Tascam releases new USB 3.0 interface, compact monitors

Tascam has introduced its new Celesonic US-20×20 USB 3.0 audio interface and VL-S3 compact monitors.

The 20-in/20-out Celesonic US-20×20 (main picture) claims to be the first USB 3.0 interface to use class-compliant drivers for ‘future-proof use’ with computers and tablets. A built-in DSP mixer includes parametric EQ and compression on every channel and a stereo reverb, while the DSP mixer can also be used as a live mixer or submixer with computer control. The US-20×20 has three operation modes – audio interface, digital mixer, and eight-channel digital mic preamp.

Eight Ultra-HDDA preamps – described as the best sounding in their class – provide 56dB of gain, 20dB of headroom and low noise performance. The rear panel features up to ten channels of ADAT and S/PDIF digital I/O, two balanced line inputs and word clock for use with external clocks like Tascam’s CG-1000. MIDI I/O enables use with controllers and synthesisers, while sample rates up to 192kHz/24-bit are supported.

Also just launched, the new Tascam VL-S3 (pictured above) brings compact studio monitoring ‘to the price of a set of headphones’. The two-way powered monitors include a 3in woofer while the rear ported design enables powerful sound delivery, the company says.

A 14W-per-side stereo power amplifier drives the two monitors, and the compact, ported cabinets promise easy fitting ‘almost anywhere.’ Designed for home studios, dorm rooms, or video editing suites, the VL-S3 is an ‘affordable solution for great-sounding mixes’. A pair of RCA inputs accept any line-level input, and a stereo 1/4in to RCA cable is included.

Also available is a 1/8in stereo mini jack for playing from smartphones or MP3 players.

www.tascam.com