Using Preamps from one interface to line ins on another

[Lotus 7]

Originally Posted by TNA

I want to know if there is a way to use the preamps from my Tascam US1800 and plug them into my Motu ultralite. The Tascam no longer will connect to the computer but everything else works on it. I only have 2 pres on the Motu, but 6 line inputs. So can I go through the Tascam and use those pres, or would it sound bad even if it worked?

Unfortunately, your Tascam US1800 has no direct outputs from the internal mic pres, so can't be connected as a set of "simple" mic pres.

However, it does have a "zero latency" monitoring mode. Since you can't connect to your computer to control the Tascam's configuration, it's not clear if you will be able to set-up (2) of the mic channels in "zero latency" mode and route those to the two monitor (the outputs marked "R & L balanced") line outputs. You may want to study your owner's manual to determine if the unit defaults into that mode when not under computer control.

If you can get "zero latency" monitoring to work, you can run those outputs into the MOTU line inputs for use as extra mic channels. Either turn down the gain of the unused mic channels, or use them if you want to mix several mics to one track, for instance a drum set or a pair of mics on an acoustic guitar or a guitar cabinet.

Hope this points you in the right direction.

[TNA]

Cool thanks, I didn't realize I only had a few outputs until after I wrote this. But ya I guess I can at least use two of the pres from the Tascam. Real shame I now have basically a 300 dollar paperweight.