US-1x2HR
High-Resolution USB Audio Interface (2 in / 1 mic, 2 out)
When one mic input is enough
The US-1x2HR is the smallest member of the Tascam US-HR series of high-resolution USB audio interfaces. It has one mic and one instrument input and is therefore particularly suitable for simple and intuitive guitar/vocal recording with a computer. The included loopback function and support for Open Broadcaster Software (OBS Studio), however, makes it also an excellent choice for podcast creation and live streaming. Last but not least, it is a perfect solution for feeding an amplifier system with music from a computer in high quality, for example for a birthday party.
Lower noise and distortion – better sound than ever
The compact US-1x2HR incorporates a wealth of features, including high audio resolution up to 24-bit/192 kHz, ultra-low latency with a Windows buffer size starting at four samples, Ultra-HDDA mic preamplifiers with 48-volt phantom power for superior sound quality with ultra-low noise, a robust USB Type C connector, and a rich assortment of included software to start producing audio right away. The lightweight interface is ideal for mobile recording and production using an iPhone or iPad* with the included Cubasis LE so you can take it to your practice room, use it to report from a live event, or capture nature sounds outdoors.
Usability is key
All US-HR models offer a unique dye-cast aluminum honeycomb structure on the side panels with a slight upward tilt. This design not only results in a sleek, eye-catching design, it also provides just the right amount of weight so the interface won’t move when cables are connected or disconnected. Equally important, the upward tilt offers the ergonomic benefit of being angled in such a way as to make the interface easy to work with.
If you need an uncluttered, easy-to-use audio interface with two inputs and two outputs, very low noise, low distortion and superb sound quality, the Tascam US-1x2HR can be your reliable partner for many years.
* An optional battery pack or AC adapter is required when used with an iPhone or iPad.
| US-1x2HR | US-1x2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum sampling rate | 192 kHz | 96 kHz |
| Gain range (Mic input) | 58 dB | 57 dB |
| Equivalent input noise | –128 dB | −127 dBu |
| Frequency response (Mic/Line input, 96 kHz) | 20 Hz – 40 kHz +0 dB / −0.4 dB | 20 Hz – 40 kHz +0 dB / –1 dB |
| S/N ratio (Mic input) | 109 dB | 100 dB |
| Distortion (THD+N, Mic input) | 0.0013% | 0.006% |
US-1x2HR Product Presentation
US-HR Series Presentation
Vocal/Instrument Recording With Outstanding Performance
A recording environment with low noise and great audio performance is a relevant factor for vocal and, in particular, wind instruments. The US-1x2HR features an Ultra-HDDA microphone preamplifier with a very low noise level that makes this interface the ideal tool for recording with a condenser microphone. You can also plug in your electric guitar or bass directly using the line/instrument input and use plug-in effects on your computer recording (DAW) software. Or connect any instrument or hi-fi amplifier’s line output to the line input.
The US-1x2HR is also a great tool on the road: Combine it with an iPad and you can capture nature sounds, stream interviews from live events, or simply record your ideas with high quality wherever you go.
Even if you’re not so familiar with recording equipment, the US-1x2HR’s user-friendly design enables you to use it right away.
Highlights
- Ultra-HDDA mic preamp
- Equivalent input noise: –128 dBu
- Very high S/N ratio of 110 dB (mic to computer)
- Very little distortion: 0.0013%
- Separate inputs for mic and instrument or line level sources
- Separate controls for line and headphones output
- Zero-latency monitoring (can be set to mono or stereo)
Perfect For Music Playback From Your Computer
The US-1x2HR can improve your sound when playing music from your computer. No matter if you create your own dance music using software synths and other plug-ins or if you are the DJ on a birthday party – with its high audio quality and separate controls for headphones and line outputs (loudspeakers) the US-1x2HR easily turns your computer into a perfect-sounding playback device.
You may have noticed that your sound system is not very loud when powered directly from a computer. When using the US-1x2HR to feed your power amplifiers, its high line output level ensures you get the maximum power out of your sound system.
Highlights
- Maximum line output level of +6 dBV is enough for any power amp
- Standard 6.3-mm headphones output for monitoring
Support for iPads and other iOS devices
Instead of a computer, you can also use an iPad or iPhone together with the US-1x2HR to make music. Performance has been tested with not only the bundled digital audio workstation (Cubasis LE3), but also with other popular recording software – you can continue to use them even if you change DAW software.
