D01087720A US-144@# USB 2.
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS For U.S.A. TO THE USER This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 1 Read these instructions. 2 Keep these instructions. 3 Heed all warnings. 4 Follow all instructions. 5 Do not use this apparatus near water. • Do not expose this apparatus to drips or splashes. • Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus. • Do not install this apparatus in a confined space such as a book case or similar unit. 6 Clean only with dry cloth. 7 Do not block any ventilation openings.
Contents IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 1 – Introduction............................. 5 5 – Connections............................ 19 Overview................................................ 5 Features.................................................. 5 What is in the package........................... 5 Conventions used in this manual............ 6 Trademarks............................................. 6 Precautions and notes for placement and use...................................................
1 – Introduction Thank you for your purchase of the TASCAM US-144MKII USB 2.0 Audio/ MIDI Interface. Please read this owner’s manual carefully before you begin using the US-144MKII, and use the product correctly as directed in order to ensure long and trouble-free enjoyment of all its functionality. After you have read this manual, keep it nearby for reference when required. You can also download the Owner's Manual from the supplied CD-ROM or the TASCAM web site (http://www.tascam. com).
1 – Introduction •• US-144MKII main unit •• USB cable •• CD-ROM (containing driver and manuals) •• DVD-ROM (Cubase LE4) •• Cubase LE4 Quick Start Guide •• Warranty card •• Owner’s manual (this document) Conventions used in this manual The following conventions are used in this manual: •• Front panel keys, knobs, and indicators, and rear panel connectors are designated in all-capital letters. Example: LINE IN jacks •• This typeface is used to designate messages displayed by the software.
1 – Introduction Beware of condensation If the unit is moved from a cold to a warm place, or used after a sudden temperature change, there is a danger of condensation; vapor in the air could condense on the internal mechanism, making correct operation impossible. To prevent this, or if this occurs, let the unit sit for one or two hours at the new room temperature before using. Cleaning the unit To clean the unit, wipe gently with a soft dry cloth.
2 – Parts of the US-144MKII Top panel 1 MIDI IN indicator Lights when MIDI data is being received at the MIDI IN connector. NOTE A device that transmits the MIDI Active Sense message will cause this indicator to blink constantly. 8 TASCAM US-144MKII 2 MIDI OUT indicator Lights when MIDI data is being transmitted from the MIDI OUT connector. 3 USB indicator Lights to indicate a valid USB connection to the host computer.
2 – Parts of the US-144MKII 4 MON MIX balance knob Controls the balance of the signal sources being output from the LINE OUT jacks and the PHONES jack. When this knob is turned to the INPUT side, the signal being input to the US-144MKII (from the MIC IN jacks, or 1/4” LINE IN jacks) will be output. When this knob is turned to the COMPUTER side, the output signal received from the computer via USB will be output. 5 MONO switch Turn this switch ON if you want to monitor in monaural.
2 – Parts of the US-144MKII Front panel e MIC IN (L, R) jacks (XLR balanced) These are analog mic input jacks. The wiring is as follows: pin 1 = ground, pin 2 = hot, pin 3 = cold. r LINE IN L jack (TRS 1/4” phone jack) These are balanced line input jacks. t PHONES jack (stereo 1/4” phone) This is a headphone output jack. CAUTION Use the PHONES knob to minimize the volume before connecting headphones.
2 – Parts of the US-144MKII Rear panel u USB connector Use the provided USB cable to connect this to the host computer’s USB 2.0 port. NOTE •• If the US-144MKII is operating with a USB 1.1 (USB 2.0 Full Speed) connection, the sample rate choices will be limited to 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz. •• If the unit is operating with a USB 1.1 (USB 2.0 Full Speed) connection, the transfer of audio data with the computer by USB is limited to either 2 channels of input or 2 channels of output.
3 – Installation System requirements See the TASCAM website for updated information about OS compatibility. Windows Windows XP 32-bit SP2/SP3 Windows XP 64-bit SP2 Windows Vista 32-bit SP2 Windows Vista 64-bit SP2 or later Supported computer system: Windows compatible computer with a USB port (USB 2.0 is recommended) •• CPU/clock: Pentium 4 1.4 GHz or faster AMD Athlon 1.
3 – Installation Installing the driver for Windows NOTE 55 Click the “Install the Driver” button when the screen below appears. •• During driver installation, a warning that “this software ... has not passed Windows Logo testing“ will appear. If this message appears, click Continue to proceed with the installation. •• During installation, you must connect, disconnect and reconnect the unit in steps 7, 8 and 9. You should complete each of these installation steps in less than one minute.
