All user reviews of 4/5 for the Tascam US-122MKII

The Tascam US 122MKII is a USB 2 channel interface. It has switchable phantom power right on it. There are two XLR inputs for mics and 2 low noise microphone preamps. It comes with Cubase LE 4 and works great with multiple DAW software programs so you do not have to use it with Cubase LE if you do not want to.

UTILIZATION

This interface was pretty easy to set up, the preamps are quiet and have headroom. On Mac operating systems is where I ran into some issues with it. I had a fast processor and I was running a newer version of Macs OS X but for some reason it would not recognize it all of the time. It only would about 50 percent of the time and I would have to unplug and plug it back in for it to recognize it.

GETTING STARTED

On my Windows computer running XP 32 bit service pack 3 it ran smoothly every single time. I have even run it on a Vista system before and it never had any issues.

OVERALL OPINION

This interface gets its power from the computers USB port and it is very lightweight making it portable. There are MIDI ins and MIDI out 5 min connections. The sampling rat is 44.1 48 kHz, 88.2 and 96kHz. This interface did come with a manual (book) and I also had a PDF manual for it as well but never really needed to look at it. If you are a Mac user, I would not recommend this interface because there are some compatibly issues that can arise. Windows users will love this interface and the preamps in any software they choose to use it with.
This interface was pretty solid and could withstand a lot of use, the side panels where made of aluminum and it never let me down. I recommend it (to Windows users).

This is a really small interface, the Tascam US 122 can be purchased online used for really really cheap. I was surprised by how cheap a used one was, so I looked to see how much it was brand new and it wasn’t much more. After seeing the prices on them, I was curious on how it sounded, after getting one I can say that the sound was great, the latency was basically absent and the quality was very clean and precise. I also noticed when I used a cheaper mic with it that the quality was not so good at all. So it really comes down to the daw and the mics that you will use with interfaces. That is my theory, so paying a lot of money for an interface really isn’t necessary , only reason I will pay a large amount of money for an interface from this point forward is for the ability to record multiple mics and instruments at the same time, and to have a rack able unit.


UTILIZATION

I didn’t find anything wrong or negative to say about the Tascam US 122. I have been using Tascams products for years now and they always hold up and never cause me any problems. Between them and Behringer, those are the two best small interface providers in my book.


GETTING STARTED

No manual was needed everything is labeled and very easy to understand.


OVERALL OPINION

You will love using the Tascam US 122, its easy to use, and small. It will give you great recording quality as long as you have a good mic or at least a decent mic to plug into it. Invest more of your money into a good mic and good cables and get the Tascam US 122 used for around 45 dollars and you will have a good setup.

What characteristics have motivated your choice?

Royez Music

What instruments or systems (console, preamp, DtDs ...) the use and how you connect? ...

Microphone + sound card early

then tested with various preamps

UTILIZATION

The drivers are stable?

Yes

How often are updated?

I do not know

What software do you use most often?

Cubase and Live

What you get lag?

between 4 and 7 ms

How many tracks do you manage to record / play simultaneously? ...

GETTING STARTED

The installation is done it without problem?

PC or Mac without worry

Have you encountered any incompatibilities?

No.

The general configuration is easy?

Easier, you die!

The manual is clear and sufficient? ...

I did not read ...

OVERALL OPINION

How long you use it?

almost 3 years

What is so special that you love the most, least?

+ Easy to use, Its more than adequate

- Lack of gain (but I quibble)

Did you tried many other models before buying it?

no it was my first!

How would you rate the quality / price?

Good especially since it comes with Cubase LE5

With experience, you do again this choice? ...

Yes, but I will leave soon on a Roland UA 55 quad capture!