Tascam US-16x08 User Manual

US-16x08

USB2.0 Audio Interface/Mic Preamp

Reference Manual

D01247020B

Before connecting this unit to a computer, you must download and install a dedicated driver.

Contents

1 – Introduction ..............................................3

Features .................................................................................. 3

Conventions used in this manual ..................................3

2 – Names and functions of parts .................. 4

Front panel ............................................................................4

Rear panel .............................................................................. 5

3 – Installation ................................................6

System requirements......................................................... 6

Windows ..........................................................................6

Mac OS X..........................................................................6

iOS devices .....................................................................6

Supported audio drivers ...........................................6

Installing the driver and Settings Panel ...................... 6

Installing the driver and Settings Panel for

Windows ..........................................................................6

Installing the Mac OS X Settings Panel ................. 7

Uninstalling the driver and Settings Panel ......... 9

Automatic launching of the Settings Panel ........ 9

4 – Preparation ..............................................10

Attaching the rackmount angles ................................10

Connecting the power ....................................................10

5 – Connections ............................................. 11

Examples of connections with other equipment .. 11

Computer connections ...................................................12

Audio connections ...........................................................12

Microphones ................................................................ 12

Guitar .............................................................................. 12

Electronic and audio devices and other

equipment .................................................................... 12

Analog record players .............................................. 12

Monitor speakers ........................................................12

Headphones .................................................................12

MIDI connections .............................................................. 12

Connecting with iOS devices ........................................ 12

Windows 8 ....................................................................23

Windows 7 ....................................................................23

Mac OS X and iTunes ........................................................24

iOS ..........................................................................................24

9 – MIDI Implementation Chart ...................25

10 – Troubleshooting ...................................26

Troubleshooting ................................................................26

11 – Specifications ........................................28

Specifications .....................................................................28

Ratings ...........................................................................28

Analog inputs ..............................................................28

Analog outputs ........................................................... 28

Control input/output ratings .................................28

Audio performance ...................................................29

Computer system requirements .................................29

Windows ........................................................................29

Mac OS X........................................................................29

iOS devices ...................................................................29

Supported audio drivers .........................................29

General .................................................................................29

Dimensional drawings ....................................................30

Block diagrams ...................................................................31

Level diagrams ...................................................................32

6 – Using the Settings Panel ........................13

Opening the Settings Panel ..........................................13

Settings Panel screen ......................................................13

MIXER page ......................................................................... 14

INTERFACE page ................................................................17

OUTPUT SETTING page ...................................................18

Settings Panel pull-down menus ................................19

View menu .................................................................... 19

SceneMemory menu ................................................20

7 – Mic Preamp Mode ...................................22

Using the unit as a standalone mic preamp ............22

8 – Application Guide ...................................23

Windows Media Player ....................................................23

TASCAM US-16x08

2

1 – Introduction

Features

•

Built-in Ultra-HDDA mic preamps with discrete construction
that achieves −125dBu EIN

•

Support for direct guitar input

•

Input specifications that can handle the sound pressures of
drum recording easily

•

8 XLR inputs that support +48V phantom power and 6 TRS
inputs that can be switched between −10 dBV and +4 dBu

•

Standalone mic preamp use also supported

•

Support for high resolution recording formats up to
24-bit/96kHz

•

USB 2.0 computer connection

•

Advanced DSP mixer with four-band equalizer and
compressor on each channel

•

Driver software that can be installed without connecting
the unit

•

Angled design provides excellent usability on a desktop

•

Tough metal casing can endure even hard use

•

Separate controls for line and headphones output volumes

•

Supports connection with an iPad or other iOS device

•

Operation confirmed with major DAW software (Sonar,
ProTools, Cubase, Live, Studio One, GarageBand)

•

MIDI input and output enable connection with keyboards
and other MIDI devices

•

Rack mount adapters and hex key included

•

Support for Windows and Mac

•

High 56dB input level range supports dynamic mic input

•

Balanced analog TRS output jacks suitable for connection to
powered monitors

•

Standard stereo TRS headphones jack with 70mW per
channel output

•

Low latency monitoring through the DSP mixer

•

Patch bay allows outputs to be assigned freely

•

Scene memories can store DSP mixer settings (up to 10
scenes can be stored and renamed)

•

8 balanced analog TRS output jacks

•

AC adapter included

Note about computer operation

If you are unsure about anything related to the basic operation
of a computer when it is mentioned in an explanation in this
manual, please refer to the computer operation manual.

Conventions used in this manual

The following conventions are used in this manual.

•

Switches, connectors and other physical parts of this unit
are written using a bold font like this: PHONES knob.

•

Information shown on the computer display is written like
this “OK”.

•

As necessary, additional information is provided under TIP,
NOTE and CAUTION headings.

TIP

These are tips about how to use the unit.

NOTE

These provide additional explanations and describe special
cases.

CAUTION

Failure to follow these instructions could result in injury,
damage to equipment or lost recording data, for example.

This product incorporates a Blackfin® processor made by
Analog Devices, Inc.

TASCAM US-16x08

3

2 – Names and functions of parts

Front panel

1 STANDBY/ON switch and indicator

Press to turn the unit on and to put it into standby. The
STANDBY/ON indicator lights green when the unit is on.

2 Phantom power switches

Use these switches to provide +48V phantom power to the
IN 1–4 and IN 5–8 jacks.

These switches each turn phantom power on/off for 4
channels at a time. Phantom power is supplied when a
switch is set to +48V.

CAUTION

•

Before using these switches to turn phantom power on
(+48V) or OFF, set the PHONES and LINE OUT 1-2 knobs
to their minimum values. Failure to do so could cause a loud
noise that might damage other equipment or harm people.

•

Do not connect or disconnect mics when a switch is set to

+48V.

•

Do not supply phantom power to an unbalanced dynamic
mic.

•

Supplying phantom power to some ribbon mics will break
them. If you are unsure, do not supply phantom power to a
ribbon mic.

3 IN 1-8 (BALANCED) jacks

These are analog XLR input jacks. You can adjust their input
gains with the gain knobs.

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

4 IN 9-10 (balanced/unbalanced) jacks and LINE/INST

switches

These are standard analog TRS input jacks.
The LINE/INST switches enable support for both line

input, including audio equipment and keyboards, and high
impedance input, including direct input of guitars.

You can adjust their input gains with the gain knobs.
(Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND)

5 Gain knobs and overload indicators

Use the 1–10 gain knobs to adjust the gain of IN 1-10
independently.

These can set the gain for IN 1-8 between −12 dBu and −68
dBu and for IN 9-10 between +4 dBu and −42 dBu (between

−12 dBV and −57 dBV during guitar input).
The overload indicators to the upper left of each of the 1–10

gain knobs light just before an input is about to distort
(when the signal exceeds −1 dBFS).

6 LINE OUT 1-2 knob

Use this knob to adjust the output level of the LINE OUT 1-2
jacks on the back of the unit.

7 PHONES jack and knob

Use this standard stereo jack to connect stereo headphones.
The sound output is the same as the signals output from the
LINE OUT 1-2 jacks.

Use the PHONES knob to adjust the headphone output
level.

TASCAM US-16x08

4

8 USB indicator

This lights orange when the USB connection is working.

CAUTION

Before connecting headphones, minimize the volume with
the PHONES knob. Failure to do so might cause sudden loud
noises, which could harm your hearing or result in other
trouble.

Rear panel

2 – Names and functions of parts

9 USB port

Use the included USB cable to connect the unit to a
computer or iOS device (supports USB 2.0).

CAUTION

•

USB 1.1 is not supported.

•

When connected to a USB 3.0 port, it will function in High
Speed mode equivalent to USB 2.0 (480 Mbps maximum).

0 MIDI OUT connector

This 5-pin DIN is a standard MIDI output connector.
This outputs MIDI signals.

q MIDI IN connector

This 5-pin DIN is a standard MIDI input connector.
Use this to input MIDI signals.

w LINE IN 11-16 (balanced) jacks and switches

These are standard TRS line input jacks. Use the LEVEL
switches to set the nominal level to −10 dBV or +4 dBu.

