Tascam US-1641 USB 2.0 Audio Interface Review

[bozmillar]

Originally Posted by Ryan D

The headphone jack is for live sound only.

Yeah, I was pissed when I found that out. My guess is the only sound you're hearing is the microphone re-picking up the played sound.

I know I'm a year late here, but I just ordered one of these then saw this and freaked out a bit. According to the manual on page 8, the phones jack outputs the same as the monitor jack in back. Doesn't the mix knob control what is being heard in this?

[Synetos]

Don't panic!
I am not sure how other people are using this, but the headphone output is for monitoring. The knob that says Input/Computer lets you blend in the raw input, and what you have assigned to output channels 1&2. The Monitor control is a mimic of outputs 1 & 2, it just has a separate level control.

If playing live, i use the monitor outputs to send the mix to driverack 260. I am able to use the monitor level knob to control the overall volume being sent to my PA, rather than having to mess with the fader in the GUI. I use the headphone output in the same way to feed my stage monitor DriveRack PX input, or my IEM. I keep the INPUT/COMPUTER set to Computer 100%.

When recording, I use the headphone output to feed my headphones so i can playback tracks for a mix in my ears, while I am recording another track. To avoid any latency issues, I will feed 2 tracks the input that i want to record (like a vocal track). One track I arm for recording and do not monitor it. The other track I monitor, but do not arm for record. I can add all the effects(reverb, etc) to that track for my headphone mix and get zero latency. I works very well when you are recording alone.

When using the Monitor output to drive your reference monitors, it is simply a volume control...at least that is how i use it. I tend to use outputs 3 & 4 as sends to feed external effects, like my Vocalist Live Pro harmonizer.

Hope this was somewhat helpful. I my opinion, this unit is very cool.

[bozmillar]

Originally Posted by Synetos

Don't panic!
I am not sure how other people are using this, but the headphone output is for monitoring. The knob that says Input/Computer lets you blend in the raw input, and what you have assigned to output channels 1&2. The Monitor control is a mimic of outputs 1 & 2, it just has a separate level control.

If playing live, i use the monitor outputs to send the mix to driverack 260. I am able to use the monitor level knob to control the overall volume being sent to my PA, rather than having to mess with the fader in the GUI. I use the headphone output in the same way to feed my stage monitor DriveRack PX input, or my IEM. I keep the INPUT/COMPUTER set to Computer 100%.

When recording, I use the headphone output to feed my headphones so i can playback tracks for a mix in my ears, while I am recording another track. To avoid any latency issues, I will feed 2 tracks the input that i want to record (like a vocal track). One track I arm for recording and do not monitor it. The other track I monitor, but do not arm for record. I can add all the effects(reverb, etc) to that track for my headphone mix and get zero latency. I works very well when you are recording alone.

When using the Monitor output to drive your reference monitors, it is simply a volume control...at least that is how i use it. I tend to use outputs 3 & 4 as sends to feed external effects, like my Vocalist Live Pro harmonizer.

Hope this was somewhat helpful. I my opinion, this unit is very cool.

Cool. That's what I thought. That's what the manual says too. I just wasn't sure because nobody called him out on it. My fear is now gone.

[88Fingers]

Just ordered my US1641. Looking forward to using it. I'm about to move into a new house with a huge basement which is going to be my new studio. I've never used Cubase or any of those others packaged software. I'm using Reason Record and from what I hear, both hardware & software works flawlessly together... even without the updated ASIO driver. Can't wait!!

[88Fingers]

Okay, UPS just delivered my unit. I went ahead and installed the drivers, then I went to Tascam's website and updated the firmware and latest drivers. I'm using an Acer dual-core Intel computer, running Reason Record. I created tracks for each of my band members (3 vox, bass, guitar, 3 keys, & saxophone). Now, I'm going to have to get a drum mike kit to plug up to channels 5-8 (kick, snare, hithat, overhead).
So far, I like what I see. I tested it out laying a couple of tracks with just my keys, and I had no latency problems. I'm anxious to see how this baby performs full tilt!
I have the monitor outs pluged up to my PA's stereo channel and it sounds fantastic. A keyboard player shouldn't have this much control over a band, but I do. So.... theoretically... I can take my computer on stage, my band members can all hook up to the US1641, and the monitor out can be plugged directly into the PA. Thereby, making, Reason Record my main "virtual" mixer. The only that I'd be concerned about it if the computer locks, crashes, or start having issues in the middle of a show.
My computer has 8 usb ports (4 in front, 4 in back). I'm only plugging my unit to the front ports. I have my mouse and keyboard plugged into the back. USB 2.0 is much better than Firefox, trust me! You just can't overload the port with other devices.
Well, I'll be moving this weekend and then working on transforrming my basement into a studio. I'll keep you all posted if I run into any issues with this unit. So far, it has met all of my expectations.