Tascam US-2x2HR Audio Interface

Overview
The Tascam US-2x2HR is an advanced version of the popular US-2×2 audio interface, offering even better sound quality. It can be used with Windows, Mac, iOS, and iPadOS, and supports sampling rates up to 192 kHz / 24 bit. The interface features 2 XLR/TRS inputs with 48V phantom power, 2 TRS outputs, and a MIDI input/output. It also has a low-latency monitoring function, a standard 6.3-mm headphones output, and independent level controls for line and headphones outputs. The US-2x2HR is housed in a rugged aluminium body and comes bundled with software such as Cubase LE, Cubasis LE3, and IK Multimedia SampleTank 4 SE.

The US-2x2HR is a versatile audio interface suitable for music creation, home recording, podcasting, and live streaming. It has lower noise and distortion compared to previous models, thanks to its Ultra-HDDA mic preamplifiers. These preamps have a discrete construction and support sampling rates up to 192 kHz. The interface is designed for easy use, with a simple set-up process and low-latency USB driver. It also has a sleek and ergonomic design, making it a reliable partner for musicians, producers, and home-recordists.

About the Tascam US-2x2HR Audio Interface
All-rounder for the demanding

The US-2x2HR is a member of the Tascam US-HR series of high-resolution USB audio interfaces. It provides two mic/line/instrument switchable inputs and two balanced line outputs as well as MIDI I/O to your Windows or Mac computer or your iPhone or iPad. This interface is ideal for music creation and home recording with high demands on simple operation and studio-quality sound. The included loopback function and support for Open Broadcaster Software (OBS Studio), however, makes it also an excellent choice for podcast creation and live streaming.

Lower noise and distortion – better sound than ever

The compact US-2x2HR incorporates a wealth of features, including high audio resolution up to 24-bit/192 kHz, ultra-low latency with a Windows buffer size starting at four samples, Ultra-HDDA mic preamplifiers with 48-volt phantom power for superior sound quality with ultra-low noise, a robust USB Type C connector, and a rich assortment of included software to start producing audio right away. This interface can also be used for mobile production or live streaming using your iPhone or iPad* with the included Cubasis LE. Simply put, the US-2x2HR helps you create and distribute great-sounding audio wherever you go.

Usability is key

All US-HR models offer a unique dye-cast aluminium honeycomb structure on the side panels with a slight upward tilt. This design not only results in a sleek, eye-catching design, it also provides just the right amount of weight so the interface won’t move when cables are connected or disconnected. Equally important, the upward tilt offers the ergonomic benefit of being angled in such a way as to make the interface easy to work with.

If you’re a musician, producer or home-recordist who needs a solid, uncluttered, easy-to-use audio interface with superb sound quality, the Tascam US-2x2HR can be your reliable partner for many years.

* An optional battery pack or AC adapter is required when used with an iPhone or iPad.

Natural, Crisp, Clear Sound

The Ultra-HDDA (High-Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps used on the US-HR series feature a discrete construction. They have a higher number of components and are far away from mass-produced preamps. Their EIN (equivalent input noise) rating, which measures the absence of noise, is truly low for the US-2x2HR and US-4x4HR. Combined with a newly improved audio circuit and support for sampling rates up to 192 kHz, Tascam’s in-house developed microphone preamplifier delivers enhanced audio performance with the most transparent and low-noise sound, reflected in a signal-to-noise ratio of 110 dB.

Ultra-low-noise mic preamps achieve −128 dBu EIN (Equivalent Input Noise)
XLR/TRS jacks allow the input of condenser mics and the balanced connection of synthesisers and other equipment
Wide gain range ensures sufficient level even with dynamic microphones
Guitars can be directly connected enabling the use of 3rd-party plug-in effects

Simple, Easy-to-Understand Set Up and a Low-Latency USB Driver

One issue when recording using a computer is latency, which is when audio signals are delayed through digital circuitry. Another is setting up the driver software that is used when connecting an audio interface to a computer. In order to eliminate these problems, Tascam’s driver software introduces only very little latency and is easy to install. Furthermore, by making the external structure of these interfaces as simple as possible, the Tascam US-2x2HR and US-4x4HR allow users who are not expert users of audio equipment to operate them without concern.

