Celesonic US-20x20
USB3.0 Audio MIDI Interface with Mic Pre/Mixer
TASCAM’s Celesonic US-20x20 packs 20 channels of analog and digital I/O into a single rackspace with great sounding preamps and USB 3.0/2.0 connectivity. Eight Ultra-HDDA microphone preamps provide 56dB of gain and high headroom to make microphones sound their best. Up to ten channels of digital I/O are included on ADAT and S/PDIF connectors, with word clock also provided for use with external clocks like TASCAM’s CG-1000. MIDI I/O allows use with controllers and synthesizers, and sample rates up to 192kHz/24-bit are supported.
The TASCAM Celesonic US-20x20 is the first USB 3.0 interface to use class-compliant drivers for future-proof use with computers and tablets. A built-in DSP mixer includes parametric EQ and compression on every channel and a stereo reverb send for great-sounding monitor mixes. The DSP mixer can also be used as a live mixer or submixer with computer control. The US-20x20 has three operation modes – audio interface, digital mixer, and 8-channel digital mic preamp –for maximum flexibility.
This model has been discontinued.
New Update: Settings Panel for Windows
TASCAM USB Audio Interfaces Driver (Settings Panel) software for Windows has been updated to Version 4.00, enabling to build music production environments with ultra-low latency that maximizes the processing power of the computers in use. In this new version, the driver’s stability has been greatly enhanced, the audio buffer size is now selectable up from 4 samples instead of older versions with the default buffer size of 64 samples, and overall usability has been improved.
* Version 4.00 functions are limited to Windows only.
Ultra-HDDA mic preamps deliver high headroom for dynamic tracks
TASCAM's Ultra-HDDA mic preamps provide up to 57dB of gain with the highest headroom in their class. Meaning your tracks won't be distorted before they even hit your computer, resulting in sweeter mids and deep soundstaging.
Popularized in TASCAM's HS-P82 professional broadcast and film recorders, Ultra HDDA preamps have the performance to handle condenser, dynamic, and ribbon microphones. These versatile preamps also feature line-level inputs for keyboards and other equipment.
Sleek Industrial Design Inspires Creativity
We have applied the engineering expertise from years of making audio interfaces to create products that are both pioneering and practical. The slightly angled Bio-cell side panels provide users with excellent ergonomics and stimulate creativity. An adapter that supports rack-mounting is also included.
DSP mixer with 4-band EQ and compression on each input channel
Utilizing an Analog Devices BlackFin processor, the US-20x20 offers an advanced digital mixer. Every input has 4-band EQ, compressor, and low-cut filter. A stereo reverb processor is provided for dynamic headhone monitoring. The DSP mixer can store up to (10) snapshots as scenes - making it easy to recall mixer settings.
Three selectable modes included: interface/mic preamp/mixer
The versatile Celesonic US-20x20 is an Interface for multitrack recording using a personal computer and DAW, a standalone mic preamp, or a mixer for live performances or mixing keyboards. In mic preamp mode, the Ultra-HDDA preamps are sent to the ADAT Optical and S/PDIF digital outputs at up to 192kHz.
New functions added to Version 4.00
* Version 4.00 functions are limited to Windows only.
With conventional TASCAM drivers, the audio buffer size could only be set originally up from 64 samples. This has been enhanced to support a selection up from 4 samples, enabling users to build music production environments with ultra-low latency that maximizes the processing power of the computers in use. Users can now choose from a wide range of parameters, from a minimum of 4 samples up to a maximum of 2048 samples, depending on the computer's processing power and music production application.
The newly implemented HiDPI (high-dot per inch) function automatically optimizes the size of the Settings Panel window to an appropriate size according to the user's display. No more small appearing of the Settings Panel in a high-resolution display.
Ultra-HDDA mic preamps provide high headroom for dynamic tracks
Popularized in TASCAM's HS-P82 professional broadcast and film recorders, Ultra HDDA preamps have the performance to handle condenser, dynamic, and ribbon microphones. These versatile preamps also feature line-level inputs for keyboards and other equipment.
