Description
The TASCAM US-16x08 captures 16 mic and line inputs to your computer with clear sound quality and advanced features to manage big sessions. Eight Ultra-HDDA microphone preamps deliver the cleanest and quietest operation in their class, while delivering up to 56dB of gain. An additional eight line inputs are provided, two of them switchable to instrument level for direct guitar or bass recording. Eight balanced line outputs are also available, two with a level control on the front panel for monitoring.
- Ultra-HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps with −125dBu EIN
- Eight Ultra-HDDA mic pres with XLR connectors, eight TRS inputs
- Standalone mode for use as an independent mic preamp
- Up to 96kHz/24-bit recording
- Connect with iPads and other iOS devices via Class Compliant drivers
- +48V phantom power available for all microphone inputs
- High-impedance inputs available
- 56 dB of preamp gain, ideal for dynamic or ribbon microphe
Recording enabled with both iOS devices and multi-channel
Powered by an Analog Devices BlackFin DSP processor, the US-16x08 includes an advanced digital mixer for monitor mixing. Each input includes 4-band EQ, a low-cut filer, and compressor. The DSP mixer can store up to 10 snapshots as scenes - making it easy to recall mixer settings. An additional tab opens a digital patchbay to route signals to any output. The class-compliant driver allows it to be used with tablets like Apple's iPad. (Requires Apple's Camera Connection Kit for USB connection)
Discrete Ultra-HDDA Mic Preamps Deliver Low Noise and Low Distortion
TASCAM's Ultra-HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamp design is based on discrete components, just like classic professional gear. They achieve an incredible EIN rating of -125 dBu, meaning their noise level is practically below the range of hearing. Other impressive specs include a signal-to-noise ratio of 100 dB, out-speccing anything in its price range. But instead of judging the design merely by test measurments, key components were selected following extensive listening tests.
Rock Out with Amp Simulator Software using the Guitar Inputs
The first two channels can be switched to direct guitar inputs. They're ideal for direct recording of electric and acoustic guitar and bass without the need for a preamp. Use them with amp modeling software, like the TH2 effect included with SONAR X3.
* Guitar effect plug-ins sold separately.
Eight XLR mic inputs and 8 TRS line inputs
The eight XLR mic inputs have switchable +48V phantom power to use up to 8 condenser mics at the same time. The two front panel TRS line inputs are switchable between instrument level and line level input with adjustable gain. An additional six TRS line ins on the rear of the unit are switchable between -10dB and +4dB. All of the jacks support balanced or unbalanced 1/4" signals.
Use as a Standalone Mic Preamp
When powered on with out a USB connection, the US-16x08 functions as an 8-channel microphone preamp. Mics pass through the Ultra-HDDA preamps to the eight balanced line outputs on the rear panel. Use the interface to add additional high-quality mic inputs to a mixer an another audio interface.
* When using the mic preamp mode, each input is connected to each output directly. Also, cannot use all functions of DSP mixer. For example, IN1 is connected OUTPUT1 directly through the Ultra-HDDA mic preamp.
Additional Features
Features at a Glance
- Ultra-HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps with −125dBu EIN
- Eight Ultra-HDDA mic pres with XLR connectors, eight TRS inputs
- Standalone mode for use as an independent mic preamp
- Up to 96kHz/24-bit recording
- Connect with iPads and other iOS devices via Class Compliant drivers
- +48V phantom power available for all microphone inputs
- High-impedance inputs available
- 56 dB of preamp gain, ideal for dynamic or ribbon microphones
- Eight TRS outputs
- Separate controls for line and headphones output volumes
- MIDI input and output
- Low-latency monitoring via on-board DSP mixer
