You know the agony of audio mixing errors if you own a Tascam US-16×08. Error in mixing audio is very frustrating because recording audio takes a lot of effort. And re-recording all the audio is often not possible due to various constraints.
Now let’s find out the solutions to the Tascam US-16×08 problems you may be facing.
There are two categories of Tascam US-16×08 problems, hardware-related or software-related. Hardware-related problems are small knobs and poor recognition. To fix it change the knobs and cables. No sound or latency problems are software-related. Going through your user manual can be the easiest solution to set up your interface.
And that is the gist of solutions. We’ve provided detailed and easy solutions to the problems that occur while using your Tascam US-16×08.
Let’s proceed further into the article for solutions.
The Most Common Problem: Tiny Knobs Issue
The nobs of Tascam US-16×08 are tiny and slippery which is the real problem turning while rushing situations.
That’s why most of the complainers find these knobs inconvenient.
But as a budget-friendly interface, it’s quite acceptable to have this kind of knob. Then again if you are too bothered about that, there’s a simple solution.
Solution: Change The Knobs
There are a total of 12 knobs on a Tascam us-16×08 including a line out and phones. So, you can change those knobs which are available on the market for a few bucks.
You can find the ones that are easier to turn in for you. Or you can wrap a non-slip material around the knobs. This will prevent the knobs from slipping.
How To Connect Tascam US-16×08
Before proceeding to solve the problems you are facing. Let’s make sure you connected the audio interface flawlessly with your PC and the instruments.
Because a half-done connection will surely result in various issues.
There are different inputs and outputs for connecting different equipment to the Tascam US-16×08.
Let’s see how to connect the Tascam US-16×08 with your PC –
Computer Connections: Connect the interface with the USB cable provided with the interface. Remember to plug into the USB 3.0 port. When the connection is successful, the indicator will light up.
However, do not use a USB hub to connect the interface. Because then you’ll experience problems like latency, signal interference, and such. Thus it’s strongly recommended to connect the interface to a separate USB port.
Audio Connections: First. Set the Line Out and Phones knob to the lowest value. Set the unit’s gain to 1-10. Connect the equipment to 1-10 audio jacks. The setting will protect your gear from making loud noise and your hearing.
Next, set the phantom power switches to +48V, then connect your mics through the XLR cable.
For more in-depth instructions, go to the Tascam official website and download the user manual for your US-16×08.
Now that we’re sure with the connection, let’s test the whole thing again. Through this test, we can narrow down the issue a bit more.
The Tascam US-16×08 Test
For those who can’t quite pinpoint the problems, the Tascam US-16×08 test could be an easy way in. But exactly how to conduct the Tascam US-16×08 Test?
To conduct the Tascam US-16×08 test connect the interface with your PC and the equipment you wish to record. Open the dedicated software for Tascam. After that record your audio then playback it on your computer.
Make sure all the hardware is checked before starting the recording. If everything checks out fine, then the problem must be with the software.
Refer to this video below for accurate testing –
Now that you can figure out where the problem is, let’s move to the problems in detail-
Troubleshooting Hardware Related Problem of Tascam US-16×08
Tascam US-16×08 is a great audio interface within a budget. And when it comes to the problems of the audio interface, hardware problems are the least common of them.
From the Tascam us 16×08 review, there are only 2 hardware problems with the audio interface. Because most of the users have very good reviews about the build quality of this device.
But there are a few problems that are commonly accepted. Let’s talk about them.
Problem 1: Computer Not Recognizing Tascam US-16×08
In this case, your Tascam US-16×08 is connected to the computer but the computer can’t recognize it. The issue is also referred to as Tascam US-16×08 USB not working.
Sometimes the USB port loosens up and with time this can even break down.
Another problem can be trouble with software installation. Refer to the software problems section later in the article for the solution.
Here’s the hardware solution for the audio interface recognition issue –
Solution: Change the USB Port
Start by changing the USB port. To utilize this device, use a USB 3.0 port instead of a USB 1.1 one.
