Tascam US-366- USB 2.0 Audio Interface with DSP Mixer

Tascam US-366 USB 2.0 Audio Interface
The TASCAM US-366 is like a production studio in-a-box optimized for remote recordings and broadcasts. With a single click of its mixer panel button, you can toggle on-screen access via to the DSP mixer. This DSP mixer has two operational modes: multi-track mode and stereo mix mode. Ideal for music creation, Multi-track mode provides an independent monitoring mix as well as independent recording from each input into the recording software. It also allows monaural monitoring. For podcast recording or broadcasting, use stereo mix mode. The Tascam US-366 has onboard effects including reverb (its only available send-effect), three-band parametric EQ and noise suppressor. It also comes with a compressor which is convenient when recording using various musical instruments. Both the Tascam’s US-322 and US-366 are bundled with Cubase LE6, feature easy-to-use controls, amazing quality, and feature-rich technology - advantages sure to satisfy both professional and amateur recording artists alike.

Tascam US-366 Key Features:

• High-Quality HDDA - Mic Pre-Amplifiers
• Up to 192kHz/24bit Recording
• Two XLR/TRS (MIC/LINE) Inputs
• Full +48V Phantom Power Supply
• Multi-track & tereo-mix Modes
• On-Board Effects Supports High-Quality Recording
• One-Click Dedicated Mixer Panel Button
• Low-Latency Monitoring via DSP Mixer
• Oversized LINE OUT Volume Knob
• Luxurious Design and Rugged Aluminum Body
• LINE 3-4 Analog Connectors
• Coaxial/Optical Digital Inputs/Output
• RC-3F Foot Switch Ready

More In-Depth:

Here's hands-on look at the Tascam US-366:
 

Let's take a closer look at Tascam US-366 USB audio interface.

High-Quality HDDA High Definition Discrete Architecture Mic Pre-Amplifiers

To ensure superior sound, TASCAM organized months of tests and trials to design the HDDA mic pre-amplifier. Manufactured with a discrete structure and select premium parts, the HDDA pre-amp achieves a wide frequency response (10Hz to 68kHz), high S/N ratio, low noise and low THD+N.The US-366 is designed with two XLR with +48V phantom power and two TRS inputs. Having both options for condenser mics and line level inputs ensures you are getting the best possible sound and lowest-noise when recording. In addition, INPUT-1 can connect any high-impedance equipment directly, like a guitar. In the process of creating music, many engineers have started utilizing high-resolution formats while recording to ensure the best quality sounds. The US-366 is suited perfectly for these high-quality minded recordings.

Dual Operational Modes for Music Creation and Podcasting

The multi-track mode is ideal for music creation. This mode delivers independent monitor-mixing from a send-level like an inline-console to a PC. In addition, this mode delivers monaural-monitoring. The stereo-mix mode makes podcast recording or broadcasting convenient and easy. An output audio signal from any PC can relay that signal back to the PC again via your DSP mixer. Any BGM from a PC can mix your voice by microphone then the mixed sound will transfer back to the PC again.

On-Board Effects Supports High-Quality Recording

The Tascam US-366 is designed with on-board effects such as compressor, 3-band EQ and Reverb all located on-board the DSP. While recording, you can use the input effects for any input signal and the reverb effect on any monitoring signal at the same time. Input effects can be selected from compressor or 3-band EQ. For example, record vocals while you boost high-frequency range with the 3-band EQ. Also, the compressor effect is very convenient at recording especially for bass guitar, vocal and drums. The send effect include just reverb. The reverb effect is necessary articles at recording. Monitoring sound gets wet-sound by this reverb effect, but a send-sound to a PC retains only the dry sound.

Adaptable Features

The US-322 and the US-366 provide low-latency monitoring via the on-board digital mixer. Volume can be monitored and adjusted easily with the dedicated knob on the top-panel. The oversized volume knob can be an integral setting for easy and speedy fine level adjustments. The adopted "Desktop Layout" makes these models easy-to-use even in tight spaces.

Innovation at its best

The US-366's LINE 3-4 connectors can be selected between input and output to customize TASCAM's US-366 to any recording environment. When "INPUT" is selected, you can connect an abundance of line-level audio devices. When selecting "OUTPUT", connect to devices such as multiple headphone amplifiers. This system provides dedicated monitoring management for each player. The US-366 has two types of digital input/output connectors (RCA Coaxial and TOS-link Optical). Two outputs can transmit the same signal at the same time but when input is selected, only one connector is available at a time. The US-366 can connect the optional RC-3F foot-switch to provide hands-free control for your DAW. Utilize this feature while playing your instrument or recording at a distance from your computer. This feature operating on "Mackie Control" or "HUI" emulation and can be select from two modes.

From the Manufacturer
The Tascam US-366 is a USB 2.0 digital audio interface that can be configured as either a four input/six output, or a six input/four output device. The unit features two low noise microphone preamps with phantom power, digital I/O, a built-in digital mixer and effects and low latency monitoring. Steinberg's Cubase LE 6 software bundle is included to facilitate out of the box use on a user's Mac or Windows based computer.

Inputs include XLR and 1/4" TRS connectors with the ability to switch Line 1 input to a Hi-Z input for direct connection of electric guitars or other electronic instruments. The converters allow for up to 24-bit/192kHz recording and the internal processing is 24-bit throughout, although internal effect use is limited to 44.1 or 48kHz sound sources.

The DSP mixer functions in two modes. The multi-track mode is ideal for music creation delivering independent monitor mixing with send-levels, as can be found on an inline-console. In addition, the mode delivers mono monitoring. The stereo-mix mode is geared towards easy and convenient podcast recording or broadcasting.

On-board DSP effects include a compressor, 3-band EQ and reverb. Input effects can be used during recording, while the reverb can be applied to any monitoring signal at the same time. Low-latency monitoring is available from the on-board digital mixer and volume can be monitored and adjusted easily with the oversized dedicated top panel knob.

A conveniently placed "Mixer Panel" button located on top of the unit provides a one-click recall function for the DSP-mixer. An optional footswitch allows for hands-free operation of a DAW transport control via either "Mackie Control" or "HUI" emulation. The unit is housed in a compact, aluminum desktop housing and is USB bus powered, especially useful for mobile use.