Tascam US-1800 User Manual

D01127720A

US-1800

USB2.0 Audio/MIDI Interface

OWNER'S MANUAL

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR

BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE

PERSONNEL.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

This appliance has a serial number located on the rear panel. Please record the model number and serial number and retain them for your records.

Model number

Serial number

For U.S.A.

TO THE USER

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

CAUTION

Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by TEAC CORPORATION for compliance could void the user's authority to operate this equipment.

WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS

APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR

MOISTURE.

CE Marking Information

a)Applicable electromagnetic environment: E4

b)Peak inrush current: 0.6 A

In North America use only on 120V supply.

2 TASCAM US-1800

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1Read these instructions.

2Keep these instructions.

3Heed all warnings.

4Follow all instructions.

5Do not use this apparatus near water.

6Clean only with dry cloth.

7Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

8Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

12Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

13Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

14Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

•• Do not expose this apparatus to drips or splashes.

•• Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus.

•• Do not install this apparatus in a confined space such as a book case or similar unit.

•• The apparatus draws nominal non-operating power from the AC outlet with its POWER or STANDBY/ON switch not in the ON position.

•• The apparatus should be located close enough to the AC outlet so that you can easily grasp the power cord plug at any time.

•• The mains plug is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.

•• Caution should be taken when using earphones or headphones with the product because excessive sound pressure (volume) from earphones or headphones can cause hearing loss.

ªª RACK-MOUNTING THE UNIT

Use the supplied rack-mounting kit to mount the unit in a standard 19-inch rack, as shown below.

Remove the feet of the unit before mounting.

	NOTE
••	Leave 1U of space above the unit for ventilation.
••	Allow at least 10 cm (4 in) at the rear of the unit for
	ventilation.

TASCAM US-1800 3

Contents
1 − Introduction................................................	5
Overview..................................................................................	5
Main features..........................................................................	5
Included items.......................................................................	5
About this manual................................................................	5
Trademarks.............................................................................	6
Precautions and notes for placement and use..........	6
Beware of condensation....................................................	6
Cleaning the unit..................................................................	6
2 − Names and Functions of Parts...................	7
Front panel..............................................................................	7
Rear panel................................................................................	8
3 − Installation..................................................	9
System requirements..........................................................	9
Windows...........................................................................	9
Mac OS X...........................................................................	9
Connecting the power........................................................	9
Installing the driver..............................................................	9
Installing the driver for Windows...........................	10
Installing the driver for Mac OS X..........................	11
Uninstalling the driver...............................................	11
Frequently asked installation questions and
answers (FAQ) ...............................................................	11
Settings on your computer.............................................	11
Installing Cubase LE 5.......................................................	11
4 − US-1800 Control panel settings.............	12
Overview................................................................................	12
Control panel settings.......................................................	12
Audio Performance.....................................................	12
Sample Clock Source..................................................	12
Digital Output Format................................................	12
Digital Output Channels...........................................	12
5 − Connections.............................................	13
External device connection example..........................	13
USB connections.................................................................	14
Audio connections.............................................................	14
Mic.....................................................................................	14
Guitar................................................................................	14
Analog connections with keyboards, drum
machines, sound modules and cassette,
MiniDisc and CD players, etc...................................	14
Digital connections with sound modules and
MiniDisc and CD players, etc. .................................	14
Monitor speakers.........................................................	14
Headphones .................................................................	14
MIDI connections................................................................	14
6 – Application Guide....................................	15
Cubase LE 5...........................................................................	15
Windows XP and Windows Media Player...................	15

Windows Vista/Windows 7 and Windows Media
Player.......................................................................................	15
Mac OS X and iTunes.........................................................	16
Simultaneous use with multiple clients.....................	16
7 – MIDI implementation chart....................	17
8 – Troubleshooting......................................	18
9 – Specifications...........................................	20
Input/output ratings.........................................................	20
Analog audio input/output .....................................	20
Digital audio input/output.......................................	20
Control input/output........................................................	20
Audio performance............................................................	20
Computer requirements..................................................	20
Windows.........................................................................	20
Macintosh.......................................................................	21
General...................................................................................	21
Dimensional drawings......................................................	22
Block diagram......................................................................	23

4 TASCAM US-1800

Thank you for your purchase of the TASCAM US-1800 USB2.0 Audio/MIDI Interface.

Before connecting and using the unit, please take time to read this manual thoroughly to ensure you understand how to properly set up and connect the unit, as well as the operation of its many useful and convenient functions. After you have finished reading this manual, please keep it in a safe place for future reference.

You can also download the Owner's Manual from the TASCAM web site (http://www.tascam.com).

Overview

The unit is a USB-based audio interface designed for use with Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software, such as Cubase LE 5. It provides abundant analog and digital inputs and outputs, and 16-channel MIDI inputs and outputs. It is the ideal companion to any computer-based digital recording setup.

