tascam us 122 setup question

[AudioWebs]

hearing sound in real time?

1. Is there supposed to be no volume controls in the volume properties?

2. How come I can't hear the microphone sound in my headphones while I'm talking into it, but it records and plays back fine?

 

[AudioWebs]

Hey other 122 users. I think I got it figured out.

Do you use the direct for hearing your sound live? I can toggle the initial sound with this, but only hear the "echo back" sound in microphone setup - which is good of course.

SO is that how you guys hear the track as recording it?

Also - do I need to do anything for the mic pre amp on it to be on? how do I know it's on?

 

[j7b]

I've never figured out how to use the direct monitoring feature. Haven't really needed it though. I can hear the previous tracks I recorded as I'm recording a new one.

There's an on/off switch for the mic pre-amp and a red light that let's you know if it's on.

 

[AudioWebs]

Aren't you talking about the phantom power?

I'm talking about the mic pre - two different things.

 

[j7b]

Yes I was talking about phantom power. Sorry, I didn't know there was a difference (I'm a total newbie).

So what is a pre-amp exactly and where is it on the device?

 

[AudioWebs]

a pre amp takes the microphone level input and amps it up to a line level input. I assume the mic pre-amps on the tascam are automatic since I don't see a switch.

the phantom power is used for condenser mics. See, condenser microphones have an amplifier actually inside them, but no power. The phantom power send the power up the cable to power the "mic pre amp" that's inside the microphone.

So unless you're using a condenser mic you don't want to use the phantom power, it can cause damage sometimes.