High-resolution recording up to 192 kHz / 24-bit
Robust USB Type C computer connection
Zero-latency direct monitoring function (can be set to mono or stereo for each input pair)
Windows buffer size can be set from 4 samples up

Multi-Mic Recording – Perfect for Live Performances

The US-4x4HR has four Ultra-HDDA mic preamps. Since up to four condenser mics can be used at the same time, this interface is perfect for recording vocals and acoustical instruments simultaneously. You can also connect two guitars or a guitar and a bass while still having two mic inputs available for vocals.

The unit features four TRS jack outputs, so the individual signals can be output in parallel with the headphones stereo output – often done for multitrack recording. TIP: By using an audio interface to output the sound from a commercial synthesizer app, a richer sound can be achieved.

Multitrack recording (MTR) mode enables music production similar to using a dedicated multitrack recorder
Four dynamic mics or condenser mics with phantom power can be used at the same time
Two headphones outputs for monitoring

Ideal for Podcasts and Live Streaming

The Settings Panel, which is installed on your computer, comes with a variety of functions. You can choose whether direct monitoring is done in mono or stereo and adjust the balance between input and computer signals. You can also switch the hardware inputs on and off individually and set the Windows buffer size according to your working environment.
For online broadcasting, Internet communication and other live streaming applications, the US-HR series interfaces offer a Loopback function which can merge input signals 1/2 with signals 1/2 coming from the computer (each can be set to mono or stereo) and send that mix to the broadcasting or other software on the computer. A software slider allows to adjust the final “broadcast” volume independently from the unit’s line output level setting.

Software settings panel for the Tascam US-2x2HR/US-4x4HR
Inputs can be set on/off individually
Line output signals can be selected
Loopback can be set on/off, and each of the merged signal pairs can be switched mono/stereo
Slider for setting the Loopback master level (broadcast volume)

Support for iPads and other iOS devices

Instead of a computer, you can also use an iPad or iPhone together with the US-2x2HR/US-4x4HR to make music. Performance has been tested with not only the bundled digital audio workstation (Cubasis LE3), but also with other popular recording software – you can continue to use them even if you change DAW software. Since these units include MIDI inputs and outputs, you can connect MIDI keyboards, drum computers etc. to play sounds on the iPad or computer and thus expand your personal orchestra.

Connect with an iPad or iPhone
Tested with many popular DAW applications
MIDI input and output enable connection with keyboards, drum computers and other MIDI devices

Bundled Software Enables Music Creation Right Out of the Box

The US-HR models come bundled with world-renowned software that will enhance your production workflow. At the core of music production, Steinberg Cubase LE (including Cubasis LE3) gives you everything you need for composing, multitrack recording, sequencing, editing, and mixing. IK Multimedia Sample Tank SE 4 comes free of charge with a massive 30-Gigabyte sound library encompassing more than 2,000 different musical instruments. And a free 3-month subscription to Auto-Tune Unlimited from Antares, a comprehensive suite of industry-standard pitch correction and vocal effects, gives you the opportunity to create those famous sounds of the pros.

Note: Upgrades may require a fee.

Robust Metal Casing With a Practical and Sleek Design

The US-HR models share a solid and practical design intended to withstand years of hard use. Its robust metal jacket not only improves durability. Combined with dye-cast aluminum side panels, it also provides a sleek, eye-catching design. Moreover, the metal structure results in each model having just the right weight, so it won’t move too easily when cables are connected or disconnected.

