Comments on: Is Your Tascam US-144 mkII Noisy? Just Sit on it. http://www.aarontitus.net/blog/2010/01/09/is-your-tascam-us-144-mkii-noisy-just-sit-on-it/ Aaron Titus' Personal Blog Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:01:49 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.3 hourly 1 By: James http://www.aarontitus.net/blog/2010/01/09/is-your-tascam-us-144-mkii-noisy-just-sit-on-it/comment-page-1/#comment-2542 James Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:01:49 +0000 http://www.aarontitus.net/blog/?p=118#comment-2542 I have the mkii and am struggling with this clicking. I have also noticed it is being influenced by the sig/ol L.E.D. while in guitar mode. Is there a way to fix it? My product is no longer in warranty so I am willing to open it. I have the mkii and am struggling with this clicking. I have also noticed it is being influenced by the sig/ol L.E.D. while in guitar mode. Is there a way to fix it? My product is no longer in warranty so I am willing to open it.

]]> By: Carlo Mario http://www.aarontitus.net/blog/2010/01/09/is-your-tascam-us-144-mkii-noisy-just-sit-on-it/comment-page-1/#comment-2524 Carlo Mario Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:03:49 +0000 http://www.aarontitus.net/blog/?p=118#comment-2524 Hi again! I recently purchased a powered USB hub so I could fix the problem with the US-144mkII using the same laptop mentioned on the post before this one. THE UNIT WORKS GREAT! I suppose that the Tascam interface is not 64-bit friendly... For some reason it needs more energy, maybe to handle more data? Or was it the laptop's PSU? No idea. But my problem was finally solved. Hope it works for you guys. Hi again! I recently purchased a powered USB hub so I could fix the problem with the US-144mkII using the same laptop mentioned on the post before this one. THE UNIT WORKS GREAT! I suppose that the Tascam interface is not 64-bit friendly… For some reason it needs more energy, maybe to handle more data? Or was it the laptop’s PSU? No idea. But my problem was finally solved. Hope it works for you guys.

]]> By: Carlo Mario http://www.aarontitus.net/blog/2010/01/09/is-your-tascam-us-144-mkii-noisy-just-sit-on-it/comment-page-1/#comment-2481 Carlo Mario Tue, 20 Sep 2011 19:03:40 +0000 http://www.aarontitus.net/blog/?p=118#comment-2481 HI there! I got this unit last year, good working condition, but did not use it for a long time, so I decided to use it again to check if it was still OK. Plugged it in a desktop computer before, but this time I used my cousin's HP Pavilion dm4 series laptop... So everything was fine until I decided to plug a cardioid condenser mike to the unit (phantom power needed here) and turned the phantom power switch ON. Started talking on the mike, but volume decreased as I talked, and it added some noise similar to what I've heard on the MP3s you posted here. Then I searched on the net and came across your article, but it probably was not the problem. I am a computer technician too, and experience told me that recent laptops do not provide a good power supply inside, so I tried my beloved apparatus on a friend's desktop PC again and guess what... It works like a charm! Mike worked fine, no problems at all. Note that I used the laptop with both battery and AC power, so maybe a laptop is not suitable for using this usb interface. Another idea that came to my mind is using a dual-powered USB cable in order to make it work with the laptop, but I don't want to risk my unit as it may malfunction or definitely die. My 2 cents =) HI there! I got this unit last year, good working condition, but did not use it for a long time, so I decided to use it again to check if it was still OK. Plugged it in a desktop computer before, but this time I used my cousin’s HP Pavilion dm4 series laptop… So everything was fine until I decided to plug a cardioid condenser mike to the unit (phantom power needed here) and turned the phantom power switch ON. Started talking on the mike, but volume decreased as I talked, and it added some noise similar to what I’ve heard on the MP3s you posted here. Then I searched on the net and came across your article, but it probably was not the problem. I am a computer technician too, and experience told me that recent laptops do not provide a good power supply inside, so I tried my beloved apparatus on a friend’s desktop PC again and guess what… It works like a charm! Mike worked fine, no problems at all. Note that I used the laptop with both battery and AC power, so maybe a laptop is not suitable for using this usb interface. Another idea that came to my mind is using a dual-powered USB cable in order to make it work with the laptop, but I don’t want to risk my unit as it may malfunction or definitely die. My 2 cents =)

