Tapco by Mackie Link.USB 2-Channel USB Audio Interface
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Combo mic/line/instrument inputs. Includes Mackie's Tracktion 2 Music Production Software
Overview
The Link.USB is Tapco's highly portable computer audio interface for connecting two channels of high-quality audio from the real world into your Mac or PC computer using a common USB connection. As cost-effective as it is compact, Link.USB doesn't chintz out when it comes to sound quality. It features pro-level 24-bit/96kHz fidelity and premium-grade mic preamps. Link.USB comes complete with beginner-friendly Tracktion 2 Music Production Software and Final Mix CD Mastering Plug-in, both courtesy of Mackie.
Exceptional sound quality
For the Link.USB, Mackie started with two of the best mic preamps available in any audio interface at this price range. With combo mic/line/instrument inputs, these Mackie-designed preamps will capture the nuances of any sound you throw at them. This exceptional sound is preserved all the way to your computer thanks to modern 24-bit/96kHz digital audio converters on the way in, as well as the way out to headphones and your Studio Monitors.
Small, but mighty
All that great sound potential is cleverly packed into a compact case less than 2-inches high and 8-inches long. Link.USB tucks comfortably alongside your laptop when you're on the go, and connects with a single USB cable when you're ready to get busy. It's bus powered, meaning it draws its juice from your computer for no-sacrifice recording and mixing, no matter where you end up. And with a unique swivel foot design, you can stand the Link.USB on its side in tighter workspaces, then stow it when… read more it's time to go.
Looks Ain't Deceiving
The Link.USB has soft rubber side-cheeks to protect it from impacts, and keeps it from sliding off your desk if the earth suddenly spins off its axis. Silver side rails act like roll bars to protect its precious knobs from being sheared off while in transit. The TAPCO Link.USBit's hard working, smart, and sexy--just like you wish everyone else was.
Simple, Powerful, Tracktion 2
The Link.USB includes Mackie's Tracktion 2 Music Production Software. It's the easiest software out there to get you started using your computer to record. And once you've mastered the basics, there's plenty of room to grow with Tracktion's truly professional feature set. It even comes bundled with a great assortment of plug-in effects, including Mackie's Dynamics Suite to help you keep the mix tight, plus Mackie's Final Mix CD mastering plug-in for when you're ready to share your music with the world.
Features
Two-channel 24-bit/96kHz USB audio interface*
Combo mic/line/instrument inputs
Mackie-designed high-headroom mic preamps
48v phantom power
Low latency direct monitoring
Bus powered for extreme portability
Mac and PC compatible
Convenient, collapsible swivel-foot for desktop operation
Includes Mackie Tracktion 2 Software
*Note: 96kHz sample rate support (WDM, uni-directional) read less
Exceptional sound quality
For the Link.USB, Mackie started with two of the best mic preamps available in any audio interface at this price range. With combo mic/line/instrument inputs, these Mackie-designed preamps will capture the nuances of any sound you throw at them. This exceptional sound is preserved all the way to your computer thanks to modern 24-bit/96kHz digital audio converters on the way in, as well as the way out to headphones and your Studio Monitors.
Small, but mighty
All that great sound potential is cleverly packed into a compact case less than 2-inches high and 8-inches long. Link.USB tucks comfortably alongside your laptop when you're on the go, and connects with a single USB cable when you're ready to get busy. It's bus powered, meaning it draws its juice from your computer for no-sacrifice recording and mixing, no matter where you end up. And with a unique swivel foot design, you can stand the Link.USB on its side in tighter workspaces, then stow it when… read more it's time to go.
Looks Ain't Deceiving
The Link.USB has soft rubber side-cheeks to protect it from impacts, and keeps it from sliding off your desk if the earth suddenly spins off its axis. Silver side rails act like roll bars to protect its precious knobs from being sheared off while in transit. The TAPCO Link.USBit's hard working, smart, and sexy--just like you wish everyone else was.
Simple, Powerful, Tracktion 2
The Link.USB includes Mackie's Tracktion 2 Music Production Software. It's the easiest software out there to get you started using your computer to record. And once you've mastered the basics, there's plenty of room to grow with Tracktion's truly professional feature set. It even comes bundled with a great assortment of plug-in effects, including Mackie's Dynamics Suite to help you keep the mix tight, plus Mackie's Final Mix CD mastering plug-in for when you're ready to share your music with the world.