- Connect with an iPad or iPhone
- Tested with many popular DAW applications
Ideal for Podcasts and Live Streaming
The Settings Panel, which is installed on your computer, comes with a variety of functions. You can choose whether direct monitoring is done in mono or stereo and adjust the balance between input and computer signals. You can also switch the hardware inputs on and off individually and set the Windows buffer size according to your working environment.
For online broadcasting, Internet communication and other live streaming applications, the US-HR series interfaces offer a Loopback function which can merge input signals 1/2 with signals 1/2 coming from the computer (each can be set to mono or stereo) and send that mix to the broadcasting or other software on the computer. A software slider allows to adjust the final “broadcast” volume independently from the unit’s line output level setting.
- Inputs can be set on/off individually
- Buffer size can be set to a value between 4 and 2048 samples (Windows only)
- Loopback can be set on/off, and each of the merged signal pairs can be switched mono/stereo
- Slider for setting the Loopback master level (broadcast volume)
Hardware Details
Natural, Crisp and Clear Sound Thanks to Ultra-HDDA Mic Preamp With 192 kHz Support
The Ultra-HDDA (High-Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamp used on the US-1x2HR features a discrete construction. Such preamps have a higher number of components and are far away from mass-produced preamps. Their EIN (equivalent input noise) rating, which measures the absence of noise, is as low as –128 dBu for the US-1x2HR. Combined with a newly improved audio circuit and support for sampling rates up to 192 kHz, our in-house developed microphone preamplifier delivers enhanced audio performance with the most transparent and low-noise sound, reflected in a signal-to-noise ratio of 110 dB.
High-Performance XLR Balanced Microphone Input
The US-1x2HR adds a balanced microphone input to your computer. Computers usually don’t have such professional connectors but if you want to achieve studio sound there’s no way without it. Balanced connections are less sensitive to interference caused by other electrical signals (from mains power cables, for instance). Also, balanced connections are required to provide phantom power to high-quality condenser microphones.
The XLR mic input on the US-1x2HR can provide 48-volts phantom power to condenser mics and it offers enough gain (up to 57 dB) to cope even with less expensive dynamic mics.
Second Input For Instruments
Unlike your computer, the US-1x2HR offers an instrument input for direct connection of an electrical guitar or bass. This means you can record or stream your instrument without the need for an instrument amplifier. Use plug-in effects (available as an option) on your DAW software to create truly professional sounds.
RCA Stereo Input For External Audio Devices
You can also connect external equipment to the US-1x2HR like a cassette deck, CD player or even your smartphone using a conversion cable. Why not archive your cassette tape collection to your computer? It’s really simple. Or record or stream your keyboard performance in stereo.
NOTE: You can only use one set of inputs (front or rear) at a time.
Power Supply by USB
When used with a computer, the US-1x2HR is powered by USB so a sparate power supply is not required. If you operate the unit together with an iPhone or iPad, however, you need a 5-volts power supply or battery pack like Tascam PS-P520E or Tascam BP-6AA (each available as an option) or your original Apple AC adapter (the US-1x2HR will not supply power to the iOS device in this case). A genuine Apple Lightning-USB adapter is also required for operation with an iPhone/iPad.
Bundled Software Enables Music Creation Right Out of the Box
The US-HR models come bundled with world-renowned software that will enhance your production workflow. At the core of music production, Steinberg Cubase LE (including Cubasis LE3) gives you everything you need for composing, multitrack recording, sequencing, editing, and mixing. IK Multimedia Sample Tank SE 4 comes free of charge with a massive 30-Gigabyte sound library encompassing more than 2,000 different musical instruments. And a free 3-month subscription to Auto-Tune Unlimited from Antares, a comprehensive suite of industry-standard pitch correction and vocal effects, gives you the opportunity to create those famous sounds of the pros.
Note: Upgrades may require a fee.
Robust metal casing
The US-HR models share a solid and practical design intended to withstand years of hard use. Its robust metal jacket not only improves durability. Combined with dye-cast aluminum side panels, it also provides a sleek, eye-catching design. Moreover, the metal structure results in each model having just the right weight, so it won’t move too easily when cables are connected or disconnected.
- Solid metal enclosure
- Eye-catching design
What is Direct Monitoring?