Main features

•• Audio interface with 16 inputs and 4 outputs

•• 24-bit/96-kHz audio

•• 12 balanced analog inputs include 8 XLR for mics and 4 line

•• S/PDIF digital input

•• +48V phantom power can be provided (to 8 mic inputs)

•• Outputs include 4 balanced line, a balanced pair for monitors, digital and headphone

•• S/PDIF or AES/EBU selectable digital output

•• MIDI IN/OUT

•• Direct monitoring function allows input monitoring without latency

•• In addition to a monitor level control, independent level control is possible for the signals input from a computer by USB and through the unit’s input jacks

•• Can be used with multiple software clients at the same time even if some use ASIO and other use WDM for audio control

•• USB 2.0 High speed (480 MHz) compatible

•• Cubase LE 5 included

A note about computer operation

If you are unsure about how to perform basic computer operations appearing in this manual, please refer to the owner’s manual that came with your computer.

1 − Introduction

Included items

The included items are listed below.

Take care when opening the package not to damage the items. Keep the package materials for transportation in the future.

Please contact the store where you purchased this unit if any of these items are missing or have been damaged during transportation.

••	Main unit.........................................................................................	1
••	AC adaptor (TASCAM PS-1225L)............................................	1
••	Power cord set for AC adaptor................................................	1
••	USB cable........................................................................................	1
••	CD-ROM (containing driver).......................................................	1
•• DVD-ROM (Cubase LE 5)...........................................................		1
•• Cubase LE 5 Quick Start Guide...............................................		1
••	A rack-mounting screw kit.......................................................	1
••	A warranty card............................................................................	1
••	Owner's manual (this manual)................................................	1

CAUTION

Always use the included TASCAM PS-1225L AC adaptor and its power cord with this unit because they match the unit’s power requirements. Moreover, you should never use the included AC adaptor and its power cord with other devices. Incorrect use could cause malfunction, fire or electric shock.

About this manual

In this manual, we use the following conventions:

•• The names of keys and controls are given in the following bold typeface: PHONES

•• Characters that appear on a computer display are given in the following light typeface: OK

•• Additional information is introduced in the styles below when needed:

TIP

Useful hints when using the unit.

NOTE

Explanation of actions in special situation and supplement.

CAUTION

Instructions that should be followed to avoid injury, damage to the unit or other equipment, and loss of data.

TASCAM US-1800 5

	1 − Introduction
Trademarks
••	TASCAM is a trademark of TEAC Corporation, registered
	in the U.S. and other countries.
••	Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and
	Windows Media Player are either registered trademarks
	or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United
	States and/or other countries.
••	Apple, Macintosh, Mac OS, Mac OS X and iTunes are
	trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and
	other countries.
••	Pentium and Intel are trademarks of Intel Corporation
	in the U.S. and/or other countries.
••	AMD Athlon is a trademark of Advanced Micro Devices,
	Inc.
••	Cubase is a registered trademark of Steinberg Media
	Technologies GmbH. ASIO is a trademark of Steinberg
	Media Technologies GmbH.
••	Other company names and product names in this
	document are the trademarks or registered trademarks
	of their respective owners.

Precautions and notes for placement and use

••	The operating temperature should be between 5°C and
	35°C (41°F and 95°F).
••	Do not install in the following types of places. Doing
	so could degrade the sound quality and/or cause
	malfunctions.
	•• Places with significant vibrations or that are
	otherwise unstable
	•• Near windows or other places exposed to direct
	sunlight
	•• Near heaters or other extremely hot places
	•• Extremely cold places
	•• Places with bad ventilation or high humidity
	•• Very dusty locations
••	Make sure that the unit is mounted in a level position
	for correct operation.
••	Do not place any object on the unit for heat dissipation.
••	Avoid installing this unit on top of any heat-generating
	electrical device such as a power amplifier.

Beware of condensation

If the unit is moved from a cold to a warm place, or used after a sudden temperature change, there is a danger of condensation; vapor in the air could condense on the internal mechanism, making correct operation impossible. To prevent this, or if this occurs, let the unit sit for one or two hours at the new room temperature before using.

Cleaning the unit

To clean the unit, wipe it gently with a soft dry cloth. Do not wipe with chemical cleaning cloths, benzene, paint thinner, ethyl alcohol or other chemical agents to clean the unit as they could damage the surface.

6 TASCAM US-1800

2 − Names and Functions of Parts

Front panel

1STANDBY/ON switch, indicator

Use this switch to turn the power ON and to put the unit in standby. When ON, the STANDBY/ON indicator lights green.

2USB indicator

Lights up orange to indicate a valid USB connection to the host computer.