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

NOTE

The input gain cannot be adjusted for these jacks.

e Cord holder

Attach the cord of the included AC adapter here to prevent
the plug from becoming disconnected.

r LINE OUT 1-8 (balanced) jacks

These are standard TRS analog line output jacks. Their
nominal output levels are +4 dBu.

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

t AUTO POWER SAVE switch

This can be set to have the unit turn itself off (start standby)
automatically if no input signal (above −60 dBFS) has been
detected for 30 minutes when operating in mic preamp
mode.

CAUTION

If you want to turn the unit on again after it has turned itself
off (entered standby) automatically using this function, set
the STANDBY/ON switch to STANDBY once, wait at least 8
seconds and then set it to ON again.

y DC IN 12V connector

Connect the included AC adapter (GPE248-120200-Z) here.

TASCAM US-16x08

5

3 – Installation

System requirements

Check the TEAC Global Site (http://teac-global.com/) for the
latest information about supported operating systems.

Windows

8

Supported operating systems

Windows 8 (including 8.1) 32-bit
Windows 8 (including 8.1) 64-bit
Windows 7 32-bit SP1 or later
Windows 7 64-bit SP1 or later

8

Computer hardware requirements

Windows computer with a USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port

8

CPU/processor speed

2 GHz or faster dual core processor (x86)

8

Memory

2 GB or more

8

Display resolution

Display with 1280x800 resolution

CAUTION

Operation of this unit was confirmed using standard
computers that meet the above requirements. This does
not guarantee operation with all computers that meet the
above requirements. Even computers that meet the same
system requirements might have processing capabilities
that differ according to their settings and other operating
conditions

Supported audio drivers

Windows: ASIO2.0, WDM, MIDI
Mac: Core Audio, Core MIDI

Installing the driver and Settings Panel

To use this unit with a Windows computer, a driver and Settings
Panel must be installed on it. To use this unit with a Mac, a driver
does not need to be installed, but the Settings Panel must be
installed in order to use the DSP mixer functions.

Download the latest driver and Settings Panel for the operating
system you are using from the TEAC Global Site (http://
teac-global.com/).

i When you install the driver on a Windows computer, the

Settings Panel will be installed at the same time.

i Only the Settings Panel needs to be installed on a Mac. This

unit can be operated with the standard Mac OS driver, so
there is no need to install a driver.

i When using this unit with an iOS device, the standard OS

driver will be used, so there is no need to install a driver or
Settings Panel.

CAUTION

Restarting the computer might be necessary after instal­lation or uninstallation completes. Save your data and
conduct other necessary steps in other applications before
quitting them.

Installing the driver and Settings Panel for Windows

NOTE

If noise occurs, please set your computer’s power options to
“High Performance”.

Mac OS X

8

Supported operating systems

OS X Yosemite (10.10 or later)
OS X Mavericks (10.9.1 or later)
OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.4 or later)

8

Computer hardware requirements

Apple Mac computer with a USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port

8

CPU/processor speed

2 GHz or faster dual core processor

8

Memory

2 GB or more

8

Display resolution

Display with at least 1280x800 resolution

iOS devices

Apple devices running iOS 7 or later

NOTE

i Complete installation of the driver on the computer before

connecting the unit to it with the USB cable. If you already
connected the unit using the USB cable before installing the
driver, and the Found New Hardware Wizard launched on the
computer, close the Wizard and disconnect the USB cable.

8

Installation procedures

1. Download the latest driver for the operating system you are
using from the TEAC Global Site (http://teac-global.com/)
and save it on the computer to be used with the unit.

2. Open the saved driver (zip file) on, for example, the
computer desktop.

3. Double-click the “US-16x08_Installer.exe” file in the folder
that appears after uncompression to automatically launch
the installation software.

CAUTION

If you open a zip file without decompressing it and double­click the “US-16x08_Installer.exe” file in the folder that
opens, installation will not start. Right-click the zip file and
select “Extract All”, for example, to decompress it and then
try again.

4. When a “Security Warning” or “User Account Control” screens
appear, click the “Yes” button.

TASCAM US-16x08

6

3 – Installation

5. Next, select a language and click the “OK” button.

6. When the Setup Wizard screen appears, click the “Next”
button.

7. Read the contents of the License Agreement, and select
“Agree (A)” if you agree to the terms. Then, click the “Next”
button.

11. Click the “Finish” button when the screen below appears.

12. The following screen appears when installation has
completed. Click the “Finish (F)” button.

The installer will quit and the Settings Panel will launch.

CAUTION

•

When installing the driver, a warning might appear with a
message such as, “The software you are installing for the
hardware has not passed Windows Logo testing to verify its
compatibility with Windows.” If this message appears, click
“Continue Anyway” to proceed with the installation.

8. Next, click the “Install (I )” button.

9. When the Install Wizard screen appears, click the “Next (N)”
button.

10. Next, click the “Install (I)” button to start installation.

Installing the Mac OS X Settings Panel

NOTE

•

Install the Settings Panel on the computer before
connecting the unit to it with the USB cable. If the unit is
connected by the USB cable, cancel driver installation and
disconnect it before starting driver installation again.

•

During Settings Panel installation a warning message
like this might appear: “US-16x08.pkg can't be opened
because it was not downloaded from the Mac App Store.”
If a message like this appears, follow the instructions in
“Working with Gatekeeper” on page 8 in this manual
and then proceed with the installation.

8

Installation procedures

1. Download the latest Settings Panel for the operating system
you are using from the TEAC Global Site (http://teac-global.
com/) and save it on the computer to be used with the unit.

2. Double-click “US-16x08_X.XX.dmg”, which is the saved disk
image file for the Settings Panel, and double-click “US-16x08.
pkg” inside the folder that opens.

NOTE

Depending on the computer’s settings, the downloaded zip
file might not have opened automatically. In this case, open
the zip file first and then double-click the disk image file.

TASCAM US-16x08

7

3 – Installation

3. When the installer starts, click the “Continue” button.

4. Next, select the desired language and click the “Continue”
button.

5. Click the “Read License” button and check the contents
of the Software License Agreement. If you agree to the
contents of the license, click “Agree”.

Then, click the “Next” button.

8

Working with Gatekeeper

When using Mac OS X, depending on the Gatekeeper security
function setting, a warning message might appear during
installation.

Resolution depends on the warning message shown.
See the following explanations for details.

When the Gatekeeper setting is “Allow applications
downloaded from: the Mac App Store"

The following security warning might be shown: “'US-16x08.
pkg' can't be opened because it was not downloaded from
the Mac App Store."

In this case, click the OK button to close the message. Then,
control-click (or right-click) the file and click “Open”.

Click the “Open” button if the following security warning
message appears: “'US-16x08.pkg' can't be opened because
it was not downloaded from the Mac App Store. Are you
sure you want to open it?"

6. Next, click the “Install” button to start installation.

7. The following screen appears when installation has
completed. Click the “Close” button.

This message might also appear when the Gatekeeper
setting is something other than “Allow applications
downloaded from: the Mac App Store"

The security warning message “'US-16x08.pkg' can't be
opened because it was not downloaded from the Mac App
Store.” could appear again, and you might not be able to
open the file.

In this case, copy the file from the folder where it is to the
desktop or another folder, and then open it. Alternatively,
change the Gatekeeper settings to “Allow applications
downloaded from: the Mac App Store and identified devel­opers” and try opening it again.

The Settings Panel will launch.

TASCAM US-16x08

8

3 – Installation

Changing the Gatekeeper setting

The Gatekeeper setting can be changed using the “Allow
applications downloaded from:” item on the “General” page
of the “Security & Privacy” pane of the System Preferences.

To change this, you must click the lock icon ( ) at the
bottom left and enter a password to unlock the settings.

This setting will lock again when you click the “Show All”
button at the top left of the window to close the open pane
or when you quit the System Preferences by, for example,
clicking the round button at the top left corner of the
window ( ) or typing command-Q.

