US-42B MiNiSTUDIO CREATOR
USB Audio Interface
The TASCAM MiNiSTUDIO Creator US-42B is your personal production and online broadcast studio. Featuring a professional quality audio interface and a number of unique real-time effects, the MINISTUDIO Creator delivers everything you need to become the next internet sensation.
Something to say? Something to play?
At the heart of every Podcast, broadcast and YouTube video lies the desire to communicate. And more often than not, this communication takes the form of the human voice...and TASCAM knows a thing or two about recording the human voice. Central to the MiNiSTUDIO Creator are a pair of XLR/combo connectors and dual HDDA mic preamps. These studio-quality mic pres, coupled with built-in phantom power allow you to quickly and easily connect your favorite dynamic or conderser microphones and get the conversation started.
Under the hood, the MiNiSTUDIO Creator also features dual 4-band parametric EQ, adjustable on-board compression and a digital reverb effect with a convenient front panel depth control. And just in case you'd like to add a bit of music to the mix the MiNiSTUDIO Creator features two Hi-z 1/4&qout; inputs ready to accept an electric guitar or bass. Talk on, or rock on. It's up to you.
Under the hood, the MiNiSTUDIO Creator also features dual 4-band parametric EQ, adjustable on-board compression and a digital reverb effect with a convenient front panel depth control. And just in case you'd like to add a bit of music to the mix the MiNiSTUDIO Creator features two Hi-z 1/4&qout; inputs ready to accept an electric guitar or bass. Talk on, or rock on. It's up to you.
Through extensive collaboration with a number of top podcasters, we are happy to enhance the TASCAM MiNiSTUDIO experience by offering a free Software and Firmware update. These updates add exciting new features designed to streamline the workflow of podcasters and streamers alike.
Scene Memories
The first enhancement to the experience comes in the form of newly added SceneMemories which allow the broadcaster to save snapshots of their MiNiSTUDIO configurations for immediate and easy recall at any time. These presets can easily be saved and named and will instantly reset all parameters of the TASCAM MiNiSTUDIO control panel including such options as PON selections, EQ settings, Compression levels, choice of Voice Effect and more. This allows podcasters and streamers to easily move from set up to set during a recording session or a live show.
NEW Podcast Muilt-channel Mode
The second added feature is a powerful new Mode Preset: Podcast Multi-channel. In response to the need of podcasters to independently record the host, co-hosts and guests, this new preset and associated ASIO driver set enable the podcaster to quickly and easily configure their Windows-based Digital Audio Workstation to fit their desired workflow. Hosts, guests and sound effects may now be captured on separate tracks for easy editing and sonic tweaking.
This feature was added specifically to match the workflow of Podcasters who wish to pre-record their shows in a true multi-track format for easy post-production editing.
This feature was added specifically to match the workflow of Podcasters who wish to pre-record their shows in a true multi-track format for easy post-production editing.
NOTE: This feature relies on a customized set of ASIO drivers for signal routing, and requires a Windows-based DAW with ASIO support.
When recording using Podcast Multi-channel Mode:
When recording using Podcast Multi-channel Mode:
- Audio from the host's Microphone (MiNiSTUDIO mic 1 and 2) may be recorded in isoloation on dedicated DAW tracks.
- PON sounds and other PC sounds may be recorded on their own dedicated DAW track
- Guest(s) calling in from Video Conference Software (Skype, Google hangouts, etc.) may be recorded on yet another dedicated DAW track
Windows Audio Device setup:
Windows Users will assign MiNiSTUDIO US-42 as the Default Device for both Playback and Recording.
Video Conference Software Audio Device setup:
Video Conference Software will use Additional Driver US-42 for both Microphone and Speaker.
Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) setup:
Using Cakewalk SONAR as the example, the Podcast host can easily assign the different input sources to individual DAW tracks.
Windows Users will assign MiNiSTUDIO US-42 as the Default Device for both Playback and Recording.
Video Conference Software Audio Device setup:
Video Conference Software will use Additional Driver US-42 for both Microphone and Speaker.
Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) setup:
Using Cakewalk SONAR as the example, the Podcast host can easily assign the different input sources to individual DAW tracks.