Features
Two-channel 24-bit/96kHz USB audio interface*
Combo mic/line/instrument inputs
Mackie-designed high-headroom mic preamps
48v phantom power
Low latency direct monitoring
Bus powered for extreme portability
Mac and PC compatible
Convenient, collapsible swivel-foot for desktop operation
Includes Mackie Tracktion 2 Software
*Note: 96kHz sample rate support (WDM, uni-directional) read less
Specs
Frequency response:
-- Any input to monitor output: +0, 0.5 dB, 22 Hz to 22 kHz @ 48 kHz SR
-- Any input to phones output: +0, 3 dB, 30 Hz to 22 kHz @ 48 kHz SR (600 ohm load)
Distortion -- THD + Noise (1 kHz, 1 dBFS @ 48 kHz SR):
-- Mic input to monitor output: < 0.005%
Dynamic range -- mic input to monitor output (48 kHz SR, A-weighted): 100 dB
Input impedance:
-- Mic input: 3 k ohm
-- Line input: 20 k ohm balanced, 20 k ohm unbalanced
-- Instr input: 1 M ohm
Output impedance:
-- Monitor output: 200 ohm
-- Headphone Output: < 1 ohm
Crosstalk:
-- Monitor output (1 kHz, Left to Right): 70 dB
-- Headphone output (1 kHz, Left to Right): 80 dB
Maximum input level:
-- Mic in (XLR): 2.2 dBu
-- Line in: +4.5 dBu
-- Instr in: +5.4 dBu
Maximum output level:
-- Monitor output: +4.2 dBu
-- Heaphone output: 18 mW into 600 ohm
A/D and D/A conversion: 24 bit, 44.1/48/88.2/96 kHz
Dimensions:
-- Height: 1.7 in/43 mm
-- Width: 6.1 in/155 mm
-- Depth: 6.8 in/173 mm, 7.6 in/193 mm with handles
Weight: 1.4 lb/0.6 kg
-- Any input to monitor output: +0, 0.5 dB, 22 Hz to 22 kHz @ 48 kHz SR
-- Any input to phones output: +0, 3 dB, 30 Hz to 22 kHz @ 48 kHz SR (600 ohm load)
Distortion -- THD + Noise (1 kHz, 1 dBFS @ 48 kHz SR):
-- Mic input to monitor output: < 0.005%
Dynamic range -- mic input to monitor output (48 kHz SR, A-weighted): 100 dB
Input impedance:
-- Mic input: 3 k ohm
-- Line input: 20 k ohm balanced, 20 k ohm unbalanced
-- Instr input: 1 M ohm
Output impedance:
-- Monitor output: 200 ohm
-- Headphone Output: < 1 ohm
Crosstalk:
-- Monitor output (1 kHz, Left to Right): 70 dB
-- Headphone output (1 kHz, Left to Right): 80 dB
Maximum input level:
-- Mic in (XLR): 2.2 dBu
-- Line in: +4.5 dBu
-- Instr in: +5.4 dBu
Maximum output level:
-- Monitor output: +4.2 dBu
-- Heaphone output: 18 mW into 600 ohm
A/D and D/A conversion: 24 bit, 44.1/48/88.2/96 kHz
Dimensions:
-- Height: 1.7 in/43 mm
-- Width: 6.1 in/155 mm
-- Depth: 6.8 in/173 mm, 7.6 in/193 mm with handles
Weight: 1.4 lb/0.6 kg
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 1.5 out of 5 stars.
(22 ratings)
Submitted August 6, 2006 by a customer from gmail.com
"Snap,Crackle,Pop"
Verified Purchaser
zZounds has verified that this reviewer purchased this specific product from us.
Terrible audio glitches render this attractive and affordable interface useless.
Sound
I experienced pops, glitches, and shocking bursts of "white noise" during playback (the sounds were not recorded). To solve the audio glitch problems, I became a hermit for a week and tried everything suggested on the Mackie site and a number of other computer audio websites (IRQ settings, PCI latency settings, disabling unused devices, etc.). No changes whatsoever. I felt that perhaps I had a defective unit, so I exchanged it for another. The second had the same problems so I returned it too. I *think* that the problems I experienced were the fault of the Link USB; I acknowledge that my computer might have had something to do with it, but I really don't think so. BEWARE!
Features
Comes with Tracktion which is indeed easy to use. Seems like a good program for the person who will be recording live instuments (as opposed to a lot of MIDI and whatnot).
Ease of Use
Easy to set up and use.
Quality
It is constructed well. However, the second unit I tried was missing the "power on" LED.
Value
Inexpensive but unusable. I am going to spend more to hopefully get more.
Manufacturer Support
I never dealt with them directly. Mackie has a lot of useful troubleshooting info on their website. (Although it didn't fix the problem I had). Tapco had nothing helpful.
The Wow Factor
It's good looking. The inputs should be in the front though.
Musical Background:
Long-time home recordist and sometime band member.
Musical Style:
death rock, math metal, experimental bluegrass and more!
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