All user reviews for the Tascam US-122L

I bought the Tascam US-122 looking for an affordable audio interface to record demos of my songs, and I wasn't disappointed! Since it's powered via USB, it's very useful for anyone who works on a laptop, light and portable.
It has two phantom-powered mic inputs and two line-level inputs, so if what you need is to record a single source or a guitar and a microphone the US-122 will get the job done.


UTILIZATION

I work on Logic Pro mostly, and I did find some issues regarding the interface's compatibility. I had to download the drivers and although they were compatible with Apple Core Audio sometimes the software would not recognize the US-122 so I had to unplug it and set up again, but that would fix the problem most of the time. Also I had some minor latency issues, however as I said before, those were probably happening because of the lack of compatibility with the software I used.

GETTING STARTED

The configuration is very simple, after the installation you can start recording right away. All the typical functions are at hand. I stated above some of the compatibility issues that I had with the Tascam US-122.

OVERALL OPINION

This was the first audio interface I bought. Since at the time what I wanted from this audio interface was just recording demos, I found it very useful for that purpose and I'm happy with the work I did with it; however if you want to do audio work that requires great quality this would not be my choice. The Tascam US-122 is great for beginners, mobile recording systems and hobbyist musicians, etc. I still believe that it is a great interface to begin with. It's easy to use and affordable. But if you are serious about producing music with professional audio quality you should consider upgrading.

I'd buy this little machine to get lower latency and also to discover at the time, recording with a microphone.

It also motivated me was the connection by USB, all digital anything, something that would make my job easier and with less breath.

UTILIZATION

The installation went without problems for me, although I have seemed long.
Regarding updates to drivers in 3 years I do not see any change.

Now move on to the problem:

Since my purchase I run the install and try it directly and big crunches big surprise or even audio processor overhead.
I stay calm, change hard disk with Windows brand new
reinstall everything.
The I a little better, but pushing the lowest latency, you can not go below 256 ms without big cracks.
I must content myself with a 512 ms 1024 ms project lean and with a more consistent.
Result to make a recording with a guitar amp simulator must not only activate it with just a metronome to stall and play with better latency.
For me it was doable but a colleague with whom I started producing it has been more difficult.
In addition I changed my computer from a small Asus with whom I can walk when I'm not in the studio and compose the tascam Well I am no longer of any use, I said, I can with the sound card in my computer to get a latency up to 256 ms, whereas with the tascam 512ms is already finished for him.
I think I must still be a big setup in order to enjoy a decent latency.

Another test:
My ear and my equipment is evolved from my years of practice and it is that I wanted to use the tascam to record a music concert Reunion.
Basically I made up all my equipment balances all the settings, and then I plug one of the dual outputs of the mixer to the XLR inputs tascam
and I understand the quality of the preamps and converters, big loss of low frequencies, heat well attenuated but not breathing why he is doing well.
The headphone output is a bad quality that it also pushes the gain, treble distorted coming for you gun down the ear.

GETTING STARTED

I returned to the driver of this sound card is not really "adjustable"
On to the choice between 1024 512 256 128 96 ms if I'm not mistaken on the latter.
So you'll understand if problm in low latency bin you switch to a large latency.

OVERALL OPINION

Used for more than 3 years he has rendered great service and allowed me to record my own Compos guitar and started producing other artists.
For the beginning I thought it was great because it there's still quality but to experience it the more you realize what was in his hands.
I do not have that choice again if I had to leave such a product there must be much better.
However, it is highly portable and self-powered so it can be used in full secondhand.
I added that was sold with Cubase 4 so it was a small matter anyway.

It's the power behind my home studio right now, which isn't that much, but it's a solid Cubase setup that gets my tracks from 'Point A' to 'Done.' I've been using this for a few years now and I doubt it has a scratch on it. Solid metal grey chassis with plastic bumpers. It's really ruggedly built and rather hefty for it's size. I do sound effect recordings and samplings for various plays, musicals, movies as well as the usual full band recordings.

I needed a cheap way to record. This came with a copy of Cubase LE for less than $100 from Pianos 'n' Stuff in Blawnox, PA, and it's been all I really need since.

