Tascam iU2 User manual

iU2
Audio/MIDI Interface
for iPhone/iPad/
iPod touch
D01166020A
OWNER’S MANUAL
This device has a serial number located located in
the dock connector cable compartment. Please
record it and retain it for your records.
Serial number: ____________________________

2TASCAM iU2
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Do not expose this apparatus to drips or splashes.•
Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such as vases,•
on the apparatus.
Caution should be taken when using earphones or•
headphones with the product because excessive sound
pressure (volume) from earphones or headphones can
cause hearing loss.
Declaration of Conformity
Model Number: iU2
Trade Name: TASCAM
Responsible party: TEAC AMERICA, INC.
Address: 7733 Telegraph Road, Montebello,
California, U.S. A.
Telephone number: 1-323-726-0303
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference recieved,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
THIS CLASS B DIGITAL APPARATUS COMPLIES WITH
CANADIAN ICES-003.
CET APPAREIL NUMÉRIQUE DE LA CLASSE B EST CONFORME
À LA NORME NMB-003 DU CANADA.
FOR U.S.A.
TO THE USER
This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in
a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instruction
manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio
or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged
to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures.
a) Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
b) Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
c) Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is connected.
d) Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
CAUTION
Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly
approved by TEAC CORPORATION for compliance could
void the user's authority to operate this equipment.

TASCAM iU2 3
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
For European Customers8
Disposal of electrical and electronic equipment
(a) All electrical and electronic equipment should be disposed
of separately from the municipal waste stream via collection
facilities designated by the government or local authorities.
(b)By disposing of electrical and electronic equipment
correctly, you will help save valuable resources and prevent
any potential negative eects on human health and the
environment.
(c) Improper disposal of waste electrical and electronic
equipment can have serious eects on the environment and
human health because of the presence of hazardous
substances in the equipment.
(d)The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
(WEEE) symbol, which shows a wheeled bin that
has been crossed out, indicates that electrical
and electronic equipment must be collected
and disposed of separately from household
waste.
(e) Return and collection systems are available to end users.
For more detailed information about the disposal of old
electrical and electronic equipment, please contact your
city oce, waste disposal service or the shop where you
purchased the equipment.

4TASCAM iU2
Table of Contents
1 – Introduction............................................... 5
Overview............................................................................................ 5
Features.............................................................................................. 5
Items included with the product.............................................. 6
Conventions used in this manual............................................. 6
Trademarks........................................................................................ 7
Precautions for placement.......................................................... 7
Beware of condensation ..............................................................7
Cleaning the unit ............................................................................7
Product Registration ..................................................................... 7
2 – Names and Functions of Parts..................8
Top panel ........................................................................................... 8
Front panel ........................................................................................ 9
Rear panel.......................................................................................... 9
Left side panel................................................................................10
Bottom panel..................................................................................10
3 – Connections ............................................. 12
Connecting with an iOS device............................................... 12
Connecting with a computer...................................................12
Connecting microphones .........................................................13
Connecting a guitar.....................................................................13
Connecting keyboards, drum machines and music
players ...............................................................................................14
Connecting monitor speakers.................................................14
Connecting headphones...........................................................14
Connecting MIDI devices...........................................................15
4 – Application Guide ................................... 16
Windows 7/Windows Vista .......................................................16
Windows XP ....................................................................................20
Mac OS X...........................................................................................21
Audio application settings........................................................23
5 – MIDI Implementation Chart ...................24
6 – Troubleshooting......................................26
7 – Specifications ..........................................28
Analog input and output ratings ...........................................28
Digital output ratings..................................................................29
Control input/output ratings ...................................................29
Audio performance......................................................................29
System requirements..................................................................30
General..............................................................................................30
Dimensional drawings................................................................31

TASCAM iU2 5
Thank you very much for purchasing the TASCAM iU2 Audio/
MIDI Interface for iPhone/iPad/iPod touch.
Please read this manual thoroughly before using the unit so
that you understand correct operating procedures and can use
its functions fully. We hope that you enjoy using this unit for
many years.
Please keep this manual so that you can read it at any time. A
digital copy of this manual can also be downloaded from our
website (http://tascam.com/)
Overview
In addition to being able to use this unit as a USB audio/MIDI
interface with a computer, you can also connect it to an iOS
device and easily set up a compact digital recording system.
(The iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPad 2, iPad and iPod touch (4th
generation) are currently supported.)
Moreover, you can use the iU2 to record music cassette tapes
and other analog audio sources to a computer for transfer to
audio CDs or to an iOS device directly where they can be saved
as audio les.
Features
USB audio interface with 2 inputs and 4 outputs•
Supports 44.1/48 kHz, 16-bit recording•
High-quality sound transfer using the dock connector for•
digital connection
Balanced mic/line input jacks (standard TRS) support•
phantom power
Phantom power supplied by USB bus power•
High-quality mic preamps•
Guitar input (standard TS jack)•
Headphones output (standard TRS jack)•
Headphones and line outputs are independent and have•
separate volume controls
Direct monitoring function can be used for input•
monitoring without latency
S/PDIF digital output jack•
MIDI input and output can be used with a connected iOS•
device or computer
Power can be supplied from a computer or from an iOS•
device using the dock connector
Works with the standard audio driver for iPhone 4/iPad 2/•
iPad/iPod touch (4th generation) on Windows XP, Windows
Vista, Windows 7 and Mac OS X
Connects using WDM on Windows and Core Audio/Core•
MIDI on Macintosh
Records on iOS devices using an iOS application from•
TASCAM or another existing iOS application
Firmware updates possible using iOS•
iOS device can be recharged via the Mini USB port•
1 – Introduction