Sturdy metal enclosure
Angled design provides excellent usability on a desktop

Audio resolution
Sampling frequencies 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
Quantisation bit depth 24-bit
Analogue inputs
Mic inputs (balanced) XLR-3-31 equivalent
(1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)
Input impedance 2.2 kΩ
Rated input level –7 dBu (0.346 Vrms)
Maximum input level +10 dBu (2.449 Vrms)
Gain range 56 dB
Instrument inputs (unbalanced, MIC/LINE INST switch set to INST) 6.3-mm standard TS stereo jacks
(Tip: HOT, Sleeve: GND)
Input impedance ≥1 MΩ
Rated input level –6 dBV (0.501 Vrms)
Maximum input level +10 dBV (3.162 Vrms)
Gain range 56 dB
Line inputs (balanced, MIC/LINE INST switch set to MIC/LINE) 6.3-mm standard TRS stereo jack
(Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND)
Input impedance 10 kΩ
Rated input level +4 dBu (1.228 Vrms)
Maximum input level +20 dBu (7.75 Vrms)
Gain range 56 dB
Analogue outputs
Line outputs (balanced) 6.3-mm standard TRS stereo jacks
(Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND)
Output impedance 210 Ω
Rated output level +4 dBu (1.228 Vrms)
Maximum output level +20 dBu (7.746 Vrms)
Headphone output (PHONES) 6.3-mm standard stereo jack
Maximum output power 18 mW + 18 mW or higher (THD+N 1% or less, into 32 Ω load)
Control inputs/outputs
MIDI IN connector 5-pin DIN
Format MIDI standard
MIDI OUT connector 5-pin DIN
Format MIDI standard
USB 4-pin USB, Type C
Transfer rate USB 2.0 High Speed (480 MBit/s)
Audio performance Mic amp EIN (equivalent input noise)
≤−128 dBu (150 Ω termination, GAIN knob at maximum)
Frequency response, MIC/LINE input 44.1 kHz / 48 kHz: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, +0 dB/−0.4 dB (JEITA)
88.2 kHz / 96 kHz: 20 Hz – 40 kHz, +0 dB/−0.4 dB (JEITA)
Frequency response, LINE output 44.1 kHz / 48 kHz: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, +0.2 dB/−0.1 dB (JEITA)
88.2 kHz / 96 kHz: 20 Hz – 40 kHz, +0.2 dB/−0.4 dB (JEITA)
S/N ratio 110 dB (MIC input, GAIN knob at minimum, 20-kHz SPCL LPF, A- weighted)
108 dB (LINE input, GAIN knob at minimum, 20- kHz SPCL LPF, A-weighted)
110 dB (LINE output, MONITOR knob at maximum, 20-kHz SPCL LPF, A- weighted)
Distortion (THD+N) 0.0013 % (MIC IN, 1 kHz sine wave, −5 dBFS input, GAIN knob at minimum, 20 kHz SPCL LPF)
0.0011 % (LINE IN, 1 kHz sine wave, −5 dBFS input, GAIN knob at minimum, 20 kHz SPCL LPF)
0.0012 % (LINE OUT, 1 kHz sine wave, −4 dBFS input, MONITOR knob at maximum, 20 kHz SPCL LPF)
Crosstalk attenuation ≥95 dB (MIC/LINE input to LINE output, 1 kHz sine wave, GAIN knob at minimum)
Computer system requirements
Windows Computer hardware requirements: computer with a USB 2.0 port
CPU/processor speed: 2 GHz or faster dual core processor (x86)
Memory: 2 GB or more
Important: Operation of this unit was confirmed using standard computers that
meet the above requirements. This does not guarantee operation with all computers
that meet the above requirements. Even computers that meet the same system requirements
might have processing capabilities that differ according to their settings and other operating conditions
Supported audio driver: ASIO2.0, WDM, MIDI
macOS CPU/processor speed: 2 GHz or faster dual core processor
Memory: 2 GB or more
Supported audio drivers: Core Audio, Core MIDI
iOS Supported audio drivers: Core Audio
Important: To connect an iOS device that has a Lightning connector,
a genuine Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter (sold separately) is necessary.
Power supply and other specifications
Power supply When used with a computer: USB bus power or dedicated AC adapter below
When used with an iOS device: Dedicated AC adapter (Tascam PS-P520E, DC 5 V)
Power consumption 1.75 W
External dimensions w/ protrusions 186 mm × 65 mm × 160 mm
Weight 1.1 kg
Operating temperature range 5–35 °C

Advanced version of our popular US-2×2 with even better sound quality
Can be used with Windows, Mac, iOS, iPadOS
Sampling rates up to 192 kHz / 24 bit
Inputs: 2 × XLR/TRS (balanced) for Mic/Line/Instrument level, 48V phantom power, each input switchable on/off by software
Outputs: 2 × TRS jacks (balanced), configurable by software
Low-latency monitoring function
MIDI input/output
Standard 6.3-mm headphones output (18 mW per channel)
Independent level controls for line and phones outputs
Loopback function for live streaming etc., Input and computer signals each stereo/mono selectable , OBS-compatible
Windows buffer size can be selected up from four samples
Power supplied through USB (an additional AC adapter is required for use with an iPhone/iPad)
Automatic power saving switchable on/off
Driver/firmware update notification
Rugged aluminium body with tilted panel for easy accessibility
Bundled with Cubase LE and Cubasis LE3, IK Multimedia SampleTank 4 SE and Antares AutoTune Unlimited (free 3-month subscription)