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I think it's an absolute bargain for a two track recorder. It'll process MIDI, RCA, two mics or a single direct guitar/instrument at a time. I can layer them afterward in Cubase to do a whole band direct. For the combination off software and the features of the unit, I don't think there's a better cheap setup out there, and it's USB 2.0, so there really isn't any chance of latency. It's also powered by that USB cable, so there's really only one wire you need to mess with to your PC. 24-bit, 96kHz quality keeps the music clear and clean, too. And if I ever need more tracks, I can simply go out and get an un-powered mixing board and run it into the two front inputs of the unit.

I just sat here for about 10 minutes and tried to think of something. I guess I'd like it more if it made orange juice, too. equals)

As I said earlier, it's all-out steel and heavy duty plastic construction. Mine doesn't have a scratch on it, mostly because I've taken care of it, but it seems to be pretty darn rugged. None of the connections have ever seemed flimsy or in any way loose, and I've never had reason to suspect a problem with the unit.

It's an absolute best buy. It gets my award for best budget product and best entry level product for recording interfaces hands down. The US-122mkII is really just the same thing in a new color with slightly better hardware. Either one will keep you happy for a long time.

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

I bought this unit at Guitar Center in Hollywood for $199. I needed a means to input audio into my computer for film work.

Solidly built, simple interface, good input options. Attractive in appearance -- so it looks good beside your computer. My computer setup doesn't have space for a full-sized mixer, so the compact size of this unit is a major plus.

When I first acquired it, the US-122 was guaranteed to work with Macintosh computers. It didn't -- at least, not for awhile. Tascam tech support responded quite promptly, to its credit, but I had to download a new driver from their website several months after the purchase, and then suddenly the unit started working. Now it does a fine job, but I felt I shouldn't have had to go through the hassle. Most of the bonus software that comes with the box (Cubasis, GigaStudio 24) couldn't be installed on my Mac G5. Finally, you obviously don't get the number of channels as on a real mixer -- it's not what this thing was designed for.

Looks and feels very well built. The metal chassis feels like it can withstand a beating, even though it shouldn' t have to.

The driver problem is what I had been really concerned about. Looking back, I think I might have been better off spending double the money and getting the Digidesign Mbox bundle, which is tried and true with Mac-based film-production systems. Still, after some hassle, this unit now does work with my computer and is doing its job, so at least I'm finally getting my money's worth.

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

On board of a seller for the price.
Use voice recording.

UTILIZATION

The utisation is simple I never had any problems, use with Cubase.
No worries at latency.
Regarding the number of tracks that can simultaneously record, no idea, knowing that I recorded the voice.
I do not remember against by having an update?

GETTING STARTED

The installation, no problems, and configuration is fairly simple.

OVERALL OPINION

I used it for 2 years, it was my first audio interface for the price and therefore I did not hesitate.
To start it's not bad, and again.
It can quickly be totally discouraged by the preamps that are really poor. It blows, occasionally crackling.
I think you can do better but much better at the same price (maybe slightly more).
I recommend to summarize, even for beginners.
For example, my record was better with a sound blaster audigy, a small mixer, and an SM58.

- What technical specifications motivated your choice?
I bought in a shop in central Brussels on the "advice" from a vendor. The motivation for the purchase price mostly silent

- For what purpose?
Home recording studio with computer music

- Config
I used it on multiple computers, the latency silent identical in all cases.
Computers taient quips the latest firmware from windows 7 and I always used Cubase (3, 4 and now 5) pro versions.

-Uses
I use a sm57 regarding guitar amp and wind instruments, sm58 for voice, and I use the DI my bass amp for bass pramplis because of the sound card is really bad quality .
So all through the XLR, I also use the afternoon to an electronic keyboard or a battery

UTILIZATION

-Drivers
They are relatively stable, I had a few crashes dj but it's really not a problem rcurent.

MAJ-
There is actually an update from time to time

Latency-
(Max 14ms, min: 3.90 ms; normal: 4.85 ms) Correct but does not allow monitoring of the recess ...

