Tascam US-122 review

The US-122 is a two-input, two-output 24-bit AD/DA audio/MIDI USB interface, offering a respectable proliferation of inputs and outputs.

There are two balanced XLR mic inputs; two 1/4in balanced line inputs (switchable to high-impedance unbalanced inputs for direct connection of any hi-Z source, such as a guitar, bass or synth); TRS inserts on each input channel for effects processors; impedance matching and a 16-channel midi interface.

Output is via a pair of unbalanced line outputs on RCA connectors, although, regrettably, there is no digital option, either in or out. A separate headphone output with dedicated volume control is provided, along with the master volume knob and a direct monitoring dial. The unit is entirely USB powered and provides phantom power to the two XLR sockets for use with condenser mics.

Construction is solid, and the reassuringly chunky design and rubberised mid-section promise to withstand a few knocks. As the US-122 lends itself to portable use, this is an important issue. Its modest dimensions are also a boon, measuring just 149 x 60 x 196mm (w x h x d) and weighing just over 2lb (925g).

Driver installation was easy, the only caveat being that Mac OS X owners must be running at least OS X 10.2.3. The driver also works in Mac OS 9, and the device will support ASIO, Sound Manager, CoreAudio, CoreMIDI, OMS and Free MIDI. A version of Cubasis for Mac is bundled with the package, although this only works in OS 9. Sample rates of either 44.1KHz or 48KHz are possible, with a resolution of either 16- or 24-bits. These and other parameters (such as overall gain levels) can be set in Audio and MIDI Setup in OS X.

Plug and play

In operation, using the US-122 is a no-brainer. Plug in your instrument or mic, move the mic/line or guitar switch accordingly, select phantom power if required and adjust the left or right channel levels as necessary, using the signal indicators as a guide. There is only one light to show the presence of an audio signal (when the level exceeds -37dBFS) and only one overload indicator (which lights at -2.5dBFS), so it's something of a challenge to pinpoint the optimum recording level. Using your DAW's channel-level indicators is advisable.

The latency of the US-122's hardware input monitor is advertised at 'always less than 1.5ms', but you can avoid the latency issue completely while overdubbing live signals by using the Direct switch. There is also a Mono switch, which folds the two direct monitor stereo channels to mono.

You can record and playback two audio channels simultaneously, although slightly disappointing is the fact that the manual advises against recording mic and line signals simultaneously, as the signal level is summed and the two are likely to interfere with one another.

The sound quality achieved with the US-122 is of a professional standard and the unit delivers a nice loud signal on playback - although some USB audio devices need cranking right up to get anything out of them. MIDI operation was also straightforward.

One improvement we would suggest is that the dials could do with a coloured strip on top to better indicate their position. At present, there is only a groove in the plastic, but as the knobs are silver on a silver device, it's hard to identify settings at a glance or in low light.

Apart from that, if you need to capture analogue sources and are in the market for a small, portable recording and MIDI solution for capturing ideas on the hoof, for demos, rehearsals, gigs or location work, the US-122 could be just the thing for you.