All user reviews for the Tascam FW-1884

I bought from Sweetwater; paid approx. 1300 USD. Its purpose was to replace an old audio/MIDI interface (US428).

Overall sound quality is good; preamps seem reasonably transparent with sufficient gain. A/D/A is equally good. Surface controls are well-thought out. Build quality seems good.

Does not map to Cubase SX except via Mackie Control Emulation, which is counter-productive at best. In use, the most important and useful control features of the 1884 are not mapped at all to SX (the EQ section for example), and the ones that ARE mapped via MCE are confusing to use.

Neither Tascam nor Steinberg seem motivated to do anything about this. Both the FW-1884 and Steinberg's SX are fine products, but trying to use them together has proved to be a bad choice compared to other options available in the marketplace.

Overall quality seems quite solid.

Really good unit for the money, but don't try to use with Steinberg. As long as Tascam and Steinberg ignore the need for native support, consider that currently there are better products out there for this specific purpose.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

Bought this beauty off Ebay New in box with warranty for $1198. I needed to replace an old, loud powered mixer I was using for recording along with replacing my audio/midi interface

Works flawlessly with Sonar 2.2XL. Automation is a breeze. What fun it is to see those faders flying!! LOL!! spdif inputs allow me to patch my Line6 Pod Pro XT straight in. ( My amp does not get used these days!) 4 Midi in/outs allow me to connect all my midi gear (Yamaha DGX500 keys, Zoom123 Drum machine, Yamaha SU-700 sampler & Yamaha TX81Z Sound module). Inserts on all channels allow me to patch my DOD S100,Behringer Ultraph EQ, Antares AVP-1 Vocal Producer and Aphex Aural exciter 103C on different channels. I can change my input signal to the channel already set up for the desired processing. Smooth linear volume control into my Event 20/20p Monitors. Sweet! Lots more to discover with this unit. Seems like the configurations are endless. Great Unit!

This unit was a little complicated for me at first, but I am, getting the hang of it. i am not sure I would advise it for a person's first interface unless you have some previous knowledge of mixing and computers.

Built like a tank! Looks great! Heavy & Solid.

I like going into my studio now to record. Before it was such a hassle to just get things set up, that I often just played around instead of actually recording. Now, everything is in it's place and ready to go with a flip of my ETA PL11 Power Strip. The Staggering Odds are hoping to produce a CD in the next year and never leave my studio!

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

Connection jack for audio output 6'35, the XLR t would be welcome, but this price is forgivable. Of 24-bit 96 khz, control surface, midi and audio interface for audio recording 18 tracks simultaneously, gnial.

UTILIZATION

Trs simple to use, driver install on XP in 2 minutes, the true plug-year play with firewire.

SOUNDS

a ring, with zero-latency direct effects, it works well trs.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for a week with XP home with a PC Pentium 4, clocked 2.6 GHz and 1gig of ram. It still lacks the protocols of software that I use Cubase SX (this would later tascam of APRS), in the meantime I am using the Mackie Control formulation. Report quality unbeatable price, no competitor at the moment for this type of product. I say bravo Tascam.

The console is expandable Submitted (ending for at least ..) it possde lanes between 18 and 16 output (with a rack adat) for more information: website constructor. All connectors are implanted ncessaire (XLR, coax optical ..) There is no correction (eq fx paramtrique or dynamic) of each channel possde to INSERT a row add this type of correction. There is no section or effects loop either hlas for external effects. It works natively 24-bit and can go up to 96 Khtz RESOLUTION. The fader's motoriss of 100 mm. The compatibility with the software's professional time is not fully insured. The types of media sync are: SPDIF / MIDI / WORD CLOCK / ADAT.
Only regret on my part: the addition of at least one loop effects have one more non ngligeable t, the addition of a small LCD to display useful information like queleques "But what is this track on which I have fun?) SONAR 3 .... select the tool is inficace the rglages of eq is not possible from the console.

UTILIZATION

The config is very simple but powerful trs both audio ports for 4 midi in and out! All functions technique are clear and well-Retailer
The manual is provided on the CD ROM in PDF format and must be printed (unless it is English as usual!)
What is this soft balls 2 Giga Studio 24? I have more windows 3.11 (see the graphic inteface ....)

