Noisy preamps? Tascam US 1x2hr

[wamo]

I bought the US 1x2hr recently and it seems like the preamps are extremely noisy. I had a m-track solo and I did not seem to have this issue. I wanted something that could do 24bit so I went with this unit. I'm not sure if there is some kind of room noise that I am picking up and didn't notice before or if the preamps are just that noisy. I can really hear it in my monitor headphones. Is this just a defective unit or should I end up going with something like the scarlet solo. Let me know what you think but right now my audio is basically unusable.

Edit: Turns out there is an electrical box in the room i was recording in that was producing some electrical interference that my mic was picking up. I took the setup with my laptop to another room and the noise was gone. I must have just not noticed it before or something environmental was causing more electrical interference. But it doesn't seem to be the preamps making the noise.

 

[3Bproductions]

I have the same problem and because i need to record daily I have got a cheap Chinese module which is without noise.
I am extremely disappointed in Tascam, I used lots of equipment before during many years.

 

[Mark Richards]

@wamo said in 2022 "...an electrical box in the room i was recording in that was producing some electrical interference that my mic was picking up...another room...noise gone...it doesn't seem to be the preamps making the noise."

@3Bproductions said today "...I have the same problem...I am extremely disappointed in Tascam...I have got a cheap Chinese module which is without noise."

So you too have (RFI?) noise and you've identified that it is the result of a TASCAM design problem, yes?

Please share what you've determined the TASCAM design flaw to be; and tell us the "cheap Chinese module" that solved your problem so that going forward others can benefit.

 

[3Bproductions]

The noise comes from the preamp if recording you can hear the noise.
It's a Tascam fault.
I purchased a Chinese external sound card.
Strange enough with the mixer sliders open no noise.

 

[3Bproductions]

I just talked with a friend of mine and he has the same problem with the noise.
There are more problems when you want to record without a mixing console the microphone, headphones plugged into the Tascam, is too low to hear.

Nice to have cubase free LE version but you can't get it activated as the is no Cubase LE on the list.

Again for this money it's extremely disappointing.
I have Adat, DAT a external digital recorder for my cameras from Tascam but the quality went much down

 

[3Bproductions]

BTW ill post this as a video on social media so you all can see the result's

 

[Mark Richards]

I'm not familiar with your unit, but for something costing $120US the specs for your unit are pretty darn good:

Audio performance
Mic preamp EIN (equivalent input noise)
−128 dBu or less
(150 Ω termination, GAIN knob at maximum, 20 kHz SPCL LPF + A-Weight)

S/N ratio
109 dB
(MIC IN, GAIN knob at minimum, 20 kHz SPCL LPF + A-Weight)

Headphones output (PHONES)
Connector: 6.3 mm (1/4”) standard stereo jack
Maximum output: 18 mW + 18 mW or higher (THD+N 0.1% or less, into 32 Ωload

The specs would suggest it isn't the unit's pre-amp causing the noise (as @wamo discovered).

As I'm sure you know, how you're powering the unit, and how you've set up your signal chain (mics, cables, hubs, other gear, the laptop you're using, etc.) all impact signal throughput; and there are many sources of RFI (florescent lights, dimmer switches, computer monitors, wiring of all sorts, ground loops, and so on).

But given all that, I'd look first to the USB cable (TASCAM may require a better quality; where a "cheap" unit might not).

That's about all I can contribute to this thread.

 

[3Bproductions]

Well why am I not surprised of this reply
With all do respect pointing theories like electric cars that on paper running 500 km but in practice 350 km

Sorry you're doing the same.
I dont want to show off here but have been a sound engineer for world acts over 45 years and i think I know what I'm talking about.

Here 1 social media review

Log into Facebook

Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

www.facebook.com

 

[-mjk-]

@3Bproductions This is getting surreal. You accuse a former studio owner and actual audio engineer of some kind of gaslighting behavior, and then you use a Facebook link to prove your credentials? If I hadn't seen it for myself, I wouldn't have believed it.

