Reddit reviews TASCAM US-1800 16-in, 4-out USB 2.0 Audio Interface
We found 10 Reddit comments about TASCAM US-1800 16-in, 4-out USB 2.0 Audio Interface. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
The US-1800 audio interface from TASCAM offers more inputs than any interface in its class.Up to 16 inputs and 4 outputs are transmitted to Mac or Windows over high-speed USB 2.0 connection.The US-1800 features eight XLR microphone inputs with phantom power and 60dB of clean gain.
That's DOUBLE the US-1800.
The fact that it's a small amount of money is irrelevant.
I guess it depends on how much money you have. I got the Tascam US-1800 with 16-in, and it's mainly for convenience. I rarely use more than 1 or 2 at a time, I just leave everything plugged in all the time. FWIW, it seems to work well enough.
This model has been discontinued; the newer model is $275 new FYI
http://www.amazon.com/TASCAM-US-1800-4-out-Audio-Interface/dp/B0044FU6T2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1348607110&sr=8-2&keywords=Tascam+US-1641
What about this to replace the Focusrite & the Alesis?
http://www.amazon.com/TASCAM-US-1800-4-out-Audio-Interface/dp/B0044FU6T2/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1383145363&sr=8-5&keywords=Tascam+Audio+Interface
And we do plan on getting 4 microphones for the drums, I forgot what the recording method is but it's the method Led Zeppelin used. Basically, 1 mic on the kick, 1 directly on the snare, and 2 overhead mics pointing at the snare and equidistant from it.
It looks like it's gotten good reviews. I'm personally partial to FireWire, but if this thing dropped into my lap, I'd definitely use it.
http://www.amazon.com/TASCAM-US-1800-4-out-Audio-Interface/dp/B0044FU6T2
Time for a new interface!
Looking for:
I know most of these interfaces are $500-600 (focusrite saffire pro 40, 18i20, etc.) but I'd like to stay under that if possible. Even if it means going used.
This Tascam is tempting, but I have a feeling it's garbage, and it's missing things I want like ADAT in/out. Bet the pre's are junk. But it's only $280! lol
http://www.amazon.com/TASCAM-US-1800-4-out-Audio-Interface/dp/B0044FU6T2
I am very tempted by these used/returned units on ebay. Can anyone speak to the resilience of this model? I don't mind buying used as long as there are not a ton of known issues, which Google hasn't shown there is with the 18i20.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/141332841271?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
This package is also interesting, but MXL stuff is hit or miss. Thoughts?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/171308000178?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
Thanks!
As I said in my post above, I have the Tascam US-1800 interface. It's great.
http://www.amazon.com/TASCAM-US-1800-4-out-Audio-Interface/dp/B0044FU6T2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377749402&sr=8-1&keywords=tascam+us-1800
If you want to really have control over your final mix and actually well, mix it, you will need an interface and a DAW. Audacity is a free and very powerful DAW.
As far as the interface goes, it depends on how many inputs you need. An interface with 8 mic pres should get the job done. This is about as cheap as they come.
I've personally have been using this thing for a year and have had no issues and it can do a bunch of channels simultaneously and only costs 50 dollars more, you can do live multitracking of multiple microphones with more than two things and recording quality is the same for both.
I'd recommend working your way up to 7 mics. If you try to buy all seven at once, you'll end up getting cheap ones, and it'll sound worse than buying four good ones. Monoprice has a decent matched pair of condensors for $100. For the snare, you can go with an SM57. They're $100 new, but you can get them more cheaply used, and they last forever. I have the same ones I used in highschool, and they still work just as well as the day I got them. You can use it on your guitar cab, as well (or just buy two for live tracking). I also use a Beta 52 for the kick drum. That runs for a bit under $200.
As for stands, if you're not using them live, Guitar Centre sells a 10 pack for about $90. They aren't perfect, but they'll work.
So, for good equipment, you're looking at almost $600 in mics alone. You can get cheaper kits, but the sound quality won't be as good and they'll break more easily. You get what you pay for.
For bass, I just DI. You can buy a proper DI box or just plug into the interface. But, for $40, having a few DI boxes around comes in handy, especially if you want to record live. You can also mic the bass cab with something like the aforementioned Beta 52.
As I said before, you'll want an SM57 for the guitar cab. It gets the job done, and is pretty much the industry standard. You can spend more on fancier mics, but that money is best spent elsewhere.
As for vocals, you can buy a decent condenser mic from Monoprice, but to start off, just use the same 57 you've used for the guitar and drums, and just put a $14 pop filter on it.
Finally, you'll need an interface. If you really want to track seven drum mics, I'd go with a Tascam 1800 or a Focusrite 18i20. The latter is better quality, but also double the price.
Sadly, there is no good cheap method of doing things. But here in the digital age, things are a whole lot easier than going through to a 4-track cassette Portastudio when I was your age. If I was in your place, and had $1,000 to spend, I'd buy the following:
Tascam US-1800 ($250)
Two Behringer DI-100s ($80)
The Monoprice Small-Dia Matched Condensers ($100)
Shure Beta 52 ($200)
Two SM57s (or 58s) ($200)
The Guitar Centre 10 Mic Stand pack ($90)
And spend the rest on XLR and 1/4" cables from Monoprice.
After working on recording and mixing for a while, see if you want to expand your drum tracking, or if you want to invest in additional gear as needed. Nothing sucks more than blowing your budget, never using a certain thing, but having to do without something you discover you need.
And most importantly of all, have fun with it. It's a great experience.