CAUTION

Changing the Gatekeeper settings could result in security
risks.

If you changed the Gatekeeper setting to decrease security
(use one of the lower settings), set it back to the original
setting after updating the driver and/or firmware.

Uninstalling the driver and Settings Panel

NOTE

Normally, there is no need to uninstall the driver or Settings
Panel. Follow these procedures if a problem occurs or you no
longer intend to use the unit with the computer.

8

Windows

Uninstall from the “Programs and Features” Control Panel.

1. From the Start menu, open the Control Panel, and then
Programs and Features.

NOTE

In Windows 8, to open the Control Panel, right-click the
Start screen and click the “All apps” button (or click the
button that appears at the bottom left of the Start screen in
Windows 8.1), then click “Control Panel” on the Apps screen.

2. If “View by:” is set to “Category”, click “Uninstall a program”
under the “Program” item.

If “View by:” is set to “Large icons” or “Small icons”, click
“Programs and Features”.

3. Double-click “TASCAM US-16x08 version X.XX” ("X.XX” is the
driver version) in the list.

4. Then, follow the instructions that appear on the screen.

8

Mac OS X

Delete the “US-16x08” application from the Application folder to
complete uninstallation.

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Automatic launching of the Settings Panel

The Settings Panel will automatically launch when the computer
starts up.

This allows the Settings Panel to apply its parameter settings,
for example, to the unit. If you use this unit without starting the
Settings Panel, the unit will use the default Settings Panel values
for parameters. (For information about the default values of the
Settings Panel, see “Initializing the Settings Panel settings” on
page 19.)

If you do not want the Settings Panel to launch automatically
when the computer is started, follow these procedures.

NOTE

•

The automatic launching setting for the Settings Panel
applies only to the user account that was logged in when it
was installed.

•

The Settings Panel cannot be used on an iPad or other iOS
device.

Windows OS

Windows 8

1. Right-click the Start screen to show the App Bar. In
Windows 8, right-click the Start screen and click the “All
apps” button (or the
screen in Windows 8.1), and click “Task Manager” to open
it.

2. Right-click “US-16x08” in the “Start-Up” tab and select
“Disable” from the menu.

NOTE

If you want to enable automatic launching of the Settings
Panel again, right-click “US-16x08” and select “Enable”
from the menu.

Windows 7

Click the Start button, select All Programs and then
Startup. Right-click “US-16x08” and select “Delete” from
the menu.

NOTE

If you want to enable automatic launching of the Settings
Panel again, add a shortcut for “US-16x08” to the Startup
menu.

Mac OS X

Open the System Preferences app and open the Users &
Groups pane. Click Login Items, select “US-16x08_Setting­sPanel” and click the − button.

NOTE

If you want to enable automatic launching of the Settings
Panel again, click the + button and select “US-16x08_
SettingsPanel”.

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button at the bottom left of the

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TASCAM US-16x08

9

$%

3

4 – Preparation

Attaching the rackmount angles

In order to mount this unit in a rack, you must remove the
frames and install the included rackmount angles. Follow these
procedures to change them.

(You will need a flat-bladed screwdriver.)

1. Use the hex key included with this product to remove the
four screws on each side from the positions shown below.

2. Remove the frames from both sides of the unit

3. Attach the included rackmount angles using the rackmount
angle attachment screws and the Phillips screwdriver that
you prepared.

In order to prevent the cord from becoming disconnected
during use, always wrap the cord around the cord holder when
connecting it.

CAUTION

•

Always use the AC adapter (GPE248-120200-Z) that was
shipped with the unit. Using a different AC adapter could
cause malfunction, overheating, fire or other problems.

•

The AC adapter for this unit includes two types of outlet
plugs. Attach the type of plug that matches the power outlet
that you are using.

8

Changing the outlet plug

4. Reverse these procedures to reinstall the frame pieces origi­nally attached to the unit.

Connecting the power

Use the included AC adapter to connect a power supply to the
unit as shown below.

Power outlet

GPE248-120200-Z (included)

DC plug

2

1

1. Move the latch on the AC adapter in the direction of the
arrow.

2. Pull off the outlet plug.

3. Replace it with the other outlet plug (A or B).

4. Move the latch on the AC adapter in the direction of the
arrow again.

5. Attach the outlet plug to the AC adapter.

This completes changing the outlet plug.

After changing the outlet plug, confirm that it is not loose
or crooked and that everything is normal before plugging it
into an outlet.

5

4

CAUTION

Do not use the adapter if there is anything abnormal about
the plug after changing it. Use when the plug is abnormal
could cause fire or electric shock. Contact the retailer where
you purchased the unit or a TEAC service center (on the back
cover) to request repair.

TASCAM US-16x08

10

Examples of connections with other equipment

5 – Connections

Vocal mics

Drums

Guitar

Bass Guitar

Headphones

Sound module

Keyboard

USB

Powered speakers or

amplifier and speakers

Drum machine

Computer

CAUTION

•

Before making connections, turn this unit and all equipment to be connected off (standby).

•

The phantom power switches change the settings for groups of 4 channels. Do not set phantom power to +48V when an unbalanced
dynamic mic is connected.

•

Do not connect or disconnect mics while phantom power is set to +48V. Doing so could cause a loud noise and might damage this
unit and connected equipment.

•

Set the LINE OUT and PHONES knobs to their minimum values before switching the phantom power setting between +48V and OFF.
Sudden loud noises from monitoring equipment could occur, and this could damage the equipment or harm hearing.

•

Supplying phantom power to some ribbon mics will break them. If you are unsure, do not supply phantom power to a ribbon mic.

TASCAM US-16x08

11

5 – Connections

Computer connections

Use the included USB cable to connect the unit to a computer
USB 2.0/3.0 port. When the USB connection is working, the USB
indicator on the front of the unit lights.

CAUTION

•

If you connect this unit to a computer via a USB hub, for
example, audio signal dropouts, clicking noises and other
interference could occur due to the influence of other USB
devices connected to that hub. For this reason, we strongly
recommend connecting this unit to a separate USB port.
Connecting USB keyboards and mice, however, to the same
bus should not be a problem.

Audio connections

Analog audio signals input into this device from mics, guitars,
keyboards and other audio equipment can be converted into
digital signals and transmitted to the computer via USB. In
addition, by connecting speakers (through an amplifier if not
powered) or headphones to this unit, you can monitor audio
signals that are input to this unit and output from the computer.

CAUTION

Before connecting audio equipment, set the unit’s 1-10
gain, LINE OUT 1-2 and PHONES knobs to their lowest
values. Failure to do so could cause sudden loud noises
from monitoring equipment, and this could damage the
equipment or harm hearing.

Microphones

•

Dynamic mics

Connect mics to the IN 1-10 jacks on the front of the unit.

•

Condenser mics

When using condenser mics that require phantom power,
connect them to the IN 1-8 jacks, and set the phantom
power switches to +48V.

Guitar

When connecting a guitar or bass guitar directly to this unit, use
the IN 9 or IN 10 jack on the front of the unit and set the LINE/

INST switch for that jack to INST.

Electronic and audio devices and other equipment

When connecting an electronic instrument or other audio
equipment directly to this unit, use the IN 9-10 jacks on the
front of the unit or the IN 11-16 jacks on the back and set the

LINE/INST switches for those jacks to LINE.

Analog record players

The output of an analog record player cannot be connected
directly to this unit. To connect an analog record player to this
unit, a phono amp and equalizer (or an audio amplifier that has
phono input jacks) must be connected between them.

Monitor speakers

Connect monitor speakers (powered speakers or an amplifier
and speaker system) to the LINE OUT 1-2 jacks on the back of
the unit.

Use the LINE OUT 1-2 knob on the front of the unit to adjust the
speaker volume.

Headphones

Connect headphones to the PHONES jack (standard stereo) on
the front of the unit.

