My old MOTU Ultralite audio interface was limping along with a Firewire connection so I bought a Tascam US 2x2 audio recording interface to replace it. After tracking with it in my home studio for a few months I added a Tascam US 4x4 to my office: same interface design and specs as the US 2x2 but with more inputs. Herein are my thoughts on these devices after a year plus of regular use.
Tascam US 2x2 | The front panel features easy to see and use controls | Image courtesy Tascam
Tascam US 4x4 | Image courtesy Tascam
Minuet in G (Bach) | Peter Kun Frary | Tiny Tenor 6 String Koa | Neumann KM 184 mics, Tascam US 4x4, Logic Pro X.
Construction
Build quality of both units is exactly the same—excellent—especially considering the low price: sturdy metal case, tilt stand and knobs and switches for all basic functions. Knobs and switches are reasonably sized, clearly labeled and easy to use, unlike the microscopic controls on my MOTU Ultralite. Also, knobs rotate smoothly but with reasonable resistance, making inadvertent adjustments unlikely. The gently tilted face is easier to see and use compared to units with right angle face plates. Finally, these units have some heft, making them less prone to sliding when diddling knobs or jacking in cables.
The Sound of Silence | Paul Simon | Kala Honduran Mahogany Doghair Tenor recorded with Neumann KM 184 mics, Tascam US 4x4 and Logic Pro X
Connectivity
Audio input for the US 2X2 is via two XLR jacks with 48V phantom power and integrated TRS inputs for balanced line-level signals. Output is via a full sized (1/4") stereo headphone jack and TSR mains (left and right) to feed powered monitors or a mixer. Finally, the MIDI in and out allows connection of MIDI devices such as controllers and synths (a feature I haven't tested). If the US 2X2 doesn't have enough input/output for you, spend another fifty bucks for the US 4X4: four XLR inputs, four TSR out and two headphone jacks. Save for the number of input/output ports, operation, specs and sound are the same for both units. Tascam even uses the same manual for both!
Tascam US 2x2 | back panel | image courtesy Tascam
Power
The US 2x2 may be powered through the USB bus or a wall wart. For USB power, it must be connected directly to a computer or powered USB hub. Wish it had a power switch as it's a waste to leave it on when not in use. However, if plugged directly into a Mac it automatically powers down during sleep or shutdown. If plugged into a powered USB hub it remains on but can be switched off by powering down the hub or the individual port. The rear panel sports a wall wart input—required for iPad use—but the wall wart isn't included. In fact, the only thing included in the box is the US 2x2 and a short USB cable.
Minuet | Joseph Haydn | Kala Honduran Mahogany Doghair Tenor recorded with Neumann KM 184 mics, Tascam US 4x4 and Logic Pro X
The US 4X4 requires a wall wart power supply due to the energy demands of four XLR inputs with phantom power. Like the 2X2, the 4X4 lacks a power switch. I use a power tap so I can keep it turned off when not being used. Oddly, the the US 4X4 didn't include a USB cable. So be prepared for a trip to the store if you don't have a spare cable.
Can't Help Falling in Love | Peter Kun Frary | Tiny Tenor 6 String Koa, bass and small percussion | Neumann KM 184 mics, Tascam US 4x4, Logic Pro X.
No Drivers Required
One of the wonderful things about the these Tascam units is they're plug 'n play for the Mac, i.e., no drivers needed. I've used them with Bias Peak Pro 7, TwistedWave, GarageBand, Abelton Live and Logic Pro X. It probably works fine with many other apps but that's all I own. Thus far plug ’n play has worked perfectly from OS 10.9 to 10.13.6. Merely power on the interface prior to opening an audio recording app and the it is recognized. Other units I’ve owned—e.g., MOTU UltraLite and Zoom—required special drivers from the manufacturer, requiring computer restarts for the interface to be recognized and endless glitches during OS updates and new computer purchases.
Leeward Coast Redux | Peter Kun Frary | Neumann KM 184 mic, Tascam US 2x2, Logic Pro X
Sound Quality
I’ve mainly used these interfaces for multi-track and live stereo recording projects of my guitar and ukulele playing. Audio quality of the US 2x2 and 4X4 are identical and similar to the Tascam DR-60 MK and DR-44WL, albeit the US 2x2 and 4X4 have a little cleaner mic preamps.
I have the TSR mains routed to my M-Audio BX5 for monitoring and mixing. The Tascam DAC renders audio accurately albeit slightly brighter compared to my MOTU Ultralite. The headphone amp sounds fine and has plenty of gain to drive my old Sennheiser HD580 headphones.
Through The Eyes of Love | Peter Kun Frary | Tiny Tenor 6 String Koa | Neumann KM 184 and TLM 102 mics, Tascam US 4x4, Logic Pro X and Canon 80D.
The mic preamps are squeaky clean and RFI resistant—no RFI even from an iPhone a couple feet away. I wouldn't mind a little more headroom but, yeah, it's darn good for a $150 USD unit. My favorite mic, a Neumann TLM 102, sounds nearly perfect set flat. Also, no locks on the XLR inputs but that's fine with me: one less thing to fiddle with. I don't have a huge array of mics to test but these preamps had plenty of gain for my Neumann KM184, Neumann TLM 102, AKG C3000B and AT825 stereo mic.
Final Blurb
Both the Tascam US 2x2 and US 4X4 are well made, plug 'n play on Macs, simple to operate, modestly priced and record audio accurately and effectively. I share files between my home and office studios—drag 'n drop—and everything works each and every time. No compatibility or driver issues. And all that makes my life a little easier so I can concentrate on making music.
Walk, Don't Run | Johnny Smith | Kala Honduran Mahogany Doghair Tenor recorded with Neumann KM 184 mics, Tascam US 2x2 and Logic Pro X
Finally, please help support this website by purchasing the Tascam US 2x2 at Amazon.
Finally, please help support this website by purchasing the Tascam US 4x4 at Amazon.
Major Features
US 2X2
• Two mic preamps (57dB of gain)
• Two XLR and TRS inputs
• Two TRS mains out
• MIDI in/out
• Headphone jack
(1/4")
• Up to 96kHz/24-bit WAV recording (44.1, 88.2 and 96)
• USB 2.0 port (USB 3.0 compatible) and external power port
• Zero-latency Direct Monitoring
MAP: $150
US 4X4
• Four mic preamps (57dB of gain)
• Four XLR and four TRS inputs
• Four TRS mains out
• MIDI in/out
• Two Headphone jacks (1/4")
• Up to 96kHz/24-bit WAV recording (44.1, 88.2 and 96)
• USB 2.0 port (USB 3.0 compatible) and external power port
• Zero-latency Direct Monitoring
MAP: $150
Scarborough Fair | Peter Kun Frary | Tiny Tenor 6 String Koa on melody and harmony lines and Baritone 6 on intro/outro | Neumann KM 184 mics, Tascam US 4x4, Logic Pro X.
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Connectivity
Sound Quality
