i noticed the tascam us 122 is a portable device, which means it draws power off the computer. Does this mean that it will have a lower quality recording than a device that has its own power source. Also, in the book, it says that you have to be careful about running other usb devices on your computer, such as the printer, since it will draw power from it and cause sound issues. I looked at the review of it and didnt see any mention of this issue. I was looking at the M audio audiophile usb, but it doesnt have xlr inputs nor a phantom power source for condenser mikes. Is there something like the us 122 out there that has its own power source, or is this even an issue?

No issues with mine.

Have you attempted to try to record a mic and line at the same time, i noticed the book suggests not to do this. any issues with that, I just bought it today, trying to decided if I want to take it back

I sent back 2 122s. Neither completely worked out of the box. Got a Lexicon Omega and am very pleased.
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its a little above what I was looking to pay, but I was looking at the presonus firebox which prices about the same at around $300, any thoughts on the comparison of the 2?

I just replied to your post titled "Tascam Us 122, Playing mic and guitar at the same time", in which I recommended the FireBox. FYI, the main differences are that the Omega is USB and supports up to 48KHz sample rate, while the FireBox is FireWire and supports up to 96KHz. Both come with Cubase LE.

Froogle Lexicon omega. Lots of places have it for $299.
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