CAUTION

Before connecting headphones, minimize the volume with
the PHONES knob. Failure to do so might cause sudden loud
noises, which could harm your hearing or result in other
trouble.

CAUTION

•

Before making connections, turn this unit and all equipment
to be connected off (standby).

•

Do not connect or disconnect mics while phantom power is
set to +48V. Doing so could cause a loud noise and might
damage this unit and connected equipment.

•

Set the LINE OUT and PHONES knobs to their minimum
values before switching the phantom power setting
between +48V and OFF. Sudden loud noises from
monitoring equipment could occur, and this could damage
the equipment or harm hearing.

•

Supplying phantom power to some ribbon mics will break
them. If you are unsure, do not supply phantom power to a
ribbon mic.

MIDI connections

Connect sound modules, keyboards, synthesizers, drum
machines and other MIDI devices to the unit in the following
manner.

•

If you want to monitor sound from a MIDI device, connect its
outputs to this unit's IN 9-16 jacks or use an external mixer.

•

You can also use the MIDI IN and MIDI OUT connectors
on the back of the unit to send and receive MIDI timecode
(MTC). By doing this, you can use an application that
supports MTC to synchronize a multitrack recorder (MTR)
and MIDI devices.

CAUTION

When using Windows Media Player, if the “Sound and Audio
Devices Properties” Control Panel “MIDI music playback
(default device)” is set to “Microsoft GS Wavetable SW
Synth”, you will not be able to hear MIDI performances
through this unit's LINE OUT 1-8 or PHONES jacks.

Connecting with iOS devices

A Lightning to USB Adapter is required.
You will need to prepare an Apple genuine Lightning to USB

Adapter (sold separately).

TASCAM US-16x08

12

6 – Using the Settings Panel

You can use the Settings Panel to change and save settings for
the various functions of the unit.

Opening the Settings Panel

Launch the Settings Panel installed on the computer to show it
on the computer display.

Open the Settings Panel in the following ways.

NOTE

The Settings Panel cannot be used on an iPad or other iOS
device.

8

Windows OS

•

Select the Settings Panel from “All Programs” or “All apps"

Windows 8

In Windows 8, right-click the Start screen and click the “All
apps” button (in Windows 8.1, the
at the bottom left of the Start screen) to open the Apps
screen. On this screen, click the “US-16x08 Settings Panel”
item under “TASCAM” to open the Settings Panel.

Windows 7

Start button w All Programs w select “US -16x08
Settings Panel” under TASCAM to open the Settings Panel.

•

In Windows 8, select “US-16x08 Settings Panel” on the Start
screen to open the Settings Panel.

â

button that appears

¡

Settings Panel screen

The Settings Panel has three tabbed pages.
Click a tab at the top of the Settings Panel to open that page.

MIXER: Make built-in mixer and effects settings on this page.
INTERFACE: This page shows the current status of the driver

and information about connections. It also allows you to
change various settings (Windows only).

OUTPUT SETTING: Make settings for each output on this
page.

CAUTION

•

When you open the Settings Panel, it will have the same
state as when it was last closed, but the settings data is
not saved automatically. To save the settings of every
page (MIXER, INTERFACE and OUTPUT SETTING), use the
Scene Memory menu in the menu bar. See “Settings Panel
pull-down menus” on page 19 in this manual.

•

The signals input through each of the 16 channels are trans­mitted to the computer without being affected by SOLO,
MUTE, PAN, and fader settings. For this reason, fader and
pan changes made in the Settings Panel will not alter the
signals sent to a DAW on the same computer.

For details, see “Block diagrams” on page 31.

NOTE

In Windows 8.1, the application is not automatically added
to the Start screen.

•

Open the Settings Panel from the Control Panel.

Windows 8

1. In Windows 8, right-click the Start screen and click
the “All apps” button (or s button that appears at the
bottom left of the Start screen in Windows 8.1), and
click “Control Panel” to open it.

2. If the Control Panel is showing categories, set the “View
by:” item to “Large icons” or “Small icons”.

3. Select “US-16x08 Settings Panel” to open the Settings
Panel.

Windows 7

1. Click the Start button and select “Control Panel” to
open the Control Panel.

2. If the Control Panel is showing categories, set the “View
by:” item to “Large icons” or “Small icons”.

3. Select “US-16x08 Settings Panel” to open the Settings
Panel.

NOTE

In Windows 8, you can also open the Control Panel by
clicking the Control Panel item in the menu that appears if
you right-click the bottom left corner of the desktop.

8

Mac OS X

•

Using the Finder, open the Applications folder and click
“US-16x08_SettingsPanel” to open the Settings Panel.

•

In the Audio Devices window of the Audio MIDI Setup
application, right-click (control-click) “US-16x08” (or click
the settings icon when the unit name is selected) and click
“Configure device…” to open the Settings Panel.

TASCAM US-16x08

13

6 – Using the Settings Panel

4
6

8

w

2

MIXER page

1

3
5
7

9

0

q

Windows Settings Panel screen

NOTE

On a Mac, “View” and “SceneMemory” appear in the menu
bar at the top of the screen. For details, see “Settings Panel
pull-down menus” on page 19.

1 EQUALIZER (4-band parametric EQ)

Use the equalizer to increase or decrease the levels of
specific frequency ranges. This can be used, for example,
to enhance the sound of individual instruments, to adjust
the balance of a wide frequency range and to cut specific
unwanted frequencies.

The frequency response with the current settings is shown
as a graph even when the equalizer is off.

The equalizer has a high-shelf HIGH band, a low-shelf LOW
band and peaking (bell-shaped) HIGH MID and LOW MID
bands.

HIGH GAIN knob

Sets the amount the level is increased or decreased for
the HIGH band.

Range: ±12 dB (default: 0 dB)

HIGH FREQ knob

Sets the cutoff frequency of the HIGH band.

Range: 1.7 kHz – 18.0 kHz (default: 5.0 kHz)

HIGH MID GAIN knob

Sets the amount the level is increased or decreased for
the HIGH MID band.

Range: ±12 dB (default: 0 dB)

HIGH MID FREQ knob

Sets the center frequency of the HIGH MID band.

Range: 32 Hz – 18.0 kHz (default: 1.2 kHz)

HIGH MID Q knob

Sets the acuteness of the peak of the HIGH MID band.
The higher the value the more acute it becomes, making

it affect a narrower frequency band. The lower the value,

the less acute it becomes, making it affect a broader
frequency band.

Range: 0.25 – 16.00 (default: 1.00)

LOW MID GAIN knob

Sets the amount the level is increased or decreased for
the LOW MID band.

Range: ±12 dB (default: 0 dB)

LOW MID FREQ knob

Sets the center frequency of the LOW MID band.

Range: 32 Hz – 18.0 kHz (default: 300 Hz)

LOW MID Q knob

Sets the acuteness of the peak of the LOW MID band.
The higher the value the more acute it becomes, making

it affect a narrower frequency band. The lower the value,
the less acute it becomes, making it affect a broader
frequency band.

Range: 0.25 – 16.00 (default: 1.00)

LOW GAIN knob

Sets the amount the level is increased or decreased for
the LOW band.

Range: ±12 dB (default: 0 dB)

LOW FREQ knob

Sets the cutoff frequency of the LOW band.

Range: 32 Hz – 1.6 kHz (default: 80 Hz)

LCF button

Turn the LCF button on to enable the low-cut filter, which
cuts noise and other sounds at low frequencies.

Off (default): LCF button unlit
On: LCF button lit

To set the equalizer for a channel, select its Analog X button
(3).
The equalizer settings will be shown for the channel selected
by its Analog X button (3).

TASCAM US-16x08

14

6 – Using the Settings Panel

2 COMPRESSOR

When the input volume exceeds the THRESHOLD level,
the input volume is compressed, reducing output volume
variation.

For example, by reducing the high level parts of sounds
as they occur, a more even volume level throughout can
be achieved. This allows lower-level sounds to be raised,
resulting in a fuller sound.

Three meters show the level of the signal input to the
compressor (INPUT), the level of the signal output from the
compressor (OUTPUT) and the gain reduction caused by the
compressor (GR).