]]> By: Gabex http://www.aarontitus.net/blog/2010/01/09/is-your-tascam-us-144-mkii-noisy-just-sit-on-it/comment-page-1/#comment-2288 Gabex Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:49:47 +0000 http://www.aarontitus.net/blog/?p=118#comment-2288 Dear Aaron, The problem you describe is called capacitively coupled switching noise. The problem lies in the fact that the TASCAM is powered with 5V and it needs to create 48V for the phantom power somehow. The engineers included a step-up converter in the unit for this function and that is a so called switching mode boost converter. It has an inherent electromagnetically radiated noise and that can be picked up by other part of the circuitry. In the unit, the most susceptive part is the input. Since it is located close to this converter, the noise is injected capacitively - hokuspokus - and the noise level is depending on the input impedance of the input amplifier stage. In guitar mode it's the highest (500 times higher than in mic mode), that's why it's the loudest there. Why the warming up helps, I don't know. It is almost impossible to help it (with shielding) without opening the unit either, because it is coupled inside the unit. I hope my assumption is right, but I'm sorry that I can't give any solution. Best regards, Gabor Nagy Dear Aaron,
The problem you describe is called capacitively coupled switching noise. The problem lies in the fact that the TASCAM is powered with 5V and it needs to create 48V for the phantom power somehow. The engineers included a step-up converter in the unit for this function and that is a so called switching mode boost converter. It has an inherent electromagnetically radiated noise and that can be picked up by other part of the circuitry. In the unit, the most susceptive part is the input. Since it is located close to this converter, the noise is injected capacitively – hokuspokus – and the noise level is depending on the input impedance of the input amplifier stage. In guitar mode it’s the highest (500 times higher than in mic mode), that’s why it’s the loudest there. Why the warming up helps, I don’t know. It is almost impossible to help it (with shielding) without opening the unit either, because it is coupled inside the unit.

I hope my assumption is right, but I’m sorry that I can’t give any solution.

Best regards, Gabor Nagy

]]> By: Andreas http://www.aarontitus.net/blog/2010/01/09/is-your-tascam-us-144-mkii-noisy-just-sit-on-it/comment-page-1/#comment-2278 Andreas Sat, 01 Jan 2011 10:51:24 +0000 http://www.aarontitus.net/blog/?p=118#comment-2278 I have been struggling with what sounds like the same problem. Through elimination of plugs, cables leads, ports etc I tried to find the culprit but to no avail, until I unplugged the power supply lead to the laptop driving my system. Silence, absolute, beautiful silence! because my laptop is a couple of years old and the battery is not capable of delivering a few minutes of power at most, it runs on mains constantly. I tried a number of different power supplies with the exact same result. Moving the power supply away from the computer did not help either. So, while I haven't been able to find a hundred good suggestions on the net to solve the problem, I'd be interested to hear what other users have to say to this. As a matter of interest, I also tried my rig on a fairly decent desktop with reduced but similar noises. I'll be watching this space for comments. I have been struggling with what sounds like the same problem. Through elimination of plugs, cables leads, ports etc I tried to find the culprit but to no avail, until I unplugged the power supply lead to the laptop driving my system. Silence, absolute, beautiful silence! because my laptop is a couple of years old and the battery is not capable of delivering a few minutes of power at most, it runs on mains constantly. I tried a number of different power supplies with the exact same result. Moving the power supply away from the computer did not help either. So, while I haven’t been able to find a hundred good suggestions on the net to solve the problem, I’d be interested to hear what other users have to say to this. As a matter of interest, I also tried my rig on a fairly decent desktop with reduced but similar noises. I’ll be watching this space for comments.

