Tascam US-16x08 USB Audio Interface

Specifications

Product features

Sustainable product: Not specified
Interface for: Drummers, bands & producers
Number of analogue Inputs: 16
Number of analogue outputs: 8
Analogue audio input type: Balanced line in (TRS jack), microphone input (XLR), Hi-Z instrument input (TS jack)
Analogue audio output type: Balanced line out (TRS jack), Hi-Z instrument output (TS jack)
Total microphone inputs: 8
Total guitar/bass inputs: 2
Network connections: None
Digital audio inputs: None
Digital audio outputs: None
MIDI & other: MIDI in, MIDI out
Computer ports: USB
Number of headphone outputs: 1
Low latency monitoring: Yes, DSP mixer
Suitable for operating system: Apple OSX / Mac OS, Microsoft Windows, iOS
Maximum sample rate: 96 kHz
Software included: No
Included software: None
Included data cable: USB cable
Phantom power: Yes
19 inches: Yes

Weight and dimensions including packaging

Weight: 3,7 kg
Dimensions: 55,0 x 29,0 x 12,5 cm

Product specifications

USB audio interface
16 inputs (8x XLR, 8x jack), 8 outputs
Ultra-HDDA microphone preamplifiers (XLR inputs)
- 20dB headroom
- EIN rating: -125 dBu
- signal/noise ratio: 101 dB
stand-alone mode
can be installed in a 19-inch rack (rack ears included)
recording quality: 96 kHz/24 bits
for PC, Mac, iPad (see Tips)
connection: USB 2.0
+48V phantom power per microphone input
2x high-impedance input (jack inputs 1 and 2)
56dB preamplifier gain
rugged metal housing, angled design
inputs:
- 8x XLR
- 8x 6.3mm jack (TRS) (2x high impedance), balanced
- MIDI IN (5-pin DIN)
outputs:
- 8x 6.3mm jack (TRS), balanced
- headphones (6.3mm stereo jack), 70mW/ch output power
- MIDI OUT (5-pin DIN)
gain control for channels 1 through 10
separate volume control for headphones and line-out (1 and 2)
phantom power switchable per 4 microphone channels
3x -10dBV/+4dBu switch (channels 11-16)
low-latency monitoring via built-in DSP mixer
DSP mixer: 4-band EQ and compressor per input channel
digital patch bay for free output assignment
DSP mixer settings can be stored in 10 scenes
Auto Power Save (on/off)
confirmed operation with Sonar, ProTools, Cubase, Live, Studio One and Garage Band
RoHS-certified
power supply: AC adapter (included)
System requirements for Windows:
- 32/64 bits
- Windows 7 / 8.0 / 8.1
- USB port
- Dual Core 2 GHz or faster
- 2GB memory or more
- ASIO 2.0, WDM
System requirements for Mac:
- OS X 10.8, 10.9
- USB port
- Dual Core 2 GHz or faster
- 2GB memory or more
- Core Audio, Core MIDI
iOS devices: iOS 7 or higher required
included: power adapter, rack mount adapter, USB cable, manual
dimensions: 445 x 59 x 219 mm (52 x 2.32 x 8.62 inches)
weight: 2.8 kg (6.11 lbs)

Service promise

Bax Music Warranty This product comes with a 3-year warranty.

This product comes with a 3-year warranty.

Reviews (35)

4.3

35 reviews

Rating

5 stars 19 4 stars 11 3 stars 3 2 stars 1 1 star 1

Write a review

5 / 5

Tascam US-16x08 USB Audio Interface

Excellent piece of kit for the price. We use it with Ableton11. Easy to set up, and straight forward functionality! Bax were equally as good at getting the gear to us as well....top marks all round!

December 26, 2022 | Chris

5 / 5

Tascam US-16x08 USB Audio Interface

Great product, really easy to integrate with my home studio - a Mac & Logic Pro X - the kit will also be used live. It's a big improvement sound-wise on my previous audio interface too. Good price from Bax and nice, quick delivery. Recommended.

July 11, 2017 | AeroMoto

5 / 5

Tascam US-16x08 USB Audio Interface

The Tascam US 16x08 interface is a brilliant piece of gear, particularly when you consider the price. It has 16 inputs! OK, only 8 of them have mic pre-amps, but you're paying less than most other 8 input interfaces. It sounds great to my ears, connects to my (slow) windows laptop without problems and works smoothly with with my DAW (Studio One 3). The built in DSP is simple, but does everything I need (levels, EQ and compression). And did I mention it has 16 inputs?!!! I'm a drummer so need a lot of inputs, so this interface is perfect.

If there's one main thing I would change I would add another headphone socket. An interface like this is perfect for collaboration apart from the lack of headphone outs. That said, I already have a cheap 4 output headphone amp, so I'm not too bothered.

Bax had the cheapest price I could find anywhere for this item, and they delivered it by Royal Mail on the day I requested, no extra shipping fees, in perfect condition, so I couldn't ask more of them than that.

April 20, 2017 | Colin P.

Reviews from other countries

4 / 5

Tascam US-16x08 USB Audio Interface

The Tascam US-16x08 stands as a solid mid-range audio interface and mixer combination that delivers impressive functionality for home studios and small recording setups. After extensive testing, I've found several noteworthy aspects worth highlighting.

## Strengths

The preamp quality is genuinely impressive at this price point, offering clean gain without introducing noticeable noise even when pushed. The eight XLR/TRS combo inputs on the front panel provide excellent flexibility for recording multiple instruments or vocalists simultaneously, while the additional eight line inputs on the back expand your options further.

Build quality deserves praise - the metal chassis feels substantial and durable, likely to withstand years of studio use. The large gain knobs are tactile and responsive, allowing for precise adjustments when setting levels.

The onboard DSP mixer software, while not the most intuitive, provides valuable routing options and low-latency monitoring capabilities that prove essential during complex recording sessions. The ability to create custom monitor mixes is particularly useful when recording multiple musicians.

## Limitations

The US-16x08 isn't without drawbacks. The software interface feels somewhat dated compared to competitors, with a steeper learning curve than necessary. Some users may find the physical size bulkier than expected, demanding significant desk real estate.

Driver stability on some Windows systems can be occasionally problematic, requiring reinstallation after certain updates. Additionally, the unit lacks MIDI ports, which might disappoint those looking for an all-in-one solution.

The headphone outputs, while functional, don't deliver the same impressive quality as the main outputs, sometimes lacking power for high-impedance headphones.

## Verdict

The Tascam US-16x08 delivers excellent value for project studios and small recording setups. Its combination of quality preamps, extensive I/O options, and solid construction make it a worthwhile investment despite software quirks and occasional driver issues. For those needing multiple inputs without stretching to professional-grade interfaces, this Tascam unit strikes an impressive balance between functionality and affordability.

February 25, 2025 | Vitor L.