TASCAM US-16x08 Review
USB Audio/MIDI Interface
- 24-bit/96 kHz Resolution
- 8x XLR Mic Inputs & 8x TRS Line Inputs
- DSP Monitor Mixer with EQ & Compression
- Ultra-HDDA Microphone Preamps
- 5-Pin DIN MIDI I/O
- Angled Design for Desktop Use
- Mac, Windows, iOS Compatible
- Includes Rack Ears & USB Cable
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 14,805 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the TASCAM US-16x08. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the TASCAM US-16x08. For example, 93% of 1,794 users who have commented on the Value for money of the TASCAM US-16x08 have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 54 Reviews
Smart Design
TASCAM US-16x08 USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Timothy on Guitar Center
Most audio interfaces don't have EQ & compression available at the tracking stage, and therefore make your 'mobile' recording unit over complex, and quite costly. I own the TASCAM US 1800, and upgraded to the Focusrite 18i20. This TASCAM 16 08 may be a smarter choice, here's why... 1) The TASCAM 16 08 will record all 16 tracks at 88.2khz. The Focusrite will cut the tracks in half when going beyond 44.1khz 2) The TASCAM 16 08, if owned, would allow you to rout everything directly into the recording unit, and eliminate the need to purchase a PreSonus ACP-88 compressor, $300 used price! 3) The last thing to consider is the sound. I have experience with the TASCAM field recorder, and higher quality unit than the TASCAM US 1800. I have no doubt that if TASCAM wanted to, they could give the customer a really nice DA converter with pre-amp. It is my recommendation for all recording musicians to consider this unit before all others. The lack of recording software included, and driver issues may be the main problem, but if you can get this unit to operate... I can't seem to find any reason why this unit wouldn't be a best choice. You should at least purchase this first, and see if you can get it to work with your configuration. ... More
Great Interface
TASCAM Tascam US-16x08 USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Ethan F. on Reverb
Very happy with the interface. I want to point out a couple things that might be helpful to the potential newbies to the interface game. Most other interfaces end up counting optical audio inputs, linking systems, or preamps as part of the input count which is deceiving if you were to be new to getting an interface. This was the only one that really technically has 10 pres(9-10 are instrument and line variable with gain controls like the other 8 if you select instrument). You WILL need TRS male to XLR female cables to take advantage of rigging up the instrument ins to use a mic. Not ideal, but if you want those channels for that purpose, that’s what you need. So if you are looking for something for drums, this is by far the best in the range with maximizing inputs for people without external pres. I was actually looking to spend significantly more money than this, but there’s a huge gap between true 8 pre interfaces and anything greater because then you get into exhaustive studio setups that cost far more money than what I needed this for. It also truly gives you the extra 6 line inputs which is great if you only have a few mic pres that you want to use while adding more in the interface. It also has midi in and 8 line outs. Basically how it is set up is that line out 1-2 are for your monitors and it has a volume control on the front. One thing I do not like is that the volume control knob is small like the other knobs and just doesn’t move smoothly. That kind of is the downside of this, especially if you want to be very specific and consistent with listening levels. I think a notched knob would be much more useable and useful. I am also aware of the PC problems. I wasn’t worried because I work off of a mac. You just plug it in, turn it on, and it works beautifully. No drivers or installation hassle necessary. If you are looking for the most channels for the least money, here ya go. I’ve had no problems. Also worth noting that it runs 96k. I know some are looking for 192k now, but I haven’t seen enough necessity yet to need higher than 96k. ... More
Bad drivers on Win7 64
Tascam US-16x08 USB Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Using in conjunction with a number of synths/mics on a Win7 64 PC. Latest Windows driver (2/5/15) appears to be bunk for my system as half of the programs I use throw errors when trying to render audio (Zune, Foobar, Windows Media, Media Player Classic, Chrome). My DAW works decent with it (FL Studio). Relatively low latency, no pops etc. Firefox sound renders fine, so do all the system sounds. But it appears there's some missing driver that tells many programs (one's that don't allow you to manually set a soundcard) to send sound out of the Tascam. So if I want to use them I have to hook up my FocusRite 2i2. The whole reason behind my purchase was eliminating extraneous pieces of hardware. Also recently noticed I'm experiencing line bleed on a couple of synths (inputs 11 & 12) even when not linked. IE turn the volume all the way down(also tried outright muting) on channel 11 but still here the synth coming out quietly of the channel 12 output. Tascam's customer service has been practically non-existant. Emails go completely unanswered. It's a pain to get anyone on the phone and they simply take your information and tell you there may be a driver update but we don't know when ... More
Typical of Tascam's best stuff - solid and simple
TASCAM US-16x08 USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by wynot on Guitar Center
I have been using Tascam gear since the early 70s, and this unit seems typical of their pro-sumer quality stuff - inexpensive, easy to work with, and as reliable as a brick. I had several glitches with it at first, but the manual and a couple decades of trouble-shooting computers helped me get up and running after a few tweaks to my DAW of choice's (Reaper) preferences panel, and I was rocking out. One thing I should mention - the output signals are HOT! I was running the amp that powers my mains wide open with my previous interface, but had to pull it back to about 2 or 3 to get the same volume after installing the US16X08! Certainly not a con, but something to be aware of when you first power up after it is installed. ... More
Excellent choice
TASCAM US-16x08 USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by jonathan on Guitar Center
So far so good... just started a home drum studio and this interface is perfect for what I'm trying to accomplish.