3PHANTOM switches

Use these switches to set whether or not +48 V phantom power is provided to the MIC IN jacks (1-4, 5-8).

Each switch controls four input channels. Phantom power is on when the button is pushed in.

	CAUTION
••	Before turning these switches ON or OFF, turn the output
	volume down using the PHONES and MONITOR knobs.
	Depending on the mic, loud noises might be produced
	and damage could be caused to equipment and people’s
	hearing.
••	Do not connect or disconnect a mic with an input when its
	switch is ON.
••	Turn a switch ON only when connecting a condenser
	microphone that requires phantom power.
••	Do not supply phantom power to an unbalanced dynamic
	microphone.
••	Some ribbon mics can be damaged by phantom power. If
	unsure, do not supply phantom power to a ribbon mic.

4MIC IN (balanced) jacks

These are XLR balanced analog mic input jacks. Use the Gain knobs to adjust the input gain level.

(1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)

6Gain knobs and OL indicators (1-10)

Adjust the gain level for Inputs (1-10) individually. The adjustable range is from –2 dBu to –58 dBu for Mic Inputs (1-8), from +4 dBu to –42 dBu for Line Inputs (9-10), and from –6dBV to –52dBV for Guitar Inputs (9-10).

The OL (overload) indicators light when an input signal is close to distortion (when –2 dBFS is exceeded).

7MONITOR knob

Adjusts the level of signals output from the MONITOR L/R jacks on the rear panel.

8MIX knob

Controls the balance of the signal sources being output from the PHONES jack and the MONITOR L/ R jacks. With this knob turned to the far left, the unit

will output the signal input from the MIC IN (1-8) jacks and LINE IN (9-14) jacks. With this knob turned to the far right, the unit will output the signal received from the computer via USB.

9PHONES jack and knob

Use this standard stereo phone jack to connect stereo headphones. This jack outputs the same signal that is output from the MONITOR L/R jacks.

Use the PHONES knob to adjust the headphones output level.

CAUTION

Turn the PHONES knob to the minimum volume before connecting headphones. Failure to do so could cause sudden loud noises and damage hearing, for example.

5GUITAR (unbalanced)/LINE IN (balanced) jacks and switches

These jacks (9-10) are standard TRS analog input jacks. When the switch is pressed in, the corresponding jack functions as an unbalanced guitar input (GUITAR).

When the switch is out, the corresponding jack functions as a balanced input (LINE IN). Use the corresponding gain knobs to set the gains of the inputs.

(Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND)

TASCAM US-1800 7

2 − Names and Functions of Parts

Rear panel

0USB port

Use the included USB cable to connect the unit to a computer.

(Only compatible with USB 2.0.)

qDIGITAL IN (coaxial) jack

This coaxial digital input jack is compatible with the IEC60958-3 (S/PDIF) standard.

wDIGITAL OUT (coaxial) jack

This coaxial digital output jack is compatible with the IEC60958-3 (S/PDIF) and AES3-2003 (AES/EBU) standards. This jack outputs the same signals as LINE OUTPUTS 1/2 or LINE OUTPUTS 3/4. Set this using the control panel. The digital signal format can also be set using the control panel.

NOTE

This unit’s DIGITAL IN and OUT jacks can input and output signals at 24-bit/96 kHz.

eMIDI OUT connector

This standard 5-pin DIN connector can be used to output MIDI signals.

rMIDI IN connector

This standard 5-pin DIN connector can be used to input MIDI signals.

tINPUTS (BALANCED) jacks and LEV switches

INPUTS (11-14) are standard TRS balanced input jacks. Use the LEV switches to set the nominal level to either –10 dBV (−10) or +4 dBu (+4).

NOTE

The gain of these jacks cannot be adjusted.

yLINE OUT (BALANCED) jacks (1-4)

These standard TRS jacks are balanced analog line output jacks. The nominal output level is +4 dBu. These jacks output signals sent from a computer to the unit by USB. Use the audio application on the computer to set which signals to output. Connect these outputs to an external mixer, recorder or other device.

(Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND)

uMONITOR (BALANCED) jacks (L/R)

These standard TRS jacks are balanced analog jacks that output the monitoring signals. These can output both a mono mix of signals from the unit inputs (1-14) and the signals output from the computer for monitoring. Use the MIX knob on the front panel

to adjust the balance of these two sources. Use the MONITOR knob on the front panel to adjust the output level.

Connect these jacks to monitor speakers, for example. (Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND)

iCord holder

Loop the cord of the included TASCAM PS-1225L AC adaptor here to prevent the plug from being disconnected accidentally.

oDC IN 12V jack

Connect the included TASCAM PS-1225L AC adaptor to this Jack.

8 TASCAM US-1800