Tascam US-144MKII - USB 2.0 Computer Audio Interface
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 and Windows Compatible |
| 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 22 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
84%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (15)
- Versatile (11)
- Compact (9)
- Lightweight (6)
- Excellent sound (5)
Cons
Best Uses
- Home studio (13)
- Amateur recording (12)
- Outdoor events / games (4)
- Performances (4)
- Pro audio / DJ / mixing (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (11), Novice (6), Professional musician (4)
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.
Reviewed by 22 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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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.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Performances
Comments about Tascam US-144MKII - USB 2.0 Computer Audio Interface:
This really works. I am using this in the conventional way, to get audio into cubase and reaper, but also to dump down completed mixes to a PC from a DAW via a post production rack.
The device does all it is designed to do and advertised to do in a compact package.
Pros
- Compact
Cons
- Breaks Easily
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Mobile DJ
Comments about Tascam US-144MKII - USB 2.0 Computer Audio Interface:
Says it's compatible with MAC but was incompatible with my leopard setup even with Tascams update. II am returning for an Maudio Fastrack Pro.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Lightweight
Cons
- Limited Functions
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Podcasting
Comments about Tascam US-144MKII - USB 2.0 Computer Audio Interface:
It is a good product. I would something more user-friendly. It's page on that appears on the computer screen should be more useful. More ways to make interaction with your computer. Don't get me wrong. I got it to work, but it was not easy.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about Tascam US-144MKII - USB 2.0 Computer Audio Interface:
I use this product for professional audio production both in the studio and on remote sites. Great input functionality and independent control on each.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
Comments about Tascam US-144MKII - USB 2.0 Computer Audio Interface:
This sounds great and is fairly easy to use. Basically plug-n-play with a software download and register. I would recommend searching and watching a tutorial video online to get you started in the right direction.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Professional Recording
Comments about Tascam US-144MKII - USB 2.0 Computer 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 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.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
Comments about Tascam US-144MKII - USB 2.0 Computer Audio Interface:
It is well designed with great features. After trying several mics I found the input level has to be cranked way up and the output is still too low.
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- Original: $15.99
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Software
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What's in the Box
- USB Cable
- Cubase LE4 Recording Software (Mac & Windows)
- 1 Year Warranty
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