Changing these levels affects the monitor and headphone outputs, but has no effect on the audio levels seen by your workstation software. In addition to letting you hear the source signal directly, pressing the input monitor button causes the first four faders to control the input levels of inputs A through D going into the internal mixer. For example, the input monitor function serves a dual purpose. Other recording applications, which all have system requirements of their own, allow you to record as many as 128 tracks of 24-bit audio using the US-428.Along with the convenience of providing dedicated controls for workstation software, the US-428 features some clever ideas that just make life a little easier. But Deck LE will only allow you to record eight tracks of 16-bit audio. To get started with the US-428 and BIAS’s Deck LE, the bundled software, all you need is a PowerPC running Mac OS 8.6 or later. Unlike traditional 4-track machines, however, the total number of tracks you can record is not limited by the machine itself but by your computer’s configuration and the software you use. Users of traditional analog 4-track machines will find the tactile experience of the Tascam US-428 familiar. Tascam Web site, and these include Digidesign’s Pro Tools Free, Steinberg’s Cubase VST version 5.0, eMagic’s Logic Audio, MOTU’s Digital Performer version 2.7, and Native Instruments’ B4. Software drivers for many audio applications are available from the Instead of using the mouse to control virtual sliders and knobs on screen, you adjust levels with the actual sliders and knobs on the US-428. The US-428 is designed to bring the intuitive functionality of analog 4-track recording controls to computer-based, hard-disk recording gear. The US-428 connects via USB, so it’s easy to install and can be used with PowerBooks.

Using the Macintosh for multitrack music recording has been possible for years but has usually required installing a PCI card-until now. It works well, but it’s a bit tricky to get up and running, and its included software is a bit limited.

Booking time at a professional recording studio can cost an arm and a leg, but with Tascam’s US-428 MIDI controller you can record songs directly into your computer and send them as MP3s to friends and family. You’re an amazing songwriter, but so far, only your dog has heard your compositions.

Tascam us 428 manual