- MiNiSTUDIO Mic 1 is hardcoded to MiNiSTUDIO US-42 Mixing Driver 1 (Left)
- MiNiSTUDIO Mic 2 is hardcoded to MiNiSTUDIO US-42 Mixing Driver 2 (Right)
- PON sounds and other PC sounds are hardcoded to MiNiSTUDIO US-42 Mixing Driver 3 (Stereo and/or Left/Right)
- Video Conference App returns are hardcoded to MiNiSTUDIO US-42 Mixing Driver 5 (Stereo and/or Left/Right)
Video Conference App Notes:
MiNiSTUDIO US-42 Mixing Driver 5 audio stream ONLY contains the voices of remote guests. Signals from the MiNiSTUDIO microphones are not included in this audio stream.
At this time, most Video Conference apps are unable to receive audio from any input other than input #1 on a multichannel USB audio interface. This is a known limitation of the majority of commercial Audio/Video Conference Apps and we are working to provide a solution as part of a future update.
Once these assignments have been made, the user simply ensures that all tracks are in record ready mode and that the track monitoring is on for all tracks.
At this time, most Video Conference apps are unable to receive audio from any input other than input #1 on a multichannel USB audio interface. This is a known limitation of the majority of commercial Audio/Video Conference Apps and we are working to provide a solution as part of a future update.
Once these assignments have been made, the user simply ensures that all tracks are in record ready mode and that the track monitoring is on for all tracks.
Have an effect
Designed to bring an extra dimension to your podcasts and live streaming, the TASCAM MiNiSTUDIO features three assignable PON sound effect buttons. Use the included bell, buzzer and applause effects or apply your own .wav or .mp3 files for a completely customized experience. You can also set each velocity sensitive PON button to act as a one-shot sound effect, to only play while you press or to loop as long as you hold the button down. Why should the morning DJ's have all the fun?
Find your voice
Diguise your voice, fool your fans! Perhaps the most extreme feature of the MiNiSTUDIO Personal is the Voice Effects option. Simply pressing this innocent little button will instantly transform your voice in any one of a number of amazing and amusing ways. Pitch your voice up into cartoon mouse territory or pitch it down like you've joined the Dark Side. Add a spacey Echo, wobbly Chopper or go old school with the Walki-talkie-approved Radio effect. Voice Effects: crazy, wacky and a whole lot of fun.
Make a production out of it
In addition to the default Easy mode of the TASCAM MiNiSTUDIO software panel is an Expert mode that can be accessed by selecting the tab along the top of the window. This exposes a more comprehensive set of controls that enable you to fine tune EQ, compression and reverb settings as well as customize the behavior of the PON sound effect buttons and the various Voice Effect options. Don't be fooled by the friendly face of the MiNiSTUDIO - underneath the shiny exterior lies a truly professional tool that proudly carries the TASCAM name.
Make a production out of it
Unique to the MiNiSTUDIO Creator is a powerful Creator / Broadcast selector switch on the front panel of the device. When set to Broadcast mode, the audience will hear exactly what you hear as all audio generated my the MiNiSTUDIO and/or your computer will be mixed together in a single stereo stream. Talk, play guitar, play games or play MP3 files. If you hear it, they hear it. But flick the switch to Creator and you're in full production mode.
When set to Creator, the MiNiSTUDIO transforms into a professionally specced two-channel USB Audio Interface. Perfectly suited for any DAW or video editing software, the combination of dual HDDA mic preamps, Hi-z inputs, EQ, compression and reverb deliver a powerful and flexible front end for any media production task.
When set to Creator, the MiNiSTUDIO transforms into a professionally specced two-channel USB Audio Interface. Perfectly suited for any DAW or video editing software, the combination of dual HDDA mic preamps, Hi-z inputs, EQ, compression and reverb deliver a powerful and flexible front end for any media production task.
Features at a Glance
Audio interface functions
- Support for high-resolution recording formats up to 96kHz/24-bit
- Supports Windows (ASIO/WDM) and Mac (Core Audio)
- USB2.0 computer connection
- Compliant with USB Audio 2.0
- Can be connected to an iOS device using an Apple Lightning-USB camera adapter (sold separately).
