Tascam US-144MKII USB Audio Interface User Manual

Sarrera

This manual provides essential information for the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your Tascam US-144MKII USB Audio Interface. The US-144MKII is a compact, bus-powered USB 2.0 audio/MIDI interface designed for high-quality recording on Mac and Windows computers. It offers two microphone inputs with phantom power, two line inputs, a switchable guitar input, MIDI I/O, and S/PDIF digital audio I/O, supporting up to 96kHz/24-bit audio resolution.

Please read this manual thoroughly before using the device to ensure safe and optimal performance.

Segurtasun Informazioa

Always observe the following safety precautions to prevent electric shock, short circuit, damages, fire, or other hazards.

• Do not open the unit or attempt to disassemble the internal parts or modify them in any way.
• Ez busti unitatea eurira, erabili uretatik gertu edo damp edo hezetasun-egoeran, edo jarri gainean edozein irekidurara isuri daitezkeen likidoak dituzten ontziak.
• If the USB cable becomes frayed or damaged, or if the unit is dropped or damaged, disconnect the USB cable immediately and have the unit inspected by qualified service personnel.
• Do not place the unit in a location where it may be exposed to excessive dust, vibrations, extreme cold or heat, or direct sunlight.
• Ziurtatu unitatearen inguruan aireztapen egokia dagoela funtzionamenduan zehar.

Paketearen edukia

Egiaztatu zure paketeak elementu hauek dituela:

• Tascam US-144MKII USB Audio Interface unit
• USB 2.0 kablea
• Installation CD (for drivers and bundled software like Steinberg Cubase LE4)
• Erabiltzailearen eskuliburua (dokumentu hau)

Produktua amaituview

Aurrealdeko panela

The front panel of the US-144MKII features all primary controls and input jacks for easy access during recording and monitoring.

• INPUT botoia: Adjusts the input gain for the microphone and line inputs.
• MON MIX Knob: Blends the direct input signal with the computer playback signal for zero-latency monitoring.
• LINE OUT Knob: Controls the output level to your studio monitors.
• TELEFONOAK KOTOLA: Entzungailuen irteerako maila doitzen du.
• MONO etengailua: Sums the stereo input signal to mono for monitoring.
• MIC/LINE Inputs (L/R): XLR/TRS konbinazio-jaurtigailuak mikrofonoak edo linea-mailako instrumentuak konektatzeko.
• PHANTOM Power Switch: Kondentsadore-mikrofonoentzako +48V-ko phantom elikadura aktibatzen du.
• SIG/OL Indicators: Lights green when a signal is present, red when the input is overloading.
• LINE/GUITAR IN (R): 1/4-inch input for line-level or high-impedance guitar/bass signals.

Atzeko panela

The rear panel provides various connectivity options for your studio setup.

• LINE OUT (E/E): RCA outputs for connecting to powered studio monitors or an ampbiziagoa.
• MIDI SARRERA/IRTEERA: 5-pin DIN connectors for connecting MIDI devices such as keyboards or drum machines.
• DIGITAL IN/OUT (S/PDIF): Coaxial RCA connectors for digital audio input and output.
• USB ataka: Connects the interface to your computer for data transfer and power.

Konfigurazioa

Gidariaren instalazioa

Before connecting the US-144MKII to your computer, it is crucial to install the latest drivers. The included CD may contain outdated drivers. For optimal performance and compatibility, always download the most current drivers directly from the official Tascam website. This ensures proper functionality and avoids potential issues, especially with newer operating systems.

1. Visit the official Tascam support webgunea.
2. Locate the support page for the US-144MKII.
3. Download the appropriate driver for your operating system (Windows or macOS).
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver. Do not connect the US-144MKII until prompted by the installer, or until the installation is complete.

Interfazea konektatzea

1. Connect the US-144MKII to your computer using the supplied USB 2.0 cable. The unit is bus-powered, so no external power adapter is required.
2. Konektatu zure mikrofonoak MIC/LINE Inputs (L/R) using XLR cables. If using condenser microphones, ensure the PHANTOM Power switch is engaged.
3. Connect line-level instruments (e.g., synthesizers) to the MIC/LINE Inputs (L/R) using 1/4-inch TRS cables, or a guitar/bass to the LINE/GUITAR IN (R).
4. Konektatu zure estudioko monitoreak LINE OUT (E/E) RCA kakak.
5. Connect headphones to the 1/4-inch headphone jack on the front panel.
6. MIDI gailuak erabiltzen badituzu, konektatu itzazu MIDI IN / OUT portuak.