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Happy Customer but some issues.
TASCAM US-16x08 USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Mas on Guitar Center
I will start by saying, I am very happy I disregarded all of the comments about driver issues. Setup was childs play. The issues I had were with the the owner's manual and its lack of details. Once I figured out all of the possible configurations and settings, it worked flawlessly with my recording software and I was able to record my drum kit with 8 mics. Very happy customer!
Was Hoping for a MOTU killer...its Not
Tascam US-16x08 USB Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Bradley on B&H Photo Video
I A/B'd the 16x08 with my MOTU 8 Pre. I *really* wanted it as a cheap replacement with even more inputs(!) since I need a few audio interfaces around for live + studio. It worked instantly w/ my 2011 macbook pro w/SSD drive running OS X 10.8.5. Everything was super quick and smooth. Easy. Instant Success. No drivers to install. Great. Sound quality wasn't bad, but a bit muddy compared to the MOTU 8 pre - which already isn't the highest end thing out there. I tried individual instruments, looping them together in ableton live - and also some Queen @ 24 bit. It was subtle but quite noticeable. My student was there and heard it too. I returned the tascam 16x08 back to my local store and plunked down an extra almost $300 for another MOTU 8pre USB. If you're a college kid building your first home studio this thing is a bargain. But if you're a pro and quality matters, it doesn't quite cut it, IMO. ... More
Low Home Studio level.
Tascam US-16x08 USB Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by David on B&H Photo Video
I am from Argentina, I am a little accustomed to high-end equipment. I had it for 2 years and I had to get rid of it because it is very limited. The preamps dont have high end definition, the noise floor is quite high. The driver is bad, old and without much versatility, with pro tools open it does not let you hear things in the background (windows media, spotify, chrome, etc) and does not let you change the buffer size from PT, you must close the session and do it manually from the driver. The quality of the converters is commensurate with the price, taking into account the many channels (bad, so bad). I recommend it only for home studios that need so many inputs. It's the only good thing about the interface ... its i / o. Think if you really need so many i/o (I only used them a couple of times, my bad) I bought an Audient ID14 for the same price and it is awesome, portable, good quality (not crazy good but very good) and the i/o are enough for today's demands. ... More
A good set of features for the price
Tascam US-16x08 USB Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
This is a good unit for the price - heaps of connectivity - XLR and 1/4' inputs are both covered, there is a level overload LED on the XLR inputs and volume adjustment per channel on the unit. The software is also solid - lets you visually mix, and use the onboard per-channel compressors and EQs, as well as handling routing in a simple and effective way. Some complaints floating around the net that the drivers dont work on windows 10, but since these were written Tascam has updated them, and its working fine on my WIn 10 setup. Good sound quality and solidly built, this is a good buy - Ive got it hooked up to a machinedrum and a couple of waldorf synths and it has opened up possibilities on per-channel processing and routing that have much improved my workflow and sound quality. ... More
Perfect right out of the package!
Tascam US-16x08 USB Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by isherwoodme on B&H Photo Video
When I bought it, I had Windows 8.1, no issues at all.All 16 channels plus MIDI work beautifully.I love that I can record 16 channels simultaneously.If you want to record stereo, as someone else suggested in their review, just assign 2 channels to the stereo track - perfect!I now have Windows 10 installed and it works better than ever.I am running Pro Tools 11.3.1 on a PC laptop.I can't say enough good about my purchase, you won't find another 16-channel interface near this price, and top quality with rack ears included if needed.