-Software
Trs mostly Cubase as said above

-Number of tracks
It is possible to record a power trio with no voice, the bass guitar a cot on the other, and by noon the battery using a battery electronic

GETTING STARTED

-Installation
No problem with installation

-Configuration
The configuration is fairly simple, the buttons all have a clear purpose. As against the ergonomics leave a little catch DSIR are not very easy accder depending on the position of the device.

Compatibilitbr-/> I do not remember incompatibility

-Manuel
The manual is not really as ncessaire given the simplicity of the device

OVERALL OPINION

I have now for over 4 years, I found the beginners trs well, I also beginners in home recording studio. J'tais trs satisfied with the product.
But now looking back I realize that pramplis are a fool quality of output is likely to grill (no longer functioning) (output "line out") which is quite problmatique.
Entries begin grsiller now I'm going to change by trs soon as this sound card does enough for me and for my use over 2 inputs is not enough ...

-Report qualitprix
I will not say it is bad but not good either, there are ways to beat for the same price.
With the exprience, I think I turned to something else, and I would take something directly from just over onreux.

EDIT: works on Vista since September 2007!

Everything works well, the latency is improved, I can play guitar amplified by AmpliTube live without apparent delay, same with my MIDI instruments. Nickel.

A "bug" is that between XLR and Jack share the same channel, we must choose, and sometimes it's boring (synth Stereo, hop the two inputs are taken)

UTILIZATION

Vista drivers work well trs, installation is clear and easy. The manual is clear.

GETTING STARTED

The drivers put more n'taient day long, it took a little squeezing Tascam deign to leave the Vista version, but since it's done, I have nothing to say that ct l.

I use this card with Cubase LE (bundled with, great!), And they go well together trs, good average latency (between 5 and 10 ms) as appropriate.

It's two mono tracks, or up to a stereo. Guitar + voice that's enough.

OVERALL OPINION

Buy 160 euros, this card is a good deal, I think. I use it for 4 months to replace a Sound Blaster somewhat limit the entries (no XLR, a single jack). The Sound Blaster Audigy 1 cost me 100 euros discount for 60 euros more I have a faster card, with more IO, USB and supplies for my laptop. Everything is bathed.

With exprience, I would choose this or another card of the same template, I guess they are worth. This is the entry level there is nothing special. It works, that's what I asked!

8 / 10 score. For 60 euros less, c'tait 10/10!

- This is the value for money that my decision to buy this audio interface and MIDI Out / ITEM

- Use personal for some models.

- I'm running Vista.

- I use it to record guitar and a MIDI keyboard.

I put the max points, as ca perfectly meets my expectations.

UTILIZATION

- Installation without any problems. Although I had to go to their site to download the update for Vista that works very well ... nothing to say.

- Everything worked perfectly except that meets some small bills at the time of recording. It's a little handicap at the start.
I have about it a little solution: boot into Safe Mode, the cuts had completely disappeared. (However, the safe mode does not use the MIDI keyboard).

- Easy setup. (This is a novice who can confirm)

- I did not need to read the manual, I already knew the most important: install the driver before plugging in the card.

GETTING STARTED

- No Driver problem so far.

- 2 Vista updates are already available on the manufacturer's website.

- I use it with Cubase SX

- No latency problem. Certainly, there is a gap, but when listening Inperceptible records. However it is possible to configure this little problem, but I let it like that to avoid small cuts of his.

- For now, I went up to more than 8 tracks, and I have no problems.

OVERALL OPINION

- I use it for 1 month.

- I am very happy to have a microphone input and MIDI In / Out.

- I tried the Tascam US 122 and the M Audio USB: The 122L is the height of the last 2.

- Quality / Price exellent!

- I do it again this election!