- DSP mixer with 4-band EQ and compression on each input channel
Spec description
| Sampling frequency | 44.1k/48k/88.2k/96k Hz |
| Quantization bit rate | 16/24-bit |
| Analog audio inputs | |
| MIC IN(IN 1-8) | |
| Connector | XLR-3-31 (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD), BALANCED |
| Input impedance | 2.4kΩ |
| Nominal input level | |
| GAIN: MAX | –68dBu (0.0003Vrms) |
| GAIN: MIN | –12dBu (0.195Vrms) |
| Maximum input level | +8dBu (1.947Vrms) |
| Gain | 56dB |
| INST IN (IN 9-10) | |
| Connector | 1/4" (6.3mm) TS-jack (T: HOT, S: GND), UNBALANCED (when set to "INST" at LINE/INST switch) |
| Input impedance | 1MΩ or more |
| Nominal input level | |
| GAIN: MAX | –57dBV (0.0014Vrms) |
| GAIN: MIN | –12dBV (0.251Vrms) |
| Maximum input level | +8dBV (0.2512Vrms) |
| Gain | 45dB |
| LINE IN (IN 9-10) | |
| Connector | 1/4" (6.3mm) TRS-jack (T: HOT, R: COLD, S: GND), BALANCED (when set to "LINE" at LINE/INST switch) |
| Input impedance | 10kΩ |
| Nominal input level | |
| GAIN: MAX | –41dBu (0.0069Vrms) |
| GAIN: MIN | +4dBu (1.228Vrms) |
| Maximum input level | +24dBu (12.182Vrms) |
| Gain | 45dB |
| LINE IN (IN 11-16) | |
| LEVEL switch : "–10dBV" | |
| Connector | 1/4" (6.3mm) TS-jack (T: HOT, S: GND), UNBALANCED |
| Input impedance | 10kΩ or more |
| Nominal input level | –10dBV (0.3162Vrms) |
| Maximum input level | +10dBV (3.162Vrms) |
| LEVEL switch : "+4dBu" | |
| Connector | 1/4" (6.3mm) TRS-jack (T: HOT, R: COLD, S: GND), BALANCED |
| Input impedance | 10kΩ |
| Nominal input level | +4dBu (1.228Vrms) |
| Maximum input level | +24dBu (12.182Vrms) |
| Analog audio outputs | |
| LINE OUT (LINE OUT 1-8) | |
| Connector | 1/4" (6.3mm) TRS-jack (T: HOT, R: COLD, S: GND), BALANCED |
| Output impedance | 100Ω |
| Nominal output level | +4dBu (1.228Vrms) |
| Maximum output level | +24dBu (12.177Vrms) |
| PHONES | |
| Connector | 1/4" (6.3mm) stereo phone jack |
| Maximum output level | 70mW + 70mW or more (THD+N 0.1% or less, 32Ω loaded) |
| Output impedance | 51.5Ω |
| Working impedance | 16Ω to 600Ω |
| MIDI IN / OUT | |
| Connector | DIN 5-pin |
| Format | Standard MIDI format |
| USB | |
| Connector | USB B type 4-pin |
| Format | USB2.0 HIGH SPEED mass storage class |
| Power | Dedicated AC adapter (GPE248-120200-Z, included) |
| Power consumption | 12W |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 17.5" × 2.32" × 8.62" / 445 × 59 × 219 mm |
| Weight | 6.11 lbs. / 2.8 kg |
| Operating temperature | 41˚F to 95˚F / 5˚C to 35˚C |
| Accessories | Rack mount adapter, USB cable, User's manual, warranty card, dedicated AC adapter (GPE248-120200-Z) |
Audio performance
| Frequency response | |
| LINE OUT(BALANCED) | |
| 44.1k/48k Hz | 20Hz to 20kHz, ±0.3dB(JEITA) |
| 88.2k/96k Hz | 20Hz to 40kHz, ±0.3dB(JEITA) |
| THD | 0.008% or less |
| S/N ratio | 100dB or more |
| Crosstalk | 100dB or more |
| EIN | –125dBu or less |
Computer system requirements
Windows
| Compatible Computers | Windows-compatible computer with a USB2.0 port |
| CPU | Dual core / 2GHz or faster |
| Memory | 2GB or more |
| Driver |
 ASIO2.0, WDM (MME) |
Mac
| Compatible Computers | Apple Mac computer with a USB2.0 port |
| CPU | Dual core / 2GHz or faster |
| Memory | 2GB or more |
| Driver | Core Audio, Core MIDI |
* Verified with Intel and Apple Silicon (M1 and M2) hardware
d OS'
Windows
Windows 11 2023 Update (Version 23H2) New , Windows 10 2022 Update (Version 22H2) , Windows 11 2022 Update (Version 22H2) , Windows 11 (Version 21H2) , Windows 10 (November 2021 Update) , Windows 10 (May 2021 Update) , Windows 10 (October 2020 Update) , Windows 10 (May 2020 Update) , Windows 8.1 , Windows 8 , Windows 7Mac
macOS Sonoma New , macOS Ventura , macOS Monterey , macOS Big Sur , macOS Catalina , macOS Mojave , macOS High Sierra (10.13) , macOS Sierra (10.12) , OS X El Capitan (10.11) , OS X Yosemite (10.10) , OS X Mavericks (10.9) , OS X Mountain Lion (10.8)iOS
iPadOS 17 New , iPadOS 16 , iOS 15 , iPadOS 15 , iPadOS 14 , iOS 14 , iPadOS 13 , iOS 13 , iOS 12 , iOS 11 , iOS 8 , iOS 7Estimate shipping