TASCAM US-1641 USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI Interface
(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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Buying an interface from TASCAM was a big leap for me – after all, Presonus has all the good marketing. But this interface looked like the biggest bang for the buck (and the buck wasn’t much at all). And I wasn’t too sure about USB 2.0, I thought firewire was the thing these days. I was wrong.
Let me repeat that: I was wrong. This Interface Rules! A LOT!
16 channels, 8 preamps, switch between line level/instrument on channels 8/9. USB 2.0 is faster than your regular firewire connection. Plus, SP/DIF and MIDI connectivity! What more could you ask for?
How’s it sound? Amazing. In fact, my band switched to tracking our new album with this instead of our Firepod. This thing sounds sweet. It’s easy to use, very easy to setup and install (on my Mac), and I couldn’t be happier. Long story short – give this interface a try. You won’t regret it. It’s staying in my studio for a long time.
Click Here To See It At Musician’s Friend!
Click Here To See It Now At Zzounds!
January 14th, 2009 at 2:14 am
Back again, wanted to mention a few more details about the US1641. When I opened the box, I was stunned by how nice the unit looked. But when I put my hands on it, the plastic knobs disappointed me. They’re painted chrome plastic, or coated or something. But they feel cheap. None of them are broken yet (about 9 months later). But I take care of my rack gear. This unit is mounted in a very nice studio rack unit and never leaves the room.
Also, make sure you either have a patch bay or have easy access to the back of this interface. There are a lot of i/o connections in the back that you will end up using. If you can’t get to them, you will get frustrated quickly.
Just in case anyone is wondering, this interface is running on my Powermac G4 Quicksilver (dual 1.0gHz w/1.5gigs of ram). I’m using MOTU Digital Performer 5, not the Cubase that TASCAM includes. Even with my old Mac, this interface performs well. I always record at 24bit, and run up to 40+ tracks pretty often. Just make sure you save your project every now and then.