Vertical video? Seriously? Did you post this on TikTok first? Your "proof" video is (trying to be kind) less than professional level. I, nor anyone else can hear this noise because you didn't demonstrate it so it could be heard. At the mention of Cakewalk, it all became crystal clear.

Facebook is where you belong. Please stay there.

 

[3Bproductions]

Thanks and btw I have no time or money to acuse any one.
I observe and saw a old posting open from 2 years ago asking questions about the noisy preamp.
No one replied until now.
I used the Facebook link to show you the test and no need to attack me for that but better watch the video and comment on this.


I'm a client that spend money and reported that there is noise coming from the line out.
Again replies such as change the USB cable which is provided by Tascam, is not helping the problem.
I spend time in doing a test with the same mic the same mixer subgroup and playback channel. The same double shielded cables were used.
The same equalisation and you can clearly hear the noise.
Answers such as throwing technical data at me is not helping.

The video was first on Facebook now it is on many other platforms and music recording groups.
As you can see there are many more having the same conclusions.

Again not accusing any one but posting practical facts into the open.

Did you guys ever saw and heard the noise from my test?
Did you ever took in consideration that there might be some faulty modules between several thousand?

Instead attacking me you can also use a logical mindset.
I made a deal with the company which I have purchased this from and I'll come back and do a test again with a new one.

Again the topic starter posted the sane noise problems.
I just took this a step further.

 

[Mark Richards]

@3Bproductions
You're not the only one with a curriculum vitae.

FYI, my bench testing of TASCAM gear (using, you know, actual test equipment) over several decades has confirmed consistently that the real-world equipment specs have met or exceeded the published specs.

I don't see any reason to suspect, without the evidence of measured data, that the published specs for this gear would be any different.

I'm sure with your self-described sound engineering background you've got the skill and test gear to do something as simple as S/N and noise floor measurements, yes?

The FB "review"? Seriously? Blowing into a microphone to produce "noise"? You have heard of "proximity effect" and "mic signal overload", yes? That has nothing to do with the S/N ratio, the noise floor, or the quality of the mic pre-amp; but it does have a lot to do with misuse and abuse of a mic.

ps There were no replies to the OP because the OP solved his own problem the same day of the post: it was RFI having nothing to do with the pre-amp circuit; and having been solved, the "noise" disappeared. Guess you missed that fact.

I'm done wasting my time, and you are now on "ignore", off to the internet aether. Bye-bye.
ps That means if you choose to continue to waste bits 'n bytes here, I won't see it.

 

[3Bproductions]

Thanks God I'm not the only one with a cv.
Personal attacks lead to nowhere bro.
Informing about my cv and working experiences is just a kind introduction as a new member and my first postings, and not a showoff.

And very sorry you play on the person.

Did you read the part about maybe having a faulty unit?

But OK I'll stop and too old to reply to those that were feeling attacked, this has never been my intention merely reported noise after doing all I could think of.

I'm not God but I can guarantee that I did a fair test and not into shouting into a microphone.

 

[-mjk-]

@3Bproductions

I am responding to you as a forum moderator. I am posting this publicly because you publicly posted accusations of being attacked in this thread, instead of using the reporting system. It is not my intention to embarrass you or anyone else, but I must respond because an accusation has been made.

We do not tolerate attacks against anyone on this forum, for any reason.

If someone has attacked you, I need to know specifically so I may make the appropriate response. I need you to be specific and quote the words the offending person wrote.

While I have seen a few people question your professional qualifications and credibility, quite honestly the moderators cannot possibly read every new comment that has been posted. We rely on the reporting system (there is a Report button on each post). I can tell you though, that I have had reports on some of your posts in this thread where some members have found your responses to be condescending and obnoxious. Those types of posts tend to self-regulate as forum members will block the posters. The moderators only get involved with cases of abuse and that of course, includes personal attacks. So, no action has been taken against you because you are simply expressing your opinion.