Excellent Equipment
TASCAM US-16x08 USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by AMGALVAN on Guitar Center
After installing driver it integrated seamlessly and flawlessly with Presonus Studio One 3. Not a single issue. However you should have a high performance PC because it is CPU intensive. Plenty of RAM also. I have a Core-i7 with 32GB of 2400mhz DDR3.
Great product a little rough around the edges
Tascam US-16x08 USB Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Red on B&H Photo Video
Added this interface to our project studio. Have about 30 hours into it over 4 very different sessions. Here my take away: The interface was zero hassle to setup (use a Mac mini in the studio not a PC!) Almost of the negatives I've seen involve Windows 7-10. Pre's are clean. Line in's are quiet. Hooked right into Logic Pro so no complaints. Would have loved to get the big presonus interface but we are in the business to make money not spend it. My one big gripe is there is no iPad app for controlling the interface so if I need to make a local monitoring change I must go into the control room to make it on the built in tascam program. Which is the only reason I did not give it 5 stars. ... More
Great for Recording Drum Kits
TASCAM Tascam US-16x08 USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Marc S. on Reverb
I was looking for an interface for recording drums, and this fit the bill perfectly. Plenty of inputs, crystal clear sound and extremely flexible. Once caveat: I use my laptop to record, and the first time I tried to use the US-16x08, I was running my computer on battery power and the sound quality was terrible (lots of clicks and static). But then I plugged in the laptop, and the sound quality was perfect. So if you're using this unit with a laptop, it's probably a good idea to plug in the laptop rather than using battery power.
Great Interface.
TASCAM US-16x08 USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by djh on Guitar Center
I have had this unit for about 2 years. I haven't had any real issues with it. This recording unit has been used with several daws and I haven't had any problems. This was a great purchase.
Tascam Worked Well With Our Zoom PC
Tascam US-16x08 USB Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Anonymous on B&H Photo Video
We are using our Tascam US-16x08 USB Audio/MIDI Interface to connect several XLR mics and bring them into a laptop that we use for Zoom. After setting up the Tascam in t Upload he Settings Panel, the mics now get mixed and flow through the USB cable into the laptop. Zoom picks up the combined mics as if they are one device. This combined mic output can also be sent via the line out to be used by a wireless hearing system for hearing-challenged people. The Tascam is easy to set up, connects to multiple devices, and simple to operate via its software. ... More
I bought this a few years ago.
TASCAM US-16x08 USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by dhill on Guitar Center
I bought this unit to record 16 tracks at a time. I have used this unit in several daws and have tested this unit recording all 16 channels at once with no problem.
Fantastic USB interface, super easy to use, quick setup
TASCAM Tascam US-16x08 USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Dennis C. on Reverb
Frankly, I love this thing. I wanted a preamp with enough inputs to mic (or direct-in) my whole band in my basement, and this device does the trick. I use a Mac, and downloaded the software that allows my computer to see it on Tascam's website, and was easily up and running. The two DAW's I use (Garageband and Adobe Audition) saw it immediately and I was assigning channels and recording quickly. It sounds great and is super easy to use. So glad I got this!
This is a solid interface
TASCAM Tascam US-16x08 USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Bobby P. on Reverb
This thing is very good. It took some getting used to coming from a presonus background. I am using this very successfully with Cubase 9.5 and am very happy with it. The pre-amps are very clean and quiet. The main reason I went with this unit is because it's USB 2.0, and then the price was great. They also threw in a MXL 550 / 551R Microphone Ensemble w/ two porkpie xlr cables. It was a true bargain I don't know if you can find a sweet deal like that again.
Drivers cause Windows 10 to freeze up
Tascam US-16x08 USB Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Jon on B&H Photo Video
After installing the drivers from Tascam's web site my computer started behaving erratically and it eventually became unresponsive. After several reboots I was forced to restore my system using safe mode to the point in time before the driver installation. I checked the Tascam forums and saw this has been an issue for some time and Tascam failed to address the issue. I would not recommend purchasing this item until Tascam gets the issue resolved.
Works well so far
Tascam US-16x08 USB Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by William on B&H Photo Video
I am using a Windows 10 desktop computer. I installed the latest Settings Panel/Driver software from the Tascam website, which was version 3.02 early 2019, the package loads the Settings Panel windows software and a Unified driver (Windows and ASIO) was fast and painless. Using Reaper for the DAW I setup a couple of tracks and plugged in a mic and a guitar and everything worked great. I plan on adding more tracks and check and will update this review later. So far so good.
