» US-144 USB Audio/MIDI Interface OWNER'S MANUAL D00927520A
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS For U.S.A. TO THE USER This equipment has been tested 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 protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 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. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. 8 Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Contents 1 Introduction Overview...................................... 5 Features........................................ 5 What is in the package................... 5 Conventions used in this manual..... 6 2 Parts of the US-144 Top panel...................................... 7 Rear panel.................................... 8 Front panel................................... 9 3 Installation System requirements................ 10 Windows XP.................................. 10 Mac OS X.......................
1 – Introduction Please read this owner’s manual carefully before you begin using the US-144, 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. 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.
1 – Introduction 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: LINE IN jacks TASCAM US-144 This typeface is used to designate messages displayed by the software. Example: Control Surface Protocol This typeface is used to designate software menu functions and on-screen controllers.
2 – Parts of the US-144 Top panel 1 LINE OUT level knob Controls the output level of the LINE OUT jacks. 2 PHONES LEVEL knob Controls the output level of the PHONES jack. 3 MIDI IN indicator Lights when MIDI data is being received at the MIDI IN connector. MIDI OUT indicator Lights when MIDI data is being transmitted from the MIDI OUT connector. 4 USB indicator Lights to indicate a valid USB connection to the host computer.
2 – Parts of the US-144 8 SIG/OL indicators Light when signals are being input to the input channels (L, R). They will light green to indicate a signal is present, and will light red immediately before distortion occurs. These indicators apply only to the analog inputs. NOTE These indicators will light green when the input signal level is in the range of 30 dBFS to -2 dBFS. The indicators will light red when the input signal level exceeds -2 dBFS.
2 – Parts of the US-144 r LINE OUT L/R jacks (RCA connector, unbalanced) These are analog stereo output jacks. y t NOTE The US-144's DIGITAL IN/OUT jacks allow simultaneous input and output at 24-bit/96 kHz. DIGITAL IN jack This is an RCA con- nector that inputs a stereo S/PDIF digital signal. DIGITAL OUT jack This is an RCA connector that outputs a stereo S/PDIF digital signal. Front panel u MIC IN (L, R) jacks (XLR balanced) These are analog mic input jacks.
3 – Installation System requirements Windows XP Supported operating system: Windows XP SP2 Recommended system: Pentium or Athlon 1 GHz or faster (or equivalent processor), 512 MB or more memory, USB 2.0 port These requirements are for when using Cubase LE. If you are using other application software, you will need to consult the operating requirements for the software you are using. NOTE The number of usable audio tracks will depend on the speed of your hard disk.
3 – Installation Installing the drivers In order to use the US-144, you must install the appropriate drivers into your computer. As described below, this is an easy process using the CD-ROM included with the US-144. Drivers are updated from time to time. You can download the most recent version of the drivers from the TASCAM website . Do not connect the US-144 to your computer before you have installed the drivers. CAUTION Handle the enclosed CD-ROM with care.
3 – Installation Installing the drivers for Mac OS X The US-144’s drivers are provided on the CD-ROM as a package file entitled US122L & US-144 driver x_yy.mpkg. (x_yy is the version number.) Simply double-click on this package file’s icon to launch it and follow the directions that appear on your screen. Installing Cubase LE 1� Insert the Cubase LE CD-ROM into your computer. The opening screen will appear. 3� Enter the serial number of Cubase LE.
4 – Control panel settings Overview The Control Panel lets you make various settings for the US-144’s functionality. The Control Panel is divided into the following two sections. Setting section Here you can edit the various settings of the driver. Status section This shows the current status of the driver and the connected hardware. You cannot edit the settings from this section. Driver settings Audio Performance The US-144 driver temporarily stores input and output audio samples in buffers.
4 – Control panel settings Digital Output Format This lets you choose either AES/EBU or S/PDIF as the digital output format. Many professional devices use an XLR connector for AES/EBU. Special adapters may be purchased to convert between a digital audio RCA connector and digital audio XLR connector. 14 TASCAM US-144 USB 1.1 Mode Input Selection This item is shown only if the US-144 is connected to a USB 1.1 port on the host computer or to a USB 1.1 hub.
5 – Connections USB connections Using the included cable, connect the US-144 to your computer as shown in the illustration. Computer NOTE Some USB devices access the USB bus frequently. To avoid dropouts and clicks in the audio signal, we strongly recommend that you do not connect other USB devices to the USB bus used by the US-144. USB keyboards and mice are exceptions to this, and will probably not cause problems.
5 – Connections Guitar Connect your guitar to the R-channel LINE IN jack (1/4” phone jack) and set the MIC/ LINE-GUITAR switch to GUITAR. Sound module / MD / CD etc. (digital connection) Connect the digital audio output of these devices to the DIGITAL IN jack. DIGITAL OUT Sound module / MD / CD or similar device DIGITAL IN Guitar Keyboard / drum machine / sound module / cassette deck / MD / CD etc.