When recording audio with a computer, input signals are usually routed through the interface, the computer, and then back to the interface’s outputs. While signals pass the A/D and D/A converters in your interface without any noticeable delay, audio processing by the computer can lead to a clearly audible, disturbing time lag. As a result, you hear your voice or instrument later than the backing tracks played back on the computer and you are hardly able to perform in sync with the playback signal.
By using direct monitoring, input signals are not only sent to the computer but also directly to the outputs of your interface. This allows you to hear your input signal with virtually no delay (or latency) and always in sync with the playback material when recording or performing.
Tip: When recording the signal, mute the track you are recording to. Otherwise you would also hear your performance delayed from the recording track.
Features at a glance
- Advanced version of our popular US-1x2 with even better sound quality
- Provides two audio inputs and two audio outputs to a Windows or Mac computer or iOS device
- Audio resolution up to 192 kHz / 24 bit
- USB Audio Compliance 2.0 for iOS connection
Hardware features
- One XLR microphone input with switchable phantom power
- One 6.3-mm TRS analogue input selectable between line level (balanced) and instrument level (unbalanced, for direct connection of a guitar or bass)
- Two line inputs with RCA connectors on the rear can be used instead of the front inputs
- One high-quality Ultra-HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) microphone pre-amp with ultra-low noise (EIN: –128 dBu)
- Wide input gain range of 58 dB, ideal for dynamic microphones
- Stereo line output
- Direct monitor option for low-latency monitoring
- Headphones output delivering 18 mW per channel
- Independent level controls for line and phones outputs
- USB bus-powered for mobile recording
- Rugged aluminum body
- Angled industrial design for ease-of-use on a desktop
Software features
- In-house developed driver for Windows devices ensures stable operation with low latency
- The buffer size for Windows can be selected up from 4 samples to facilitate a recording environment with ultra-low latency
- Each input can be switched on/off individually
- Input monitor mode can be selected between stereo and mono
- A loopback function allows two audio channels from the computer to be merged with the input signals and send this mix to the streaming or communication software
- Input and computer signals can each be selected between stereo and mono
- A slider lets you adjust the broadcast level
- Switchable auto power save mode to reduce battery consumption on the laptop/tablet computer in mobile use
- Automatic update function available for software, driver and firmware updates (you can install new updates with the press of a button)
- Compatible with major DAW software (Pro Tools, Live, Cubase, Studio One, GarageBand)
- Bundled with Cubase LE and Cubasis LE3 and Antares Auto-Tune Unlimited (free 3-month subscription)
- USB cable (type C to type A) included as standard
Supported Operating Systems
Windows
- Windows 11 (version 24H2)
- Windows 11 (version 23H2)
- Windows 11 (version 22H2)
- Windows 11 (version 22H1)
- Windows 10 (version 22H2)
- Windows 10 (November 2021, version 21H2)
- Windows 10 (May 2021, version 21H1)
- Windows 8.1
- Windows 7
Mac
- macOS Sequoia (15)
- macOS Sonoma (14.0)
- macOS Ventura (13.0)
- macOS Monterey (12.0)
- macOS Big Sur (11.0)
- macOS Catalina (10.15)
- macOS Mojave (10.14)
- macOS High Sierra (10.13)
iOS
- iOS 18 / iPadOS 18
- iOS 17 / iPadOS 17
- iOS 16 / iPadOS 16
- iOS 15 / iPadOS 15
- iOS 14 / iPadOS 14
- iOS 13 / iPadOS 13
- iOS 12
Specifications
| General | |
|---|---|
| Sampling frequencies | 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz |
| Quantization bit depth | 24 bits |
| Analogue audio inputs | |
|---|---|
| Mic input (balanced, IN1) | XLR-3-31 (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD) |