SOUNDS

So the good is that! There's nothing to say about the converters, I have never been better in my hands (well I did not have much either ...) Compared it is well over a home Hoontech ADDA 2000, the r solution of the converters is thinner and above seems more dynamic.
No effects, no filter, dynamic correct.
The lack of effects loop drang me more ...

OVERALL OPINION

It is the verdict, cruel, fateful APRS three weeks of studio! I have to start to change the machine to take full advantage of the console and my soft. Reduces latency + stability = more bandwidth and faster processor (before: P4 2GHtz Ram: 512 / Bus: 266 / OS: W2k now: P4 3.2 Hyper Treading GHTZ / 1 GB of ram / 800 Bus MHtz / XP Pro. The machine can not be put into default (graphics card Matrox G450 Dual Screen base!) Of course the machine is tested through my software: SONAR 3 Producer Ed
Setup of the song selected:
9 MIDI tracks driving two hardware synth.
15 audio tracks at 24 bits 96 Khtz
On each track 1 3 effects.
Latency for stability of the mini table 8 ms (only 16% CPU is used the disc does not Exceeds 3%)
Difficulty: Although processor power (no more that day) the Decent buffer 32 is irralisble. below 8 ms, and displays the table dcroche more information SONAR (loss of control of faders and seeing that remain on or do not s'alument)
These problems are all that your exact quality of the drivers in version 1.00 As I said rcemment this console was released too quickly, oddly APRS just announced the release of Yamaha's 01X (which is the same crneau) by saying that the party has soft t dveloppe a hurry .... SONAR 3 do not t taken into account any Manir in SONAR 2.2 we encounter the same problem does not exist select the track (we're still trying to decide on which track it occurs) only roughly qualisation fontion s good. Go even a little effort at the dveloppement and this product will become a standard trust me! For now it is a ferrari with moped tires o my bill.

See the manufacturer give

UTILIZATION

CASC but very easy to brief manual in English.

SOUNDS

Report qualitprix trs satisfactory.

OVERALL OPINION

After a few weeks dconvenues different (my set up: G4 bi / jaguar, 1.25 RAM, Logic Platinium 6.32) and the Insall dvelopp the new driver by Tascam's team at the end of ann e, I am finally happy to use this table without too many malfunctions. There are still some dsagrments (for users to see http://www.tascam.com/products/FW-1884/pdf/fw1884_readme 201_10_122903.pdf%) or I am delighted by this choice, which should improve over time (as much by doing that by the support Emagic / Tascam). In fact right now I do dplore that the lack of buses in / out effect o my notes ...

A

UTILIZATION

A

SOUNDS

A

OVERALL OPINION

Hello while I've had a little over a year and I made knowledge of home studio and live. Everything works. I have XP, a 6 and 2 gigs of ram chpu. I use it in Nuendo and it is impeccable. BUT ...
A 'as the enregistremen read the eq does not work with non-pa and several I read and reread the guide but Preska chak Phraze is to see the instructions for your software!
o the eq ca n'me drang not so much as given ka ke ca j'vite decision and that "mixdown" I May be utilized as a rack for it to chian.
The console did not sound more than a mackie 016 johnson see less and the quality converters for its price is not bad at all, like for pramps.

I needed an order for Sonar, a midi interface that allows me to do the routing, and several audio inputs and minimal use standalone.

Central point of my home studio, this interface brings together everything I was looking for.

I use a P4 3.6GHz with 2GB of Ram 2x80 GB hard drive 10000tr/min
Firewire interface is a Via chipset on the motherboard Intgr. In parallle a map Scope Pro handles grate effects and provide some synths.

Enter the console a microwave XT 2, a Nova, a Proteus 2500 with SPDIF, 1 Nord Modular G2X and a double rack Doepfer A100. Creamware card is connected to Adat. All these people working perfectly. Only regret, almost impossibility of making audio routing mode.

UTILIZATION

One branch, the CD is launched and left to make the plug and "pray" for Windows XP ......... walk!

Some problem reading the firewire interface chipset but not the Tascam.

The manual is amber, but almost complete, and in French please. Information on use with Sonar trs is clear, but virtually silent on the formulation Mackie Control and Cubase. What little I read, the control surface is ergonomically Figure (a left jab, a shot right ...) As against a little soft in this mode allows to view the order value.

Sometimes lacks clarity on the (few) internal routing.

