Tascam US-122 Reviews3 Found On 2004-07-13, Frank Luke gave this Tascam Recording a 5...(9405)
Purchase: I acquired this unit from "savedbytechnology.com", after trying equivalent M-Audio box. The M-Audio box was not sensitive enough to pick my Markley Humbucker pickup on my acoustic guitar.
The device works pretty well as advertised, though the laptop I'm running it off of doesn't like Cubasis VST or Gigastudio, both of which are included the Tascam. I'm told it may have something to do with the Hyperthreading processor I have. (Dell 5150 with 3.06 HT P4, 512 meg ram, 80 Gig hard drive). As a result, I'm using N-Track version 4, without any difficulty. This unit works very well if you want to do some home recording, and do multitrack recording. Cost: $267 CAD.
Pros: Pros: The device is easy to use, and the USB works well, though it should be all on its own bus, not sharing one with devices like printers, PDA's and so on.
The level controls work well, and one could even hook this device up to a power amp while at the same time, record what you are playing. This device also is small: carrying it around is not difficulty.
The US122 also has a guitar tuner, which works very well: so far none of my other laptop based tuners work as well as this one does.
Cons: Cons: There is a lag between the input and output, so it takes a bit of fiddling around to get the buffer sizes right to reduce the lag time. I think that the exact buffer size will depend on the machine that you are using. Note: this is not for use with a machine that doesn't have some horsepower to it.
A word of warning: when swapping mics and other inputs, make sure that you turn down all level controls to zero, and power off the phantom mic power. Otherwise, if the connector slides over the contacts inside the plug in such a way as to short the plug, you could blow the channel. This mixer is not like an analogue mixer: it is not forgiving of sloppy work with cables and attaching or disconnecting inputs.
Finally, the Hyperthreading processor may not like the packaged software such as Cubasis VST and Gigastudio 24. I use N-Track, and the software works pretty well right out of the box.
Quality: One can't deny the quality and sturdiness of the US-122. It is in a cast aluminium case, so it is light, and also well protected in the case. The volume knobs feel flimsy, but some other people have checked this and found that the volume controls are actually quite good. Summary: Bottom line: if you are doing your own home studio recordings, this device along with the right software will do just fine. It also helps that you deal with a reputable distributor, and in this case, that means "savedbytechology.com"
Search for more Tascam Recording reviews and comparisons On 2003-12-22, Joe Franko gave this Tascam Recording a 5...(7031)
Purchase: Guitar Center, 199.00
Pros: A great unit. Has inputs for mics, line, guitar, and midi. Truly a way to get music into my laptop. And totally portable, which is the greatest thing about it. Runs off the usb power, so no hunting for a wall wart.
Cons: So far the only thing not to like is that it doesn't come with a sound generator!
Quality: Great steel construction, though the nobs seem a little flimsy. Summary: Highly recommended!
Search for more Tascam Recording reviews and comparisons On 2003-12-14, Chris gave this Tascam Recording a 5...(6867)
Purchase: I picked this up at Long and McQuade in Toronto for about $340 Canadian. I've been playing for quite some time now but never got into recording before. I was told this was a good unit.
Pros: It's a breeze to use. I had it going within a half an hour, and I'm no computer whiz. This thing is loaded. 2 XLR inputs, phantom power, stereo inputs and outputs, and the sound quality is excellent. I've used it for heavy metal guitars, clean acoustic guitars, vocals, etc. It does it all. I also like the fact that it's completely portable and self-powered via USB.
Cons: The only negative comment I have about it is the software that comes with it. The bundle versions of Cubasis and Gigastudio really suck and is a pain to use. I prefer to use Cool Edit instead. But as far as the unit itself goes, I have no complaints at all.
Quality: Solid steel construction, nice big volume knobs, and 4 rubber feet on the bottom to hold it still. A very solid well built unit. Summary: If you are thinking about getting into recording on your PC, BUY THIS UNIT! You wont' regret it. For the money, it can't be beat and as long as you've got a good computer with a good recording program like Cool Edit, you can do anything that those $1500 units can.
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© Chris Bereznay - Gear Review Network / MusicGearReview.com - 2000
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