Tascam US-144-Mk2 Owners Manual
US-144@#
USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI Interface
OWNER'S MANUAL
D010 87720A
2 TASCAM US-144MKII
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
For U.S.A.
TO THE USER
Thi s equipme nt has been teste d and found
to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable p rotec tion agains t harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment
genera tes, uses , and can radiate radi o fre quency energy and, if not installed and used
in accordance with the instruction manual,
may cause harmful inter ference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a par ticular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interferenc e to radi o or television reception, which
can be determined by turning the equipment
off and on, the user is encouraged to t ry to
correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures.
a) Reorient or relocate the receiving anten-
na.
b) Incre as e the sepa ra tio n betwe en th e
equipment and receiver.
c) Connect the equipment into an outlet on
a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
d) Co ns ult the de al er or an exp er ience d
radio /TV technician for help.
Declaration of Conformity
Model Nu mber: US-144MKII
Trade Name : TASCAM
Respo nsible par ty: TEAC AME RICA, INC.
Monteb ello, Califor nia, U.S.A .
Telephone number: 1-323-726-0303
Th is dev ice com pli es wit h P art 15 of the FCC Rule s.
Opera tion is subje ct to the followi ng two condit ions:
(1) This dev ice may not cau se harmful i nterfere nce, and
(2 ) T his devic e m ust accept any interf erenc e r ecei ved,
includ ing interfe rence that c ause undes ired opera tion.
This appliance has a serial number located on th e bottom panel. Please record the m odel number and serial
number a nd retain th em for your rec ords.
Model number
Serial number
CAUTION
Chang es or m odifi catio ns to this e qui pme nt no t exp ressl y app roved by T EAC
CORPO RATION for co mplia nce could void
the use r's author it y to opera te th is equipment.
TASCAM US-144MKII 3
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1 Read these instructions.
2 Keep these instructions.
3 Heed all warnings.
4 Follow all instructions.
5 Do not use this apparatus near water.
6 Clean only with dry cloth.
7 Do not block any ventilation openings.
Insta ll in acc ordan ce wi th th e manufacturer's instructions.
8 D o not install near any heat sources such
as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9 Only use attachments/accessories speci-
fied by the manufacturer.
10 Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, brack-
et, or table specified by the manufacturer,
or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is
used, us e caution w hen moving the car t/
apparatus combination to avoid injury from
ti p- ove r.
• Do not exp ose t his apparatus to drips or
splashes.
• Do not place any objects filled with liquids,
such as vases, on the apparatus.
• D o not inst all this apparatus in a confined
space such as a book case or similar unit.
Contents
1 – Introduction ............................ 5
Overview................................................5
Features
.................................................5
What is in the package
Conventions used in this manual
Trademarks
Precautions and notes for placement
and use
Beware of condensation
Cleaning the unit
............................................6
.................................................. 6
..........................5
...........6
........................ 7
...................................7
2 – Parts of the US-144MKII ......... 8
Top panel ...............................................8
Front panel........................................... 10
Rear panel
............................................ 11
3 – Installation............................. 12
System requirements ...........................12
Windows
Mac OS X
Installing the driver
Installing the driver for Windows
Installing the driver for Mac OS X
Uninstalling the driver
Frequently asked installation
questions and answers (FAQ)
Settings on your computer
Installing Cubase LE4
........................................12
.......................................12
.............................. 12
...13
..15
....................15
........15
..................16
...........................16
4 – US-144 MKII Control panel
settings .................................. 17
Overview.............................................. 17
Control panel settings
Audio Performance
Sample Clock Source
Digital Output Format
“ch1 and ch2” and “ch3 and ch4”
LINE OUTPUTS and DIGITAL
OUTPUT
..........................................18
USB 1.1 Mode Input Selection
.........................17
.........................17
...................... 18
....................18
. 18
........18
5 – Connections ........................... 19
USB connections .................................. 19
Audio connections
Mic
................................................. 19
Guitar
............................................. 20
Sound module/MD/CD etc. (digital
connection)
Keyboard/drum machine/sound
module/cassette deck/MD/CD etc.
(analog connection)
Analog record player
Monitor speakers
Headphones
MIDI connections
............................... 19
....................................20
.......................21
...................... 21
...........................21
................................... 22
.................................22
6 – Application Guide ................. 24
Windows XP and Windows Media
Player
................................................... 24
Windows Vista and Windows Media
Player
................................................... 25
Mac OS X and iTunes
Cubase LE4
..........................................26
........................... 26
7 – MIDI Implementation Chart . 27
8 – Troubleshooting
9 – Specifications
Input/output ratings ............................ 31
Analog audio input/outupt
Digital audio input/output
Control input/output
Audio performance
Computer requirements
Windows
Macintosh
General
................................................ 33
Dimensions
..........................................34
.................... 28
........................ 31
............ 31
.............. 31
......................32
.............................. 32
.......................32
........................................32
......................................33
4 TASCAM US-144MKII
1 – Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of the
TASCAM US-144MKII USB 2.0 Audio/
MIDI Interface.
