Tascam US-1x2HR High-Resolution USB

When one mic input is enough

The US-1x2HR is the smallest member of the Tascam US-HR series of high-resolution USB audio interfaces. It has one mic and one instrument input and is therefore particularly suitable for simple and intuitive guitar/vocal recording with a computer. The included loopback function and support for Open Broadcaster Software (OBS Studio), however, makes it also an excellent choice for podcast creation and live streaming. Last but not least, it is a perfect solution for feeding an amplifier system with music from a computer in high quality, for example for a birthday party.

Lower noise and distortion – better sound than ever

The compact US-1x2HR incorporates a wealth of features, including high audio resolution up to 24-bit/192 kHz, ultra-low latency with a Windows buffer size starting at four samples, Ultra-HDDA mic preamplifiers with 48-volt phantom power for superior sound quality with ultra-low noise, a robust USB Type C connector, and a rich assortment of included software to start producing audio right away. The lightweight interface is ideal for mobile recording and production using an iPhone or iPad^*  with the included Cubasis LE so you can take it to your practice room, use it to report from a live event, or capture nature sounds outdoors.

Usability is key

All US-HR models offer a unique dye-cast aluminum honeycomb structure on the side panels with a slight upward tilt. This design not only results in a sleek, eye-catching design, it also provides just the right amount of weight so the interface won’t move when cables are connected or disconnected. Equally important, the upward tilt offers the ergonomic benefit of being angled in such a way as to make the interface easy to work with.

If you need an uncluttered, easy-to-use audio interface with two inputs and two outputs, very low noise, low distortion and superb sound quality, the Tascam US-1x2HR can be your reliable partner for many years.

* An optional battery pack or AC adapter is required when used with an iPhone or iPad.

A recording environment with low noise and great audio performance is a relevant factor for vocal and, in particular, wind instruments. The US-1x2HR features an Ultra-HDDA microphone preamplifier with a very low noise level that makes this interface the ideal tool for recording with a condenser microphone. You can also plug in your electric guitar or bass directly using the line/instrument input and use plug-in effects on your computer recording (DAW) software. Or connect any instrument or hi-fi amplifier’s line output to the line input.

The US-1x2HR is also a great tool on the road: Combine it with an iPad and you can capture nature sounds, stream interviews from live events, or simply record your ideas with high quality wherever you go.

Even if you’re not so familiar with recording equipment, the US-1x2HR’s user-friendly design enables you to use it right away.

Highlights

• Ultra-HDDA mic preamp
• Equivalent input noise: -128 dBu
• Very high S/N ratio of 110 dB (mic to computer)
• Very little distortion: 0.0013%
• Separate inputs for mic and instrument or line level sources
• Separate controls for line and headphones output
• Zero-latency monitoring (can be set to mono or stereo)

The US-1x2HR can improve your sound when playing music from your computer. No matter if you create your own dance music using software synths and other plug-ins or if you are the DJ on a birthday party – with its high audio quality and separate controls for headphones and line outputs (loudspeakers) the US-1x2HR easily turns your computer into a perfect-sounding playback device.

You may have noticed that your sound system is not very loud when powered directly from a computer. When using the US-1x2HR to feed your power amplifiers, its high line output level ensures you get the maximum power out of your sound system.

Highlights

• Maximum line output level of 6 dBV is enough for any power amp
• Standard 6.3-mm headphones output for monitoring

Instead of a computer, you can also use an iPad or iPhone together with the US-1x2HR to make music. Performance has been tested with not only the bundled digital audio workstation (Cubasis LE3), but also with other popular recording software – you can continue to use them even if you change DAW software.

• Connect with an iPad or iPhone
• Tested with many popular DAW applications

The Settings Panel, which is installed on your computer, comes with a variety of functions. You can choose whether direct monitoring is done in mono or stereo and adjust the balance between input and computer signals. You can also switch the hardware inputs on and off individually and set the Windows buffer size according to your working environment.

For online broadcasting, Internet communication and other live streaming applications, the US-HR series interfaces offer a Loopback function which can merge input signals 1/2 with signals 1/2 coming from the computer (each can be set to mono or stereo) and send that mix to the broadcasting or other software on the computer. A software slider allows to adjust the final "œbroadcast" volume independently from the unit’s line output level setting.