| Input impedance | 2.4 kΩ |
| Nominal input level (gain knob at max.) | −65 dBu (0.0004 Vrms) |
| Nominal input level (gain knob at min.) | −8 dBu (0.0775 Vrms) |
| Maximum input level | +10 dBu (2.449 Vrms) |
| Maximum gain | 58 dB |
| Line/instrument input (balanced/unbalanced, IN2) | 6.3-mm standard TRS stereo jack (Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND) |
| When set to LINE (balanced) | |
| Input impedance | 10 kΩ |
| Nominal input level (gain knob at max.) | −41 dBu (0.0069 Vrms) |
| Nominal input level (gain knob at max.) | +4 dBu (1.228 Vrms) |
| Maximum input level | +20 dBu (7.75 Vrms) |
| Maximum gain | 45 dB |
| When set to INST (unbalanced) | |
| Input impedance | ≥1 MΩ |
| Nominal input level (gain knob at max.) | −51 dBV (0.0028 Vrms) |
| Nominal input level (gain knob at max.) | –6 dBV (0.5015 Vrms) |
| Maximum input level | +3 dBV (1.4125 Vrms) |
| Maximum gain | 45 dB |
| Line input L/R (unbalanced) | RCA |
| Input impedance | 10 kΩ |
| Maximum input level | +6 dBV (1.995 Vrms) |
| Analogue audio outputs | |
|---|---|
| Line output L/R (unbalanced) | RCA |
| Output impedance | 100 Ω |
| Maximum output level | +6 dBV (1.995 Vrms) |
| Headphones output | 6.3-mm standard stereo jack |
| Maximum output power | 18 mW + 18 mW or higher (THD+N 0.1% or less, 32 Ω) |
| Output impedance | 66 Ω |
| Load impedance | 16–250 Ω |
| Other inputs and outputs | |
|---|---|
| USB | 4-pin USB C-type |
| Transfer rate | USB 2.0 Hi-speed (480 Mbits/s) |
| Power supply (DC IN 5V) | USB Micro B type |
| Audio performance | |
|---|---|
| Mic preamp EIN (equivalent input noise) | −128 dBu or less (150 Ω termination, gain knob at max.) |
| Frequency response | |
| Mic input | 44.1/48 kHz: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, +0 dB/–0.4 dB (JEITA) 88.2/96 kHz: 20 Hz – 40 kHz, +0 dB/–0.4 dB (JEITA) |
| Line input | 44.1/48 kHz: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, +0.2 dB/–0,1 dB (JEITA) 88.2/96 kHz: 20 Hz – 40 kHz, +0.2 dB/–0.4 dB (JEITA) |
| Line output | 44.1/48 kHz: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, +0.2 dB/–0,1 dB (JEITA) 88.2/96 kHz: 20 Hz – 40 kHz, +0.2 dB/–0.4 dB (JEITA) |
| S/N ratio | |
| Mic input to computer | 109 dB (gain knob at minimum, 20-kHz LPF, A-weighted) |
| Line input to computer | 105 dB (gain knob at minimum, 20-kHz LPF, A-weighted) |
| Computer to line output | 110 dB (MONITOR knob at maximum, 20-kHz LPF, A-weighted) |
| Distortion (THD+N) | |
| Mic input to computer | 0.0013 % (gain knob at minimum, –5 dBFS input level, 1-kHz sine wave, 20-kHz LPF) |
| Line input to computer | 0.0027 % (gain knob at minimum, –5 dBFS input level, 1-kHz sine wave, 20-kHz LPF) |
| Computer to line output | 0.0015 % (MONITOR knob at maximum, –4 dBFS input level, 1-kHz sine wave, 20-kHz LPF) |
| Crosstalk | 95 dB or more (mic/line input to line output, 1-kHz sine wave, gain knob at minimum) |
| Power supply and other specifications | |
|---|---|
| Power supply | |
| Used with a computer | USB bus power |
| Used with an iOS device | USB power adapter (that can supply 5 V and a current of at least 700 mA)1 External battery pack (that can supply 5 V and a current of at least 700 mA)2 |
| Power consumption | 1.8 W |
| Dimensions (W × H × D, without protrusions) | 146 mm × 55 mm × 120 mm |
| Weight | 623 g |
| Operating temperature range | 5–35 °C |
| 1 We strongly recommend using a Tascam PS-P520U or the USB power adapter included with the iPad/iPhone. No USB power adapter is included with an iPod Touch. To use it with an iPod Touch, purchase a genuine Apple USB power adapter (that can supply 5 V and a current of at least 700 mA) separately. | |
| 2 We strongly recommend using a Tascam BP-6AA external battery pack. If using another external battery pack or mobile battery, purchase one that can supply 5 V and a current of at least 700 mA. |
Design and specifications subject to change without notice.
Page last modified: 2024-12-18 13:11:29 UTC