- USB bus power operation supported when connected to a computer
- Operation confirmed with major DAW software, including Sonar, ProTools, Cubase, Live, Studio One and GarageBand
- Operation confirmed with major streaming and calling software
Hardware functions
- 2 HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps
- XLR/TRS input jacks support balanced input and can provide +48V phantom power
- Mini jack mic input (MIC 1)
- Supports connection of 4-pole earphone with mic
- Stereo mini jack AUX input that can be used to connect portable audio players and game devices
- Built-in omnidirectional condenser mic
- Support for low-level dynamic mic input signals
- DSP effects (equalizer, compressor and reverb)
- Input monitoring function allows input sounds to always be heard before they are transmitted
- Stereo analog RCA output jacks suitable for connection to powered monitors
- 3 PON trigger pads that are self-lighting and velocity-sensitive
- REVERB knob that can be used to adjust the amount of reverb
- Voice effect on/off button
- ON AIR button that starts transmission to the computer
- Stereo mini jack headphone output
- 1/4” headphone output
- Separate controls for line and headphone output volumes
- BROADCAST/CREATOR mode switch
Software functions
- Dedicated software has EASY and EXPERT tabs
- Audio files can be assigned to PON trigger pads by dragging and dropping
- Velocity can be turned on/off for PON trigger pads
- PON trigger pad volume adjustment
- PON trigger pad repeat ON/OFF
- PON trigger pad fade in/out setting
- PON trigger pad start time setting
- 4 sound presets with equalizer and compressor settings
- 5 voice effect presets
- Voice effect parameter adjustment
- 5 reverb presets
- Reverb type and parameter setting (HALL/ROOM/LIVE/STUDIO/PLATE)
- Buffer size setting (64/128/256/512/1024) function (Windows only)
- Mic input MONO/STEREO switching (MONO in BROADCAST mode, STEREO in CREATOR mode)
- Transmitted signal MONO/STEREO switching
- ASIO ON/OFF switch that allows mic audio to be transmitted after effect processing (Windows only)
- Loopback function that mixes computer audio with transmitted audio
(automatically OFF in CREATOR mode - PC Audio Out (PC output sound) and Master Out (audio transmitted to PC) volume adjustment
Other features
- Lightweight design convenient for mobile use
- 2 strap attachment points allow commercially-available camera straps to be attached
- Product compliant with RoHS
* Restrictions when connecting iOS/iPadOS devices
- PON trigger pads do not function.
- Effect type settings cannot be changed.
- External power supply is necessary.
- This unit will not provide power to the iOS/iPadOS device.
- You will need an Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter (sold separately) for connection.
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Learn MoreSpec description
| MiNiSTUDIO PERSONAL | MiNiSTUDIO CREATOR | |
| Sampling frequency | 44.1k / 48k / 88.2k / 96k Hz | |
| Quantization bit rate | 16/24-bit | |
| Analog audio inputs | ||
 MIC IN (Top Panel) |
||
| Connectors (Balanced) | XLR-3-31 / 1/4" (6.3mm) TRS Phone Combo jack × 2 (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD), (T: HOT, R: COLD, S: GND) |
|
| Input impedance | 2.4kΩ | |
| Nominal input level | ||
| VOLUME knob at MAX | –65dBu (0.0004Vrms) | |
| VOLUME knob at MIN | –20dBu (0.0775Vrms) | |
| Gain range | 45dB | |
 MIC IN (Front Panel) |
||
| Connectors (with plug-in power) | 1/8" (3.5mm) 4-pole Mini jack (for headset) × 1 1/8" (3.5mm) Mini jack × 1 |
|
| Input impedance | 5kΩ or more | |
| Gain range | 45dB | |
 Built-in mic |
||
| Type | Omnidirectional Condenser Mic | – |
| Gain range | 45dB | – |
 Instrument inputs |
||
| Connector (Unbalanced) | – | 1/4" (6.3mm) TS Phone jack × 2 (T: HOT, S: GND) |
| Input impedance | – | 1MΩ or more |
| Gain range | – | 45dB |
 External input |
||
| Connector | 1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Mini jack × 1 | |
| Input impedance | 5kΩ or more | |
| Maximum input level (VOLUME knob at MIN) |
+7.7dBV (2.427Vrms) | |
| Analog audio outputs | ||
| LINE OUT | ||
| Connector | – | RCA Pin jacks × 1 pair |
| Output impedance | – | 200Ω or more |
| Nominal output level | – | –10dBV (0.316Vrms) |
| Maximum output level | – | +6dBV (1.995Vrms) |
| PHONES | ||
| Connectors | 1/4" (6.3mm) Stereo Phone jack × 1 1/8" (3.5mm) 4-pole Mini jack (for headset) × 1 1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Mini jack × 1 |
|
| Maximum output level | 15mW + 15mW or more (THD+N 0.1% or less, into 32Ω load) | |
| Control I/O | ||
| USB | ||
| Connector | USB B-type ×1 | |
| Format | USB 2.0 High Speed (480Mbps) | |
| DC IN 5V | ||
| Connector | USB Micro B type × 1 | |
| Supported audio drivers | ||
| Windows | ASIO2.0  , WDM |
|
| Mac | Core Audio | |
| iOS device | Core Audio for iPhone | |
| Power | ||
| Used with a computer | USB bus power | |
| Used with an iOS device | USB power adapter (that can supply 5 V and a current of at least 700 mA) *1 External battery pack (that can supply 5 V and a current of at least 700 mA) *2 |
|
| Power consumption | 1W | 1.5W |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 5.9" × 1.57" × 5.1" / 150 × 40 × 130 mm | 7.87" × 1.57" × 5.1" / 200 × 40 × 130 mm |
| Weight | 0.84 lbs. / 382 g | 1.1 lbs. / 500 g |
| Operating temperature range | 41˚F to 95˚F / 5˚C to 35˚C | |
| Included items | USB cable , Owner's manual (with warranty) | |
*1 We strongly recommend using the USB power adapter included with the iPad/iPhone. No USB power adapter is included with an iPod Touch.
