The newest member of TASCAM’s US series of USB 2.0 recording interfaces, the US-1×2 delivers high-quality, 24-bit, 96 kHz desktop recording at an amazingly low price point.
An excellent choice for singer/songwriters, podcasters, and small home studios, the compact US-1×2 interface is highly portable and can be USB bus-powered for mobile operation with a Mac or Windows laptop. A secondary 5 VDC mini-USB power input is provided for iOS devices and for standalone operation in practice sessions.
The US-1×2 can record from virtually any source thanks to its selection of inputs. The unit’s XLR microphone input employs TASCAM’s high-end Ultra-HDDA mic preamp, which uses discrete components and features an impressive -125 dBu EIN rating and 101 dB signal-to-noise ratio, meaning the noise level is so low it’s almost inaudible. The Ultra-HDDA preamp’s 57 dB gain range and the interface’s switchable +48V phantom power make the US-1×2 a great choice for use with almost any type of microphone, including dynamic, condenser, or ribbon mics.
Input 2 can be switched between front- and rear-panel jacks. The front panel sports a switchable, 1/4-inch line/instrument input that enables recording a mono line-level signal (say, from a synth or mixer) or capturing a guitar or electric bass without needing a direct box. On the unit’s rear, a pair of RCA line inputs admit signals from stereo consumer audio devices, such as tape decks and media players.
Stereo line-level outputs are provided on RCA connectors, and the line outputs and 1/4-inch stereo headphone output have independent output level controls. The headphone out is plenty loud, thanks to an 18 mW/channel amplifier. Front-panel LEDs indicate signal present, peak/clip, phantom power active, and USB active.
Zero-latency direct monitoring can be enabled with a rear-panel switch or in the included Settings Panel software for Mac and Windows. The Settings Panel also accesses the stereo/mono input monitor, input mute, and audio source output.
As with other US-series interfaces, the US-1×2 boasts an attractive industrial design. The new interface is housed in a black powder-coated metal chassis with TASCAM’s unique, detachable Bio-Cell side panels, which angle the interface from the desktop for easier access.
The US-1×2 is class compliant for macOS and is compatible with Windows PCs using an easily installed ASIO driver. You also can record and play back with iOS devices such as an iPhone or iPad, using an Apple Camera Connection Kit. Steinberg’s Cubase LE DAW for macOS and Windows and Cubasis LE DAW for iOS are included free so you can start recording immediately.
The US-1×2 USB audio interface is available now at TASCAM dealers for a MAP/street price of $99 USD.
More information: TASCAM