SOUNDS

My config FW1884 natively and sonar. no problem
5.3 ms latency with ASIO buffers 512 samples, in 24 bits and 96 MHz 10 VSTi tracks and 22 audio tracks with automation and no cracking. A 2.6 ms crack starts from 10 tracks 24/96.

In between I russi record 10 tracks without worry.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 3 months now, and I could couraging intgralement 8 models with this config. This is the rve, and especially what economy from what I prvu (Mackie Control, UM880, rack of output Creamware A16 Ultra).

J'tais trsmfiant vis vis these surfaces all in one ... I have therefore tried two: the tascam and yamaha 01x. There is no photo, especially at the entries, the silences of faders, and the solid appearance of the FW. I rv Tascam did.

Shame about the audio routing (1 point for the Yamaha 01x but the only one)

For the price (1500 Euros for the two extensions and Tascam FE8): say anything ...
It's all good
Only BMOL: the impossibility to evolve up to 24 channels (regrettable. .. especially since 18 IN (numriques included) is a bit btard ...)
In short, do not over fesons difficult ... "calf Taite still crying" you say ...

UTILIZATION

Installation: it can no longer simple
Manuel: simple but sufficient

SOUNDS

Note 9 / 10 I attribute takes into account, although Obviously the price ...
I t surprised by the enjoyable quality of pramplis (again, this in terms of price ...); it is in a range of semi-professional all hardware is properly .
Some problems of breath (especially del half the gain)
transparency respectable.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for about a year (I like to take the time to really test the hardware before giving any opinion)
I like the all in one including a capture card's audio quality and a respectable CONTRL motorized (with resumption of automation) 24 channels (in my case fw1884 xFe8 2).
Compared to the competition (in terms of surface aspect CONTRL) and especially in relation to the price, I think this console is largely the road against a Mackie HUI (Today the site because I c That is what I use at work).

Ngatif point: the fire wire requires a small time prchauffage pain of not having a connection table.
A t lablisation tracks would be welcome (but hey you can not have it all the above that price.
With the exprience I hsiter remake that choice without regard to the "surface CONTRL" but now, I would lean more to a us2400 (with prices up to smashed 900th at musik produktiv) a couple motu 24i / o to get 24 channels in acquisition. (But hey, you're in another price range especially since it must be 24 before the Motu pramplis ........)

I test this card right now + remote that first struck me as very ergonomic and very classy.
But it takes a little time to adapt to the console.
Did not like the records, gnralement, it still took me some time to understand the logic of the complete console

UTILIZATION

The use in itself, after having understood the logic of the console, is not so complicated
the only thing missing I will say is a small display showing the name of each audio track .. I am a bit difficult, but I assure you mix a project of 40 audio and MIDI tracks, and you end up with eight pages of a fader switch, c not evident,

However the main strength is that all connectors are XLR ... class.

SOUNDS

Well overall, I found it relatively soft, the preamps are not bad but not great either ...

OVERALL OPINION

I think the price justifies the quality of the faders and engines, but good overall, the table on this edition's still complex,

and above the table does not have any shortcuts to abandon the famous combo of mouse and keyboard ...

See the features of the console on the tascam site or in the product against it.

Despite its age it has everything you ask for a little console today (except the screen ...)

UTILIZATION

The configuration is fairly simple using a small software adapted.

One must read the manual to understand the logic of this table, once this has been done no problem.

The usual functions are accessible via shortcuts fairly simple and well damn, the only handicap is that we do not have the track display, which is saying this a little overtaken by the LCD very well done for him.

I find it quite enjoyable to use if only the buttons of input gain and output master is a bit small and not very prcis, but it is that a detail.

SOUNDS

In sound nothing to say, properly used, without forcing excessive gains and respecting the foundation of the recording you get to things just fine, and a clear work prcis net!

No breath notorious fun!

OVERALL OPINION

- How long have you use it?

2 months

- What is the particular feature you like best and least?

Assets:

The look
The apparent solidity
The reliability / stabilitbr /> The options for monitoring
faders very enjoyable work
Well damn shortcuts

Cons:

No LCD display of track names
- Have you tried many other models before acqurir?

Command | 8 Digidesign

- How do you report qualitprix?

Okay

- With the exprience, you do again this choice? ...

Surely!

