There are also switches to activate a high-impedance mode on both inputs so that guitars and basses can be DI'd, and a switch to supply phantom power to any mics that may require it - which is impressive given that the US122 is fully host-powered and requires no mains adaptor of its own. The top panel is home to five chunky knobs controlling headphone and line out levels, 'direct monitor' volume (for very low-latency monitoring of input signals), and input gain (trimmable from line to mic level) for the left and right channels. Measuring just 196mm by 149mm and weighing in at less than a kilogram, it's a solid, pleasing little box, which gives the impression of being sturdy and well built.
To this end, it offers two-channel audio I/O at up to 24-bit, 48kHz with phantom-powered mic preamps, plus single MIDI In and Out ports. The US122 is the newest addition to Tascam's increasingly comprehensive range of USB audio interfaces, and aims to provide 'portable, easy to use, professional recording capabilities for Mac and Windows laptop or desktop recording/production systems'. The baby of Tascam's US range of interfaces dispenses with its big brothers' control faders, but does boast stereo audio I/O with phantom power supplied over USB, as well as MIDI I/O.
