Guitar Gear

The four-channel Tascam US-144mkII USB audio interface.

The US-144mkII connects to Mac or Windows computers using USB 2.0, and the unit is powered over the USB cable. Zero-latency monitoring is available for recording without the delay going to a computer and back. MIDI input and output jacks allow connection of synths and drum machines. Connect the US-144mkII to monitors through the line output or use headphones with the front-mounted stereo 1/4-inch jack. Separate controls for line and headphone out means you don't need to switch off monitors to work in headphones. The US-144mkII makes a perfect portable interface with metal components and solid construction built for the road.

The US-144mkII includes a copy of Cubase LE4 from Steinberg. This full-featured recording software captures up to 48 tracks of audio with another 64 MIDI tracks. You can edit your tracks to perfection using a variety of modes and tools. Automated mixing is included to create the perfect master. Cubase LE4 supports VST effect and instrument plug-ins, which an assortment included with the application.

Key Features

• Bus-powered USB 2.0 audio interface
• (2) XLR microphone inputs with phantom power
• (2) 1/4-inch balanced line inputs
• Switchable guitar level input
• 1/4-inch stereo headphone output
• MIDI input and output
• S/PDIF stereo coaxial input and output (US-144mkII only)
• Individual Line and Headphone out level controls (US-144mkII only)
• Up to 96kHz/24-bit audio resolution
• Zero-latency hardware monitoring
• Mac and Windows drivers included
• Steinberg Cubase LE4 48-track recording software included
• Aluminum case construction

The Tascam CD-GT2 CD guitar trainer (see larger image).

Easy portability--weighs just over 1 pound (see larger image).

Key Features

• Portable CD guitar trainer (More compact than previous CD-GT1MKII)
• CD-DA/CD-R/CD-RW disc playback
• 10 second anti-shock memory
• Comprehensive 128 x 64 dot matrix LCD display with graphical user interface
• Album title/Track title indication by CD-Text
• Elapsed Time/Remain Time display with bar meter
• +16 to -50% pitch control in 1% steps
• VSA (Variable Speed Audition, pitch control without affecting key)
• Key control: +/-6 semi-tone, in semi-tone steps with +/-50 cents fine tune
• Single play and continuous play
• Single Loop, All Loop, and Seamless IN-OUT Loop
• Flash Back function (Instant review up to 5 seconds prior playback)
• Guitar Canceller with selectable canceling pan point and selectable frequency range
• 10 effect banks for user preset
• Chromatic tuner with calibration (435 to 445Hz)
• 3 octaves tone oscillator
• Metronome (BPM: 40 to 220, Beat: 2 to 6)
• 1/4-inch Guitar input
• Guitar/Mic input volume
• Guitar/Mic input level meter indicator on LCD display
• CD level meter indicator
• Foot switch connector
• 5 selectable functions by foot switch (Flash Back, Rewind, FF, Bank, Effect on/off)
• 1/8-inch stereo line output
• 1/8-inch stereo headphone output
• Headphone volume
• MONO monitor for CD (L+R, L, R)
• Split monitor (Left ch: CD, Right ch: Input or vice versa)
• Battery operation
• Optional power supply PS-P520

Specifications

• Disc Type:8cm and 12cm CD
• Line Output Connector:1/8-inch Stereo mini connector
• Nominal Stereo Output Level: -10dBV
• Output Impedance: 600ohm (2V RMS)
• Maximum Output Level (LINE OUT): +6dBV
• Headphone Output Connector: 1/8-inch Stereo mini connector
• Maximum Output Level (PHONES): 15mW (at 32ohm loaded)
• Guitar/Mic Input Connector: 1/4-inch Phone Connector
• Nominal Input Level
  • Guitar Input: -15dBV
  • Mic Input: -40dBV
• Maximum Input Level
  • Guitar Input: +6dBV
  • Mic Input: -19dBV
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (-3/+1dB); (A weight filter + 20KHz LPF)
• Signal to Noise Ratio: Better than 85 dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.03% (200Hz HPF + 20KHzLPF)
• Channel Separation: Better than 80dB (A weight filter + 20KHz LPF)
• Power Requirements: DC 5V (Optional AC adapter PS-P520) AA batteries x 4
• Power Consumption: 4W (with PS-P520)
• Dimensions: 7.64 x 1.52 x 5.43 inches (WxHxD)
• Weight (excluding batteries): 19.4 ounces