Avoid utilizing a USB hub when using Tascam US-16×08. Always connect the gadget directly to the USB port on a computer.
If that doesn’t solve the problem, connect the device to a different USB port on the computer.
If the solutions are still not working, possibly any of the USB ports are broken. It can either be your computer or your audio interface.
In this case, contact the manufacturer for replacing the USB port.
Problem 2: No Sound Coming Out of Tascam US-16×08
Having no sound coming out of Tascam US-16×08 can be irritating. Even when audio is played back on the computer, you are unable to hear any sound.
There are two solutions to this problem. The first is to look at the hardware. The software solution will be discussed in the later part of the article.
Solution: Adjust the Monitor Balance
You can’t hear the input sound through the headsets or the LINE OUT (BALANCED) connectors. Check the adjustments of the MONITOR BALANCE knob on the front of the device. Also, check the Line Outputs item on the Settings Panel screen.
Make sure the MONITOR BALANCE knob on the device is not all the way to the left (toward the input). In that case, turn the MONITOR BALANCE knob just a little bit to the right of the center.
Verify the unit’s current connection to the PC as well. Additionally, the sound will be transmitted through the computer’s speakers. Headphone jacks will not transmit the audio if the following settings are applied.
Now, you need to choose the right speakers to get the perfect output. And whether to choose a 70V or 8-Ohm speaker can make or break your listening experience. Because the sound quality also depends on the speakers as well.
Troubleshooting Software Related Problem of Tascam US-16×08
In this section, we’ll talk about the software issues of the audio interface. There are multiple software-related problems with the Tascam US-16×08.
Problem 1: Tascam US-16X08 Latency and Lagging Problem
This is the one that consumers complain about the most. Some users complain that they experience excessive Tascam us-1608 latency issues.
The acceptable latency for the audio interface is a maximum of 23ms.
Tascam US-16×08 boasts about its low latency rate which is around 12 ms. However, there’s been reports of severe lagging issues from time to time.
Now, this problem generally arises when –
- People switch channels to record various instruments.
- Or, when people proceed to mix audio with their recordings.
Basically, this issue arises when the software’s interface is incompatible. Specifically, you’ll have to reinstall the software following the Tascam user manual accurately.
Tascam US-16×08 latency on Mac is also a similar problem. Following the user manual and correctly installing the software will get rid of the issue.
However, till august 2022, Tascam hasn’t made version 4 available for MacOS. So, for Mac issues, there’s nothing else to do.
Now, let’s get to the brief solutions –
Solution 1: Setup the ASIO
Use the ASIO driver set from Tascam. The latest v4 ASIO is a great solution for latency problems. Because the software was updated after users faced the latency problem.
Here’s a video to help you with the installation –
Solution 2: Match the DAW
Mismatching the DAW with the interface causes latency problems. You need to match the sample rate for Tascam. For that, you can use DAW to set the rate of the interface. Then you need to open your project.
If you’re confused about which DAW to choose, Tascam made it easy for you. They recommended using SONAR, Pro Tools, and Logic Pro as DAWs for US-16×08.
Make sure that both your mixer setting and project interface are the same.
Solution 3: Use Tascam Software
Download and save the most recent Windows software from the TEAC Global website. It was created especially for the operating system you are currently using. The Tascam will be controlled by the PC using this program.
Here’s the instruction to install the Tascam software –
- Install the downloaded program (zip file) to your computer’s desktop or another location, then uncompress it.
- Double-click the “TASCAM US- 2×2 US-4x4_ Installer x.xx.exe” file in the folder that appears after compression to launch the installation program automatically.
- See if a “Security Warning” or “User Account Control” screen appears.
- If so, then click “Yes.” When the Setup Page screen appears, click “Next.”
- Otherwise, click “I accept the agreement.” then click the “Next” button. When it does, click the “install” button.
The installation process will begin shortly after this.