I needed an external sound card that can be taken anywhere with a budget of 150 maximum. For amateur use hh!
Level config: HP Pavilion dv9000
I use it with the Yamaha DGX-305 (MIDI), a keyboard, acoustic and electric grattounettes and the opportunity for singing, nothing very original so ...
For the price this card has it all for me

UTILIZATION

Um, both in vista, I confess that I carrment hsit buy this sound card as a problem given the diverse and Varis of everyone and especially since I'm not an expert in sound card ... But I have no problem recontre, just download any drivers for vista, connect as we are asked, when we unplug the request
The manual is trs beautiful but I just opened prcautions to watch, to see the kind of error Bouley commetre and therefore not fully aware of its kind not to connect the power supply when a phantom dynamic microphone is plugged in or else ...
So everything is very simple, very well done, RAS

GETTING STARTED

Drivers almost never updated. I use Cubase LE works under Vista as I reprcise given the short time that one would think that nothing works in vista ...
Latency, it is important mga ... finally the big top when dception same ...
So I install asio4all, and after 5 min of walking niquel rglages ca

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 2 hours o of the opinion that I express trs top lol
In sound is very nice, I had not tried before, I know very little, my thing is especially the music aspect of the connector del etc ... Quality price ratio really excellent!

Very interesting map with respect to its price. Against it by default has a large, food is on the card and the USB plug is poorly filtered. This means that about a dozen machines and two cards US-122L tested the problem is the same: the audio quality depends on the signal quality of aliments from the USB port 5V. Therefore result cetain mac or PC there are whistles that full agreement on a certian PC hum, etc ... I'm looking for a USB power filter, the inverter 220 is not enough because the power of the PC redégrade signal.

UTILIZATION

N / A

GETTING STARTED

N / A

OVERALL OPINION

N / A

I hesitated between starting a map M AUDIO Fast Track Pro USB 1 or USB EMU 404
The problem is that the Fast Track Pro is a USB and EMU after what I've seen has problems with their preamps (which confirmed to me the seller).
Finally the salesman referred me to this solution (much cheaper and more)

Technical characteristics that motivated my choice:

- USB Connection 2 (Main Feature ..) with USB power.
- 2 mono inputs with XLR phantom power
- Line 2 inputs (with impedance guitar)
- Stereo line output
- Direct control headphone volume, mixing computer / inputs, mic
- Midi In and Out

- Attention still two things: No S / PIDF and a bundle a little light for my taste.

For what purpose:
- Recording classical guitar + vocals (via the two mic inputs)
- Use Sequencer connected to a synth via Midi

For what configuration:
I tried on multiple PCs:

- Dell M70 Notebook: Pentium M - 2 GHz
- 2 GB Ram
- HD 2 GB
- 2 USB Ports
- OS: Win XP Pro SP2

and

- Pentium III 500 Mhz
- 256 MB Ram
- HD 30 GB
- USB Ports 1
- OS: Win XP Home SP2
.... and surprise ... it works the same thunder on this configuration (that said I still good "lightifié" my windows ...)
What instruments:
- I use two mics (1 micro instruments for classical guitar and a microphone for singing)
- Sonar 6

UTILIZATION

- Installation:

Approximately 5 minutes for each PC.
We must respect the procedure, ie start installing the drivers without the interface connected, then disconnect and reconnect when we are asked ...

- Compatibility:
To my surprise no incompatibility issues. I was a little skeptical about the config with a USB port ... and finally it works very well, and the installation worked first time.
Ditto for the config of Sonar ... ASIO drivers worked the first time

- Configuration ultra simple

- The manual is very light (about twenty pages), but is more than enough for first use.

GETTING STARTED

Drivers: Right now I have no problems with the drivers, no blue screen, no loss of USB connection.

- I mainly use Sonar, and this suits me very well.

- On my old Pentium III I tested up to 8 audio tracks simultaneously 44100Hz carefree. I get a latency of 5.8 ms.

- The preamp works very well, and I have a very good signal / noise

OVERALL OPINION

How long:
- I use it for 2 weeks

The + and -:
- The pros: The perfect, portable and easy to install
- Les -: No S / PDIF Bundle

Value for money: That's great, I go out with 100 euro less than what I was willing to put

Back on the advice of one year on: the phantom power dropped me .... hereusement one week before the end of warranty. No worries about the SAV, the time is a bit long, but finally it was repaired. However now I have voltage drops that are beginning to appear (and here I am no longer under warranty ).... The enchantment of the early collapse, and ultimately I do not know if I do it again this choice.