -4/+4 per pairs

6 outputs: 2 monitors and 4 Lines
1 headphone out on 1/4" jack

MIDI in/Out
S-PDIF or AES or EBU In/Out
USB port

Converts up to 96k/24 bit

I've been using this card for 3-4 months and I'm very happy with it, the only snag is the lack of an ADAT I/O. I use it with Cubase 5 on a PC to record bands I do FOH for.

The preamps are light, they distort as soon as you go beyond 03:00 but they are clean and sound nice if you don't reach that threshold.

USE

No issues during the installation. It's stable and works fine with Cubase, at least for what I use it for. I record my drums on a regular basis with the 8 front-panel tracks and have no complaints. The only minor drawback of this card is the somewhat significant latency: 2.6ms at the input and 12.3ms at the output, which means 15ms when it's properly set up (using the manufacturer's ASIO, otherwise it's 50+ ms o_o). A somewhat high latency, but to record 14 tracks simultaneously, it's okay. There's no update I know of.

OPERATION

It's very easy to use, I haven't had a single compatibility issue since I have it. Not even under Windows, nice! I haven't opened the manual, so I can't tell whether it's clear and comprehensive. My girlfriend, who has not the slightest clue of audio, uses it without asking any questions!

OVERALL OPINION

After 3 months of intensive use I can say it's perfect for me. The real problem of this card is its lack of communication with other devices, but it's PERFECT for a simple home-studio setup. And, coming from me, it's a real compliment: I made a Lambda Lexicon explode (without any regrets) and I don't use my EMU 1616M anymore. The tascam US-1800 is easy to use and (I hope) sturdy.
A very good investment to start out and even if you already have some experience and want simplicity for your studio.
Compared to the lambda (although they don't cost the same) or the EMU, I prefer the Tascam for its simplicity and how quick it is to get familiar with it.