The US-366 from Tascam is a USB 2.0 digital audio interface that can be configured as either a four input/six output, or a six input/four output device. The unit features two low noise microphone preamps with phantom power, digital I/O, a built-in digital mixer and effects, and low latency monitoring. Cakewalk SONAR X3 LE (Windows) and Ableton Live Lite 9 (Mac OS X/Windows) software bundle is included to facilitate out of the box use on a user's Mac or Windows based computer.
Inputs include XLR and 1/4" TRS connectors with the ability to switch Line 1 input to a Hi-Z input for direct connection of electric guitars or other electronic instruments. The converters allow for up to 24-bit/192kHz recording and the internal processing is 24-bit throughout, although internal effect use is limited to 44.1 or 48kHz sound sources.
The DSP mixer functions in two modes. The multi-track mode is ideal for music creation delivering independent monitor mixing with send-levels, as can be found on an inline-console. In addition, the mode delivers mono monitoring. The stereo-mix mode is geared towards easy and convenient podcast recording or broadcasting.
On-board DSP effects include a compressor, 3-band EQ, and reverb. Input effects can be used during recording, while the reverb can be applied to any monitoring signal at the same time. Low-latency monitoring is available from the on-board digital mixer, and volume can be monitored and adjusted easily with the oversized dedicated top panel knob.
A conveniently placed "Mixer Panel" button located on top of the unit provides a one-click recall function for the DSP-mixer. An optional footswitch allows for hands-free operation of a DAW transport control via either "Mackie Control" or "HUI" emulation. The unit is housed in a compact, aluminum desktop housing and is USB bus powered, especially useful for mobile use.