Please read this owner’s manual carefully
before you begin using the US-144MKII,
and use the product correctly as directed
in order to ensure long and trouble-free
enjoyment of all its functionality.
After you have read this manual, keep it
nearby for reference when required.
You can also download the Owner's
Manual from the supplied CD-ROM or the
TASCAM web site (http://www.tascam.
com).
We can accept no responsibility for any loss
of the data you record using this product
onto other MIDI equipment in your system
or onto storage devices such as hard disk.
Overview
The US-144MKII is a USB-based audio/
MIDI interface designed for use with Digital
Audio Workstation (DAW) software. It
provides a four-input, four-output 24-bit 96
kHz audio interface and a 16-channel MIDI
interface.
Because the US-144MKII is USB-based,
it is the ideal companion to any desktop or
laptop-based digital recording setup. And
since the US-144MKII operates using only
USB power, you can use it with a laptop
computer to create a very compact and
portable digital audio workstation system.
The US-144MKII is also an ideal way to
capture analog sources such as records
or cassette tapes into your computer and
preserve them as audio CDs.
Features
24-bit/96 kHz audio interface.•
4-channel (two analog and two digital) •
signals can be input at the same time
and recorded simultaneously into your
computer via USB.
Two XLR mic inputs (balanced) and •
two 1/4” phone mic inputs (balanced/
unbalanced) are provided. One of the 1/4”
phone inputs can be switched to allow
direct input of an electric guitar or electric
bass (R channel only).
Unbalanced stereo line output (RCA •
connector) and headphone output.
S/PDIF digital input and output•
MIDI IN/OUT.•
Direct Monitor function allows zero-•
latency monitoring of the input.
Power is supplied by the USB connector.•
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.
What is in the package
The US-144MKII package contains the
following items.
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.
TASCAM US-144MKII 5
6 TASCAM US-144MKII
TIP
NOTE
CAUTION
1 – Introduction
US-144MKII main unit•
USB cable•
CD-ROM •
DVD-ROM (Cubase LE4)•
Cubase LE4 Quick Start Guide•
Warranty card•
Owner’s manual (this document)•
Conventions used in this
manual
The following conventions are used in this
manual:
Front panel keys, knobs, and indicators, •
and rear panel connectors are designated
in all-capital letters.
Example:
• is used to designate
This typeface
messages displayed by the software.
Example:
• is used to designate
This typeface
software menu functions and on-screen
controllers.
Example:
Additional information is introduced in •
the styles below when needed:
(
containing driver and manuals
LINE IN
Control Surface Protocol
ASIO Device
jacks
Instructions that should be followed to
avoid injury, damage to the unit or other
)
equipment, and loss of data.
Trademarks
TASCAM is a registered trademark of •
TEAC Corporation.
Microsoft, Windows, Windows XP, and •
Windows Vista are either registered
trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and/or
other countries.
Apple, Macintosh, Mac OS and Mac OS •
X 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 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, product names and •
logos in this document are the trademarks
or registered trademarks of their respective
owners.
Useful hints when using the unit.
Explanation of actions in special situation
and supplement.
Precautions and notes for
placement and use
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.
TASCAM US-144MKII 7
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 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.
1 – Introduction
8 TASCAM US-144MKII
NOTE
2 – Parts of the US-144MKII
Top panel
MIDI IN indicator
1
data is being received at the
connector.
A device that transmits the MIDI Active
Sense message will cause this indicator to
blink constantly.
Lights when MIDI
MIDI IN
MIDI OUT indicator
2
data is being transmitted from the
OUT
connector.
USB indicator
3
USB connection to the host computer.
Lights when MIDI
MIDI
Lights to indicate a valid
TASCAM US-144MKII 9
CAUTION
CAUTION
2 – Parts of the US-144MKII
MON MIX balance knob
4
Controls
the balance of the signal sources being
output from the
PHONES
INPUT
the
US-144MKII (from the
LINE IN
1/4”
knob is turned to the
LINE OUT
jacks and the
jack. When this knob is turned to
side, the signal being input to the
MIC IN
jacks, or
jacks) will be output. When this
COMPUTER
side, the
output signal received from the computer via
USB will be output.