Non Rack Console,
8 balanced inputs with 48v phantom power supply channel 8 switchable bass guitar jack
8 analog jack inserts
8 line output jack compatible control surround
1 e / s spdif
1 i / o adat
4 MIDI I / O
1 headphone
A world clock
FireWire 400 * 2
9 motorized faders with a Master's degree (depending on bank to control tracks 1-8 and 8-16 on cubase for example)
24-bit resolution ... in 96 khz
Automation supportbr /> internal sync, worldclock, adat, spdif

it's heavy ....

UTILIZATION

Beware! use is simple instructions available in french on Tacama europe
with the Mackie Control protocol with perfect cubase all being to understand the logic of the console, my mix mode to manage the tickets and how to control our computer sequencer favorites. but once all agr is a joy!

I MAKE A CHANGE ON MY PREVIOUS POST tascam has finally version 1.7 of drivers!
roughly the problems with vista 64, is that beyond 3GB of RAM, the sound crackled, version 1.7 recently came out more worries .... so it's great and I wanted to say that despite some delays in the hotline, because in France at the Sennheiser he did not seem to know when to us on the forums, they had explained the hotline Because of concerns ... but hey everything is ok now

SOUNDS

Almost no breath sounds very clear unless you push very hard the preamp, equalizer gr cubase for comparison had a sound card m audio audiophile 2496 and a mixer soundcraft compact 4, all my compositions sound differently, it is richer clearer! it's semi-professional but sounds great for models

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for two weeks and I know already,
for me it's all good for the little that we look a little used to it and that it s
I bought it second hand on this site! trade prices bought 1300 euros 550 euros! great price quality ratio
I do it again this choice without hesitation!

See more advice.

Comprehensive table level connections.

UTILIZATION

Simple config with the exception of the surface portion control.

It is to regret not being able to assign whatever we want different buttons.
This poses a problem for Cubase for example:
- If you choose the Mackie Control emulation, while a number of functions are inaccessible, as the keys to EQ.
- These buttons work with EQ emulation Cubase but then there, others do not work!

On the other hand, the machine requires a heating time to be able to connect Firewire!

In contrast, the sensory part fader is a real treat for mixing and for automation.

SOUNDS

Be careful not to push the preamp, they blow fast enough.

The sound seems less accurate than my RME Multiface ..

Ultimately I think the link in ADAT multifaceted and FW 1884 to serve as my first for converters and the 2nd to the mix.

OVERALL OPINION

Use for 3 months.

Like the sensory side faders and control surface that can not yet separate from the mouse.

I do not like the side of the various non-programmable buttons ....

Breath if you push the knobs!

(Originally written by samuel k/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
Non-rack mixer.

Eight balanced inputs, 48 V phantom power, channel bass with guitar/bass input.

Eight analog inserts.

Eight line outputs (ambiophonic compatible).

Spdif input/output

Adat input/output

Four Midi inputs/outputs

Phones out

Wordclock

Two Firewire 400 ports.

Nine motorized faders (one master fader), bank function for track layer control (1-8 and 9-16).

24-bit/96khz resolution.

Automation

Sync via Internal clock, worldclock, Adat and Spdif



UTILIZATION

Easy to use.

It works seamlessly with Cubase via the Mackie Control protocol. It's important to understand how the mixer works: Monitor mix mode is to manage inputs, while Computer mode is for sequencer control.

DRIVERS v1.6 ARE NOT SIGNED SO THEY ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH VISTA 64 PRO unless you disable the driver check function that protects your PC! I already mentioned this to customer support but I didn't get an answer! This decreases the sound quality of your PC!

It's impossible to work seriously, but with XP it's great!

I also connected an MM6 to my PC via USB and two line outputs to the Tascam. I made the same thing with a Kore 2 and I also plugged a mic and inserted a Behringer 2024 effects processor.

Everything is perfect except for the driver problem...

SOUNDS

Almost no noise, very clear sound except with extreme preamp settings, EQing directly in Cubase. I previously had an M-audio 2496 Audiophile sound card and a Soundcraft Compact 4 mixer. With the new setup all my songs sound different, the sound is richer and clearer! Very good sound for making demos.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using for two weeks.

Once you got used to it, it's a very good product.

I bought it secondhand via Audiofanzine! Great value for money!

I wouldn't hesitate to buy it again.

But the Vista compatibility problem is not mentioned on the Tascam website. It's very disappointing and I can't use it with my new PC.