]]> By: tascam US 144 MKII - homerecording.be forum http://www.aarontitus.net/blog/2010/01/09/is-your-tascam-us-144-mkii-noisy-just-sit-on-it/comment-page-1/#comment-2147 tascam US 144 MKII - homerecording.be forum Tue, 27 Jul 2010 07:52:31 +0000 http://www.aarontitus.net/blog/?p=118#comment-2147 [...] apparaat even niet verkocht zou hebben omwille van problemen met het apparaat. na te lezen op: Is Your Tascam US-144 mkII Noisy? Just Sit on it. Because I am Here zijn er leden die dit apparaat hebben en al problemen hebben [...] [...] apparaat even niet verkocht zou hebben omwille van problemen met het apparaat. na te lezen op: Is Your Tascam US-144 mkII Noisy? Just Sit on it. Because I am Here zijn er leden die dit apparaat hebben en al problemen hebben [...]

]]> By: Z. http://www.aarontitus.net/blog/2010/01/09/is-your-tascam-us-144-mkii-noisy-just-sit-on-it/comment-page-1/#comment-2091 Z. Thu, 06 May 2010 02:03:52 +0000 http://www.aarontitus.net/blog/?p=118#comment-2091 <blockquote cite="#commentbody-886"> <strong><a href="#comment-886" rel="nofollow">Benjamin</a> :</strong> The symptoms you describe are typical of a faulty electronic component. Get it changed before it dies totally (and your guarantee expires!) I had one where, when switched to Guitar (and only when switched to Guitar), the input would click when the green Signal lamp switched on and off. I have read of people having several unrelated problems with the Mk2. I wonder if the quality control has slipped? </blockquote> I have the exact same problem that Benjamin had, however, MY US-144 is NOT under warranty ><I><

Benjamin :
The symptoms you describe are typical of a faulty electronic component. Get it changed before it dies totally (and your guarantee expires!)
I had one where, when switched to Guitar (and only when switched to Guitar), the input would click when the green Signal lamp switched on and off.
I have read of people having several unrelated problems with the Mk2. I wonder if the quality control has slipped?

I have the exact same problem that Benjamin had, however, MY US-144 is NOT under warranty ><

]]> By: hassle http://www.aarontitus.net/blog/2010/01/09/is-your-tascam-us-144-mkii-noisy-just-sit-on-it/comment-page-1/#comment-2087 hassle Tue, 27 Apr 2010 04:32:33 +0000 http://www.aarontitus.net/blog/?p=118#comment-2087 I just ordered one. I can’t imagine the hassle of sitting on it with wires connected and all, but then I remembered the coffee cup warmer my wife bought that was never hot enough to keep the coffee warm. It at least ought to be able to keep. I just ordered one. I can’t imagine the hassle of sitting on it with wires connected and all, but then I remembered the coffee cup warmer my wife bought that was never hot enough to keep the coffee warm. It at least ought to be able to keep.

]]> By: Jan Jacobs http://www.aarontitus.net/blog/2010/01/09/is-your-tascam-us-144-mkii-noisy-just-sit-on-it/comment-page-1/#comment-949 Jan Jacobs Mon, 29 Mar 2010 21:11:44 +0000 http://www.aarontitus.net/blog/?p=118#comment-949 If you're looking for a music store with REALLY GOOD customer service, try N'Stuff Music. I buy all my gear there, and the guys are very helpful and knowledgeable. Plus, they're a family-owned local business, not a giant like sweetwater & guitar center. If you’re looking for a music store with REALLY GOOD customer service, try N’Stuff Music. I buy all my gear there, and the guys are very helpful and knowledgeable. Plus, they’re a family-owned local business, not a giant like sweetwater & guitar center.

]]> By: me109 http://www.aarontitus.net/blog/2010/01/09/is-your-tascam-us-144-mkii-noisy-just-sit-on-it/comment-page-1/#comment-942 me109 Wed, 24 Mar 2010 16:38:59 +0000 http://www.aarontitus.net/blog/?p=118#comment-942 In spite of everything, and due to my budget, I just ordered one. I can't imagine the hassle of sitting on it with wires connected and all, but then I remembered the coffee cup warmer my wife bought that was never hot enough to keep the coffee warm. It at least ought to be able to keep the MkII above 65 degrees! My Lexicon Alpha was just too slow and noisy to stand anymore. In spite of everything, and due to my budget, I just ordered one. I can’t imagine the hassle of sitting on it with wires connected and all, but then I remembered the coffee cup warmer my wife bought that was never hot enough to keep the coffee warm. It at least ought to be able to keep the MkII above 65 degrees! My Lexicon Alpha was just too slow and noisy to stand anymore.