5 – Connections Speakers/headphones Headphones Powered speakers, or amp and speakers MIDI connections Connect your sound module, keyboard/ synthesizer, drum machine, or other MIDI device to the US-144 as shown below. You can use the MIDI IN/MIDI OUT connectors to transmit and receive MTC (MIDI Time Code). This allows the MTCcompatible DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) computer application to synchronize with your MIDI equipment. USB Computer MIDI IN Sound module etc. MIDI OUT Keyboard / synthesizer etc.
6 – Recording with Cubase LE This chapter explains the basics you will need to understand when using the US-144 with Cubase LE. This discussion is not intended to replace the user manual of your software. If you have questions specific to Cubase LE, please refer to the Cubase LE user manual. Input setting 1� Start up Cubase LE. From the Devices menu, choose Device Setup. The Device Setup window will appear.
6 – Recording with Cubase LE 5� From the File menu, choose New Project. A window will appear, allowing you to choose a template for your new project. Choose the desired template and press the OK button. Specify the location in which to save your project, and the new project will be created. Now you are ready to begin recording. Recording 1� As the input for the track you want to record, choose an input channel of the audio interface you are using.
6 – Recording with Cubase LE Mixdown 1� Move the left and right locators to specify the region that you want to mix down. Specify the region 2� From the File menu, choose Export -> Audio Mixdown. 20 TASCAM US-144 3� In the Export Audio Mixdown dialog box, make the desired settings and then press the Save button.
7 – Troubleshooting This chapter lists frequently asked questions related to recording with Cubase LE, with answers to these questions. EQ bypass Q. I have finished making input settings, but the meter of the audio track is not moving. A. Make sure that the monitor button of the track is enabled. Monitor Q. I would like to record two channels simultaneously for a stereo recording. A. Before you record, press the stereo/ mono select button of the track so that the yellow indicator is lit.
7 – Troubleshooting Q. I performed a mixdown, but the automation and effects were not reflected in the mixdown. A. In the Export Audio Mixdown dialog box, make sure that automation and effects are enabled. Q. I made a CD using the WAV file I mixed-down, but the speed is obviously different. A. Could your project be set to 48 kHz? If your ultimate objective is to create a CD, we recommend that you work in 44.1 kHz from the beginning.
8 – MIDI Implementation Chart Function Basic Channel Mode Note Number Velocity After Touch Pitch Bender Control Change Program Change At power ON Changed At power ON Messages Altered Range Note ON Note OFF Polyphonic Channel Range # System Exclusive System Common System Real Time Other :Song Pos :Song Sel :Tune :Clock :Commands :Local on/off :All note off :Active sensing :Reset Transmitted X X X X ************* X ************* X X X X X X X ************* X Received X X X X Remarks Through X Throu
9 – Specifications and performance Audio specifications Nominal input levels MIC IN L and R (XLR balanced) –58 dBu (TRIM=max) to –14 dBu (TRIM=min) MIC/LINE-GUITAR L and R in MIC/LINE position (1/4” jack, unbalanced) –40 dBu (TRIM=max) to +4 dBu (TRIM=min) MIC/LINE-GUITAR R in GUITAR position (1/4” jack, unbalanced) –51 dBu (TRIM=max) to –7 dBu (TRIM=min) Maximum input levels MIC L and R (XLR balanced) +2 dBu (TRIM=min) MIC/LINE-GUITAR L and R in MIC/LINE position (1/4” jack, unbalanced) +20 dBu (T
9 – Specifications and performance Audio performance Signal-to-noise ratio LINE IN (through ADC and DAC) to LINE OUT > 96 dB (A-weighted, TRIM=min., input impedance at 40 Ω) LINE IN (through direct monitor) to LINE OUT > 100 dB (A-weighted, TRIM=min., input impedance 40 Ω) Total harmonic distortion (THD+N, 22 Hz to 22 kHz) LINE IN (through ADC and DAC) to LINE OUT < 0.006% (1 kHz sine +20 dBu input, TRIM=min.) LINE IN (through direct monitor) to LINE OUT < 0.0.04% (1 kHz sine +20 dBu input, TRIM=min.
9 – Specifications and performance Physical characteristics Dimensions External dimensions (w x h x d) 147 x 192 x 48 mm Weight 1 Kg Supplied via USB 5V, maximum current 500 mA Power 192 mm 7.56 inch Dimensions 147 mm 5.79 inch 26 TASCAM US-144 48 mm 1.
9 – Specifications and performance Notes TASCAM US-144 27
» US-144 TEAC CORPORATION Phone: +81-422-52-5082 3-7-3, Nakacho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180-8550, Japan TEAC AMERICA, INC. Phone: +1-323-726-0303 7733 Telegraph Road, Montebello, California 90640 TEAC CANADA LTD. Phone: +1905-890-8008 Facsimile: +1905-890-9888 5939 Wallace Street, Mississauga, Ontario L4Z 1Z8, Canada www.tascam.com www.tascam.com www.tascam.com TEAC MEXICO, S.A. De C.V Phone: +52-555-581-5500 www.tascam.com Campesinos No.