Eight Ultra-HDDA Mic Preamps with 20dB of headroom
With other ratings that include a signal-to-noise ratio of 104 dB, we have achieved an extremely high level of audio performance. The key electronic components were selected through extensive listening tests.
Direct Inputs for Guitar and Bass
[Note] Guitar effect plug-ins and DAW software are sold separately.
High-grade Components Selected Through Careful Listening Tests
* Audio4pro is a brand name of AD converter by Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation - utilized in audio mixers and sound reinforcement equipment.
20 Inputs and 20 Outputs To Handle the Biggest Sessions
[Note] When operating at 88.2kHz or 96Khz, up to (16) inputs and (16) outputs are possible.
[Note] When operating at 176.4kHz or 192Khz, up to (12) inputs and (12) outputs are possible.
8 XLR/TRS inputs and 2 TRS inputs
S/PDIF coaxial input/output
Word input/output enables connection with an external clock generator
3 switchable modes - Interface, Mic Preamp and Mixer
Mic Preamp Mode enabling use as a mic pre with analog & digital output
[Note] When operating at 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, or 192kHz, the numbers of inputs to and outputs from the optical digital connectors are limited
Interface Mode for recording with a DAW
Advanced DSP mixer with EQ and compression on each channel
In addition, the built-in mixer provides near-zero latency monitoring while recording. It utilizes the high-performance Dual Core BlackFin DSP making it possible to offer 4-band EQ and compression on each channel. A stereo reverb is also provided for great-sounding headphone mixes.
[Note] When operating at 176.4kHz or 192kHz, the effects (EQ, compression, phase, and reverb) of the DSP mixer cannot be used.
[Note] USB3.0 connection requires Windows 10 or OSX 10.11.2 (or later).
High resolution recording up to 192Hz/24-bit
USB 3.0 computer connection, a leading transmission standard
| USB | OS |
| USB3.0/USB2.0 | Windows 10 |
| USB2.0 | Windows 8, Windows 7, OS X Yosemite(10.10), OS X Mavericks(10.9), OS X Mountain Lion(10.8) |
Advanced DSP mixer with 4-band equalizer and compressor on each channel
[Note] When operating at 176.4kHz or 192kHz, the effects (EQ, compression, phase, and reverb) of the DSP mixer cannot be used.
Reverb effect to enhance performance and recorded tracks.
[Note] When operating at 176.4kHz or 192kHz, the effects (EQ, compression, phase, and reverb) of the DSP mixer cannot be used.
Driver software can be installed without connecting the interface
Sleek industrial design that inspires creativity
We have applied the engineering expertise from years of making audio interfaces to create products that are both pioneering and practical. With their distinctive styling, these interfaces fit perfectly on the desktops of musicians and stimulate creativity.
Tascam’s new US series satisfies the needs of musicians from an aesthetic as well as ergonomic perspective. With its unique honeycomb structure on the side panels, the main body has a sense of weight, while also maintaining a delicacy that matches the user’s needs. Honeycomb structures are a feature of modern architecture, but are also a vital resource whose exceptional technical structure we can use in design. As this structure is found in nature, it has a stability and flexibility which comes with being an organic form.designbox (Official Website) : A German audio design company founded by Axel Hartmann and Stephan Leitl in 1995 which has worked on several design projects for famous music industry products such as synthesizers, effect pedals and amp simulators.
-Axel Hartmann@ designbox
Angled design provides excellent usability on a desktop
Separate volume controls for headphones and line output
Built to tough robust full metal body
Dual 70mW+70mW Headphone Outputs
Class-compliant Drivers Support iPads and other Tablets
Connect with an iPad or another iOS device
[Note] A genuine Apple Lightning-USB camera adapter is not included with this product.
[Note] When connected, the US-20x20 will not provide power to the iOS device.
