I bought the Tascam US-122L so I could have a 96kHz USB 2.0 interface to use for basic editing while traveling. Since there are a very limited number of small 96k USB interfaces available I decided to go with this. Well, this one get's the job done... sort of.

The concept is good but the drivers are terrible. I use it with Windows XP SP3. Even after installing the latest drivers and firmware updates this thing constantly drops out. I have to unplug and reset it every time I open Sonar or any other DAW or media software. If you let it sit for more than 30 minutes it quits responding entirely. There are times when it malfunctions to the point that the computer has to be restarted for the interface to be recognized again.

For the price I don't think it's reasonable to expect a high end professional piece. However, it would be nice if it would at least play nice with the computer.

I can get it to work for what I need it for (editing only) but if you want something that is going to be reliable for tracking or any other use that requires reliable functionality I would strongly encourage you to look elsewhere.

For the record, I have no idea what the mic pre's and line inputs sound like. I haven't and probably won't ever use them.

It's a stereo USB interface with 2 mic pres, phantom power, MIDI i/o, and a few flexible outs. It does and exceptional job at exactly what it's designed to do.

I own 3 of these devices (for various computer-based recording setups), and I've recommended countless others to friends. Contrary to previous reviews, another mic pre is NOT needed to use this interface. The built in pres work beautifully - they don't color your input signal, and they don't have the tonal quality of a boutique tube preamp, but they're not meant to. They're very clean without sounding too sterile, and will MORE than suffice for most recording projects.

Whenever I'm helping a beginning recordist/songwriter/hobbyist get acclimated to computer-based recording, the Tascam US-122L is the interface I recommend. It's SUPER easy to use, it sounds great, and you'll be happy with your purchase.

I recently purchased this quality Tascam interface tool, along with a Mac I-Book for trying my hand at computer based home recording. I have been using a Zoom stand alone digital system for a few years. This Cubase software system opens up a whole new world of recording tools, editing possibilities, with incredible results! The Tascam unit is compact, sturdy, and works like a charm, allowing me time to learn the computer based Cubase system that is included with it. I thought perhaps the Cubase program would be some antiquated "learners" left over program, but it is more than I need, with phenomenal tools, and ease of operation. Just familiarize yourself with the included manual (or go online to the Steinberg site) and get started on superb sounding recording on a budget! - J.G.

My computer meets the system requirements, I followed the setup instructions exactly, and all that happens when I try to record guitar through the guitar input is a bunch of digital-sounding beeps and static. The installation also screwed up my existing sound drivers on my computer somehow, and the instructions for updating the device through firmware are so vague that I could not figure out how to do it. I haven't tried any of the other inputs, but I don't plan on it. Anything that messes up your computer should be avoided at all costs.

I bought this in Jan. 2008 to record guitar tracks onto my macbook (Garageband). I didn't like it for some of the reasons stated: notably, the recording levels were hard to manage (signal would easily spike), and there were crackles frequently. However, I loaded the latest driver--updated since my purchase--and it seems fine now. I use it to record our band (we mic guitar, bass, vocals, and 3 mics on drums through a Yamaha mixer, with the monitor channel mixing into the Tascam, then to the computer). The signal is good, low noise, no crackles.