People are allowed their personal opinions, even if it offends us. In a free society, one runs the risk of being offended. That risk is worth the freedom that goes along with it. This forum is part of that free society.

I get the impression that you are not happy that you couldn't find people who agree with you. We get that a lot on this forum. People post things but they are not really interested in what others (often experts) have to say, but are only interested in finding someone to agree with them. To each their own.

Who attacked you personally, and where? Please quote the comments that were attacks and the offenders will be dealt with properly.

Thank you.

 

[3Bproductions]

Thank you for your response, and I apologize for my late reply on this matter.

Let me clarify the situation so we can have a clear understanding.

As a loyal Tascam customer, I reported an issue I had with noise. I spent a considerable amount of time trying to resolve this problem, and as it was my first post, I kindly introduced myself as a journalist and sound engineer who has worked with many well-known artists. Introducing myself to this community is customary for me, which is why I included a brief CV.

However, instead of receiving on-topic replies, I encountered responses that were irrelevant and, in some cases, personal attacks. For instance, one member suggested I should stick to Facebook, which I interpret as an unfriendly personal attack.

In my video, I conducted a test with two soundcards (including a cheap Chinese-made one) to demonstrate the noise issue with the Tascam. Shortly after posting, I received a comment implying that my test was unprofessional and that I did not understand basic audio principles. This was not only unhelpful but also an attack on my professionalism.
I used the same microphone with the same volume same mixing channel as well.
And I do not blow into a microphone.

Here is another example from the comments:

"The FB 'review'? Seriously? Blowing into a microphone to produce 'noise'? You have heard of 'proximity effect' and 'mic signal overload', yes? That has nothing to do with the S/N ratio, the noise floor, or the quality of the mic pre-amp; but it does have a lot to do with misuse and abuse of a mic."

This comment suggests that I am an amateur who does not know how to conduct a simple test, which is not a friendly or constructive way to offer help.

Additionally, another reply stated:

"@3Bproductions This is getting surreal. You accuse a former studio owner and actual audio engineer of some kind of gaslighting behavior, and then you use a Facebook link to prove your credentials? If I hadn't seen it for myself, I wouldn't have believed it.
Vertical video? Seriously? Did you post this on TikTok first? Your 'proof' video is (trying to be kind) less than professional level. I, nor anyone else can hear this noise because you didn't demonstrate it so it could be heard. At the mention of Cakewalk, it all became crystal clear."

If you are a moderator, it's important to show respect and not accuse someone of attacking others unjustly. I have not attacked anyone and have always used friendly language, such as "brother." (bro) Perhaps my English, which is not my native language, was misunderstood.I used word like in all due respect and never tread someone here with respect.

If I buy a brand new car and the car does not run, the dealer will not send you the specification of the car right, and that is what the member did.
Still no bad remark has been made from me.

The criticism for sharing my CV also seemed unjustified. My intention was to seek help and share my experience as a long-time Tascam customer, not to boast.
I am a long time loyal Tascam user and during my work as a journalist in the former Yugoslavia war for 10 years my Tascam DAPI DAT never broke
My first device was the 12X4X2 mixer in the start of the 80ties.

Constructive comments like "Peter, I'm sorry to hear about your noise issue. I can hear the noise in your test. Let's try to help you" would have been more appropriate and helpful.

Instead, I received no friendly assistance. Despite this, I have received a replacement Tascam US1X2HR from the Slovakian company, which has resolved the noise issue. The new unit works wonderfully and quietly.
Meaning that the old one had a fault which the seller found out after returning the Tascam to them.

I will record a new video update to inform my followers, as this is only fair. Even top producers can encounter faulty devices; we are all human.

While my problem is now solved, it was not thanks to the members here. This experience has left me with a bitter taste.

