Tascam 122 Or 224, Very new-which one for live trio? Options

[M.D.]

Hi,
I've pretty much decided on a Tascam unit, but not too sure of which one.
Tascam us-122 or us-224.
Can I feed a live trio into Garage Band with the us-122 or do I need the us-224?
Thanks.

[Nazeer Holmes]

Hey M.D.
You might be able to do it. Are there vocals in your band? If so you can Use one of the XLR inouts for vocals, use 1 mono guitar in for guitar/keyboard, one for Bass, and if you use a room mic(in the other XLR input) for the drums you could probly pull it off. I really depends on your budget and the quality recording you want. I would reccommend the us-224.

I have one keyboard that utilizes both inputs of the us-122 giving me a stereo connection which is great for me. I still have space for vocals when needed. But when I upgrade my sudio the us-122 is outta here.

[M.D.]

Hi Nazeer,
Thanks for the reply. No vocals. I'm thinking in terms of the future, where I may have a piano and a guitar player over for a session(I'm a bassist), and want to feed all three instruments into Garage Band via the Tascam interface. I thought the us-224 might have another set of 1/4" instrument inputs or something extra that I was missing in the specs.
Thanks.

[xingu]

The primary difference between the two is the extra set of MIDI in/outs on the 224, the lack of any control surface on the 122, and the lack of phantom power on the 224. If you're talking about adding extra audio, think about either tracking stuff separately or investing in a firewire interface. Or you may want to consider Tascam's US-428, which gives you 4 audio inputs (and 2 MIDI in/outs and 8 control faders).

[M.D.]

Xingu... thanks. I'm reading up on the us-428. I think for the extra cost, being able to record, say, piano + bass + guitar (and even a vocal too) at the same time with out tracking separatey is a great option. I'd hate to want that capability at some point and no have it.
Thanks again.

[xingu]

No problem. That's some good thinking there (purchasing not just what you need now, but what you might want in the future). I have a 428 myself, so if you have any specific questions, feel free to PM me. I've yet to track 4 inputs simultaneously, but have no problems with 2 (and pretty bare bones hardware - iMac 700/384RAM). The primary drawback is its lack of phantom power (in case you need it for a condensor mic, for example) but I just got one of the smaller Euroracks to handle that, no complaints.

[editbrain]

i have a tascam us-122. i love it.
but i just wanted to add that i am almost sure that the us-428 can only track two at a time.

happy recording,
editbrain

[xingu]

That would seem silly - the 428 is most certainly designed to handle 4 tracks at a time. The only reason it shouldn't is if USB really can't support that many or if other computer specs (slow CPU?) won't allow it. I'll test it out myself and report back.

....and the results are in. 4 tracks (2 mics, 1 synth, 1 bass) were no problem on my iMac, and that was even with the 2nd smallest buffer sizes (in both Logic and the 428 manager).

This post has been edited by xingu: Tue 13 Apr 2004, 12:34

[M.D.]

Xingu... thanks for the test results. I downloaded info on the 428 from the Tascam site, and it seems the switchable inputs C&D for guitar/bass, in addition to the two 1/4"(keyboard)/mic inputs will do it. WHOW! Who says you can't teach an aging "jazzer" new tricks!

Thanks for your input, and also your offer to help out via PM.

Matthew.

[editbrain]

maybe it was the firewire 410 from m-audio that would only do 2 at a time even though it had 4 inputs..
anyway that is cool that it works on all 4's. i have a tascam us-122 and like i said i love it. maybe i will sell it and get the 428. how does the daw control handle? does it have any nitches?

[xingu]

Ever since Logic 6 arrived (and emagic implemented direct support of the 428), the control surface works like a charm for the budget/non-pro guy that doesn't require motorized faders and whatnot. Specifically, the faders, select/mute/solo/rec buttons, pan knob, jog wheel and transport buttons work pretty flawlessly. The channel EQ plug doesn't work properly, but that's no big deal (to me anyway), and it might be because I run Audio instead of Platinum. I've also had a chance to use it with a friend's Cubase SX (on PC) and the control surface worked fine there as well (transport and faders - didn't delve any further than that, but I know the 428 is directly supported). Just keep in mind if you plan to sell your 122 that the 224/428 lack phantom power.

Like I said before, I don't even really take advantage of the 4 inputs for simultaneous tracking - but since my system is basically stationary, it saves a lot of cord changing and setup time when switching instruments, and the control surface is nice.