Tascam US-366 USB 2.0 Audio Interface with Cubase LE

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. Steinberg's Cubase LE 6 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.

• USB audio interface configurable for four input/six output or six input/four output usage, housed in a convenient and compact aluminum desktop enclosure

• Two HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) microphone preamps with +48V phantom power and XLR inputs

• Two 1/4" TRS line inputs with Line 1 switchable to a Hi-Z input for connecting electric instruments

• Coaxial or optical S/PDIF input

• Coaxial or optical S/PDIF output that can be configured to AES/EBU output via the DSP mixer

• Low-latency monitoring via on-board DSP mixer

• Digital mixer delivers two operation modes with Stereo Mix Mode for Internet broadcasting and movie file creating/editing, and Multi-Track Mode for dedicated monitor mixing

• Built-in digital effects include compressor and 3-band EQ inserts, along with a reverb send

• Dedicated "Mixer Panel" button recalls DSP mixer with a single mouse click

• Two 1/4" TRS balanced outputs

• Two RCA phono unbalanced outputs available when connectors set to OUTPUT using the Line I/O switch in the DSP mixer

• Large line-out volume knob

• Headphone output

• Optional RC-3F footswitch provides hands-free transport control for a DAW via "Mackie Control" or "HUI" emulation. Select either PLAY mode (rewind, play/stop, fast forward) or RECORD mode (play, record, stop) while playing an instrument or recording at a distance from the computer

• USB bus-powered, perfect for mobile recording

• Up to 24-bit/192 kHz recording

• Includes Steinberg Cubase LE 6 software bundle