Tascam USB MIDI US-1641

For a live recording, many signal sources need to reach the computer simultaneously, without any noticeable delay when monitoring. The Tascam US-1641 is a 19-inch audio/MIDI interface with 16 inputs that can be used simultaneously and USB 2.0 for multitrack recording and studio setups.

Eight XLR microphone inputs with level indicators and microphone preamps capture vocals, instruments or multiple microphones from a band. Switchable +48 V phantom power supplies condenser microphones; it can be activated for channels 1–4 and 5–8 as separate groups. Two front-panel jack inputs, switchable between line and instrument operation, and four balanced line inputs on the rear are available for additional signals.

Together with the stereo S/PDIF input, up to 16 input channels simultaneously can be transferred to the computer via USB. The digital input can be used in parallel with the analogue connections. This means, for example, that analogue sources and an external digital stereo signal can be recorded together.

With latency-free hardware monitoring, you can listen to input signals directly through the monitor or headphone outputs. A mix control sets the balance between the input signal and the computer signal; you can adjust the monitor and headphone levels separately. This is useful when musicians need to hear their input signal while recording without the delay caused by the return path through the computer.

Playback is provided by four balanced line outputs, as well as separate monitor and headphone outputs. The digital stereo output can carry either an S/PDIF or AES/EBU signal. The MIDI input and output transmit MIDI data on 16 channels, for example between a controller, sound module and music software.

The interface processes audio at 24-bit resolution and sample rates of 44,1, 48, 88,2 or 96 kHz; the channel count remains unchanged at 96 kHz. It is designed for Windows XP and Vista, as well as Mac OS X from version 10.4 onwards. The compact 1U enclosure for 19-inch rack mounting fits into permanently installed recording racks and mobile multitrack setups.

With its many microphone inputs, additional line and digital inputs, and direct monitoring paths, the US-1641 is suitable for recording bands and multitrack sessions with several musicians performing at the same time. The older operating system requirements and the included software should be taken into account when planning a suitable computer and recording setup.