I offer this friendly advice: treat each other with respect. Do not judge a book by its cover and have a peaceful dialogue that lead to a positive outcome.I will not engage in further discussion here and may delete my account. I wish everyone a safe, healthy day filled with love and peace.

 

[-mjk-]

@3Bproductions, from the start, you never wanted genuine interaction. You just wanted us to think you're the smartest person in the room and that you found some issue that is Tascam's "fault."

You came here looking for someone to agree with you and we didn't. We're not going to apologize for that.

I never heard the noise. Neither did anyone else. That video is not how you demonstrate an issue.

Mark tried to help you:

Please share what you've determined the TASCAM design flaw to be; and tell us the "cheap Chinese module" that solved your problem so that going forward others can benefit.

You ignored that question. This would be "the scientific method" where one does tests using quantifiable methods. Mark also asked you to tell what you replaced it with because future readers of this thread might benefit from knowing that (future readers of this thread certainly are going to benefit from reading this thread!).

The noise comes from the preamp if recording you can hear the noise.
It's a Tascam fault.
I purchased a Chinese external sound card.
Strange enough with the mixer sliders open no noise.

Here you are immediately blaming Tascam for something that cannot be heard on your Facebook vertical video. Yes, I am harping on vertical video. Why? Because I do not like looking through a keyhole to diagnose a technical issue. Be professional or don't do it.

I just talked with a friend of mine and he has the same problem with the noise.

This is called confirmation bias. Your friend has the same issue so it must be true!

Again, Mark tried to help you:

I'm not familiar with your unit, but for something costing $120US the specs for your unit are pretty darn good

He listed the published specs. How did you respond?

Well why am I not surprised of this reply
With all do respect pointing theories like electric cars that on paper running 500 km but in practice 350 km

I should have banned you for a week for that comment. How dare you use an example of a dishonest practice and apply it to one of our most respected forum engineers?

When you give a salty response, don't complain if what you get back is unpleasant.

Again replies such as change the USB cable which is provided by Tascam, is not helping the problem.

Did you change the USB cable? They go bad. They are not all created equal. We don't know because you keep chanting "I got a bad unit" and no proof positive.

Answers such as throwing technical data at me is not helping.

Technical information trumps the victim card every time.

Did you guys ever saw and heard the noise from my test?

We didn't see a "test." We saw a guy video himself talking into a microphone with a delay. There was no space in the audio to hear any noise. The video uses the audio from the phone instead of a recorded track that was synchronized in post. Again, be professional. You know, like someone with your claimed experience level normally would.

Did you ever took in consideration that there might be some faulty modules between several thousand?

No. We're dumb. That's what you're trying to say, isn't it?

This site is rife with posts about a "defective" unit that turned out to be an operator error. Often the tone of the post shows that the poster has already concluded that the unit is defective. They will go on and on about it too, ignoring suggestions and insisting that they are right and we are wrong. We, the users of this forum have developed a protocol to troubleshoot issues. This is what we do. Failure to cooperate always results in situations just the one you are in right now, where you have alienated the forum users, but yet it's our fault somehow.

Growing weary of your insolence, I stepped in and told you what I think:

@3Bproductions This is getting surreal. You accuse a former studio owner and actual audio engineer of some kind of gaslighting behavior, and then you use a Facebook link to prove your credentials? If I hadn't seen it for myself, I wouldn't have believed it.

Vertical video? Seriously? Did you post this on TikTok first? Your "proof" video is (trying to be kind) less than professional level. I, nor anyone else can hear this noise because you didn't demonstrate it so it could be heard. At the mention of Cakewalk, it all became crystal clear.

Facebook is where you belong. Please stay there.

Facebook is famous for your kind of participant; argumentative, amateur, Dunning-Kruger type responses, especially to questions about your background and competence.

If you are a moderator, it's important to show respect and not accuse someone of attacking others unjustly

I know my job. The question is, do you realize that your replies were flippant and disrespectful? Respect is earned. You failed to earn our respect.

