Tascam US-144MKII - USB 2.0 Computer Audio Interface
- Price: $149.99
- Free Shipping (USA)
- In Stock
- B&H # TAUS144MKII
- Mfr# US-144MKII
Product Highlights
- High-Speed USB 2.0 Audio Interface
- 1/4" Guitar Input, XLR Mic Inputs
- MIDI I/O
- Phantom Power for Condenser Mics
- S/PDIF Digital Inputs & Outputs
- Sturdy Aluminum Construction
- Includes Cubase LE4 Audio Software
- Mac and Windows Compatible
The US-144MKII from Tascam is a compact, high-speed USB 2.0 audio and MIDI interface that's compatible with both Windows and Mac computers. When the US-144MKII is plugged into an Apple or Windows computer, it acts as the computer's soundcard and features inputs for microphones, a guitar, and line-level devices like CD players and keyboards. It features durable construction and a very budget friendly price.
The included Cubase LE4 is a powerful audio and MIDI recording application that allows you to record and mix up to 48 tracks. You can automate your mixes, sweeten the sound with plug-ins, and create elaborate MIDI sequences, as well as take advantage of the built-in MIDI inputs and outputs. Cubase LE4 is compatible with both Windows and Mac computers.
The US-144MKII features individual inputs for either XLR or 1/4" sound sources, and can provide phantom power (which enables you to use professional microphones). Its construction is both attractive and sturdy. The compact size of the US-144MKII makes it ideal for studio and field recording, and the USB bus powering capability means that you never have to plug it into the outlet on the wall or fuss with a power cable.
US-144MKII
- Bus-powered USB 2.0 audio interface
- Two XLR microphone inputs with phantom power
- Two 1/4" balanced line inputs
- Switchable guitar level input
- 1/4" stereo headphone output
- MIDI input and output
- S/PDIF stereo coaxial input and output
- Individual line and headphone out level controls
- Up to 96kHz/24-bit audio resolution
- Zero-latency hardware monitoring
- Mac and Windows drivers included
- Aluminum case construction
Cubase LE4
- 48-track recording software
- Digital mixing with plug-ins and automation
- MIDI sequencing, notation layout and much more
| Converters | 24-bit |
| Sample Rates | Up to 96 kHz |
| Inputs |
2 x XLR 2 x 1/4" TRS (one can switch to guitar level input) 1 x MIDI Input |
| Outputs |
1 x 1/4" Stereo (Headphone Output) 1 x Stereo RCA Output 1 x MIDI Output |
| Digital Input | 1 x Coaxial S/PDIF Input |
| Digital Output | 1 x Coaxial S/PDIF Output |
| MIDI In/Out | Yes |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0 |
| Sync In/Out | S/PDIF |
| Power | Bus Powered Through USB Port |
| Compatibility |
Mac OS X 10.4.11, 10.5.6, or later Windows XP 32-bit (SP2, SP3), XP 64-bit (SP2), Vista 32-/64-bit (SP2), and Windows 7 |
| THD + N | <0.006%, 1kHz sine, +20 dBu input, Trim = minimum (ADC to DAC) |
| Dimensions | 5.91 x 1.6 x 5.03" (150 x 40.6 x 127.7mm) |
| Weight | 17.11 oz (530 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 29 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
76%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (19)
- Versatile (14)
- Compact (11)
- Excellent sound (8)
- Consistent (6)
Cons
- Limited features (3)
Best Uses
- Amateur recording (16)
- Home studio (16)
- Outdoor events / games (7)
- Performances (7)
- Pro audio / DJ / mixing (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (15), Novice (7), Professional musician (6)
Most Liked Positive Review
Awesome USB-Audio Interface
Lived up to my expectations of the interface.
Very straight forward and easy to understand manual of operation. I use it professionally as a portable audio/recording studio for my clients. I rec...Read complete review
Lived up to my expectations of the interface.
Very straight forward and easy to understand manual of operation. I use it professionally as a portable audio/recording studio for my clients. I record a lot of voice over material for editing video. It's always easier on the client, for me to go to their place of business and record. This unit along with the audio accessories and my laptop make it possible. I spent a lot of time researching a unit that would meet my specs and yet not be overlly expensive.
So, I highly recommend this unit for its portability and ease of use.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Not a 100% satisfied.
The 32bit drivers don't work with Windows 7; no matter how I set the latency I get stutter, pops... you name it. I tried reinstalling the W7 drivers from Tascam website several ...Read complete review
The 32bit drivers don't work with Windows 7; no matter how I set the latency I get stutter, pops... you name it. I tried reinstalling the W7 drivers from Tascam website several times (even in safe mode) and got the same results. I tried 64bit drivers with W7 in 64bit partition and it worked just fine! I really like the devise so I hope Tascam will update the 32bit drivers.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 29 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Compact
Cons
- Inoperable With Mac Lion
Best Uses
Comments about Tascam US-144MKII - USB 2.0 Computer Audio Interface:
Tascam's US-144MKII looks aesthetically pleasing to the eye and is compact for those lacking the space needed to create a home studio. Unfortunately, it doesn't work with Mac Lion. Tascam claims the Mac drivers they provide for this unit are backwards compatible, but contrary to what they say their drivers are not. The support they provided to with this unit was lacking. I contacted them via phone and e-mail. Their suggestion to uninstall and reinstall the Mac drivers they provided did not solve anything. I'm totally disappointed.