THRESHOLD knob

Sets the threshold level that will cause the effect to start.

Range: −32 dB – 0 dB (default: 0 dB)

RATIO knob

Sets the compression ratio for the input volume.
Turning it right raises the compression ratio, increasing

the amount of compression.

Range: 1.0:1 – inf:1 (default: 1.0:1)

GAIN knob

Sets the gain of the output signal.
When the volume is compressed, the output level

becomes lower than the input level. Use the GAIN knob
to increase the output level so that it is close to the input
level.

Range: 0 dB – 20 dB (default: 0 dB)

ATTACK knob

Sets the amount of time until the compression reaches
the compression RATIO setting after the input volume
exceeds the threshold.

Range: 2 ms – 200 ms (default: 2 ms)

RELEASE knob

Sets the amount of time until the compression stops and
the sound returns to its uncompressed level after the
input sound goes below the threshold.

Range: 10 ms – 1000 ms (default: 10 ms)

To set the compressor for a channel, select its Analog X
button (3).
The compressor settings will be shown for the channel
selected by its Analog X button (3).

NOTE

•

If the input is a stereo signal (stereo-linked channel or
master), compression will start and be applied to both
channels when either the left or right input channel exceeds
the threshold level.

•

When the compressor is off, the compressor curve will
appear but the meters will not be active.

3 Analog X buttons

When an Analog X button ("X” is the channel number) is on
(lit), the equalizer (1) and compressor (2) settings for that

channel will be shown and can be adjusted as desired.

Off (default): Analog X button unlit
On: Analog X button lit

You can only select one channel at a time. Multiple Analog X
buttons cannot be on at the same time.

When a channel is selected, click a different channel's button
to select that channel. The previously selected channel
button will become unlit, and the newly selected channel
button will light.

4 PHASE buttons

Turn a PHASE button on to reverse the phase of that
channel.

5 EQ buttons

Turn an EQ button on to enable the equalizer on that
channel.

6 COMP buttons

Turn a COMP button on to enable the compressor on that
channel.

7 SOLO buttons

Turn a SOLO button on to solo that channel.
With this unit, when the SOLO button of a channel is

enabled, all other channels are automatically muted (solo-in­place monitoring).

The MUTE buttons for channels that are muted will light.
(Default: off)
Multiple channels can be soloed at the same time.

NOTE

•

When all the SOLO buttons are off, clicking the SOLO
button of one channel will put the unit into solo mode and
automatically mute the other channels, lighting their MUTE
buttons.

•

When all SOLO buttons are disabled, channels that had
been automatically muted will become unmuted. Channels
that had been individually muted before the unit entered
solo mode will remain muted.

•

The MASTER L/R channel MUTE button will not turn on
automatically when the unit enters solo mode.

8 MUTE buttons

Turn a MUTE button on to mute that channel.
(Default: off)

NOTE

In addition to turning the MUTE button on and off, channels
will be automatically muted and unmuted when SOLO
buttons are used

9 Pan sliders

Use these to adjust the stereo positions of the signals input
to each channel when they are sent to the stereo bus.

Use the mouse to click and drag a pan slider left or right to
adjust the position.

While dragging the mouse, the value being adjusted is
shown in its fader level display area (above 0).
The value is L20 when set all the way to the left, C when set

in the center and R20 when set all the way to the right.

Setting range: L20 – L1, C (default), R1 – R20 (41 steps
total with C at the center and 20 steps to both left and
right.)

A pan slider appears blue when centered (C) and yellow at
all other positions.

NOTE

•

If a pan slider is centered (C), the signal is reduced by 3 dB
and sent to both the left and right channels of the stereo
bus.

•

Double-click a pan slider to return it to the center (C)
position.

•

When a pan slider is set to the left end (L20), the signal for
that channel is sent only to the left channel of the stereo
bus. It is not sent to the right channel of the stereo bus.

TASCAM US-16x08

15

6 – Using the Settings Panel

•

When a pan slider is set to the right end (R20), the signal for
that channel is sent only to the right channel of the stereo
bus. It is not sent to the left channel of the stereo bus.

0 Faders and level meters

Use the faders for each channel to adjust the levels of the
channel signal sent to the stereo bus. Use the master fader
to adjust the master output level.

The channel level meters show their signal levels. The master
level meters show the levels of the mixed signal.

The fader level display area (bottom of 0) shows the fader
gain value.

The channel and master level meters show green bars for
values less than −12 dB, yellow bars for −12 dB to −6 dB, and
red bars for values greater than −6 dB.

Each level meter has an overload indicator at its top.

Range: +6 dB to −∞ (default: 0 dB)

NOTE

•

Using the mouse, drag a fader to adjust its level. Move the
fader up to increase the level or down to decrease it.

•

Double-click a fader to return it to its default (0 dB) position.

•

The channel meters show the levels before being adjusted
by the faders. Level meters are not affected by fader adjust­ments or even their channels being muted.

q LINK buttons

Turn a LINK button on to combine two adjacent channels
(odd and even) into a single stereo channel.

When stereo link mode is enabled, the buttons, knobs and
faders of the two channels are combined. The channel level
meters are also shown as a stereo pair.

When linked, the LINK button lights. (Default: off)

•

Turn a LINK button off to split a single stereo channel into
two mono channels. The settings for each of the mono
channels become as follows.

Analog X-Y: If on when the LINK button is turned off, the
odd channel stays on, but the even channel turns off. If
off when the LINK button is turned off, both channels
stay off.

PHASE: The settings are not changed. The setting of each
channel stays as it was.

EQ: The settings of both channels stay the same as the
combined stereo channel.

COMP: The settings of both channels stay the same as the
combined stereo channel.

SOLO: If on when the LINK button is turned off, this stays
on for both channels. If off when the LINK button is
turned off, both channels stay off.

MUTE: If on when the LINK button is turned off, this stays
on for both channels. If off when the LINK button is
turned off, both channels stay off.

Pan sliders: These stay the same when the LINK button is
turned off.

Level faders: The settings of both channels stay the same
as the combined stereo channel.

w Track notes

You can input up to six English letters and numbers.

How to input characters

Click a note area to ready it for input. The cursor will blink.
Then, use the computer keyboard to input characters.
After you complete inputting characters, press the Enter key

on the computer keyboard.

When a LINK button is enabled (combining two adjacent
channels as a stereo channel), the settings become as
follows.

Analog X: If either the odd or even channel is turned on,
this turns on. If both the odd and even channels are off,
this turns off. In addition, the button name changes to
“Analog X-Y” (“X” is the odd channel number and “Y” is the
even channel number).

PHASE: The settings are not combined. The settings of the
channels do not change.

EQ: The setting of the odd-numbered channel is applied.
COMP: The setting of the odd-numbered channel is

applied.
SOLO: The setting of the odd-numbered channel is

applied.
MUTE: The setting of the odd-numbered channel is

applied.
Pan sliders: The settings are not combined. The setting of

each channel can be set independently.
Level faders: The setting of the odd-numbered channel is

applied.

NOTE

You must press the Enter key on the computer keyboard
after you complete inputting characters to confirm the
input. If you move to a different page from the MIXER page
without pressing the Enter key, the input characters will be
shown, but not saved.

TASCAM US-16x08

16

INTERFACE page

1

8

Windows

6 – Using the Settings Panel

8

Mac OS X

1

2

Windows Settings Panel screen

Mac Settings Panel screen

The “INTERFACE” page has a unit status area and, on Windows
only, a “Buffer Size” area.

Beneath these areas is an image of the rear panel of the unit that
you can use to check the layout of the jacks, for example. No
settings can be changed on this page.

1 Status display area

This shows the current status of the unit.

Item displayed Meaning

Software Version

Firmware Version

Device This is the name of the unit.

Sample Rate

1 “No Device” is shown when no device is connected.
2 “No ASIO Driver” is shown when an ASIO driver has not been

installed.

This is the software version used
by unit.
This is the firmware version used
by the unit.