If my post was an attack, then so be it. The only thing that got hurt is your ego. No immutable characteristics of yours were even mentioned.

Perhaps my English, which is not my native language, was misunderstood.I used word like in all due respect and never tread someone here with respect.

No one mentioned a single thing about your ethnic or national origin. No one else mentioned any immutable characteristics. This is all about your personality. We get that you think you're a very respectful person. But that is like "pointing theories like electric cars that on paper running 500 km but in practice 350 km."

as it was my first post, I kindly introduced myself as a journalist and sound engineer who has worked with many well-known artists. Introducing myself to this community is customary for me, which is why I included a brief CV.

You most certainly did not! Your first post on the topic was this:

I have the same problem and because i need to record daily I have got a cheap Chinese module which is without noise.
I am extremely disappointed in Tascam, I used lots of equipment before during many years.

"Don't piss down my back and tell me it's raining." Gaslighter, you are.

This is what your "kindly" introduction looked like:

I dont want to show off here but have been a sound engineer for world acts over 45 years and i think I know what I'm talking about.

We don't think you know what you're talking about - that is for certain.


Just remember:

You started it dude.

 

[3Bproductions]

Dear Community,

Sometimes, unfortunately, people can be too proud and stubborn to end endless discussions. Before this post, I received private messages from some of the the Tascam mods who agreed that I have been unfairly attacked and clarified that I did not attack anyone.

I must say that all the focus on terminology, microphone techniques, and video resolution has made me wonder why there's such an urge to continue this debate. I used words like "bro," you: "dude," and "with all respect," trying to keep things amicable.

Banning me for a week? You might as well ban me for life if you think that's appropriate, as I've never encountered someone quite like you. Instead of putting your energy into shouting and crying at me, you could have approached this differently.
But there must be something that triggered you but you got it all wrong, I am not here to start any riot but as my mom said lets leave it as someone just does not understand which is sad but there is nothing I can do something about that.

I never asked for an apology and never expected one. I'm not sure why you went completely off-topic.

To everyone else, the problem is resolved. I got a new Tascam and I'm deleting the videos from all social media platforms because the seller resolved the issue to my satisfaction. The noise is gone, and I’m happy with the solution, so there's no need to change my words here.

Thanks to the mods who were very friendly and took the time to write me a PM, confirming that I did nothing wrong. Perhaps this experience can be a lesson in empathy, humility, and helpfulness. At 70 years old, I have little time for endless drama.

God bless!

 

[Mark Richards]

I received private messages from some of the the Tascam mods who agreed that I have been unfairly attacked and clarified that I did not attack anyone. Thanks to the mods who were very friendly and took the time to write me a PM, confirming that I did nothing wrong.

One of the members suggested I take you off "ignore" so I could read that.
Very interesting indeed.

I have little time for endless drama

And yet, here you are still.

Giving you the benefit of the doubt, I listened again to your FB video. The pre-amp "noise" you were attempting to demonstrate still sounded to me like breath sounds across the mic capsule enhanced by proximity effect. It could just as easily have been forced air blowing from an A/C unit or fan that the mic (or your smartphone?) picked up, or a bad cable, or RFI.

The point being:
Your "test methodology" failed to demonstrate convincingly (to me, at least) that the source of the "noise" was the unit pre-amp rather than a bad mic cable, a cheap or worn USB cable, or something picked up either electronically or acoustically, inparticular because the TASCAM and the "cheap" unit both had the noise if I recall correctly (only less so on the cheap unit); and the published specs for the product are very good for the price point.

On the other hand:
Bench test measurement against the published specs would have provided scientificaly demonstrable evidence of a defective pre-amp circuit; and being only one defective data point, would not have been used in any other review as a valid example extrapolated to the entire product line.

Good luck with your replacement unit. Bye-Bye. Off to the internet aether once again.