Tested with Sonar, Pro Tools, Cubase, Live, Studio One, and GarageBand, Logic Pro
MIDI input and output enable connection with keyboards and other MIDI devices
Rackmount Adapters and hex keys are included
Features at a Glance
- Ultra-HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps with −125dBu EIN
- Eight Ultra-HDDA micpres with XLR/TRS and connector, two TRS inputs
- 3 mode switching of Interface/Mic preamp/Mixer
- Up to 192kHz/24-bit recording
- Support for Windows and Mac
- USB 3.0/2.0 computer connection (USB3.0 requires Windows 10)
- Connect with iPads and other iOS devices
- +48V phantom power for all inputs
- High-impedance inputs available
- Input level specifications boast a range of 56 dB for using dynamic mics
- Tough metal casing for durability
- Angled design provides excellent usability on a desktop
- Two standard TRS headphones output jack with 70mW + 70mW output power
- Separate controls for line and headphones output volumes
- MIDI input and output
- Low-latency monitoring via on-board DSP mixer
- DSP mixer with 4-band EQ and compression on each input channel(Can be used in Interface/Mixer mode)
- On-board Reverb effect ideal for monitoring on interface mode or PA/SR on mixer mode
- Patch bay allows outputs to be assigned freely(Can be used in Interface/Mixer mode)
- Scenes can store DSP mixer settings (up to 10+1 scenes can be stored and named）
- Ten TRS analog outputs
- S/PDIF coaxial digital input/output connectors
- TOS LINK optical digital multichannel input/output connectors (supporting SMUX2 and SMUX4)
- BNC word clock input/output connectors
- USB class compliant 2.0 support
- Confirmed operation with major DAW software (SONAR, Pro Tools, Cubase, Live, Studio One, GarageBand, Logic Pro）
- RoHS certified
- Rack-mount adapter included
- Dedicated AC adapter included
- USB2.0 cable and USB3.0 cable included
[Updated] Information regarding Windows 11 Version 24H2 compatibility
Learn More
[Updated] Information regarding iOS 18/iPadOS 18 compatibility
Learn MoreSpec description
| US-16x08 | US-20x20 | |
| Sampling frequency | 44.1k/48k/88.2k/96k Hz | 44.1k/48k/88.2k/96k/176.4k/192k Hz |
| Quantization bit rate | 16/24bit | |
| Analog audio inputs (Front) |
||
| MIC IN (BALANCED) | IN 1-8 | |
| Connector | XLR-3-31(1:GND, 2:HOT, 3:COLD) | |
| Input impedance | 2.4k ohms | |
| Nominal input level | ||
| GAIN:MAX | -68dBu (0.0003Vrms) | |
| GAIN:MIN | -12dBu (0.195Vrms) | |
| Maximum input level | +8dBu (1.947Vrms) | |
| Gain | 56dB | |
| INST IN (UNBALANCED) | IN 9-10 | IN 1-2 |
| Connector | 6.3mm(1/4") TS-jack(T:HOT, S:GND) (When set to "INST" at LINE/INST switch) |
|
| Input impedance | 1M ohms or more | |
| Nominal input level | ||
| GAIN:MAX | -57dBV (0.0014Vrms) | -68dBV (0.0004Vrms) |
| GAIN:MIN | -12dBV (0.251Vrms) | |
| Maximum input level | +8dBV (0.2512Vrms) | |
| Gain | 45dB | 56dB |
| LINE IN (BALANCED) | IN 9-10 (When set to "LINE" at LINE/INST switch) |
IN 3-8 |
| Connector | 6.3mm(1/4") TRS-jack(T:HOT, R:COLD, S:GND) | |
| Input impedance | 10k ohms | |
| Nominal input level | ||
| GAIN:MAX | -41dBu (0.0069Vrms) | |
| GAIN:MIN | +4dBu (1.228Vrms) | |
| Maximum input level | +24dBu (12.282Vrms) | |
| Gain | 45dB | 56dB |
| Analog audio inputs (Rear) |
||
| LINE IN (UNBALANCED) | IN 11-16 | IN 9-10 |
