Tascam Us-1x2hr Review

Are you looking for a professional-grade audio interface that’s portable and compatible with your iOS devices? Look no further than the Tascam US-1x2HR.

This impressive audio interface is packed with features that enable you to produce high-quality recordings both at home and on the go. With its two XLR inputs with gain control knobs, two LED lights to indicate 48V phantom power and USB connection, and a 1/4 headphone output with volume control, you can easily create crystal-clear recordings regardless of where you are.

Read our full review to discover why the Tascam US-1x2HR is a must-have for any musician.

Key Takeaways

  • The Tascam US-1x2HR Audio Interface is a compact and portable device with two XLR inputs and gain control knobs.
  • It offers high-quality audio recordings with a 24-bit depth and a dynamic range of 112 dB.
  • The interface features an Ultra-HDDA microphone preamp for transparent sound and a low noise floor.
  • It is compatible with iOS devices and comes with a software bundle including Cubase LE DAW and SampleTank 4 SE.

I/O and Controls

You’ll find two LED lights that indicate 48V phantom power and USB connection, as well as XLR and TRS inputs with gain control knobs and signal/peaking LED lights.

Tascam’s US-1x2HR offers a variety of input options that make it suitable for recording a wide range of instruments. The XLR input features an Ultra-HDDA microphone preamp with a quiet, transparent sound and 57 dB of gain. The TRS input offers an instrument/line level switch.

The unit also provides essential monitoring capabilities with line out knob and 1/4 headphone output with volume control.

All these features make the US-1x2HR a great choice for those looking for a portable audio interface.

Recording Quality

Frequently boasting a resolution of 24-bit depth at a maximum sample rate of 192 kHz, the Tascam US-1x2HR audio interface provides impressive recording quality. With a dynamic range of 112 dB (A-weighted) and an Ultra-HDDA microphone preamp, it’s suitable for beginners or DJs in need of a portable interface with better usability than other units.

Compared to other Tascam models, it offers a quieter and more transparent preamp with an impressive EIN rating of -128 dBu or less, resulting in a low noise floor. Moreover, its A/D conversion is on par with other portable interfaces for its price range.

Preamps

You have two preamps at your disposal when using the Tascam US-1x2HR audio interface. The first preamp is an XLR input with an Ultra-HDDA microphone preamp. It offers approximately 57 dB of gain and an exceptionally low noise floor of -128 dBu or less. This preamp provides a quiet and transparent sound, making it perfect for capturing even the most subtle nuances of your performances.

The second preamp is a TRS input with gain control. It also has LED markers to indicate instrument and line level signals. This preamp also offers a great sound quality and reliability.

With both preamps, you’ll get an impressive 112 dB dynamic range, providing plenty of headroom for your recordings. Having these options allows you to choose the preamp that best suits your needs for each recording.

Use Cases

Coupled with the two preamps, the Tascam US-1x2HR audio interface is suitable for a variety of use cases. Home recording and mobile recording are both viable options, as it’s compatible with iOS devices. Its limitations are that it can only record through one input at a time.

It also has a durable build quality, with an aluminum shell and hard plastic knobs. The included software bundle offers a variety of compatibility options, such as Cubase LE DAW, Cubasis LE3, and SampleTank 4 SE. This makes it a great choice for beginners or DJs in need of a portable interface.

However, other units may offer better usability.

Pros

The Tascam US-1x2HR is an ideal choice for those in need of a portable interface. Its compatibility with iOS devices and durable build quality, featuring an aluminum shell and hard plastic knobs, make it a reliable option.

The interface offers a range of features that further enhance its appeal. It includes two LED lights, an XLR input with a gain control knob, a TRS input with gain control, a line out knob, and a 1/4 headphone output with volume control. These features cater to the needs of various users, including home recording enthusiasts, mobile recording professionals, and DJs looking for a portable interface.

In terms of technical specifications, the US-1x2HR boasts an A/D resolution of 24-bit depth at a maximum sample rate of 192 kHz. This ensures high-quality audio recordings with ample headroom, thanks to its dynamic range of 112 dB (A-weighted). The interface also excels in its mic preamp capabilities, offering approximately 57 dB of gain with an impressive EIN rating of -128 dBu or less.

Cons

Building on its portability, the US-1x2HR does have some drawbacks. One drawback is that it is not able to record through both inputs simultaneously.

Another drawback is the limited build quality. The aluminum shell and hard plastic knobs provide decent protection, but they do not offer the same level of robustness as other units.

Additionally, the monitoring outputs are also limited. The line out knob is the only output control available.

Conclusion

You won’t be disappointed with the Tascam US-1x2HR. It has an impressive range of features, including two XLR inputs, two LED lights, a 1/4 headphone output, and a dynamic range of 112 dB.

It’s also durable, portable, and comes with a software bundle. Whether you’re recording in the studio or on the go, the US-1x2HR is a great choice for your audio needs.

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