Tascam US-4x4HR USB Audio Interface

Tascam US-4x4HR USB Audio Interface Overview

Building upon the tremendous success of the popular US range of audio interfaces, Tascam have returned with the improved and enhanced US HR series. The additional “HR” stands for “high-resolution”, which sets the tone for the level of quality that Tascam have brought forward. The US HR interfaces are essentially a total enhancement of the previous range, featuring: 24-bit audio resolution at sample rates up to 192kHz, ultra-low latency (with buffer sizes starting from four samples when using Windows), state-of-the-art Ultra-HDDA mic preamplifiers which provide an advanced quality of sound, superior signal-to-noise ratio with pristine, distortion-free recording. The innovative mono/stereo Loopback function was designed with live-streamers in mind and compatibility with iOS devices allows for supreme portability.

The US HR is a fantastic combination of cutting edge tech with a simple, intuitive design. This makes it a brilliant choice for a huge range of requirements, from podcasters/streamers that want to sound top-notch without any hassle to discerning project studio engineers who need flexibility and performance. This all comes at a very keen price, which means incredibly high-quality recording is more accessible than ever!

The entire US HR series boasts a sleek die-cast aluminium honeycomb structure on the side panels, that provides a useful upward tilt for accessibility. This unique design gives you the ideal amount of weight and means the US HR won’t slide out of position when you’re connecting and reconnecting cables.

The crowning jewel of the US HR range’s feature-set is the Ultra-HDDA (High-Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps. Tascam’s use of discrete electronics means a higher number of components and is an indication of the stellar quality of these interfaces. The US HR’s preamp raises the bar, utilisng an improved audio circuit design with a super low EIN (equivalent input noise) rating, which measures the lack of noise in a signal. This results in a signal-to-noise ratio of 110dB and an undoubtedly transparent, low-noise sound. There’s also support for sky-high sampling rates of up to 192kHz.

Latency, an aspect of digital recording that can make it difficult to play in time, is a common problem when using an audio interface. The US HR series mitigates this issue by introducing their seriously low-latency driver software (that’s simple to get running), with Windows buffer sizes as small as four samples. You also have a zero-latency option where you can monitor your inputs directly, in either mono or stereo, and blend the signal between your instrument/voice and the playback.

The US HR range’s compatibility with iOS makes it a great solution for on-the-go producers and streamers, with the bundled Cubasis LE 3 software enabling you to record high-quality audio on the road.

Live streamers and users relying on Internet communication are catered for with the US HR range’s handy Loopback functionality. With the Loopback function, you’re able to merge your input signals with the signal output from your computer, in either mono or stereo, and then send the mix into your software of choice (such as a DAW or broadcasting programme). Using the software slider, you’re able to adjust the final “broadcast” volume separately from the unit’s line output level.

On top of this, Tascam are including a world-class software package which will give your production workflow a shot in the arm. If you purchase a new US HR, you’ll also receive:

• Steinberg Cubase LE (including Cubasis LE3 for iOS) - A version of one of the top DAWs out there. This software gives you all the tools you need to begin recording, mixing and producing.

• IK Multimedia Sample Tank SE 4 - A whopping 30GB sample library that allows you to harness over 2,000 musical instruments in your productions.

• Free 3-month subscription to Auto-Tune Unlimited from Antares - This software suite is used by professional producers around the globe, with its powerful ability to add subtle or extreme pitch correction and slick vocal effects.

  Upgrades may require a fee.

The US-4x4HR is the largest version of the US HR series and features the most inputs and outputs, perfect for those multitrack recording sessions or if you want to record two stereo sources simultaneously. Thanks to the US-4x4HR’s four separate output jacks, individual signals can be sent out in parallel with the stereo headphone output. If you’re after something a bit simpler and don’t need to record multiple sources at the same time, take a look at the smaller US-1x2HR and US-2x2HR variants.

Overview by Tascam

Tascam introduce a new series of high-resolution USB audio interfaces. The three models – US-1x2HR, US-2x2HR, and US-4x4HR – incorporate 24-bit audio resolution at sample rates up to 192 kHz, a very high signal-to-noise ratio, ultra-low latency with buffer sizes starting from four samples, Ultra-HDDA mic preamplifiers for superior sound quality, and a comprehensive suite of included software. According to Tascam, these interfaces, designed for ease of use and flexibility, are a good choice for any demanding sound creator, from beginners in recording technology to project studio operators to podcast and webcast producers.

Ideal for people building state-of-the-art music production environments, the US-4x4HR provides four XLR mic inputs, four TRS balanced line inputs (two of which can also be used for instruments), four balanced line outputs, MIDI I/O and two headphones connectors. Tascam underlines that all US-HR series models are also excellent for use as high-quality standalone preamplifiers due to their outstanding sound characteristics.

• All US-HR models offer a unique dye-cast aluminium 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.

• The Ultra-HDDA (High-Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps used on the US-HR series feature a discrete construction. They 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 truly low for the US-2x2HR and US-4x4HR. 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.

• Instead of a computer, you can also use an iPad or iPhone together with the US-2x2HR/US-4x4HR 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. Since these units include MIDI inputs and outputs, you can connect MIDI keyboards, drum computers etc. to play sounds on the iPad or computer and thus expand your personal orchestra.

• The US-4x4HR has four Ultra-HDDA mic preamps. Since up to four condenser mics can be used at the same time, this interface is perfect for recording vocals and acoustical instruments simultaneously. You can also connect two guitars or a guitar and a bass while still having two mic inputs available for vocals.

• The unit features four TRS jack outputs, so the individual signals can be output in parallel with the headphones stereo output – often done for multitrack recording. TIP: By using an audio interface to output the sound from a commercial synthesizer app, a richer sound can be achieved.

• 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 adjustment of the final “broadcast” volume independently from the unit’s line output level setting.
  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.