To use it with an iPod Touch, purchase a genuine Apple USB power adapter (that can supply 5 V and a current of at least 700 mA) separately.
*2 We strongly recommend using a TASCAM BP-6AA external battery pack. If using another external battery pack or mobile battery, purchase one that can supply 5 V and a current of at least 700 mA
Audio performance
| MiNiSTUDIO PERSONAL | MiNiSTUDIO CREATOR | |
| Frequency response | ||
| at 44.1k / 48k Hz | ||
| LINE OUT | – | 20Hz: +0dB/–1dB (MIC IN 1/2, JEITA) 20kHz: +0dB/–1dB (MIC IN 1/2, JEITA) |
| Headphones out (1/4" stereo jack) |
20Hz: +0dB/–1dB (MIC IN 1, JEITA) 20kHz: +0dB/–3dB (MIC IN 1, JEITA) |
20Hz: +0dB/–1dB (MIC IN 1/2, JEITA) 20kHz: +0dB/–3dB (MIC IN 1/2, JEITA) |
| at 88.2k / 96k Hz | ||
| LINE OUT | - | 20Hz: +0dB/–1dB (MIC IN 1/2, JEITA) 40kHz: +0dB/–1dB (MIC IN 1/2, JEITA) |
| Headphones out (1/4" stereo jack) |
20Hz: +0dB/–1dB (MIC IN 1, JEITA) 40kHz: +0dB/–3dB (MIC IN 1, JEITA) |
20Hz : +0dB/–1dB (MIC IN 1/2, JEITA) 40kHz: +0dB/–3dB (MIC IN 1/2, JEITA) |
| Distortion | 0.008% or less (MIC IN 1 → Headphones output, 1kHz sine wave, at nominal input level and maximum output level, JEITA) |
0.005% or less (MIC IN 1/2 → LINE OUT, 1kHz sine wave, at nominal input level and maximum output level, JEITA) |
| S/N ratio | 90dB or more (MIC IN 1 → Headphones output, VOLUME knob at MIN, JEITA) |
100dB or more (MIC IN 1/2 → LINE OUT, VOLUME knob at MIN, JEITA) |
| Crosstalk | 95dB or more (MIC IN 1 → Headphones output, 1kHz sine wave, JEITA) |
95dB or more (MIC IN 1/2 → LINE OUT, 1kHz sine wave, JEITA) |
| Mic amp EIN (equivalent input noise) |
–113dBu or less (150Ω termination, VOLUME knob at MAX) |
–120dBu or less (150Ω termination, VOLUME knob at MAX |
Comparison chart
| MiNiSTUDIO PERSONAL | MiNiSTUDIO CREATOR | |
| Ideal applications | Personal broadcasting, Voice chat | Personal broadcasting, Voice chat, Audio/video creation |
| PON trigger function | ✔ | ✔ |
| Reverb | ✔ | ✔ |
| Voice effects | ✔ | ✔ |
| Loop playback | ✔ (always ON) |
✔ (switched ON/OFF with mode) |
| Portable device (AUX) input | ✔ | ✔ |
| Built-in mic | ✔ | – |
| Number of mic inputs (XLR/TRS jacks) | 1 | 2 |
| Direct guitar input | – | ✔ |
| Mic preamps | High-quality mic preamp | HDDA mic preamps |
| Number of headset mic inputs | 1 | 1 |
| Number of headphone output jacks | 2 | 2 |
| External speaker (line) outputs | – | ✔ |
| Mode switching | – | ✔ |
