Tascam US-428 Controller


Tascam US-428 Controller
by Jack Conrad
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Remember how the invention of the mouse freed you from the tedium of controlling your computer via machine language keyboard commands? Hmm...maybe not! Tascam and Frontier Design Group have teamed up to produce the new US-428 digital controller for PC and Mac which could have the same impact on how you interface with your digital audio workstation. The US-428 gives you a physical presence in your "virtual studio" with a studio console-like control surface for most commonly used mouse functions. The unit runs under WIN 98SE, ME and 2000 on the PC...my weapon of choice for this review. For the Mac, the US-428 requires OS 8.6.1 or better and supports Digital Performer, Logic, VST and Pro-Tools.

Besides being a controller, this is a 24-bit, 44.1 or 48kHz audio interface that connects to your computer with a USB cable. The back panel has two balanced TRS and two unbalanced 1/4-inch analog inputs. The unbalanced inputs are switchable to high impedance for direct guitar recording. There are also two balanced XLR mic inputs...although, unfortunately no phantom powering. Outputs include: two unbalanced analog RCA line outs, a stereo headphone out, and S/PDIF digital I/Os.

The unit itself is a cool-looking aerodynamically styled blue box approximately 14"W X 11"D X 3"H with a top panel incorporating faders, knobs and buttons that correspond to the on-screen controls of your DAW. It has dedicated controls for: pan pots; four bands of EQ; faders, in unlimited banks of eight; a ninth master volume fader; and tape transport controls with autolocator. You'll have virtual freedom from mousing, typing, or using hard-to-remember "hot keys" to accomplish your ends. There are also four Aux sends, a jog wheel, solo and mute buttons for each track and three additional application assignable buttons. There is no screen on the US-428 but LEDs signify the modes of most of the switches.

The controls of the US-428 work by sending MIDI Controller Messages to your host audio program. Access to non-dedicated features comes by just manipulating the application's MIDI mapping. There are new MIDI map templates at Tascam's website and also updated drivers and templates for other programs as they become available. The software for the US-428 installed easily on my Pentium PIII running WIN 98SE. I watched as the US-428 "blinked" its way through a self-diagnostic routine. I liked that the USB connection eliminates the need for an internal soundcard in your computer giving you all your ins and outs right there on the desktop. No more crawling around the back of the desk and interacting with spiders and dustbunnies!

I printed out a copy of the short, well-written and easy to follow US-428 owner's manual from the installation CD. Between the help offered in the manual and tips, FAQs and other on-line help available at Tascam's website, I was able to navigate all functions available for VST quite easily. The US-428 comes bundled with 8-track versions of Cubasis for Windows and BIAS Deck LE for Mac, and sells for $625 MSRP. For much more, contact Tascam at 7733 Telegraph Road, Montebello, CA 90640. Phone them at: 323-726-0303 or Web to: www.tascam.com

Jack Conrad, ex-studio musician, bass playing recording and touring sideman with The Doors, The Beach Boys, those rave faves The Captain and Tennille and Austrailia's Sweetheart, Helen Reddy has also co-written hits for Three Dog Night, The Babys (2) and Heart. Just another Hollywood Hillbilly.

Edited by: Barry Rudolph

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