MONO switch
5
Turn this switch ON
if you want to monitor in monaural. This
switch affects only the
MIC/LINE
input
signal.
INPUT L knob
6
audio signal being input to the
jacks and
7
LINE IN L
PHONES level knob
level of the
Use the PHONES knob to minimize the
volume before connecting headphones.
Failure to do so could cause a sudden burst
of loud noise, which might result in hearing
damage, for example.
LINE OUT level knob
8
output level of the
INPUT R knob
9
audio signal being input to the
jacks and
0
LINE IN R
MIC/LINE-GUITAR select switch
Adjust the level of the
jacks.
PHONES
jack.
LINE OUT
Adjust the level of the
jacks.
MIC IN L
Controls the output
Controls the
jacks.
MIC IN R
Set
this switch as appropriate for the input source
GUITAR
LINE/GUITAR
position if you
you have connected to the
IN R
jack. Use the
have directly connected an electric guitar
or electric bass. Use the
MIC/LINE
position
if you have connected an electronic musical
instrument, audio device, or mic.
SIG/OL indicators
q
are being input to the input channels (
Light when signals
L, R
).
They will light green to indicate a signal
is present, and will light red immediately
before distortion occurs.
These indicators will light green when the
maximum level is between -30 dB and -2
dB. The indicators will light red when the
maximum level is within -2 dB.
PHANTOM switch/indicator
w
Turns
on the +48V phantom power supplied to the
MIC IN
jacks.
The indicator lights when the
PHANTOM
switch is ON.
Use the PHONES and LINE OUT knobs to •
minimize the volume before turning the
PHANTOM switch ON or OFF. Depending
on the mic, loud noises might be
produced and damage could be caused
to equipment or to people’s hearing.
Microphones should not be connected •
to or disconnected from the US-144MKII
with phantom power switched on.
Turn this switch on only if you are using •
condenser microphones that require
phantom power.
Unbalanced dynamic microphones •
should never be connected to phantompowered connectors.
Please note that if you are operating •
the unit with a battery-powered
laptop computer, the battery life of
the computer will be reduced if the
PHANTOM switch is on.
10 TASCAM US-144MKII
CAUTION
2 – Parts of the US-144MKII
Front panel
MIC IN (L, R) jacks
e
These are analog mic input jacks. The wiring
is as follows: pin 1 = ground, pin 2 = hot, pin
3 = cold.
LINE IN L jack
r
These are balanced line input jacks.
PHONES jack
t
is a headphone output jack.
Use the PHONES knob to minimize the
volume before connecting headphones.
Failure to do so could cause a sudden burst
of loud noise, which might result in hearing
damage, for example.
(XLR balanced)
(TRS 1/4” phone jack)
(stereo 1/4” phone) This
LINE IN R/GUITAR IN jack
y
phone jacks) These are balanced line input
jacks. This also accommodates guitar input.
If the top panel
switch is in the
operates as an unbalanced input jack for
guitar. If the
is in the
a balanced input jack. (Sleeve = ground, tip
= hot, ring = cold)
MIC/LINE-GUITAR
GUITAR
MIC/LINE-GUITAR
MIC/LINE
position, this operates as
(TRS 1/4”
select
position, this
select switch
TASCAM US-144MKII 11
Rear panel
NOTE
NOTE
2 – Parts of the US-144MKII
USB connector
u
Use the provided USB
cable to connect this to the host computer’s
USB 2.0 port.
If the US-144MKII is operating •
with a USB 1.1 (USB 2.0 Full Speed)
connection, the sample rate choices
will be limited to 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz.
If the unit is operating with a USB 1.1 •
(USB 2.0 Full Speed) connection, the
transfer of audio data with the computer
by USB is limited to either 2 channels of
input or 2 channels of output.
The US-144MKII obtains power from the •
host computer via the USB cable. In rare
cases, a computer’s USB port may not be
able to supply enough power to operate
the US-144MKII. If this occurs, consider
purchasing a USB 2.0 hub that comes
with its own external power supply.
DIGITAL IN (COAXIAL) connector
i
Coaxial digital input jack that conforms
to the IEC60958 (S/PDIF) standard for
consumer use.
DIGITAL OUT connector
o
Coaxial
digital output jack that conforms to the
IEC60958 (S/PDIF) standard for consumer
use and the IEC60958 (AES/EBU) standard
for professional use.
Simultaneous input and output at
24-bit/96-kHz is possible with this unit’s
DIGITAL IN and OUT jacks.
MIDI OUT connector
p
Transmits MIDI
messages.
MIDI IN connector
a
Receives MIDI
messages.
LINE OUT L/R jacks
s
(RCA connector,
unbalanced) These are analog stereo output
jacks.
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