US-16x08
16-IN/8-OUT USB Audio/MIDI Interface
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 microphones
- Sampling frequency : 44.1k/48k/88.2k/96k Hz
- THD : 0.008% or less
- S/N ratio : 100dB or more
- EIN : -125dBu or less
- Power : Dedicated AC adapter (GPE248-120200-Z, included)
- Power consumption : 12W
- Dimensions : 445(W)×59(H)×219(D)mm
- Weight : 2.8kg
- US-16x08
- AC adapter (GPE248-120200-Z)
- (with output plug A/B for replacement)
- USB cable
- Hex key
- Rack mount angle attachment screws × 4
- Owner’s Manual (this document) including warranty
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
Connect to iPad, iPhone, or other iOS devices
Read More
MIDI Input and Output Included
Read More
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
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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
Information
| Latest version info | |
| Settings Panel for Windows | V4.00 |
| Settings Panel for Mac | V2.10 |
| Firmware | V2.00 |
- Buffer Size can now be set from 4 samples.
- Scaling to a suitable size now occurs with 4K and other high resolution displays.
- Operation stability has been improved.
Notices About Products
Documents
Firmware / Software
Compatibility
Compatible OS
First, make sure that your audio interface is set to ASIO mode:
- Press P to open the Preferences window
- Select “Devices” from the left column (under Audio in the left column)
- Uncheck anything in the Input Drivers and Output Drivers lists
- Click “Playback and Recording” from the left column
- Set the Driver Mode to ASIO
- Select “Devices” from the left column again
- Check all of the US-16x08 inputs and outputs that you want to use
If you still have problems, change the Buffer Size in the US-16x08 control panel:
- Open the US-16x08 control panel
- Click the Interface tab
- Change the Buffer Size to a higher setting
Windows allows the processor to throttle to half speed when the computer is idle. However, this can affect the performance of DAW recording software. TASCAM recommends that this function be disabled, especially when using a multi-channel interface such as the US-16x08.
To Change the Power Management settings in Windows:
- Open the Control Panel.
- In Windows 8 this is under “Settings” in the right pane of the desktop
- In Windows 7 and earlier this is in your Start menu
- Open the Power Options control panel by double-clicking it
- Click “Show Additional Plans”
- Click on “High Performance” in the Power Options
No DAW recording software is included with the US-16x08. It is compatible with any major DAW recording applications such as SONAR, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Live, Digital Performer, FL Studio, Garage Band, and most others.
Depending on the usage environment, reboot the interface by turning the power off/on again, or disconnect and reconnect the USB cable.
Your device's playback application/software, and playback file frequencies (sampling frequency) may not be matching. Set the frequencies of the playback file and each configuration to be the same, or unify the frequencies of the playback file.
If the USB jack is not connected to a computer or mobile device, the US-16x08 will default to mic preamp mode. Mic input 1 will go to line output 1, all the way to mic input 8 going to line output 8.
Alternatively, open the US-16x08 control panel and switch the mode to mic preamp. You may not be able to change this setting if the driver is in use (e.g. a DAW program is running or the operating system is using the US-16x08 for sound output.)