Using Tascam USB428 on G4 533, Has anyone got a similar set up? Options

I am thinking of purchasing the Tascam USB428, for audio and midi. Does anyone have any hands on experience of this interface? I know there is a lot of caution about USB and audio interfacing but this seem like a very appealing unit at the cost. I am running OS9.1 on a G4 533mhz.

[sem nome]

yes I have that set-up
us-428+powerbookG4+logic+midi

working fine, let me know if you have any question

[Rogier Hemmes]

I'm not in posession of a G4, but I run Cubase 5.1 on an iBook (yes, the white cute thing) with a US-428. It's working ok, but the thing I experience is that I don't use the faders that often, mostly because their not motorized. You could concider the US-228, because that still has the main buttons (play, rec, etc.), but it only has 2 inputs... Anyway, don't worry about USB, it works.

[fischerja]

I'm using a G4 733 running 9.1 and Cubase 32 version 5.1 - just picked up the 428 yesterday and worked with until 10:00 last night.

I was having a terrible problem playing back audio - intense clipping and heavy static - it sounded like I recorded way into the red (I didn't - I was at -3 db). This morning I reset the settings in audio system and no everythings working! Not positive what I did differently.

I would really appreciate any help with this one:

What thing I'm having trouble with is monitoring my input while listening to playback on other tracks. I can either set it to monitor the previous tracks (essential) or to monitor the imput track (almost as essential) but not both.

Is there a workaround besides running everything (in and out) thru a second mixer?

I've been searching but haven't found the answer to this one yet.

Thanks muchly,
Keep looking up!
John

[Rogier Hemmes]

Hi Fischerja,

Next to the masterfader on the US428 you'll find the 'imput monitor 'button. When pressed you can ajust your imput monitor by moving the FIRST FOUR faders. Check your imput, then press the 'imput monitor' button again, and you are back in the 'normal' mixer mode again.

If this doesn't work, try to ajust the imput monitoring in your softwaresettings. In Cubase, goto: Options>Audio Setup>System>Asio Device Control Panel, press 'launch'. The imput-settings are all there..

I hope this will solve your problem...

Good Luck

[fischerja]

Thanks Rogier,

That seems to work - most of the time...
I seem to be having intermittant problems - such as eq windows opening when I hit the select button on a channel - (on the 428) and then other times - no problem.

Don't know if it's buggy or if I'm just struggling up the learning curve. Time will tell I guess.

I like the idea of everything going thru the USB - (MIDI and audio) - but now I'm messing with the mouse and 428 - I'm wondering if it would be simpler just to get MOTU interface with a few audio and MIDI in's and out's - I wonder if they have a USB model....

Oh well, I'm hopeful to get the hang of it...


Thanks again! I really appreciate your taking the time to help!

John A. Fischer

[fischerja]

Hey - things are working much better now - (I've upgraded OS to 9.2.2 as well) -
I think I've gotten the hang of using this thing and it's pretty nice! One thing I have yet to discover is how to record using multiple inputs...

Any one have any luck with that?

Keep looking up

John

[Rogier Hemmes]

Hi John,

About the multirecording: First goto Panels>VST Inputs. There you can select your input ports. Click em all! Then goto Options>Multirecord and click 'active'. The window closes. Goto the same menu and select the type of multirecording (when I'm recording myself I usualy go for 'Chanel Split').  The only thing left to do now is to select the chanels you want to record to. If you look at the main Cubase-screen you'll see a little 'r' has appeared, next to 'A(ctivity),M(ute),C(hannel)' Select the tracks you want to record to by just click in this field.

If this doesn't work right away, open the track info (the little arrow in the down-left corner) and direct the input chanel to the chosen track. Be shure the 'eneble' button is lit.

Good luck, let me know if t works!

Rogier

[fischerja]

Hi Rogier,

Thanks for the tip - yes, that works - (I could find nothing on it in the US 428 manual).  I was able to record guitar, vocal, and drum all at once on their own seperate tracks by activating multi-record (under options, like you said) and the then setting the track designation to 'any' in Cubase.   In the Arrangement window, these three all show up on track one - but in the Audio Mixer window - each on it's own track.  The sound quality (volume and dynamics in particular) seem to take a hit using this method - but I've only started to experiment with it.  I'll be searching more in the Cubase electronic doc.s to sort this out...

Again, I really appreciate your input!

John