Tascam US-20X20 USB 3.0 Audio Interface Overview:TASCAM’s Celesonic US-20×20 packs 20 channels of analog and digital I/O into a single rackspace with great sounding preamps and USB 3.0/2.0 connectivity. Eight Ultra-HDDA microphone preamps provide 56dB of gain and high headroom to make microphones sound their best. Up to ten channels of digital I/O are included on ADAT and S/PDIF connectors, with word clock also provided for use with external clocks like TASCAM’s CG-1000. MIDI I/O allows use with controllers and synthesizers, and sample rates up to 192kHz/24-bit are supported.The TASCAM Celesonic US-20×20 is the first USB 3.0 interface to use class-compliant drivers for future-proof use with computers and tablets. A built-in DSP mixer includes parametric EQ and compression on every channel and a stereo reverb send for great-sounding monitor mixes. The DSP mixer can also be used as a live mixer or submixer with computer control. The US-20×20 has three operation modes – audio interface, digital mixer, and 8-channel digital mic preamp –for maximum flexibility.Ultra-HDDA mic preamps provide high headroom for dynamic tracksTASCAM’s Ultra-HDDA mic preamps provide up to 57dB of gain with the highest headroom in their class. Meaning your tracks won’t be distorted before they even hit your computer, resulting in sweeter mids and deep soundstaging. Popularized in TASCAM’s HS-P82 professional broadcast and film recorders, Ultra HDDA preamps have the performance to handle condenser, dynamic, and ribbon microphones. These versatile preamps also feature line-level inputs for keyboards and other equipment. Eight Ultra-HDDA Mic Preamps with 20dB of headroomUltra-HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps, an original TASCAM design, use discrete construction for superior audio quality. TASCAM has achieved an EIN rating of -125 dBu (EIN is a value measurement of the absence of noise). The preamps have over 20dB of headroom, well above competing interfaces. This headroom is especially helpful on high SPL sources like drums and guitars With other ratings that include a signal-to-noise ratio of 104 dB, we have achieved an extremely high level of audio performance. The key electronic components were selected through extensive listening tests.Direct Inputs for Guitar and Bass Two instrument-level inputs are provided for direct input of guitar or bass. Make the most of guitar effect plug-ins, such as the TH2 effect that is included with Cakewalk SONAR. [Note] Guitar effect plug-ins and DAW software are sold separately.High-grade Components Selected Through Careful Listening TestsThe TASCAM US Series interfaces have been engineered using the finest components available. Critical electronics such as the Audio4pro ADDA Converter by AKM Corporation enable the interface to boast a 104dB S/N ratio. TASCAM continues the legacy of creating products with professional high-end audio performance.20-in/20-out USB 3.0 Interface with Mic Pre and Digital Mixer ModesTASCAM’s Celesonic US-20×20 packs 20 channels of analog and digital I/O into a single rackspace with great sounding preamps and USB 3.0/2.0 connectivity. Eight Ultra-HDDA microphone preamps provide 56dB of gain and high headroom to make microphones sound their best. Up to ten channels of digital I/O are included on ADAT and S/PDIF connectors, with word clock also provided for use with external clocks like TASCAM’s CG-1000. MIDI I/O allows use with controllers and synthesizers, and sample rates up to 192kHz/24-bit are supported.The TASCAM Celesonic US-20×20 is the first USB 3.0 interface to use class-compliant drivers for future-proof use with computers and tablets. A built-in DSP mixer includes parametric EQ and compression on every channel and a stereo reverb send for great-sounding monitor mixes. The DSP mixer can also be used as a live mixer or submixer with computer control. The US-20×20 has three operation modes – audio interface, digital mixer, and 8-channel digital mic preamp –for maximum flexibility.Ultra-HDDA mic preamps provide high headroom for dynamic tracksTASCAM’s Ultra-HDDA mic preamps provide up to 57dB of gain with the highest headroom in their class. Meaning your tracks won’t be distorted before they even hit your computer, resulting in sweeter mids and deep soundstaging. Popularized in TASCAM’s HS-P82 professional broadcast and film recorders, Ultra HDDA preamps have the performance to handle condenser, dynamic, and ribbon microphones. These versatile preamps also feature line-level inputs for keyboards and other equipment. Eight Ultra-HDDA Mic Preamps with 20dB of headroomUltra-HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps, an original TASCAM design, use discrete construction for superior audio quality. TASCAM has achieved an EIN rating of -125 dBu (EIN is a value measurement of the absence of noise). The preamps have over 20dB of headroom, well above competing interfaces. This headroom is especially helpful on high SPL sources like drums and guitars With other ratings that include a signal-to-noise ratio of 104 dB, we have achieved an extremely high level of audio performance. The key electronic components were selected through extensive listening tests.Direct Inputs for Guitar and Bass Two instrument-level inputs are provided for direct input of guitar or bass. Make the most of guitar effect plug-ins, such as the TH2 effect that is included with Cakewalk SONAR.[Note] Guitar effect plug-ins and DAW software are sold separately.High-grade Components Selected Through Careful Listening TestsThe TASCAM US Series interfaces have been engineered using the finest components available. Critical electronics such as the Audio4pro ADDA Converter by AKM Corporation enable the interface to boast a 104dB S/N ratio. TASCAM continues the legacy of creating products with professional high-end audio performance. 