Funtzionamendua

Basic Recording Workflow

1. Piztu: Connect the US-144MKII to your computer via USB. The unit will power on automatically.
2. Softwarearen konfigurazioa: Open your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software (e.g., Cubase LE4, included). Go to the audio settings/preferences and select the Tascam US-144MKII as your audio input and output device.
3. Sarrerako irabaziaren doikuntza: Connect your microphone or instrument. Speak into the microphone or play your instrument at the loudest expected level. Adjust the SARRERA botoia arte SIG/OL indicator lights green consistently, only occasionally flashing red on peaks. Avoid constant red illumination, which indicates clipping.
4. Jarraipena:
   • For zero-latency monitoring, adjust the MON MIX knob. Turning it towards "INPUT" increases the direct signal from your microphone/instrument, while turning it towards "COMPUTER" increases the playback from your DAW. Find a balance that allows you to hear both clearly without delay.
   • Adjust your headphone volume using the TELEFONOAK knob and monitor speaker volume using the ILDOA botoia.
5. Grabaketa: Create a new audio track in your DAW, select the appropriate input (e.g., Input 1 for Mic L), and arm the track for recording. Press record in your DAW to begin.

Phantom Power erabiliz

If you are using a condenser microphone, it requires +48V phantom power. Ensure the microphone is connected before activating phantom power. Press the FANTASMA power switch on the front panel. The corresponding LED will illuminate. Always disengage phantom power before disconnecting condenser microphones.

MIDI Konektibitatea

The US-144MKII includes MIDI In and Out ports. Connect your MIDI keyboard, controller, or other MIDI devices to these ports. Your DAW software will recognize the US-144MKII as a MIDI interface, allowing you to send and receive MIDI data for controlling virtual instruments or external hardware.

Mantentzea

• Garbiketa: Erabili zapi leun eta lehor bat unitatearen kanpoaldea garbitzeko. Ez erabili garbitzaile urratzailerik, argizaririk edo disolbatzailerik.
• Biltegiratzea: When not in use for extended periods, disconnect the USB cable and store the unit in a clean, dry place away from extreme temperatures.
• Kableen zainketa: Avoid bending or crimping USB and audio cables excessively. Store them neatly to prevent damage.

Arazoak konpontzea

• Soinurik ez/Gailua ez da ezagutzen:
  • Ensure the latest drivers are installed from the Tascam webgunea.
  • Verify the USB cable is securely connected to both the interface and the computer. Try a different USB port or cable.
  • Check your computer's sound settings and your DAW's audio preferences to ensure the US-144MKII is selected as the input/output device.
  • Restart your computer and the interface.
• Latency Issues (Delay in Monitoring):
  • Erabili MON MIX knob for zero-latency hardware monitoring.
  • In your DAW, reduce the buffer size in the audio settings. Lower buffer sizes reduce latency but require more CPU power.
  • Ensure your computer meets the minimum system requirements for your DAW and the interface.
• Noisy Sound/Interference:
  • Check all cable connections for security and integrity.
  • Ensure proper gain staging; avoid setting input levels too high, which can cause clipping and distortion.
  • Try using a different USB port, preferably one directly on your computer's motherboard rather than a hub.
  • Keep the interface away from other electronic devices that might cause interference.
• Interface Disconnects on Mac Sleep:
  • This can be a known behavior with some Mac systems. Try adjusting your Mac's energy saver settings to prevent USB ports from sleeping.
  • If the issue persists, you may need to unplug and re-plug the USB cable, and re-select the interface in your DAW's preferences after your Mac wakes up.
• Phantom Power Arazoak:
  • Ensure the microphone is properly connected before engaging phantom power.
  • Verify the microphone itself is functional and requires +48V phantom power.

Zehaztapenak

Bermea eta Laguntza

For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Tascam website. You can find detailed support resources, FAQs, and contact information for customer service there.

Tascam Ofiziala Webgunea: https://tascam.com/us/