Zoom TAC-2R Thunderbolt Audio Converter

Rugged 2-in/2-out high speed audio interface that uses the latest Thunderbolt technology for blazingly fast speed, near zero latency and the ultimate in high-quality audio, up to 24-bit/192 kHz. With its easy-to-use design and advanced converters, it is perfect for studio and field recording of mics and instruments, onstage playback, and pristine audio streaming. It can even serve as an ultra-stable MIDI interface. More than twice as fast as USB 3.0 (not to mention twenty times faster than USB 2.0 and twelve times faster than Firewire 800) Thunderbolt is the interconnection technology of the future. Co-developed by Apple and Intel Labs, it allows signal to be transferred at an incredibly fast 10 gigabits per second, which means virtually no latency. The interface is also unaffected by computer jitter (slight variations in timing), so there is no need to connect an external master clock source. In addition, Thunderbolt carries 10 watts/18 volts of power (as compared to the 2.5 watts/ 5 volts carried by USB 2.0) – enough to provide stable phantom power. The interface performs 4-times up-sampling during both analogue-to-digital and digital-to-analogue conversion. For A/D conversion, this means less aliasing noise; for D/A conversion, this means increased clarity and fidelity. The Thunderbolt port on the rear panel carries digital signal to and from the computer as well as carrying power to the interface. Dual front panel combo XLR/TRS inputs allow user to connect a wide variety of microphones as well as line-level signals from electronic keyboards and music players – even passive instruments such as electric guitars and basses. Dual balanced TRS output jacks enable for connection to amplifiers or self-powered speakers, and there is an independent 6.3mm stereo headphone jack with dedicated volume control for private monitoring of the input or output signal. In addition, MIDI In and Out is provided to allow precise synchronization with devices such as electronic keyboards and drum machines. Dedicated input gain controls and Clip LEDs make it easy to set optimum input levels, and a large Output knob enables fast control over overall output level. A phantom power switch applies +48 volts to the mic inputs, allowing user to use the interface with studio-quality condenser microphones, and a three-way Direct Monitoring switch enables monitoring of input signal with zero latency in both mono and stereo. The TAC-2 MixEfx is a free Macintosh application designed especially for this interface – it allows user to set mix parameters and add high-quality effects such as reverb and echo. Other features include a low cut filter, phase reverse, and AUTO GAIN control for each input. There is also a LOOPBACK function that allows user to blend the input signal and playback signal for ultra-low latency. The interface further comes with a free download license for Steinberg’s Cubase LE music production software, providing not just the ability to capture incredible high-resolution/low-latency audio in every box, but to do spectacular things with it. Dimensions: 113.9 x 176 x 46.2 mm. Weight: 714 g.