Dead Tascam US-224 ??

[Berek Halfhand]

I bought a Tascam US-224 computer interface on ebay sometime ago but never really got around to doing much with it as it did not play very well with my old Apple G4 mac tower. It did however work as a simple recording input. All of the software loaded and I could record into Garage Band. It's just the sliders and other functions didn't really map well, and the G4 was way too slow anyway.

I also hooked it up to an old XP laptop, and it worked there too. I even recorded some vinyl with it. Somewhere in the process of doing that (maybe using a Belkin USB hub), it stopped working completely. Computer doesn't see it. No LEDs light on the unit. Nothing.

I recently got an iMac all-in-one, and was excited enough about using it there, that i had another look at the US-224. Still absolutely dead. Doesn't matter if I go through a USB hub or direct iMac to unit, absolutely dead. I took it apart enough to see that power was getting past the on/off switch (5v USB), but there are no fuses or anything else that looks like it could have "blown".

Does anyone have any ideas for a next step? I cannot find a circuit diagram anywhere on line.

I would hate to just toss it in the trash at this point.

Thank you for your attention.

-bh

[peteycaster]

Had one of these a while back and managed to blow one of the pre's by plugging or unplugging mic leads while the pre was turned up. Perhaps you may have done this?

There are other two input interfaces available which have better converters and pres. I personally like the Focusrite stuff, have a look at the Scarlett 2i2.

[Berek Halfhand]

Originally Posted by peteycaster

Had one of these a while back and managed to blow one of the pre's by plugging or unplugging mic leads while the pre was turned up. Perhaps you may have done this?

There are other two input interfaces available which have better converters and pres. I personally like the Focusrite stuff, have a look at the Scarlett 2i2.

Did the entire unit go dark then? That is my situation. It is like there is no power to the unit at all (but I know there is). Didn't plug or unplug while it was up.

I have a Mobile Pre 2x2. I really liked the controller aspect of the 224.

Thanks for your reply.

-bh

[peteycaster]

Originally Posted by Berek Halfhand

Did the entire unit go dark then?

No, just one of the pre's died. Sounds like there is problem with the power souce for sure. Have you tried a different USB cable? Given the price of the unit it may not be worth the cost of repair if it something more serious.

[Berek Halfhand]

Originally Posted by peteycaster

No, just one of the pre's died. Sounds like there is problem with the power souce for sure. Have you tried a different USB cable? Given the price of the unit it may not be worth the cost of repair if it something more serious.

I've changed cables. I took it apart and I can put a meter on some components and see that power gets past the switch, but that's it. I need a real circuit diagram to go any further.

It is probably garbage now I guess.

Thanks for your help anyway.

-bh