Tascam US-800 vs. US-1800 for Drums, etc.

  • Thread starter Thread starter DrumnDad
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DrumnDad

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I am going to be recording mostly drums, but occasionally guitars, bass, voice, etc. I usually will only use 4 or 5 mics at a time. What is the difference between the US-800 and the US-1800, besides the fact that the 1800 (rack mounted) has a couple more mic inputs, which I won't use anyway?

I have seen elsewhere that some people said the 800 would have a slight latency (they said maybe 4ms, which I may never notice!) and the 1800 wouldn't have any. Also, it was mentioned that the 1800 had hardware monitoring and the 800 didn't. I'm not really sure what that means, but I'm guessing that you can plug headphones directly into the 1800 and monitor? Sorry for the newbie questions. I am thinking the 800 will work fine, but I will spend an extra $90 to get what will work if it won't.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.
 
The 1800 has true direct monitoring as well as the ability to 'mix' the direct signal with the audio from the computer. Not just via the headphone out, but through monitor outputs on rear of unit. Plus the ability to send aux outputs, which will become more useful later when using a headphone amp with aux inputs for separate mixes. $90 may be worth it in the future as your needs may change. I would try to think ahead. Though if you do that too much, you will realize that expansion of an 1800 is not possible.:eek:
 
I would recommend the US-1800 for several reasons.

1. I own the US-800, and all of the reviews saying it caused problems were all true. I posted a thread a while back explaining my trouble with it. https://homerecording.com/bbs/user-forums-brand/tascam-user-forum/tascam-us-800-interface-316346/

2. I've read that they don't plan on updating the drivers for US-800 anytime soon, so this may suck for a while. (That may be untrue, so don't quote me on that)

3. Eventually, you may want to expand with recording. You will be glad you had those extra inputs.

4. It's essentially a replacement for the US-1641 which was/is a very stable interface.

P.S. The US-800 does have hardware monitoring.

Hope I helped!
 
Thanks for the replies. I may just get the 1800, especially since I plan on keeping it for a long time. I kept my Yamaha MT100II for over 20 years before getting rid of it last year!
 
DrumnDad said:
Thanks for the replies. I may just get the 1800, especially since I plan on keeping it for a long time. I kept my Yamaha MT100II for over 20 years before getting rid of it last year!
Click to expand...

You may want to look at getting a US-1641. They are about the same amount as the US-800 now being that they are discontinued. (Depending on where you look)

Wow, 20 years. :D
 
Not sure if you care but the discontinued 1641 is now shipped with LE 5 instead of LE 4 as is the 1800. Make sure to use balanced cables to monitors as the internal power supply can cause interference with TS or RCA adapted cable. Did for me.;)
 
Btw, WV Guitar Center will beat any price you find online for the 1641. Just keep an eye out. Ship to store and avoid those costs. I got my 1641 for $209.
 
Thanks, guys. I had read about the 1641 internal supply versus the 1800 wall wart, but didn't know how it could affect things. Balanced cables should do the trick then. Now, the search for the best price begins!

Thanks again.

Doug
 
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