]]> By: mike http://www.aarontitus.net/blog/2010/01/09/is-your-tascam-us-144-mkii-noisy-just-sit-on-it/comment-page-1/#comment-908 mike Thu, 28 Jan 2010 01:59:57 +0000 http://www.aarontitus.net/blog/?p=118#comment-908 Exact same problem here that renders the device useless for me, since I use it for guitar amp modeling (guitar rig 4). The clicks and pops are very bad by themselves, but when you use a hi gain amp with distortion or overdrive the slight clicks and pops become a huge issue. I can see in various forums that many people have the same issues. In the official forum TASCAM pretends nothing is wrong, so no solution. STAY AWAY FROM IT! BUY SOMETHING ELSE!!! Exact same problem here that renders the device useless for me, since I use it for guitar amp modeling (guitar rig 4). The clicks and pops are very bad by themselves, but when you use a hi gain amp with distortion or overdrive the slight clicks and pops become a huge issue. I can see in various forums that many people have the same issues. In the official forum TASCAM pretends nothing is wrong, so no solution.

STAY AWAY FROM IT! BUY SOMETHING ELSE!!!

]]> By: Benjamin http://www.aarontitus.net/blog/2010/01/09/is-your-tascam-us-144-mkii-noisy-just-sit-on-it/comment-page-1/#comment-894 Benjamin Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:33:11 +0000 http://www.aarontitus.net/blog/?p=118#comment-894 no, wait, I tell a lie. The DO have Win7 for the Mk1; also 64-bit. http://www.tascam.com/details;9,15,70,19.html OK, I know what I'm gonna do. no, wait, I tell a lie. The DO have Win7 for the Mk1; also 64-bit.

http://www.tascam.com/details;9,15,70,19.html

OK, I know what I’m gonna do.

]]> By: Benjamin http://www.aarontitus.net/blog/2010/01/09/is-your-tascam-us-144-mkii-noisy-just-sit-on-it/comment-page-1/#comment-893 Benjamin Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:30:21 +0000 http://www.aarontitus.net/blog/?p=118#comment-893 No Win7 drivers - you're right! Wheras the mk2 versions all have Win7 drivers online. Cheek. I see a new US-800 has been announced. No details yet. But not as portable. No Win7 drivers – you’re right! Wheras the mk2 versions all have Win7 drivers online. Cheek.

I see a new US-800 has been announced. No details yet. But not as portable.

]]> By: Titus http://www.aarontitus.net/blog/2010/01/09/is-your-tascam-us-144-mkii-noisy-just-sit-on-it/comment-page-1/#comment-892 Titus Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:45:46 +0000 http://www.aarontitus.net/blog/?p=118#comment-892 I used the 144 without any problems, but it was also in an environment that never got cold. I'm choosing not to go with the 144 because they don't have driver support for Win 7. I have one machine running win 7 64 bit, and getting something to work on that machine is another hassle altogether. I used the 144 without any problems, but it was also in an environment that never got cold. I’m choosing not to go with the 144 because they don’t have driver support for Win 7. I have one machine running win 7 64 bit, and getting something to work on that machine is another hassle altogether.

]]> By: Titus http://www.aarontitus.net/blog/2010/01/09/is-your-tascam-us-144-mkii-noisy-just-sit-on-it/comment-page-1/#comment-891 Titus Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:43:19 +0000 http://www.aarontitus.net/blog/?p=118#comment-891 I also wish there were something comparable in design and price, but there really isn't. I'm going to return the two units in favor of a Lexicon Omega. I'm with you- I also prefer the knobs on the front for desktop recording; I'm not as excited about the Omega interface, but if it works, I'm game. The ice-bag trick is genius! I didn't pop open the units, primarily because I didn't want to void any warranty. But I'll remember it for the future. I also wish there were something comparable in design and price, but there really isn’t. I’m going to return the two units in favor of a Lexicon Omega. I’m with you- I also prefer the knobs on the front for desktop recording; I’m not as excited about the Omega interface, but if it works, I’m game.

The ice-bag trick is genius! I didn’t pop open the units, primarily because I didn’t want to void any warranty. But I’ll remember it for the future.

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