Tascam continues its pattern of making cheap interfaces for budget beginner studio operators, users and musicians. Since the world of music now exists inside of a computer, you can get so much with a cheap interface nowadays that spending a lot on quality equipment is honestly just about nuance. In the end though, I am in no way shape or form decrying the worth of the amazing Tascam US 800. This interface is rather incredible because for almost nothing, you get a whopping 8 inputs and 6 outputs in such a small amount of space. You also get Midi and digital inputs and outputs. You also get ridiculously premium converters at 96 k and 24 bit bit depth allowing for 144 dB of headroom. This allows the user to not have to worry at all about compression or limiting and peaking. Because the noise floor is so low.

UTILIZATION

Although the casing is not the most sturdy looking thing in the world, the thing still somehow screams quality. It must be the knobs, or the simple design of the thing, but the US 800 definitely makes a good first impression, and does not feel cheap by any means. Now, the latency is pretty much a non issue here, and you can record all tracks at once without any problems. My only gripe is the mass phantom power switch. You do not get a choice in which things to turn on or off, so be careful if you end up with certain microphones.

GETTING STARTED

It is easy to get started with the US 800. Just like any other interface, the drivers come with it. Install, and they are good to go. It does not come with any special features worth mentioning in the way of anything, so talking about setup seems silly to me.

OVERALL OPINION

I like the US 800. I always say cough up a bit more for the 1800, but for what it is the 800 is a great choice for anyone looking to get started.