After the installation is complete, a screen will show up. Click ‘finish’ to complete the installation process.
Follow the steps of installation accurately. This will also solve the Tascam US-16×08 no sound and ‘USB connection not recognized’ problems.
Solution 4: Disable PDC
If you are using Reaper software, go to the settings and disable the PDC.
The software automatically makes some latency adjustments for the connected instruments. Which is contributing to the latency problem you’re having.
Disable the PDC and check the software and you’ll see the latency is reduced.
Problem 2: Audio Related Problems After Changing Windows!
There’s a common problem with the audio when you change the windows. The audio can go totally mute. Sometimes you can face laggings and latency as well.
Here’s a tweet sharing the same problematic incidents –
But this is not a big issue at all. Some simple steps can solve the Tascam US-16×08 no sound problem easily.
Solution: Follow the User Manual
Basically, Tascam us-16×08 has some different settings for every windows version. The user manual that’s given in the box has all the setting instructions included. You just need to follow the settings according to the manual.
It’s completely understandable that you can lose the manual.
But no need to worry at all. You just need to go to the Tascam website and search for the manual of Tascam us-16×08. And voila! There you have the pdf version of the user manual.
There are also some problems with Tascam us 16×08 setup. To solve those you’ll need to follow your manual as well.
If you can set up your Tascam well hopefully there won’t be any issues.
Special Tip: Keep Updated or Upgrade
We have gone through the problems and their solutions. Here’s a special tip to keep the software problems at bay. Make sure to stay on top of every Tascam US-16×08 update.
In fact, update every software you are using with your audio interface. This is major prevention against latency issues or device recognition problems.
Because with every update, developers constantly solve the problems users are facing with their devices.
Now, another upgrade here could be trying out other models. But Tascam has only a few options after the US 16×08. If you want to go deep in your pockets, then you could try these great options.
| The Tascam US 20×20 | 20 channels of analog and digital I/O into a single Rackspace with USB 3.0 connectivity. | Check Price |
| The Tascam SERIES 208i | Easy to grab Knobs, expandable, and bundled with versatile software for complete music production. | Check Price |
Summary of the Problems
At a glance, these are the solutions to the problems that occur with Tascam US-16×08 –
| Tascam us-16×08 Problems | Solutions |
| Tiny knobs issue of Tascam US-16×08 | Replace the knobs or use non-slip materials on the knob |
| Tascam US-16×08 USB connection not recognized | Clean the port, Use USB 3.0 port, reinstall the software following the user manual |
| Tascam US-16×08 no sound | Fix the Monitor Balance Knob, Reinstall the software. |
| Tascam US-16X08 latency and lagging problem | Use ASIO driver, Use Matched DAW, and disable PDC |
| Issues with audio outputs after windows update/upgrade. | Refer to the user manual for windows version-specific solutions. |
We have discussed the solutions in detail in the above sections.
FAQs
Does Tascam US 16×08 Have Phantom Power?
Yes, Tascam us 16×08 has phantom power. All the eight XLR mic inputs have +48v phantom power which is switchable. That’s why you can use up to eight mics at the same time. And it gets the power from the USB connection.
Is Tascam Compatible with Mac?
Yes, Tascam is compatible with mac now. But previously it wasn’t then the Tascam engineers got attached with mac os Catalina. After that Tascam us-16×08 compatibility with mac gets even better than windows. In fact, the new Tascam audio interfaces use CoreAudio which is Apple’s integrated driver.
Are Tascam Interfaces Good?
Tascam builds real good interfaces on a low budget. Then again they maintain good quality. It is a great audio interface for home studios. However, for professional studios, the Tascam interface raises some concerns. We have discussed all the issues and the easiest solutions of those in our article.
End Note
Tascam us-16×08 problems are not that big but they can create a hassle for mixing engineers.
We’ve tried to solve all the possible issues you can face with Tascam us-16×08.
Which solutions from the article solved your issue? Share with the community.
Best of luck with your passion for making music!