| Connector | 6.3mm(1/4") TS-jack(T:HOT, S:GND) (When set to "-10dBV" at LEVEL switch) |
|
| Input impedance | 10k ohms or more | |
| Nominal input level | -10dBV (0.3162Vrms) | |
| Maximum input level | +10dBV (3.162Vrms) | |
| LINE IN (BALANCED) | IN 11-16 | IN 9-10 |
| Connector | 6.3mm(1/4") TRS-jack(T:HOT, R:COLD, S:GND) (When set to "+4dBu" at LEVEL switch) |
|
| Input impedance | 10k ohms | |
| Nominal input level | +4dBu (1.228Vrms) | |
| Maximum input level | +24dBu (12.1282Vrms) | |
| Digital audio inputs | ||
| COAXIAL | ||
| Connector | - | RCA pin jack |
| Format | - | IEC60958-3(S/PDIF) |
| Input impedance | - | 75 ohm |
| Input level | - | 0.5Vp-p / 75 ohm |
| OPTICAL (S/MUX) | ||
| Connector | - | OPTICAL (JEITA RC-5720C) |
| Format | - | Multi-channel optical format (S/MUX4 is available in 88.2k/96k/176.4k/192k Hz) |
| Analog audio outputs | ||
| LINE OUT (BALANCED) | OUT 1-8 | OUT 1-10 |
| Connector | 6.3mm(1/4") TRS-jack(T:HOT, R:COLD, S:GND) | |
| Output impedance | 100ohms | |
| Nominal output level | +4dBu (1.228Vrms) | |
| Maximum output level | +24dBu (12.277Vrms) | |
| Digital audio outputs | ||
| COAXIAL | ||
| Connector | - | RCA pin jack |
| Format | - | IEC60958-3(S/PDIF) / IEC60958-4(AES/EBU) |
| Input impedance | - | 75 ohm |
| Input level | - | 0.5Vp-p / 75 ohm |
| OPTICAL (S/MUX) | ||
| Connector | - | OPTICAL (JEITA RC-5720C) |
| Format | - | Multi-channel optical format (S/MUX4 is available in 88.2k/96k/176.4k/192k Hz) |
| MIDI IN / OUT | ||
| Connector | Din 5-pin | |
| Format | Standard MIDI format | |
| WORD IN | ||
| Connector | - | BNC Permissible frequency deviation at the time of external synchronization |
| Input voltage | - | 2.0Vpp to 5.0Vpp |
| Input impedance | - | 75 ohm +/-10% |
| Input level | - | +/-100ppm |
| WORD OUT | ||
| Connector | - | BNC with OUT/THRU select switch |
| Output voltage | - | 2.0Vpp (75ohm loaded) |
| Output impedance | - | 75 ohm +/-10% |
| Sampling frequency | - | 44.1k/48k/88.2k/96k/176.4k/192k Hz |
| USB | ||
| Connector | USB B type 4-pin | USB3.0/2.0 B type |
| Format | USB2.0 HIGH SPEED mass storage class | USB3.0 SuperSpeed (5Gbps)/USB2.0 HIGH SPEED (480Mbps) |
| PHONES | ||
| Connector | 6.3mm(1/4") stereo phone jack | |
| Maximum output level | 70mW+70mW or more (THD+N 0.1% or less, 32ohms loaded) | |
| Power | Dedicated AC adapter (GPE248-120200-Z, included) | |
| Power consumption | 12W | 20W |
| Dimensions | 52(W) ×2.32(H) ×8.62(D) inch 445(W) ×59(H) ×219(D) mm |
52(W) ×2.32(H) ×8.7(D) inch 445(W) ×59(H) ×222(D) mm |
| Weight | 2.8kg / 6.11lb | 2.7kg / 5.95lb |
| Operating temperature | 5 to 35˚C | |
| Accessories | Rack mount adapter, USB cable, User's manual, warranty card, dedicated AC adapter (GPE248-120200-Z) | Rack mount adapter, USB2.0 cable, USB3.0 cable, User’s manual, warranty card, dedicated AC adapter |
Audio performance
| Frequency response | ||
| LINE OUT(BALANCED) | ||
| 44.1k/48k Hz | 20Hz to 20kHz, +/-0.3dB(JEITA) | |
| 88.2k/96k Hz | 20Hz to 40kHz, +/-0.3dB(JEITA) | |
| 176.4k/192k Hz | - | 20H to 80kHz、+/-0.5dB(JEITA) |
| THD | 0.008% or less | 0.005% or less |
| S/N ratio | 100dB or more | 104dB or more |
| Crosstalk | 100dB or more | |
Computer system requirements
Windows
| Compatible computers | Windows-compatible computer with a USB 2.0 port | Windows-compatible computer with a USB 2.0 or USB3.0 port |