Pros
- Compact
- Nice Design
Cons
- Mac Drivers Don't Work
Best Uses
Comments about Tascam US-144MKII - USB 2.0 Computer Audio Interface:
I really love the US-144MKII's design. It's compact and promises to work on both Windows and Macs operating systems. Unfortunately, it did not work for me. I followed the instructions, installed the drivers and firmware, but the unit did not operate with my Mac. I then uninstalled and reinstalled the drivers and the firmware several times and it still did not work. Contacting Tascam via phone, or e-mail was not helpful in any way. Contrary to what Tascam says, the Mac drivers they provided for this unit are not backwards compatible.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Professional Features
Cons
Best Uses
- Events
- Home Studio
- Performances
Comments about Tascam US-144MKII - USB 2.0 Computer Audio Interface:
I didn't know what to expect as I never used such tool.
I plug and play right away.
Nothing to say complicated
Note that i'm using it on stage, no loss of quality nor lag at transmission.
Pros
Cons
- Limited Features
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
Comments about Tascam US-144MKII - USB 2.0 Computer Audio Interface:
Not compatible with Mac OSx Lion or Mountain Lion, be careful. Feels cheap and putting the buttons on the top was not the best ideas.
Pros
- A Lot For The Price
- Comes With Cubase 5le
- Consistent
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Versatile
Cons
- Weak Internal Amps
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
Comments about Tascam US-144MKII - USB 2.0 Computer Audio Interface:
I'm still new with this unit, and am just getting used to it and the Cubase software that came with it. The 144 itself was pretty easy to set up and use. It's also versatile, with plenty of input and output options. The line-outs are maybe a little quiet -- I send them to a digital recorder and it's a bit of a weak signal. No noise issues for me.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Professional Features
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Tascam US-144MKII - USB 2.0 Computer Audio Interface:
The US 144 Mk11 is the ideal audio interface. It has all the right functions, sounds really good, compact & portable & reasonably priced.
Pros
- Consistent
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Professional Features
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Performances
Comments about Tascam US-144MKII - USB 2.0 Computer Audio Interface:
WE HAVE NO COMPLAINTS ABOUT IT. WE USE FOR AUDITIONS AND CLASSES. IT'S EASY TO USE AND WAS VERY USER FRIENDLY.
Pros
- Consistent
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Go with ASIO option
- Professional Features
- Versatile
- Very flexible options
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about Tascam US-144MKII - USB 2.0 Computer Audio Interface:
Professional Musician/Private Recording Studio, used as an interface for myself via MIDI and audio, along with guitarist. Utilizing Native Instruments Session Strings Pro, Damage, Evolve, Evolve Mutations 1 and 2, and many other VST's. Pros, everything. Cons, works very well with near zero latency regarding MIDI and near or less than 3 milliseconds of latency with audio (guitar, with effect, being monitored on track) with ASIO driver. Program I'm using comes equipped with WaveRT but that puts more lag/latency time into the equation all the way around (MIDI/AUDIO)Otherwise, the unit works flawlessly 100% it's just the software that messes with it.
Pros
- Consistent
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
Comments about Tascam US-144MKII - USB 2.0 Computer Audio Interface:
I use this in voice over work, and find that it is better than the integrated audio on my computer mobo... it has a good sound and was easy to install and simple to use...
however, it seems to slow down my computer... since i use the computer for more than just audio production, browsing the internet, email, opening other programs all get really really sloww... the only fix is to go into control panel settings and choose "do not use this devise" and revert to the built in audio... as soon as i do this, the computer returns to its normal perky self... a pain but i can live with it until it can be addressed... so far, no real help from Tascam other than "uninstall and reinstall" which has no effecet on this issue...
with that said, it seems to be a better prodcut (for me at least) than the Mackie Onyx Black Jack which was very hissy...
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Inexpensive
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
- Fragile
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
Comments about Tascam US-144MKII - USB 2.0 Computer Audio Interface:
I haven't used this piece of equipment for that long actually. But so far it works great on my Windows 7 Alienware laptop. Reproduction of course is pristine and recording is just as needed. Low latency and as clear as the mic. The many controls, inputs and outputs of this light and portable interface are very convenient as well! It just feels slightly fragile so I wouldn't move it too much. I think its best suited for a small, starting home-studio type of setting (such as mine.)