This is the current sampling
frequency.

1

1

2

2 Buffer Size (Windows only)

The driver for the unit stores the audio input and output
signals transferred to and from the computer temporarily in
a buffer. This buffer size can be adjusted.

Smaller buffer sizes result in less audio signal delay (latency),
but require high-speed processing by the computer.

If the processing cannot keep up, for example, due to other
system operations, clicking and popping noises might occur
and the audio signal might even drop out.

Increasing the buffer size will stabilize operation and
suppress negative effects on audio signals, but the delay in
audio signals sent to the computer will increase.

You can use the slider on the panel to adjust the buffer size,
according to the use conditions.

Use the slider to select fixed values that increase from left to
right (64, 128, 256, 512, 1024 and 2048 samples).

TASCAM US-16x08

17

6 – Using the Settings Panel

OUTPUT SETTING page

On the OUTPUT SETTING page, you can visually check the routing of signals output from the LINE OUT 1-8 jacks and select them.

1

WindowsPC画面

2

Windows Settings Panel screen

1 Output signal selection

Click a box to the right of a LINE OUT X (“X” is 1–8) label to
open a pull-down menu with BUS line selection options.
Select the signal that you want to output from this menu.

Options: COMPUTER 1 – COMPUTER 8, MASTER L/
MASTER R

2 Output signal routing status

This shows the connection of the signals with the output
jacks as selected in area 1.

•

Stereo BUS outputs

The signals input through each input jack and by USB
output from the computer are mixed and output in stereo.

For details, see “Block diagrams” on page 31 in this
manual.

•

Computer BUS outputs

Select output signals from the Computer BUS (1–8), which
come from DAW software running on the computer, to
output them directly from the desired jacks.

NOTE

The output signals selected for LINE OUT 1 and LINE OUT 2
will also be output from the PHONES (L/R) jack.

TASCAM US-16x08

18

Settings Panel pull-down menus

The Settings Panel has View and SceneMemory pull-down
menus that can be used to initialize and save settings, for
example.

View menu

This menu includes functions to restore the settings of the
Settings Panel to their defaults (Initialize), minimize the
application to the taskbar (Minimize) and close the Settings
Panel (Close).

Windows version

6 – Using the Settings Panel

Mac version

2. A confirmation message will appear. Click the “OK” button in
the message window to reset the Settings Panel settings to
their default values.

Windows version

Mac version

Initialize

Select this to reset all the Settings Panel settings.
For details, see “Initializing the Settings Panel settings” on

page 19 in this manual.

Minimize

Minimize the Settings Panel screen to the taskbar (or
Dock on a Mac).

Close

Close the Settings Panel screen and quit the application.

8

Initializing the Settings Panel settings

Select this to reset all the Settings Panel settings.

NOTE

The Windows Buffer Size setting is not restored to the
factory default.

CAUTION

After initializing, you cannot restore the previous settings.

1. In the menu bar, Click “Initialize” in the View menu
(Windows/Mac).

Windows version

Mac version

NOTE

Click the “Cancel” button to return to the Settings Panel
without initializing.

Using the Initialize function will result in the following
settings.

Page Item Default value

MIXER EQUALIZER HIGH (GAIN) 0 dB

HIGH (FREQ) 5.0 kHz
HIGH MID (GAIN) 0 dB
HIGH MID (FREQ) 1.2 kHz
HIGH MID (Q) 1.00
LOW MID (GAIN) 0 dB
LOW MID (FREQ) 300 Hz
LOW MID (Q) 1.00
LOW (GAIN) 0 dB
LOW (FREQ) 80 Hz
LCF OFF

COMPRESSOR THRESHOLD 0 dB

RATIO 1.0: 1
GAIN 0 dB
ATTAC K 2 ms

RELEASE 10 ms
PAN C (center)
Channel faders 0 dB
Master fader 0 dB

OUTPUT
SETTING

LINE OUT 1 COMPUTER 1
LINE OUT 2 COMPUTER 2
LINE OUT 3 COMPUTER 3
LINE OUT 4 COMPUTER 4
LINE OUT 5 COMPUTER 5
LINE OUT 6 COMPUTER 6
LINE OUT 7 COMPUTER 7
LINE OUT 8 COMPUTER 8

NOTE

•

If you turn the unit on without launching the Settings Panel,
the LINE OUT 1-8 output settings will be set to COMPUTER
1–8.

•

There is no Settings Panel for iOS devices, so the unit will
operate with its default settings.

TASCAM US-16x08

19

6 – Using the Settings Panel

SceneMemory menu

Up to 10 Settings Panel states can be saved as scene
memories.

The SceneMemory menu starts with 10 SceneMemoryX ("X”
being 1–10) memories. Select one of these scene memories
to open a submenu that allows you to Save, Load or Rename
it.

You can also initialize all 10 scene memories at the same
time.

Windows version

2. Click “Save” in the submenu to save the current Settings
Panel settings to the selected scene memory.

Windows version

Mac version

8

Loading Settings Panel settings

You can immediately change the current Settings Panel
settings to settings saved in a scene memory by loading it.

Mac version

Save

Use this to save all Settings Panel settings except the on/
off status of the Analog X buttons. For details, see “Saving
Settings Panel settings” on page 20 in this manual.

Load

Use this to immediately apply settings that have been
saved to the selected scene memory. For details, see
“Loading Settings Panel settings” on page 20 in this
manual.

Rename

Use this to change the name of the scene memory that is
saved. For details, see “Input and output channels in mic
preamp mode” on page 22 in this manual.

8

Saving Settings Panel settings

The current Settings Panel settings can be saved in a scene
memory.

Ten scene memories can be saved.

CAUTION

Only one set of Settings Panel settings can be saved in each
scene memory. For this reason, saving settings to a scene
memory will erase the previously saved settings.

1. In the menu bar, click the name of a scene memory in the
SceneMemory menu (Windows/Mac) to open the submenu.

CAUTION

If you load a scene memory, the previous settings cannot be
restored. If you want to keep the current settings, save them
to a different scene memory.

1. Click the name of the scene memory that you want to load
in the SceneMemory menu to open the submenu.

2. Click “Load” in the submenu to immediately change the
Settings Panel settings to those saved in the scene memory.

Windows version

TASCAM US-16x08

20

Mac version

6 – Using the Settings Panel

CAUTION

Scene memories that you have never saved do not contain
any Settings Panel settings. If you try to load such a scene
memory, the following confirmation message will appear.

Windows version

Mac version

8

Changing a scene memory name

You can change the names of scene memories.

1. From the menu bar, click the name of a scene memory in the
SceneMemory menu (Windows/Mac) to open the submenu.

2. Click “Rename” in the submenu.

8

Initializing all ten scene memories

You can initialize all scene memories at the same time.

CAUTION

After resetting, you cannot restore the previous settings.

1. In the menu bar, click “Initialize Memory” in the Scene­Memory menu (Windows/Mac).

Windows version

Windows version

Mac version

3. The following name input window will open.

Windows version

Mac version

2. A confirmation message will appear. Click the “OK” button
in the message window to reset the scene memory Settings
Panel settings to their default values.

Windows version

Mac version

NOTE

Click the “Cancel” button to return to the Settings Panel
without initializing.

Mac version

4. After you complete inputting the new name, click the “OK”
button in the window.

TASCAM US-16x08

21

7 – Mic Preamp Mode

Using the unit as a standalone mic preamp

This unit will operate in mic preamp mode when it is not
connected to a computer by USB.

You can use this unit's mic preamps even when it is not
connected to a computer.

8

Input and output channels in mic preamp mode

In mic preamp mode, the routing of input to output channels is
fixed as follows.

Input Output

IN1 LINE OUT1
IN2 LINE OUT2
IN3 LINE OUT3
IN4 LINE OUT4
IN5 LINE OUT5
IN6 LINE OUT6
IN7 LINE OUT7
IN8 LINE OUT8

You can adjust the input level of each channel using its gain
knob.

NOTE

When shipped from the factory, the LINE OUT 1-2 knob is
set to its minimum value, so no sound will be output from
the LINE OUT 1-2 jacks. When using the unit in mic preamp
mode, set the LINE OUT 1-2 knob to its maximum value.

TASCAM US-16x08

22

8 – Application Guide

In this chapter, we explain how to set some audio applications
for use with this unit.

8

DAW software

The ways that settings are made differ among DAWs.
When using a DAW software, consult its operation manual.

Windows Media Player

Windows 8

1. Quit all applications and right-click the Start screen to show
the App Bar. Then, click the All apps button to open the
Apps screen.

NOTE

In Windows 8.1, click the
bottom left of the Start screen.

2. Click Control Panel.

3. Click “Hardware and Sound”, and then open the “Sound”
window.

4. On the Playback page, right-click “Line US-16x08”, and click
“Set as Default Device” in the pop-up menu that appears.

When you do this, the green check mark (4) appears next
to Line US-16x08.

â

button that appears at the

¡

Windows 7

1. Quit all applications and open the Control Panel from the
Start button menu.

2. Open “Sound”.

NOTE

If you do not see this item, click Hardware and Sound.

3. On the Playback page, right-click “Line US-16x08”, and click
“Set as Default Device” in the pop-up menu that appears.

When you do this, the green check mark (4) appears next
to Line US-16x08.

NOTE

To use this unit as the recording device, open the Recording
page and use Set as Default Device for Microphone
US-16x08.

5. After completing the setting, click the “OK” button.

6. Launch Windows Media Player, select an audio file and start
playback.

NOTE

•

If you change the setting while Windows Media Player is
running, the software will not recognize that the device has
been changed. In this case, restart Windows Media Player.

•

If you still cannot hear sound after making the settings and
completing the procedures above, restart the computer.

•

If you make this setting, sound will be output through
this unit, but no sound will be output from the computer’s
speakers or headphone jack.

NOTE

To use this unit as the recording device, open the Recording
page and use Set as Default Device for Microphone
US-16x08.

4. After completing the setting, click the OK button.

5. Start Windows Media Player, select an audio file and begin
playback.

NOTE

•

If you change the setting while Windows Media Player is
running, the software will not recognize that the device has
been changed. In this case, restart Windows Media Player.

•

If you still cannot hear sound after making the settings and
completing the procedures above, restart the computer.

•

If you make this setting, sound will be output through this
unit, but no sound will be output by the computer’s speakers
or headphone jack.

TASCAM US-16x08

23

8 – Application Guide

Mac OS X and iTunes

1. Open the Utilities folder within the “Applications folder”,
and double-click “Audio MIDI Setup”. Then open the “Audio
Devices” window.

2. Click “US-16x08” to select it and right-click or control-click it.
Then, click “Use this device for sound output” in the pop-up
menu.

The speaker mark appears next to US-16x08.

NOTE

To use this device as the recording device, select “Use this
device for sound input” for the “US-16x08”.

3. Launch iTunes, select an audio file and start playback.

iOS

No settings are necessary to use this unit with an iOS device.
You can use it right away after connecting to the device by
USB.

NOTE

Connecting headphones, for example, to the headphone
jack of the iOS device will interrupt USB communication
with this unit.

TASCAM US-16x08

24

9 – MIDI Implementation Chart

8

MIDI Implementation Chart

Function Transmit Recognize Remarks

Basic channels

Mode

Note number Range × × Thru

Velocity

Aftertouch

Pitch bend × × Thru

Control change × × Thru

Program change

System exclusive × × Thru

System common

System real-time

Other

Notes

When power on × ×

Settable × ×

When power on × ×

Messages × ×

Altered ....................

Note on × ×

Note off × ×

Polyphonic × ×

Channel × ×

× ×

Settable range # ....................

Position × ×

Tune × ×

Clock × ×

Command × ×

Local on/off × ×

All notes off × ×

Active sense × ×

Reset × ×

Thru

Thru

Thru

Thru

Thru

ThruSong select × ×

Thru

Thru

Mode 1: OMNI ON, POLY Mode 2: OMNI ON, MONO ˜: YES
Mode 3: OMNI OFF, POLY Mode 4: OMNI OFF, MONO ×: NO

TASCAM US-16x08

25

10 – Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

Please read this chapter if you are unable to use the unit
properly even after setting it up following the procedures in this
manual.

If you are still unable to resolve a problem, please contact a
TASCAM customer center (see back of document) with the
following information about the operating environment and
details about the trouble.

Operating environment

•

Computer manufacturer:

•

Model:

•

CPU:

•

Memory (RAM):

•

Operating system:

•

Applications used:

•

Antivirus software:

•

Wireless LAN use:

See the end of this document for contact information.

8

Installation fails.

8

Installation completes, but the computer does not
recognize the unit.

If some trouble is causing installation to fail, or if the computer
does not recognize the unit even though installation completes,
check the following.

1. Change the USB port

Since the unit might not properly function with some
USB ports, try connecting to a different USB port that is
built into the computer, and reinstall the driver.

NOTE

•

Try again after disconnecting other USB devices. (Keyboards
and mice can be left connected.)

•

Do not use a USB hub. Always connect the unit directly to a
USB port on the computer (built-in).

2. Stop software that is running in the background

Since antivirus software and other software running in
the background can interfere with installation, stop them
before beginning installation. See “Installing the driver
and Settings Panel” on page 6 in this manual for how
to install and uninstall the driver and Settings Panel.

8

There is no sound even when audio is playing back.

The audio output must be set on the computer.
Please confirm the following while the unit is connected to the

computer. Moreover, if you make the following settings, sound
will be output through this unit, but no sound will be output by
the computer’s speakers or headphone jack.

Windows 8/Windows 7

i See the “Windows 8” or “Windows 7” instructions in the

“Windows Media Player” section of the “Application guide”
chapter of the Reference Manual, and make settings as
necessary for the OS.

i Conduct procedures 1-4 for Windows 8 or procedures 1-3 for

Windows 7 to set the default device for playback.

Mac OS X

Quit all applications and open “System Preferences…” from
the Apple menu.

Open “Sound”, and select “US-16x08” on the Output tab.
After completing the setting, restart the computer and

check the sound of playback.

Depending on the application that you are using, you might
need to make additional device settings.

In particular, DAW applications operate using audio engines
with settings that are different from the OS settings, so first
confirm the DAW settings after installing the driver and
Settings Panel for this unit.

Please see the manuals for the applications that you are
using for detailed setting procedures.

8

Sound breaks up or there is noise.

The processing load on the computer causes sound to break up
and noise to occur.

Here are some methods to reduce the load on the computer.

1. A wireless LAN and software running in the background,
including antivirus software, regularly put processing
loads on the computer, which can cause sound to break up
and other noise. Stop wireless LAN transmission, antivirus
software and other software running in the background
when using this unit.

2. Set the buffer size (latency) in the audio application that you
are using or in this unit's Settings Panel to a larger value.
(Windows only)

NOTE

Consult the maker of the audio application that you are
using for methods to reduce its load on your computer.

3. Change the settings of your computer so that they are
optimal for audio processing.

Windows 8

1 In Windows 8, right-click the ordinary Start screen

(Metro user interface screen) and then click “All apps”.
2 Right-click “Computer” and select “Properties”.
3 Click “Advanced system settings”.
4 Click “Settings” in the “Performance” section of the

“Advanced” tab of the “System Properties” window.
5 In the “Visual Effects” tab of the “Performance Options”

window, select “Adjust for best performance”.

Windows 7

a) Turn Aero off.

1 Right-click the desktop and select “Personalize”.
2 Select a “Basic” or “High Contrast” theme.

b) Performance settings

1 Right-click “Computer” and select “Properties”.
2 Click “Advanced system settings”.
3 Click “Settings” in the “Performance” section of the

“Advanced” tab of the “System Properties” window.
4 In the “Visual Effects” tab of the “Performance Options”

window, select “Adjust for best performance”.

