The US-1641 from Tascam is a sixteen input, four output USB 2.0 recording interface that is of particular interest for those doing live ensemble recordings. The eight microphone preamps provide 60dB of gain and can deliver phantom power, switchable in groups of four.
Six balanced analog inputs can accept line signals, such as additional external preamps, while two of the inputs can be configured as Hi-Z inputs for use with electric guitars and basses. S/PDIF digital input/output is available on coaxial connectors to bring the input total to sixteen.
MIDI I/O is also included, as are independent monitor and headphone outputs. The US-1641 ships with Steinberg's Cubase 4LE software for forty-eight track recording at up to 96kHz sample rates. Tascam's Continuous Velocity Piano, a VSTi plug-in for Windows that uses Giga technology, provides for totally authentic grand piano sounds.