Tascam

Tascam US-20X20 USB 3.0 Audio MIDI Interface Mixer

4.4 (576 reviews)
USB 3.0

Tascam US-20x20 packs 20 channels of I/O, eight Ultra-HDDA preamps, and onboard DSP mixing into a single rackspace via USB 3.0.

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Overview

The Tascam US-20x20 is a single-rackspace USB 3.0 audio and MIDI interface built for recording scenarios that demand high channel counts without the expense of a large-format console. It delivers 20 channels of simultaneous input and output by combining eight Ultra-HDDA mic preamps, two front-panel instrument inputs, and digital connectivity via ADAT and S/PDIF. The Ultra-HDDA preamps provide 56dB of gain with low noise and high headroom, making them capable of driving everything from dynamic broadcast mics to quiet ribbon microphones without requiring an external preamp. MIDI I/O is built in for connecting controllers, synthesizers, and drum machines directly.

What sets the US-20x20 apart from many interfaces in its class is its three distinct operating modes. As a standard audio interface, it connects to a DAW over USB 3.0 (or USB 2.0 with reduced I/O) with class-compliant drivers — no proprietary software needed, and future OS compatibility is more likely as a result. In standalone mixer mode, it operates as a digital mixer without a computer attached, useful for live events or practice spaces. In mic preamp mode, it functions as an 8-channel remote preamp feeding another interface via ADAT, which makes it a practical expansion option for studios that have outgrown their current input count. The built-in DSP mixer applies parametric EQ, compression, and a stereo reverb send on every channel for monitor mixing, all processed locally so there is no added latency and no impact on the recorded tracks in your DAW.

Key Features

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

MIDI I/O allows use with controllers and synthesizers, and sample rates up to 192kHz/24-bit are supported

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 US-20x20 has three operation modes-–audio interface, digital mixer, and 8-channel digital mic preamp–-for maximum flexibility

Two instrument-level inputs are provided for direct input of guitar or bass

Specifications

Brand
Tascam
Model
US-20x20
Type
USB 3.0 Audio/MIDI Interface
Total I/O
20 in / 20 out
Mic Preamps
8 Ultra-HDDA (56dB gain)
Instrument Inputs
2
Max Sample Rate
192kHz / 24-bit
MIDI I/O
Yes
DSP Mixer
Parametric EQ, Compression, Stereo Reverb (per channel)
Connectivity
USB 3.0 / USB 2.0
Operation Modes
Audio Interface, Digital Mixer, 8-Channel Mic Preamp

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • 20 channels of analog and digital I/O in a single rackspace gives substantial routing flexibility for multi-mic sessions and live setups.
  • 20-in/20-out I/O count handles full-band recording or complex routing in a single rackspace
  • Eight Ultra-HDDA preamps with 56dB of gain deliver clean, transparent amplification across a wide range of microphones
  • Eight Ultra-HDDA microphone preamps with 56dB of gain deliver clean, high-headroom amplification for dynamic and condenser microphones.
  • Built-in DSP mixer with per-channel EQ, compression, and reverb enables low-latency monitoring independent of DAW software.
  • Three operation modes (interface, standalone mixer, mic preamp) extend the unit's usefulness beyond basic recording
  • Class-compliant USB 3.0 drivers eliminate proprietary software dependencies and improve long-term OS compatibility
  • Three operation modes — interface, standalone mixer, and mic preamp — make it adaptable to different production scenarios.
  • USB 3.0 class-compliant design eliminates proprietary driver dependencies and supports high sample rates up to 192kHz/24-bit.
  • Built-in DSP with per-channel EQ, compression, and stereo reverb enables zero-latency monitor mixes

👎 Cons

  • The single-rackspace chassis with 20 channels of I/O can make the rear panel densely packed and difficult to cable in tight rack setups.
  • Single-rackspace front panel is dense with controls, which can make quick adjustments difficult in dim live-sound environments
  • USB 3.0 connectivity limits compatibility with older computers that only have USB 2.0 ports, though it does fall back to USB 2.0 with reduced channel count
  • USB 3.0 class-compliant operation may offer fewer low-latency optimization options compared to interfaces with custom ASIO drivers on Windows.
  • No Thunderbolt connectivity option, which some users may prefer for the lowest possible latency.
  • No Thunderbolt option for users working in low-latency Thunderbolt-based studio setups
  • The unit's weight and rackspace form factor make it less portable than compact desktop interfaces
  • The unit's extensive feature set creates a steep learning curve for configuring routing, DSP, and the three operating modes.
  • At its full 20-channel capacity, CPU and bus bandwidth requirements increase substantially at higher sample rates like 192kHz.
  • Windows-only OS support listed in specifications may limit use for macOS or Linux users

Frequently Asked Questions

It provides 20 channels of input and 20 channels of output, combining analog and digital I/O in a single rackspace unit.
It provides 20 inputs and 20 outputs total, combining analog mic/line inputs, instrument inputs, and digital I/O (ADAT and S/PDIF) in a single unit.
No. It is the first USB 3.0 audio interface to use class-compliant drivers, meaning it works without proprietary driver installation on supported operating systems and is designed for long-term compatibility.
It uses class-compliant USB 3.0 drivers, meaning it works without proprietary driver installation on supported operating systems and is designed for long-term compatibility with future computers and tablets.
The US-20x20 can function as a USB audio interface for recording, a standalone digital mixer without a computer, or an 8-channel digital microphone preamp for expanding another interface's input count.
The US-20x20 can function as a USB audio interface for recording, a standalone digital mixer without a computer, or an 8-channel mic preamp for expanding another interface or mixer's input count.
The DSP mixer processes monitoring separately from the recorded signal, so you can use EQ, compression, and reverb in your headphone or monitor mix without adding latency or affecting what gets recorded to your DAW.
Yes. Two dedicated instrument-level inputs are provided on the front panel for direct connection of guitar or bass without needing an external DI box.
The onboard DSP mixer includes parametric EQ and compression on every channel plus a stereo reverb send, allowing you to build low-latency monitor mixes without taxing your computer's CPU.
The US-20x20 supports sample rates up to 192kHz at 24-bit resolution.