Tascam Announces Celesonic US-20×20 Audio Interface and VL-S3 Monitors

Tascam has unleashed two new products for us to get our hands on – The Celesonic US-20×20 interface, and the VL-S3 compact monitors.

The Celesonic US-20×20 is a USB 3.0 driven interface with eight of Tascam’s Ultra-HDDA microphone preamps onboard. Other goodies on the box include ADAT and S/PDIF I/O, word clock, MIDI, and two balanced inputs. Along with various other outs, the I/O totals to 20×20 (Also, it’s in the name). The Celesonic US-20×20 can be swapped between three modes: Interface, Mic Preamp, and Mixer. Built in DSP for monitor mixes make the stand-alone use even more convenient. Pricing and availability TBA.

Tascam’s US-20×20 audio interface, mic preamp, and mixer.

The VL-S3 Monitors are the super-compact version of Tascam’s already affordable VL-S5 monitors ($149 MSRP). The difference is that the VL-S3 monitors are even smaller, woofer clocking in at a whopping three inches in diameter. The two-way monitors are also rear-ported for what Tascam claims as offering a surprising punch. Pricing and availability TBA.

Tascam’s VL-S3 powered monitors. Bragging about three inches never felt so right.

Here are more details on the interface and monitors from Tascam:

TASCAM’s new Celesonic US-20×20 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-20×20 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-20×20 has three modes: audio interface, digital mixer, and 8-channel digital mic preamp.

Like the US-16×08, the US-20×20 includes a pair rack ears as well as bio-cell side panels to angle the interface off a desktop. Learn more at the US-20×20 web page.

• 20-in / 20-out USB Audio Interface
• Eight Ultra-HDDA Microphone preamps with 56dB of gain and high headroom
• Two balanced line inputs and ten balanced line outputs
• USB 3.0 or 2.0 connection to computer (USB 3.0 requires Windows 10 operating system)
• Supports up to 192kHz / 24-bit audio (at reduced channel count)
• ADAT optical multichannel digital input and output supports S-MUX (8 ch @ 48k, 4 ch @ 96k, 2 ch @ 192kHz)
• Stereo S/PDIF digital in and out
• Word clock in and out
• Two headphone outputs with 70mW/ch output power
• MIDI input and output
• Class-compliant driver supports iOS connection over USB 2.0
• Includes both angled bio-cell side panels and rack ears
• Built-in DSP mixer with parametric EQ and compression per channel, stereo reverb on send/return
• Dedicated power supply included
• Three operation modes: audio interface/ mic pre/ mixer

TASCAM’s new VL-S3 brings great-sounding compact studio monitoring to the price of a set of headphones. The 2-way powered monitors include a 3” woofer, and rear ported design packs a surprising punch. A pair of RCA inputs accept any line-level input, and a stereo 1/4” to RCA cable is included. Also available is a 1/8” stereo mini jack for playing from smartphones or MP3 players.

An efficient 14W per side stereo power amplifier drives the two monitors. The compact, ported cabinets fit almost anywhere. Ideal for home studios, dorm rooms, or video editing suites, the VL-S3 is an affordable solution for great-sounding mixes.

• 2-way Powered Studio Monitors
• 3-inch woofer with rear ported cabinet
• 1/2-inch tweeter
• Efficient 14W per side power amplifier
• Stereo RCA and 1/8” mini jack inputs
• Stereo 1/4” to RCA connection cable included
• Crossover frequency: 8kHz
• Frequency response: 80Hz – 22kHz
• Compact design – 4.3” x 6.7” x 5.4”

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