| CPU type/speed | Dual core/2 GHz or faster | |
| Memory | 2GB or more | |
| DRIVER | ASIO2.0 , WDM(MME), MIDI |
USB Audio Class 2.0, ASIO2.0, WDM(MME), MIDI Note: When using WDM driver, number of output channels from an application has limitation less than 8 channels. |
| Screen resolution | 1280 x 800 Dot or more | |
Mac
| Compatible computers | Apple Mac computer with a USB 2.0 port | Apple Mac computer with a USB 2.0 or USB3.0 port |
| CPU type/speed | Dual core/2 GHz or faster | |
| Memory | 2GB or more | |
| DRIVER | Core Audio, Core MIDI | |
| Screen resolution | 1280 x 800 Dot or more | |
Supported OS' (PC)
Windows
Windows 11 2024 Update (Version 24H2) New , Windows 11 2023 Update (Version 23H2) , Windows 10 2022 Update (Version 22H2) , Windows 11 2022 Update (Version 22H2) , Windows 11 (Version 21H2) , Windows 10 (November 2021 Update) , Windows 10 (May 2021 Update) , Windows 10 (October 2020 Update) , Windows 10 (May 2020 Update) , Windows 8.1 , Windows 8 , Windows 7Mac
macOS Sequoia New , macOS Sonoma , macOS Ventura , macOS Monterey , macOS Big Sur , macOS Catalina , macOS Mojave , macOS High Sierra (10.13) , macOS Sierra (10.12) , OS X El Capitan (10.11) , OS X Yosemite (10.10) , OS X Mavericks (10.9) , OS X Mountain Lion (10.8)iOS
iOS 18 New , iPadOS 18 New , iPadOS 17 , iOS 17 , iOS 16 , iPadOS 16 , iOS 15 , iPadOS 15 , iPadOS 14 , iOS 14 , iPadOS 13 , iOS 13 , iOS 12 , iOS 11 , iOS 10 , iOS 8Information
| Latest version info | |
| Settings Panel for Windows | V4.00 |
| Settings Panel for Mac | V2.10 |
| Firmware | V2.00 |
- Buffer Size can now be set from 4 samples.
- Scaling to a suitable size now occurs with 4K and other high resolution displays.
- Operation stability has been improved.
Notices About Products
Spec
Manuals
Documents
Firmware
Software
Make sure that the "Auto Power Save" switch on the rear panel is set to off. It is set to on by default (for CE complience.)
Download and install firmware version 1.01 or later for your device from the downloads page.
To enable the US-20x20's 192kHz mode:
- Open the Audio/MIDI Setup app inside your Applications/Utilities folder.
- Select the US-20x20 in the list on the left side of the window.
- Make sure that the Input tab is selected. Click on the menu that says "20ch-24bit Integer" and change it to "12ch-24bit Integer"
- Select the "Output" tab and repeat the above step.
- Open your DAW software. You should have 192kHz as an option.
Note that the limitation of 12-channels at 192kHz is because the ADAT Optical format is limited in that way. It functions as 8-channel in 48kHz, 4-channel at 96kHz, or 2-channel at 192kHz.
This is fixed in settings panel version 1.01 or later. It's a free update on the downloads page.
You need to connect the US-20x20 to a computer to set clocking, sample rate, and other settings – even in mic preamp mode. Open the US-20x20 Settings Panel application to change this.
As of this writing, USB 3 only works on the Windows 10 OS. TASCAM is using a class-complient driver, which means that we have no control over bug fixes in the OS. Apple is working on this issue and is hoping to fix it in an upcoming update to OSX 10.11 El Capitan. Please note that there is no reduced feature set when working in USB 2 mode, including channel count and latency.
