Tascam US-16×08 Rackmount USB Audio Interface

Tascam US-16×08 Rackmount USB Audio Interface

The TASCAM US-16×08 is a 16-in / 8-out USB audio and MIDI interface with eight Ultra-HDDA mic preamps, eight line inputs, eight balanced outputs and a built-in DSP mixer with EQ and compression on every input.

The US-16×08 captures 16 mic and line inputs to your computer with clear sound and the features to manage big sessions. Eight Ultra-HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps with discrete construction deliver clean, quiet operation with -125 dBu EIN and up to 56 dB of gain, ready for dynamic and ribbon mics and the sound pressure of a drum kit. Two front TRS inputs switch to instrument level for guitar or bass, six rear TRS inputs switch between -10 dBV and +4 dBu, and eight balanced line outputs can carry any computer output or the stereo DSP mix. Without a computer it works as an 8-channel mic preamp, and rack angles are included.

Key features

• 8 XLR mic inputs with Ultra-HDDA preamps, -125 dBu EIN and 56 dB of gain
• +48V phantom power for all mic inputs, switched in groups of four
• IN 9-10 TRS inputs switchable between line and instrument level
• 6 rear TRS line inputs switchable between -10 dBV and +4 dBu
• 8 balanced TRS line outputs with free routing
• Separate LINE OUT 1-2 and PHONES level controls
• Up to 24-bit / 96 kHz recording
• DSP mixer with 4-band EQ, low-cut filter and compressor on each input
• 10 scene memories for complete Settings Panel set-ups
• Standalone mode as an 8-channel mic preamp
• MIDI IN and OUT; class compliant for iPad and other iOS devices
• Rack mount angles and hex key included; tough metal casing

Discrete Ultra-HDDA mic preamps

TASCAM’s Ultra-HDDA mic preamp design is based on discrete components, like classic professional equipment. With -125 dBu EIN their noise is practically below the range of hearing, the S/N ratio is 100 dB or higher, and key components were chosen after extensive listening tests, not only measurements. 56 dB of gain suits dynamic and ribbon microphones.

Built-in DSP mixer for low-latency monitoring

Every input has a 4-band parametric EQ, a low-cut filter and a compressor with threshold, ratio, gain, attack and release, plus phase, pan, solo, mute and stereo link. Build a monitor mix with no latency while your recording software receives the untouched input signals. The OUTPUT SETTING page works as a patchbay, sending computer outputs 1-8 or the stereo mix to any of the eight line outputs, and up to 10 scenes store complete set-ups.

Guitar, line and MIDI connections

The first two channels switch to direct guitar inputs for electric and acoustic guitars and bass without a separate preamp. Six more rear TRS inputs accept balanced or unbalanced line sources at -10 dBV or +4 dBu. Standard MIDI IN and OUT connect keyboards, drum machines and controllers, and can send and receive MIDI timecode to synchronise multitrack recorders.

Standalone mic preamp and iOS use

Powered on without a USB connection, the US-16×08 becomes an 8-channel mic preamp: IN1 to IN8 pass through the Ultra-HDDA preamps straight to LINE OUT 1 to 8, adding high-quality mic inputs to a mixer or another interface. Class-compliant drivers also let it work with iPad and other iOS devices for multichannel audio and MIDI (a Lightning to USB adapter is needed).

In the box

• TASCAM US-16×08 audio interface
• AC adapter (GPE248-120200-Z) with A and B outlet plugs
• USB cable
• Hex key
• Rack mount angle attachment screws (x 4)
• Owner’s Manual (including warranty)

TASCAM states that no recording software is included; the US-16×08 works with all major recording applications through ASIO, WDM and Core Audio.

TASCAM US-16×08: frequently asked questions

How many channels can I record at once?

Up to 16: eight mic inputs, two line/instrument inputs and six line inputs, at up to 24-bit / 96 kHz.

Can it be used without a computer?

Yes. Without a USB connection it works as an 8-channel mic preamp, sending IN1-IN8 directly to LINE OUT 1-8.

Can it be rack mounted?

Yes. Remove the angled side frames with the included hex key and fit the included rackmount angles; rack-mounted dimensions are 482.6 x 44 x 218.4 mm.

Does the DSP mixer affect what is recorded?

No. The input signals go to the computer unaffected by the mixer’s solo, mute, pan and fader settings; the DSP mix is for monitoring and the output routing.

Where can I buy the TASCAM US-16×08 in India?

The TASCAM US-16×08 is available from  WAVES ACOUSTIC, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.