• Inputs can be set on/off individually
• Buffer size can be set to a value between 4 and 2048 samples (Windows only)
• Loopback can be set on/off, and each of the merged signal pairs can be switched mono/stereo
• Slider for setting the Loopback master level (bro
  

  Natural, Crisp and Clear Sound Thanks to Ultra-HDDA Mic Preamp With 192 kHz Support

  The Ultra-HDDA (High-Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamp used on the US-1x2HR features a discrete construction. Such preamps have a higher number of components and are far away from mass-produced preamps. Their EIN (equivalent input noise) rating, which measures the absence of noise, is as low as -128 dBu for the US-1x2HR. Combined with a newly improved audio circuit and support for sampling rates up to 192  kHz, our in-house developed microphone preamplifier delivers enhanced audio performance with the most transparent and low-noise sound, reflected in a signal-to-noise ratio of 110 dB.

  High-Performance XLR Balanced Microphone Input

  The US-1x2HR adds a balanced microphone input to your computer. Computers usually don’t have such professional connectors but if you want to achieve studio sound there’s no way without it. Balanced connections are less sensitive to interference caused by other electrical signals (from mains power cables, for instance). Also, balanced connections are required to provide phantom power to high-quality condenser microphones.

  The XLR mic input on the US-1x2HR can provide 48-volts phantom power to condenser mics and it offers enough gain (up to 57 dB) to cope even with less expensive dynamic mics.

  Second Input For Instruments

  Unlike your computer, the US-1x2HR offers an instrument input for direct connection of an electrical guitar or bass. This means you can record or stream your instrument without the need for an instrument amplifier. Use plug-in effects (available as an option) on your DAW software to create truly professional sounds.

  RCA Stereo Input For External Audio Devices

  You can also connect external equipment to the US-1x2HR like a cassette deck, CD player or even your smartphone using a conversion cable. Why not archive your cassette tape collection to your computer? It’s really simple. Or record or stream your keyboard performance in stereo.

  NOTE: You can only use one set of inputs (front or rear) at a time.

  Power Supply by USB

  When used with a computer, the US-1x2HR is powered by USB so a sparate power supply is not required. If you operate the unit together with an iPhone or iPad, however, you need a 5-volts power supply or battery pack like Tascam  PS-P520E  or Tascam  BP-6AA  (each available as an option) or your original Apple AC adapter (the US-1x2HR will not supply power to the iOS device in this case). A genuine Apple Lightning-USB adapter is also required for operation with an iPhone/iPad.

  The US-HR models come bundled with world-renowned software that will enhance your production workflow. At the core of music production, Steinberg Cubase LE (including Cubasis LE3) gives you everything you need for composing, multitrack recording, sequencing, editing, and mixing. IK Multimedia Sample Tank SE 4 comes free of charge with a massive 30-Gigabyte sound library encompassing more than 2,000 different musical instruments. And a free 3-month subscription to Auto-Tune Unlimited from Antares, a comprehensive suite of industry-standard pitch correction and vocal effects, gives you the opportunity to create those famous sounds of the pros.

  Note: Upgrades may require a fee.

  

The US-HR models share a solid and practical design intended to withstand years of hard use. Its robust metal jacket not only improves durability. Combined with dye-cast aluminum side panels, it also provides a sleek, eye-catching design. Moreover, the metal structure results in each model having just the right weight, so it won’t move too easily when cables are connected or disconnected.

• Solid metal enclosure
• Eye-catching design

When recording audio with a computer, input signals are usually routed through the interface, the computer, and then back to the interface’s outputs. While signals pass the A/D and D/A converters in your interface without any noticeable delay, audio processing by the computer can lead to a clearly audible, disturbing time lag. As a result, you hear your voice or instrument later than the backing tracks played back on the computer and you are hardly able to perform in sync with the playback signal.

By using direct monitoring, input signals are not only sent to the computer but also directly to the outputs of your interface. This allows you to hear your input signal with virtually no delay (or latency) and always in sync with the playback material when recording or performing.

Tip:  When recording the signal, mute the track you are recording to. Otherwise you would also hear your performance delayed from the recording track.