TASCAM US-16X08

Product overview

The TASCAM US-16x08 is a 16-in / 8-out USB audio and MIDI interface with eight Ultra-HDDA mic preamps, eight line inputs, eight balanced outputs and a built-in DSP mixer with EQ and compression on every input.

The US-16x08 captures 16 mic and line inputs to your computer with clear sound and the features to manage big sessions. Eight Ultra-HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps with discrete construction deliver clean, quiet operation with -125 dBu EIN and up to 56 dB of gain, ready for dynamic and ribbon mics and the sound pressure of a drum kit. Two front TRS inputs switch to instrument level for guitar or bass, six rear TRS inputs switch between -10 dBV and +4 dBu, and eight balanced line outputs can carry any computer output or the stereo DSP mix. Without a computer it works as an 8-channel mic preamp, and rack angles are included.

Key features

• 8 XLR mic inputs with Ultra-HDDA preamps, -125 dBu EIN and 56 dB of gain
• +48V phantom power for all mic inputs, switched in groups of four
• IN 9-10 TRS inputs switchable between line and instrument level
• 6 rear TRS line inputs switchable between -10 dBV and +4 dBu
• 8 balanced TRS line outputs with free routing
• Separate LINE OUT 1-2 and PHONES level controls
• Up to 24-bit / 96 kHz recording
• DSP mixer with 4-band EQ, low-cut filter and compressor on each input
• 10 scene memories for complete Settings Panel set-ups
• Standalone mode as an 8-channel mic preamp
• MIDI IN and OUT; class compliant for iPad and other iOS devices
• Rack mount angles and hex key included; tough metal casing

Discrete Ultra-HDDA mic preamps

TASCAM's Ultra-HDDA mic preamp design is based on discrete components, like classic professional equipment. With -125 dBu EIN their noise is practically below the range of hearing, the S/N ratio is 100 dB or higher, and key components were chosen after extensive listening tests, not only measurements. 56 dB of gain suits dynamic and ribbon microphones.

Built-in DSP mixer for low-latency monitoring

Every input has a 4-band parametric EQ, a low-cut filter and a compressor with threshold, ratio, gain, attack and release, plus phase, pan, solo, mute and stereo link. Build a monitor mix with no latency while your recording software receives the untouched input signals. The OUTPUT SETTING page works as a patchbay, sending computer outputs 1-8 or the stereo mix to any of the eight line outputs, and up to 10 scenes store complete set-ups.

Guitar, line and MIDI connections

The first two channels switch to direct guitar inputs for electric and acoustic guitars and bass without a separate preamp. Six more rear TRS inputs accept balanced or unbalanced line sources at -10 dBV or +4 dBu. Standard MIDI IN and OUT connect keyboards, drum machines and controllers, and can send and receive MIDI timecode to synchronise multitrack recorders.

Standalone mic preamp and iOS use

Powered on without a USB connection, the US-16x08 becomes an 8-channel mic preamp: IN1 to IN8 pass through the Ultra-HDDA preamps straight to LINE OUT 1 to 8, adding high-quality mic inputs to a mixer or another interface. Class-compliant drivers also let it work with iPad and other iOS devices for multichannel audio and MIDI (a Lightning to USB adapter is needed).

In the box

• TASCAM US-16x08 audio interface
• AC adapter (GPE248-120200-Z) with A and B outlet plugs
• USB cable
• Hex key
• Rack mount angle attachment screws (x 4)
• Owner's Manual (including warranty)

TASCAM states that no recording software is included; the US-16x08 works with all major recording applications through ASIO, WDM and Core Audio.

TASCAM US-16x08: frequently asked questions

How many channels can I record at once?

Up to 16: eight mic inputs, two line/instrument inputs and six line inputs, at up to 24-bit / 96 kHz.

Can it be used without a computer?

Yes. Without a USB connection it works as an 8-channel mic preamp, sending IN1-IN8 directly to LINE OUT 1-8.

Can it be rack mounted?

Yes. Remove the angled side frames with the included hex key and fit the included rackmount angles; rack-mounted dimensions are 482.6 x 44 x 218.4 mm.

Does the DSP mixer affect what is recorded?

No. The input signals go to the computer unaffected by the mixer's solo, mute, pan and fader settings; the DSP mix is for monitoring and the output routing.

Where can I buy the TASCAM US-16x08 in India?

The TASCAM US-16x08 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Recording a drum kit

Drummers and engineers miking a full kit.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the mics and switch phantom power on for the group with condenser mics.
2. Set each gain knob so the overload indicators do not light on the loudest hits.
3. Build a monitor mix in the DSP mixer and send it to PHONES.
4. Record all eight channels into your recording software.

Tip: 56 dB of gain also suits dynamic and ribbon mics.

Workflow 2: Full band in one take

Recording a rehearsal or live session with every instrument on its own track.

Connections

Setup

1. Set LINE/INST to INST for guitar and bass on IN 9-10.
2. Set the LEVEL switches of LINE IN 11-16 to -10 dBV or +4 dBu to match the keyboards.
3. Balance the monitor mix with the DSP mixer faders.
4. Record 16 tracks at up to 24-bit / 96 kHz.

Tip: Use LINK to treat keyboard pairs as stereo channels.

Workflow 3: Separate monitor mixes

Studios giving performers their own headphone or speaker feeds.

Connections

Setup

1. Create cue mixes in your recording software on computer outputs 3-8.
2. On the OUTPUT SETTING page, assign COMPUTER 3-8 to LINE OUT 3-8.
3. Assign MASTER L/R or COMPUTER 1-2 to LINE OUT 1-2 for the control room.
4. Save the set-up as a scene memory.

Tip: PHONES always follows the signals chosen for LINE OUT 1 and 2.

Workflow 4: Extra mic preamps for a mixer

Adding eight high-quality preamps to a mixer or another interface.

Connections

Setup

1. Power the US-16x08 without a USB connection: it starts in mic preamp mode.
2. Set the LINE OUT 1-2 knob to maximum.
3. Set each channel's gain with its knob.
4. IN1-IN8 appear at LINE OUT 1-8.

Tip: AUTO POWER SAVE puts the unit in standby after 30 minutes without signal; switch it off for long events.

Workflow 5: Rack-mounted studio installation

Studios and churches installing the interface in an equipment rack.

Connections

Setup

1. Remove the side frames with the included hex key.
2. Fit the rackmount angles with the included screws and a Phillips screwdriver.
3. Wrap the AC adapter cord round the cord holder.
4. Connect the rear inputs and outputs and install the Settings Panel.

Tip: Keep the frames to return to desktop use later.

Workflow 6: MIDI production

Producers working with keyboards, drum machines and sound modules.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the keyboard to MIDI IN and the sound module to MIDI OUT.
2. Return the module's audio to LINE IN 11-16.
3. Select the US-16x08 MIDI ports in your recording software.
4. Record MIDI and audio together.

Tip: MIDI timecode can be sent and received to synchronise a multitrack recorder.