- (2) XLR microphone inputs with phantom power
- (2) 1/4" balanced line inputs with switchable guitar input
- MIDI input and output
- Aluminum case construction
- Steinberg Cubase LE4 48-track recording software included
I bought the Tascam US-122l based on Tascam's "certification." I have a mid-2009 iMac (not the brand new version) and am running Snow Leopard. After receiving the interface I downloaded the most up-to-date drivers and firmware. However, the interface was not recognized as a in/out sound device in either Snow Leopard's "system preferences" or its "Audio MIDI Setup." I called Tascam customer support and talked to a very friendly and informative representative who basically told me that there was nothing that I could do about it, and that a driver might (eventually) be released that offers full support. I asked if the US-122MKII was fully functional in Snow Leopard (it had been released right after I bought the US-122l), and he said that on his computer it showed up in both system preferences and audio midi setup. Based on this information, I bought the US-122MKII, only to come across the same exact problem.
IMPORTANT: Both audio interfaces are fully functional in the audio programs I have (Ableton Live, GarageBand, Audacity). If all you want to use the interface for is audio in-out for such programs, you won't have any problems. However, if you want to be able to use the interface as your computer's main soundcard (ie:, to output all sound through the interface) you should not buy either interface for use in Snow Leopard. This ability is a big plus: for example, your iTunes music will likely sound much better coming through an audio interface than straight from your onboard sound card. Additionally, the ability to output all your sound through your interface means that you can keep your speaker cables connected to your interface at all times, without having to switch back to your computer after you've finished recording.
I don't know if there are any audio interfaces out there that are fully functional with Snow Leopard yet, but Tascam's are NOT and the company should not be claiming that they are.
***********UPDATE***************
Tascam has finally released a driver that makes the US-122mkii fully functional in Snow Leopard. The delay was frustrating, but now the interface is a great value for Mac users. I've changed my rating accordingly, but Tascam needs to be more honest about compatibility in the future if they want to maintain their customers' trust.
Buy Tascam US122MKII USB Audio/Midi Interface Now
I had enough problems with this when I was using Windows XP, but it worked "well enough." (Problems with WMD not ASIO which is what I used for work). Should've returned it immideately. When I upgraded to Windows 7 64 bit, well then forget about it. Even though I have the Win 7 64 drivers, it won't work for longer than 20 minutes. Just stops making sound (though sometimes I get a strange bit crunching going on before it stops).Tech support wasn't very helpful, and they won't RMA, and if I return for repair I have to pay for labor (I purchased over 90 days ago), even though I don't know what there is to fix and I don't think it is hardware issue at all.
Avoid this.
Read Best Reviews of Tascam US122MKII USB Audio/Midi Interface Here
Very economical and wise choice to connecting both large diaphragm condenser microphones (using phantom +48 Volts) and other music gear.Want Tascam US122MKII USB Audio/Midi Interface Discount?
I purchased it to use with Ableton in my home studio.With buffer size of 128 samples, it has:
Input latency 5.99 ms
Output latency 10.00 ms
Works fine!
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Now I know this isn't a $400 device, but it is Tascam, a very reputable brand for several decades. This device does a good job but every now and then I would have reinsert the usb into the computer because for no reason that I can see it starts to distort the audio. Once I replug it, it works fine. ....until tjr next time. I can deal with this but it is annoying a little.
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