3 – Installation 88 When the screen below appears, unplug the connecting USB cable from the unit or the PC. 99 When the screen below appears once more, reconnect the unit and the PC with the USB cable. 14 TASCAM US-144MKII 111When the screen below appears, the installation is complete. Click the “Reboot now” button to restart the PC to use the driver.
3 – Installation Installing the driver for Mac OS X 11 Confirm that the US-144MKII is not connected to the computer. 22 Double-click the "US-122MKII_US144MKII_1.14.dmg" on the included CD-ROM. The "TASCAM_US122MKII_US-144MKII_1.14.mpkg" is created on the desktop. 33 Dboule-click the "TASCAM_US122MKII_US-144MKII_1.14mpkg" on the desktop to launch the installer. 44 Follow the instructions on the screen to conduct the installation. 55 Restart the computer and then connect the unit.
3 – Installation Select “Install Driver,” and follow the instructions shown on the screen. If you have downloaded the driver from the TASCAM website (htt://www.tascam. com), expand the ZIP archive, launch the “setup.exe” file, and follow the instructions on the screen. Q: I loaded the installation CD-ROM into a Windows computer, but the driver installation menu does not appear. How can I access this menu? A: The automatic playback settings for the disc drive might be disabled.
4 – US-144 MKII Control panel settings Overview The Control Panel lets you make various settings for the US-144MKII’s functionality. On Windows XP and Windows Vista, the US-122MKII & US-144MKII Control Panel shortcut can be found in the Windows Start menu > Control Panel or the Start menu > All Programs > TASCAM. On Mac OS X, the US-122MKII & US144MKII Control Panel is located in the Applications folder.
4 – US-144 MKII Control panel settings Sample Clock Source The clock source can be set to “Automatic” or “Internal.” •• Automatic (default): If a clock signal is input through the DIGITAL IN jack, it is used. If no signal is input through the DIGITAL IN jack, this unit’s internal clock is used. •• Internal: This unit’s internal clock is always used. •• When using digital input, set this to “Automatic.” Digital Output Format Set the digital output format to “AES/EBU” or “S/PDIF.
5 – Connections NOTE USB connections Using the included USB cable, connect the US-144MKII to your computer as shown in the illustration. The US-144MKII has two input channels (L, R), with a MIC IN jack (XLR) , LINE IN and LINE/GUITAR IN jack (1/4” phone jack) provided for each channel. Do not connect signals to both of these analog input jacks at the same time. If both are connected, the signal will not be correctly input to the US-144MKII.
5 – Connections CAUTION •• Connecting a dynamic mic with an unbalanced connection could damage it if the PHANTOM switch is ON. •• Do not connect or disconnect mics when the PHANTOM switch is ON. Doing so could cause loud noise or damage the equipment. •• Use the PHONES and LINE OUT knobs to minimize the volume before turning the phantom switch ON or OFF. Depending on the mic, loud noises might be produced and damage could be caused to equipment or to people’s hearing. NOTE Sound module/MD/CD etc.
5 – Connections Keyboard/drum machine/sound module/cassette deck/MD/CD etc. (analog connection) Connect the analog audio output of these devices to the LINE IN L or LINE/GUITAR IN R jacks (1/4” phone jack) on the front panel. If you use the R-channel, set the MIC/LINEGUITAR switch on the top panel to MIC/ LINE. Analog record player The output of an analog record player cannot be connected directly to the US-144MKII. You must connect a phono amp between your analog record player and the US-144MKII.
5 – Connections Headphones Connect headphones to the PHONES jack (standard stereo phone jack) on the front panel. of that device and the LINE OUT jacks of this unit to the external mixer inputs. NOTE MIDI connections do not transmit audio. They only carry instructions about what and when to play, so you must also connect the audio output jacks of a device to hear it. You can use the MIDI IN/MIDI OUT connectors on the rear panel to transmit and receive MTC (MIDI Time Code).
5 – Connections •• When using Windows Media Player, if the MIDI music playback output destination (default device) is set to “Microsoft GS Wavetable SW Synth” in the “Sounds and Audio Devices” part of the “Control Panel,” you can listen to MIDI performances through this unit’s LINE OUT and PHONES output.
6 – Application Guide In this chapter, we explain how to set some audio applications for use with this unit. Windows XP and Windows Media Player 11 Close all applications and then open the “Control Panel” from the “Start” menu. 22 Open “Sounds and Audio Devices” or “Sounds and Multimedia.” NOTE If you do not see either of the items above, click “Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices” and one will appear. 44 Click “OK.” 55 Start Windows Media Player, select an audio file and begin playback.
6 – Application Guide Windows Vista and Windows Media Player 11 Close all applications and then open the “Control Panel” from the “Start” menu. 22 Open “Sound.” NOTE If the above item does not appear, click “Hardware and Sound” and it will appear. 33 Click the “Playback” tab, click “Speakers US-144MK2” and click the “Set Default” button. This moves the green check mark to “Speakers US144MK2.