20 Inputs and 20 Outputs To Handle the Biggest SessionsWith (8) XLR/TRS inputs, (2) TRS inputs, multi-channel digital inputs via S/PDIF coaxial, and optical digital connectors, the US-20×20 provides a total of twenty simultaneous inputs when operating at 44.1kHz or 48kHz. Twenty simultaneous outputs are also transmitted from your DAW at 44.1kHz or 48kHz utilizing the (10) TRS line outputs, S/PDIF coaxial and optical digital outputs. The ADAT optical input/output support SMUX2 and SMUX4 – required for high sampling rates. Using (2) US-20×20 and the optical digital connections, it is possible to configure a (16) microphone recording system.8 XLR/TRS inputs and 2 TRS inputsThe 8 XLR/TRS mic inputs have switchable +48V phantom power in banks of 4, making it possible to use 8 condenser mics at the same time. The 2 balanced line inputs on the rear of the unit are switchable between -10dBV and +4dBu. The user is able to interface an instrument of any level – balanced or unbalanced. S/PDIF coaxial input/output The product is equipped with S/PDIF coaxial input and output connectors for connection to effects processors, digital synths, or an external AD/DA converter. For a high-quality monitoring environment, the TASCAM DA-3000 Master Recorder / ADDA converter is recommended.Word input/output enables connection with an external clock generatorWith word clock BNC connection, synchronization with word clock BNC connection, with an external digital device is possible. A highly precise generator – such as one from the TASCAM CG Series – is recommended for complex system setups.3 switchable modes – Interface, Mic Preamp and MixerThe versatile Celesonic US-20×20 is an Interface for multitrack recording using a personal computer and DAW, a standalone mic preamp, or a mixer for live performances or mixing keyboards.Mic Preamp Mode enabling use as a mic pre with analog & digital outputMic Preamp Mode enables the use of the product as a standalone mic pre. In this mode, the XLR/TRS signal from the from panel flows through the Ultra-HDDA mic preamp, and is output through the TRS jack and the digital output on the rear panel. This is perfect for use into a mixer for live performances. It is not necessary to connect the interface to a personal computer via USB.Mixer mode enabling use for PA/SR and use as a keyboard mixerUtilizing a 32-bit processing DSP mixer, the product can be used as a 6-bus mixer for PA/SR. In mixer mode, the US-20×20 provides an output patch bay and reverb effect. In mixer mode, the product is connected to a computer and the mixer is controlled from the computer. When (2) US-20×20 are connected, the result is a (16) channel digital mixer useful for live performances. In digital mixer mode, the motion of solo button provides “pre-fader-listen (PFL)”. Interface Mode for recording with a DAWIn Audio Interface Mode, the US-20×20 is used as a general audio interface connected to a personal computer, and used for recording with a DAW. The DSP mixer is enabled, and adjustment of dynamics such as balance, EQ, compression is possible during recording. In digital mixer mode, the motion of solo button provides “solo-in-place (SIP)”. Advanced DSP mixer with EQ and compression on each channelAn obstacle with computer-based recording is latency (delayed audio signals). New USB 3.0 driver software has been developed to eliminate latency issues and driver set-up problems.In addition, the built-in mixer provides near-zero latency monitoring while recording. It utilizes the high-performance Dual Core BlackFin DSP making it possible to offer 4-band EQ and compression on each channel. A stereo reverb is also provided for great-sounding headphone mixes. High resolution recording up to 192Hz/24-bitRecord up to 192kHz/24-bit – which far exceeds CD quality (44.1kHz/16-bit). The product supports not only the increasing 24bit/96kHz recordings but also recordings at higher sampling rates, so it can be used for a long time in the future.Reverb effect to enhance performance and recorded tracks.The DSP mixer features reverb that can be used to enhance vocal and instrument recordings. The effect can be added to the monitored audio to enhance the performance while recording.Angled design provides excellent usability on a desktopThe angled design of the US-20×20 makes desktop viewing and operation much easier than a flat box on a table. No more stretching the neck or twisting the wrist to operate an interface.Built to tough robust full metal bodyThe durable metal jacket is employed for heavy duty use.Separate volume controls for headphones and line outputThe interfaces are designed with separate headphone and line output volume controls so even when both powered monitors and headphones are connected, the user can set an optimum level for each during operation.Dual 70mW+70mW Headphone OutputsThe high-output 70mW+70mW (into 32ohms) headphone amplifiers makes headphone monitoring easy, during loud sessions. This assures you enough monitoring volume even while recording in the same room of a rehearsal studio. Class-compliant Drivers Support iPads and other TabletsYou will not need another audio interface if you decide you want to make music using an iPad or other iOS device. The performance of these interfaces has been tested with major DAWs – you can continue to use them even if you change DAW software. Since these units include MIDI inputs and outputs, they can also be used as MIDI interfaces. Connect with an iPad or another iOS deviceUse a genuine Apple Lightning-USB camera adapter to connect the unit to an iPad or other iOS device. Tested with Sonar, Pro Tools, Cubase, Live, Studio One, and GarageBandTASCAM has tested the interface operation with popular DAWs.MIDI input and output enable connection with keyboards and other MIDI devicesMIDI input and output connectors allow connection with keyboards and other sound sources that employ MIDI connectors. The interfaces can also be used for synchronized operation of multitrack recorders and other external recording equipment.Rackmount Adapters and hex keys are includedThe US-20×20 is supplied with the biocell side panels, but TASCAM also includes rack ears and a hex wrench – making it easy to remove the side panels and rackmount the interface if desired.Features: