Tascam US-42B MiniStudio-Series Creator

The Tascam US-42B MiniStudio-Series has been developed as a high-quality computer audio interface (for personal or professional use), that allows anyone to broadcast their audio-programs out into the world. The MiniStudio-Series Creator gives access to a range of techniques (via trigger pads) used by pro-broadcasters such as pre-recorded clapping, cheers and other sounds from the press of a button, a ducking function that lowers background music when making announcements, and voice effects and reverb to improve the atmosphere and quality of your audio program. The US-42B has impressive audio circuits inherited from music creation devices, allowing clear-sound capture just by connecting a mic or other sound source (Tascam TM-70 or TM-82 ideal). By providing an EASY page and EXPERT page within the sound effects/triggered-sound software, the US-42B is incredibly accessible for both beginner and veteran broadcasters.

Tascam US-42B MiniStudio-Series Creator Key Features:

• Well-equipped, light-weight audio interface for varied types of personal broadcasting
• Supports Windows (ASIO/WDM) and Mac (Core Audio) - USB connection to computer
• Audio resolution up to 96 kHz / 24 bit
• Connect to iOS device via Apple Lightning-USB cable camera adapter (sold separately)
• For iOS connection, USB Audio Compliance 2.0 required
• Compatible DAW software: Sonar, ProTools, Cubase, Live, Studio One and GarageBand
• Broadcast/Creator mode switch (between live operation and production mode)
• Dedicated button/knobs to adjust reverb, voice effects, and "on air" transmission to computer
• Illuminated and velocity-sensitive sound pads to trigger sound snippets (x3)
• Support for direct guitar input and low-level dynamic mic input signals
• Stereo mini-jack AUX input for portable audio player or gaming device
• Stereo mini-jack and 6.3 mm standard headphones outputs
• DSP effects to include equalizer, compressor and reverb
• Mode presets (Windows): Creator, Karaoke, Talking, Gaming, and Multi-channel Podcast
• EASY and EXPERT page within the sound effects/triggered-sound software

Expanded Tascam US-42B MiniStudio-Series Creator Key Features:

High-Quality Hardware

The Tascam US-42B is packed full of high-quality hardware for such a small/user-friendly device. Whilst supporting pro mics, the MiniStudio is compatible with computer headset mics and 4-pole earphones with mic designed for smartphones (use what you have rather than purchasing excessive equipment). To start recording, simply press the "On Air" button to send the sound that is in your headphones to the computer (button lights-up when "On-Air". By utilising the loopback function, you can play background music using iTunes or Windows Media Player that is already installed on your device - Stereo AUX input mini-jack further enables an iPod (or other portable music player) to use for playback.

To play pre-made jingles or sound effects, simply assign your sound/audio file to one of the three sound trigger pads. By pushing the EFFECT button, you can use the unit's internal voice effects to manipulate the mic input - choose from five voice-effects in relation to your requirements. Also, you can add spatial sound when broadcasting vocals/guitar audio by turning the reverb knob, make use of the ducking function to turn the music down when making announcements to ensure speech intelligibility, and utilise the built-in equalizer and compressor, HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps, and low-noise mic inputs to ensure the highest quality sound recording.

Impressive Software Suited To Both Beginners And Professionals

By switching from the EASY tab to the EXPERT tab, you are provided with advanced audio settings within the dedicated software. These include the ability to make fine adjustments to equalizer, compressor, parameters of the voice effects, and change the signal routing. A key issue with live-streaming a video image and sound is that video processing requires more computer power than sound processing. Put simply, the sound is ready sooner than the image and is therefore ahead of the picture. To counteract this, the MiniStudio Creator delays the sound by the offset amount. Do this by entering a number in milliseconds on the screen and be sure to check the result in realtime (allow time for corrections). Detailed settings can also be made to the trigger pads - settings made in EXPERT mode are retained when switching back to EASY page.

What's in the box?

• 1 x Tascam US-42B MiniStudio-Series Creator
• 1 x USB Cable

FAQs:

What features are restricted when using an iOS device?

When using an iOS (Apple) device, an external power supply is required. This is because the US-42B does not provide power to the iOS device and a separate Apple Lightning-to-USB device or Camera Adapter (sold separately), is required for connection. In addition to this, the sound trigger pads cannot be used and the effect types are unable to be changed.

Is the Tascam US-42B MiniStudio a good audio interface for recording podcasts?

Yes, the Tascam US-42B MiniStudio is great for Podcast production, especially due to its effects pads, easy-access controls, add reverb, sound effects and music. With less time spent on engineering, you can rely on the US-42B to produce a high-quality podcast on the fly. To begin, purchase a couple of microphones (Tascam TM-70s would be a good start), stands, cables, and headphones, and away you go.