6 – Application Guide Mac OS X and iTunes 11 Open “System Preferences…” from the Apple menu. NOTE If you want to output iTunes through this unit’s DIGITAL OUT, set the “DIGITAL OUTPUT” to “ch1 and ch2” in the Control Panel. 22 Click “Sound” in the “ System Preferences” window. Cubase LE4 See the included Cubase LE4 Quick Start Guide for information about making settings in this software. 33 Click the “Output” tab, and select “US144MKII: Output” under “Choose a device for sound output.
7 – MIDI Implementation Chart Function Basic Channel At power ON Transmitted X Received X Remarks Through Mode Changed At power ON X X X X Through X ************* X ************* X X Messages Note Number Altered X Through X Through X X X X Through X X X X ************* X X X X X Through Through Through X Through :Song Pos X X Through :Song Sel X X :Tune :Clock X X X X Through :Commands :Local on/off X X X X Through :All note off X X :Active sensing X X :Reset
8 – Troubleshooting Please read this chapter if you are unable to use the unit properly even after setting it up following the procedures in this manual. If you are still unable to resolve your problems please contact TASCAM customer support with the following information about the operating environment and details about the trouble.
8 – Troubleshooting 33 Click the Audio tab, and set the “Default device:” for “Sound playback” and “Sound recording” to “TASCAM US-144MKII.” Windows Vista 11 Shut down all applications, and open the “Control Panel” from the “Start” menu. 22 Open “Sound.” NOTE If the above item does not appear, click “Hardware and Sound” and it will appear. 33 Click the “Playback” tab, right-click “Speakers US-144MK2” and click the “Set Default” button. •• The sound breaks up or there is noise.
8 – Troubleshooting Windows Vista a) Turn Aero off. 11 Right-click the desktop and select “Personalize” to open the “Personalize appearance and sounds” screen. 22 Choose “Window Color and Appearance” and then click “Open classic appearance properties for more options.” 33 Select “Windows Vista Basic” or any option other than “Windows Aero.” b) Performance settings 11 Right-click “Computer,” select “Properties,” and then click “Advanced system settings.” 22 Click the “Advanced” tab.
9 – Specifications Input/output ratings Analog audio input/outupt MIC IN (Balanced) terminal Connector: XLR-3-31 equivalent Nominal input level: –58 dBu (When INPUT konb is set to MIC) –14 dBu (When INPUT knob is set to LINE) Maximum input level: +9 dBV (When INPUT knob is set to LINE) Input impedance: 1 MΩ LINE OUT (Unbalanced) terminal Connector: RCA pin jack Nominal output level: –10 dBV Maximum output level: +6 dBV Output impedance: 200Ω Maximum input level: +2 dBu (When INPUT knob is set to LI
9 – Specifications Control input/output MIDI IN terminal Connector: DIN 5 pin Format: Standard MIDI format MIDI OUT terminal Connector: DIN 5 pin Total harmonic distortion (LINE IN to LINE OUT) Through ADC and DAC: Less than 0.0045% (When INPUT knob is set to LINE, 1 kHz +20 dBu input, 20 kHz LPF) Direct monitor: Less than 0.002% (When INPUT knob is set to LINE, 1 kHz, +20 dBu input, 20 kHz LPF) Format: Standard MIDI format USB terminal Connector: USB B type 4 pin Format: USB 2.
9 – Specifications Macintosh Operating temperature Supported operating system: 5 to 35 °C Mac OS X 10.4.11 Mac OS X 10.5.6 or later Bundled software Cubase LE4 (for Windows or Macintosh) Supported computer system: Apple Macintosh series equipped with a USB port as standard equipment •• CPU/clock: Power PC G4 1 GHz or faster, or Intel processor •• Memory: 512 MB or more General Sampling frequency 44.1/48/88.
9 – Specifications 179 mm Dimensions 135.4 mm 47 mm •• Illustrations and other depictions may differ in part from the actual product. •• Specifications and external appearance may be changed without notification to improve the product.
Notes TASCAM US-144MKII 35
US-144@# TEAC CORPORATION Phone: +81-42-356-9143 1-47 Ochiai, Tama-shi, Tokyo 206-8530, Japan TEAC AMERICA, INC. www.tascam.jp www.tascam.com Phone: +1-323-726-0303 7733 Telegraph Road, Montebello, California 90640 USA TEAC CANADA LTD. www.tascam.com Phone: +1905-890-8008 Facsimile: +1905-890-9888 5939 Wallace Street, Mississauga, Ontario L4Z 1Z8, Canada TEAC MEXICO, S.A. de C.V. www.teacmexico.