Pros
- Consistent
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Limited Features
Best Uses
- Room acoustics
Comments about Tascam US-144MKII - USB 2.0 Computer Audio Interface:
* I use it with REW to analyse the acoustic of my room
* Easy to set up. I like the positions of the knobs.
* Works with ASIO.
* Has phantom power.
* I wish it had balanced outputs and a little more gain, but those are not really required.
* Sounds good, though not amazing.
Pros
- Reasonably Priced
- USB powered
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
Comments about Tascam US-144MKII - USB 2.0 Computer Audio Interface:
I've only had it for a few days yet but I does what I need. I record and mix songs original songs using Ableton Live 8 Lite and need a way to record audio through a Mic as well as guitar and Midi. The US-144MKII fits the bill. The software loaded easily and the device was recognized and works well with Live 8. I didn't try the recording/sequencing software that came with it (Cubase). One thing that I needed to do that I didn't expect was that my mike cables all use a 1/4" male connector on the one end and xlr on the other whereas this devise has xlr mic inputs. Not a big deal but the 1/4" inputs are only for line-in. My only other gripe, and it is partially my fault, is I wanted to do some quick sketching with Garageband. Now, I'm not a mac person but my daughter was off long enough for me to jump on, load the software and try to record some audio and midi. The mac seemed to recognize the device but I couldn't get any audio record level or midi into the Mac Garageband. I'm sure I'll figure out what is up eventually but it didn't go as smoothly as on my HP laptop.
All things considered, I'm quite happy with it.
Pros
- Consistent
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Professional Features
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
Comments about Tascam US-144MKII - USB 2.0 Computer Audio Interface:
Very easy to setup and the latest driver from TASCAM website works fine with WinXP. Sound quality is great with the built in mic-inputs. Headphone output is perfect for monitoring. To have SPDIF I/O is also a big plus.
Pros
- Easy to Navigate
- Versatile
Cons
- Not Enough Audio Tools
Best Uses
- Multimedia
Comments about Tascam US-144MKII - USB 2.0 Computer Audio Interface:
Easy to install into a Windows XP sp2,3 and after down loading the newer driver 2.03 for 32 bit it even works in a Widows Vista Home laptop(still need to get Vista out of the laptop). Diver panel is made to be almost too simple. But that's the nature of this price range interface. The RME products I use are the only thing that can get to those lower latency numbers.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Bus-Powered
- Great features
Cons
- Noise is Unacceptable
- Poor Sound Quality
Best Uses
- Performances
Comments about Tascam US-144MKII - USB 2.0 Computer Audio Interface:
I was very excited about using this product... so much so, that I was almost willing to overlook a major defect in the unit. I will do my best to explain the issue: With the input selector placed on "Guitar", the unit would introduce fuzz/distortion/clicks when the input LED turned from On to Off and vice versa. The noise was audible in both Direct and Computer monitoring. Furthermore, the artifacts were recorded.After researching the issue online, I found very few references to it. This led me to believe I had an isolated problem, so I returned the unit for another US-144mkII. Unfortunately, the new unit had the exact same problem. Back to the store it went. I plan on purchasing a similar product by a different manufacturer.[...]
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Events
Comments about Tascam US-144MKII - USB 2.0 Computer Audio Interface:
I am a mac user and use this to get analog audio onto my computer. This product works fine with the included software but causes Adobe Flash Live Media Encoder to crash. I tried uninstalling it and Flash Live Media Encoder works again. I hope that there is a software update that fixes this problem/ conflict.
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Limited Features
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
Comments about Tascam US-144MKII - USB 2.0 Computer Audio Interface:
I use it to record vocals. Small and easy to get started. Cubase LE5 that came along with it is causing some clipping. I am assuming it is my laptop and working to fix it.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Professional Features
- Versatile
Cons
- Not Consistent
Best Uses
- Home Studio
Comments about Tascam US-144MKII - USB 2.0 Computer Audio Interface:
The 32bit drivers don't work with Windows 7; no matter how I set the latency I get stutter, pops... you name it. I tried reinstalling the W7 drivers from Tascam website several times (even in safe mode) and got the same results. I tried 64bit drivers with W7 in 64bit partition and it worked just fine! I really like the devise so I hope Tascam will update the 32bit drivers.
Pros
- Audio Quality
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
Comments about Tascam US-144MKII - USB 2.0 Computer Audio Interface:
I love high quality audio and adding this device to my laptop has made a world of difference. Installation is simple and it just works.Fantastic having separate volume control for headphones and line out. Also good being able to monitor mic recording directly in headphones as I use an xlr based desk mic with Microsoft One Note. OneNote doesn't provide any level indicator but the Tascam has a simple level presence indicator (single led, would be nice if it was a bar graph but for the price I'm not complaining).B&H were also the cheapest I could find [...]Very happy…
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
Comments about Tascam US-144MKII - USB 2.0 Computer Audio Interface:
easy to set up, works with everything I've needed it for with out any problems. Cool little unit. does what its suppose to do.
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