Mac OS X

1 Open “System Preferences…” from the Apple menu,

and select “Energy Saver”.
2 Set “Computer sleep” to “Never”.
3 Set “Display sleep” to “Never”.

NOTE

Depending on the Mac OS X version and Mac computer
model, this setting might not be available.

4. Change the USB port
Since the unit might not properly function with some

USB ports, try connecting to a different USB port that is
built into the computer.

TASCAM US-16x08

26

NOTE

•

Try again after disconnecting other USB devices. (Keyboards
and mice can be left connected.)

•

Do not use a USB hub. Always connect the unit directly to a
USB port on the computer (built-in).

10 – Troubleshooting

TASCAM US-16x08

27

11 – Specifications

Specifications

Ratings

8

Sampling frequencies

44.1/48/88.2/96 kHz

8

Quantization bit depth

16-bit or 24-bit

Analog inputs

8

IN 1-8 mic inputs (balanced)

Connector: XLR-3-31 equivalent
(1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)
Input impedance: 2.4 kΩ
Nominal input level: −68 dBu (0.0003 Vrms)
(gain knob at maximum)
Nominal input level: −12 dBu (0.195 Vrms)
(gain knob at minimum)
Maximum input level: +8 dBu (1.947 Vrms)
Gain range: 56 dB

8

IN 9-10 instrument inputs (unbalanced)

(LINE/INST switch set to INST)
Connectors: 6.3mm (1/4") standard TS jacks
(Tip: HOT, Sleeve: GND)
Input impedance: 1 MΩ or more
Nominal input level: −57 dBV (0.0014 Vrms)
(gain knob at maximum)
Nominal input level: −12 dBV (0.251 Vrms)
(gain knob at minimum)
Maximum input level: +8 dBV (2.512 Vrms)
Gain range: 45 dB

8

IN 9-10 line inputs (balanced)

(LINE/INST switch set to LINE)
Connectors: 6.3mm (1/4") standard TRS jacks
(Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND)
Input impedance: 10 kΩ
Nominal input level: −41 dBu (0.0069 Vrms)
(gain knob at maximum)
Nominal input level: +4 dBu (1.228 Vrms)
(gain knob at minimum)
Maximum input level: +24 dBu (12.282 Vrms)
Gain range: 45 dB

8

LINE IN 11-16 line inputs (unbalanced)

(LEVEL switch set to “−10dBV")
Connectors: 6.3mm (1/4") standard TS jacks
(Tip: HOT, Sleeve: GND)
Input impedance: 10 kΩ
Nominal input level: −10 dBV (0.3162 Vrms)
Maximum input level: +10 dBV (3.162 Vrms)

8

LINE IN 11-16 line inputs (balanced)

(LEVEL switch set to “+4dBu")
Connectors: 6.3mm (1/4") standard TRS jacks
(Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND)
Input impedance: 10 kΩ
Nominal input level: +4 dBu (1.228 Vrms)
Maximum input level: +24 dBu (12.282 Vrms)

Analog outputs

8

LINE OUT 1-8 line outputs (balanced)

Connectors: 6.3mm (1/4") standard TRS jacks
(Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND)
Output impedance: 100 Ω
Nominal output level: +4 dBu (1.228 Vrms)
Maximum output level: +24 dBu (12.277 Vrms)

8

PHONES output

Connector: 6.3mm (1/4") standard stereo jack
Maximum output: 70 mW + 70 mW

(THD+N 1% or less, into 32 Ω load)

8

Frequency response

8

Input w PHONES output

At 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz
20 Hz – 20 kHz: ±1.0 dB (JEITA), supports Hi-Res
At 88.2kHz and 96kHz
20 Hz – 40 kHz: ±2.0 dB (JEITA), supports Hi-Res

Control input/output ratings

8

MIDI IN connector

Connector: 5-pin DIN
Format: standard MIDI

8

MIDI OUT connector

Connector: 5-pin DIN
Format: standard MIDI

8

USB

Connector: 4-pin USB B-type
Transfer rate: USB 2.0 High Speed (480 Mbps)

TASCAM US-16x08

28

11 – Specifications

Audio performance

8

Mic amp EIN (equivalent input noise)

−125 dBu or more

8

Frequency response

8

Input w LINE OUT (BALANCED)

At 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz
20 Hz – 20 kHz: ±0.5 dB (JEITA)
At 88.2kHz and 96kHz
20 Hz – 40 kHz: ±0.5 dB (JEITA)

8

S/N ratio

100 dB or higher
(LINE IN w LINE OUT, gain knob at minimum, JEITA)

8

Distortion

0.006% or less
(Mic/LINE IN w LINE OUT, 1kHz sine wave, at nominal input

level and maximum output level)

8

Crosstalk

100 dB or higher
(Mic/LINE IN w LINE OUT, 1kHz)

Computer system requirements

Mac OS X

8

Supported operating systems

OS X Yosemite (10.10 or later)
OS X Mavericks (10.9.1 or later)
OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.4 or later)

8

Computer hardware requirements

Apple Macintosh computer with a USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port

8

CPU/processor speed

2 GHz or faster dual core processor

8

Memory

2 GB or more

8

Display resolution

At least 1280x800

iOS devices

Apple devices running iOS 7 or later

Supported audio drivers

Windows: ASIO2.0, WDM, MIDI
Mac: Core Audio, Core MIDI

Check the TEAC Global Site (http://teac-global.com/) for the
latest information about supported operating systems.

Windows

8

Supported operating systems

Windows 8 (including 8.1) 32-bit
Windows 8 (including 8.1) 64-bit
Windows 7 32-bit SP1 or later
Windows 7 64-bit SP1 or later

8

Computer hardware requirements

Windows computer with a USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port
Computer

8

CPU/processor speed

2 GHz or faster dual core processor (x86)

8

Memory

2 GB or more

8

Display resolution

At least 1280x800

CAUTION

Operation of this unit was confirmed using standard
computers that meet the above requirements. This does
not guarantee operation with all computers that meet the
above requirements. Even computers that meet the same
system requirements might have processing capabilities
that differ according to their settings and other operating
conditions

General

8

Power

Specialized DC12V AC adapter (GPE248-120200-Z)

8

Power consumption

12 W

8

Dimensions (W × H × D)

Standard frame attached (state when shipped from factory)

445 × 59 × 219 mm

Rack mount adapters attached

482.6 × 44 × 218.4 mm

8

Weight

2.8 kg

8

Operating temperature range

5–35°C (32–104°F)

TASCAM US-16x08

29

11 – Specifications

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Dimensional drawings

8

Standard frame attached (state when shipped from factory)

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Rack mount adapters attached

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•

Illustrations in this manual might differ in part from the actual product.

•

The external appearance might be changed without notification to improve the product.

TASCAM US-16x08

30

Block diagrams

11 – Specifications

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TASCAM US-16x08

31

11 – Specifications

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Level diagrams

TASCAM US-16x08

32

TASCAM US-16x08

33

TEAC CORPORATION

Phone: [phone]
1-47 Ochiai, Tama-shi, Tokyo 206-8530 Japan

http://tascam.jp/

TEAC AMERICA, INC. http://tascam.com/

Phone: [phone]
1834 Gage Road, Montebello, California 90640 USA

TEAC MEXICO, S.A. de C.V. http://teacmexico.net/

Phone: [phone]
Río Churubusco 364, Colonia Del Carmen, Delegación Coyoacán, CP 04100, México DF, México

TEAC UK LIMITED http://tascam.eu/

Phone: [phone]
Meridien House, Ground Floor,69 - 71, Clarendon Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 1DS, UK

TEAC EUROPE GmbH http://tascam.eu/

Phone: [phone]
Bahnstrasse 12, 65205 Wiesbaden-Erbenheim, Germany

TEAC SALES & TRADING(SHENZHEN) CO., LTD http://tascam.cn/

Phone: [phone]~2
Room 817, Block A, Hailrun Complex, 6021 Shennan Blvd., Futian District, Shenzhen 518040, China