Tascam US 600 Not recognizing beyond channels 1 & 2

[slexson]

Hey guys, basically just like the title states, I can get mics in input channels 1 & 2 to pick up sound, but 3 and 4 are completely not recognized when I go to (in Windows Vista 64bit) Control Panel>Hardware and Sound>Sound>Recording, and look at the green sound bar next to "Line in Tascam US600" which is checked as my default unit and enabled.

This has been a longstanding issue with just about every DAW I've experimented with in that no more than 2 tracks have ever been recordable. For the life of me I cannot get 4 full separate tracks (all XLR mics) to pickup sound and am getting desperate (desperate enough that I'm ready to say screw getting 4 separate tracks to record maybe I'll just shoot for 4 inputs to clump record onto one track...like I said, desperate). I believe all drivers are up to date, and I've basically left the Tascam Control Panel untouched since I've purchased the unit.

When I purchased the unit, I did plenty of research to get what I (thought) was a multitrack recording device that I'll be able to use for my podcast. I've tried so much that I'm beginning to question if bought the right unit. I really need at least 4 mics to throw something down.

I'll admit I'm as newbie as newbies get, even though for over a year I've struggled with trying to figure this out on my own. I no nobody in the audio world to get some guidance but found nobody who would know.

 

[JimmyS1969]

First check; make sure you downloaded the correct driver from HERE.

Second, Windows built in sound card is not going to make it easy to setup the inputs. Use a DAW. What DAW's have you tried? You just need to enable the inputs of the US600. The default is typically L/R. You need to create input bus for the other inputs.

The unit is capable of 4 XLR inputs (+2 digital) into computer simultaneously, you just need to set them up.

If Cubase is one of the programs you are familiar with, I can help you better.

 

[slexson]

Unfortunately, my experiences with DAW's are still in the works. The interface came with Cubase LE5 & I had little luck with understanding it (steep learning curve for a 1st timer). When I was forced to reformat my harddrive after a virus, I lost the valid elicensure that came with the Cubase software. I tried the free trial of Mixcraft and while I loved the format & even had it work once, the program ceased responding 95% of the time upon opening so I was forced to not invest in the full version. So long story short, I'm still in the works of investing into an interface....... after I'm convinced I can get this damn thing to work properly.

I did download the latest drivers on that very link, still with no luck.

So being that this issue exists without me actually having an active DAW, am I wrong to assume that under the control panel menu of my computer's sound settings, the green bar SHOULD still show a signal for all Tascam channels? Currently I'm just playing around with Audacity which as everyone knows is not multitrack capable. Maybe if I had an actual multitrack capable DAW I would instantly see all the channel levels pop up? I'm not quite sure which scenario I should expect to be the case. The next step after this will be investing in a DAW that I can eventually learn how to use.

 

[JimmyS1969]

Reaper would be a good one to try, though being a biased Cubase user myself, I would start with what you have. You did not loose your valid elisencer. Anyone can register, re-register, or share the install disk for any Cubase LE version. It is free. Did you register the LE5 or whatever you got with the interface at steinberg.net? That would have made things easier. Enough preaching from me. Just download the latest version of elicenser (google elicenser). It will give you a code. From there, you copy that code, and register Cubase at steinberg. It will give you an activation code to enter into elicense control panel. Then never have to worry about it again.

After you have Cubase up and running, I can give you detailed info on how to get you interface working.

If you decide to jump ship and try Reaper, there are many here that will help you get it figured out.

Best of luck to you Slex! I highly doubt the interface is to blame here. Just typical setup stuff...

 

[slexson]

Ya know, after doing alot of research on DAW's, looking at screenshots, youtube clip tutorials and price. Reaper is looking pretty good. I will have to do myself a favor and rummage through the mess in my office to see if I can locate the Cubase disc that I've thoughtlessly neglected over the years due to giving up on it lol. Maybe I should give it another chance. If I find it, I'll hopefully be able to get some quick insight from you jimmys (thanks alot in advance). If I can't find it, I'll probably go the Reaper route.

I'm gonna assume all channels are capable of picking up sound, I guess not all of them will SHOW on a sound bar unless I actually have a DAW capable of utilizing all the tracks. I hope this conclusion is accurate. I don't think there is anything else I could try at this point to convince myself all channels will work when I purchase a DAW.