6TASCAM iU2
About use with an iOS device or computer
If you have any questions about the basic operation of your
iOS device or computer when reading the explanations in this
manual, please refer to its operation manual.
Items included with the product
This product contains the following items.
Take care when opening the package not to damage the items.
Keep the package materials for transportation in the future.
Please contact the retailer where you purchased this unit if
any of these items are missing or have been damaged during
transportation.
Main unit• ................................................................................................. 1
USB cable• ................................................................................................ 1
MIDI-3.5mm (1/8”) stereo mini-jack adapter cable• ................. 2
XLR (female)-6.3mm (1/4”) standard TRS jack•
adapter cable ........................................................................................ 2
Warranty• ................................................................................................. 1
Owner’s Manual (this document)• .................................................. 1
Conventions used in this manual
The following conventions are used in this manual.
In this manual, we refer to the devices for which connection•
with this unit is supported (iPhone 4S/iPhone 4/iPad 2/iPad/
iPod touch (4th generation)) as“iOS devices.”
When we refer to a button or connector or control on the•
iU2, the typeface looks like this: GUITAR IN.
When we show messages, for example, that appear on the•
screen, we show them like this: OK.
Additional information is introduced in the styles below•
when needed:
TIP
We give hints and tips on using the iU2 when you see this icon.
NOTE
A note provides additional explanations for special situations.
CAUTION
A caution shows that you may lose data (recordings) if you do
not follow the instructions.
1 – Introduction

TASCAM iU2 7
Trademarks
TASCAM is a trademark of TEAC Corporation, registered in•
the U.S. and other countries.
Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and•
Windows Media are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries.
Apple, Macintosh, Mac, Mac OS X, iPad, iPhone, iPod, iPod•
touch and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc.
“Made for iPod,”“Made for iPhone,” and“Made for iPad”mean•
that an electronic accessory has been designed to connect
specically to iPod, iPhone, or iPad, respectively, and has
been certied by the developer to meet Apple performance
standards. Apple is not responsible for the operation of
this device or its compliance with safety and regulatory
standards. Please note that the use of this accessory with
iPod, iPhone, or iPad may aect wireless performance.
Other company names, product names and logos in this•
document are the trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective owners.
Precautions for placement
The environmental temperature operation range of this unit•
is 5–35° C (41–95° F).
Do not place anything on top of unit because it generates•
much heat.
Do not put this unit on top of a power amplifier or other•
equipment that generates heat.
This unit comes with a protective sheet attached to its top•
panel. Remove this sheet before using the unit.
Beware of condensation
If the unit is moved from a cold to a warm place, or used
after a sudden temperature change, there is a danger of
condensation; vapor in the air could condense on the internal
mechanism, making correct operation impossible. To prevent
this, or if this occurs, let the unit sit for one or two hours at the
new room temperature before using.
Cleaning the unit
Use a dry soft cloth to wipe the unit clean. Do not clean the
unit with a chemically treated cloth or substances such as
benzene, thinner and alcohol because they might cause
damage to the surface of the unit.
Product Registration
See the end of this manual for details about user registration.
1 – Introduction

8TASCAM iU2
Top panel
1MON MIX knob
Signals input through the unit’s jacks (from the INPUT L
jack or jack and the INPUT R jack) and by USB from the
computer are mixed together and output from the LINE
OUT L/R jacks and jack. Use this knob to adjust the
balance between these signals. Turn the knob all the way
to the left (COMPUTER) to output only the signal input by
USB from the computer output or all the way to the right
(INPUT) to output only the signals input through the unit’s
jacks.
2LINE OUT knob
Use this to adjust the level output from the LINE OUT L/R
jacks.
3Overload indicator (L)
This lights red just before the signal input through the left
input channel (L) reaches a level that distorts. This indicator
only works with analog input. It lights red when the
maximum level exceeds –2 dB.
4Phantom power indicator (48V)
When the bottom panel PHANTOM switch is ON, the 48V
indicator lights red.
NOTE
If the INPUT L or INPUT R switch is set to LINE or GUITAR,
phantom power will not be supplied to that input even when
this indicator is lit (PHANTOM switch set to ON).
5INPUT L knob
Use to adjust the input level from the INPUT L or jack.
6PHONES knob
Use to adjust the jack output level.
CAUTION
Before connecting headphones, minimize the volume with the
PHONES knob. Failure to do so could result in sudden loud
noises that might damage your hearing or cause other harm.
2 – Names and Functions of Parts

TASCAM iU2 9
7Overload indicator (R)
This lights red just before the signal input through the
right input channel (R) reaches a level that distorts. This
indicator only works with analog input. It lights red when
the maximum level exceeds –2 dB.
8INPUT R knob
Use to adjust the input level from the INPUT R jack.
Front panel
9jack
Connect guitars, basses and other high impedance
instruments here.
This jack functions when the INPUT L switch on the bottom
panel is set to GUITAR.
(6.3mm (1/4”) standard TS jack; tip: HOT, sleeve: GND)
0INPUT L jack
Connect electronic instruments, audio devices, mics and
other line-level equipment to this balanced line input jack.
Set the INPUT L switch on the bottom panel to MIC or LINE
according to the connected device.
(6.3mm (1/4”) standard TRS jack; tip: HOT, ring: COLD, sleeve:
GND)
qINPUT R jack
Connect electronic instruments, audio devices, mics and
other line-level equipment to this balanced line input jack.
Set the INPUT R switch on the bottom panel to MIC or LINE
according to the connected device.
(6.3mm (1/4”) standard TRS jack; tip: HOT, ring: COLD, sleeve:
GND)
Rear panel
wDock connector cable port
Pass the dock connector cable through here.
eMini USB port
Use a USB cable to connect the unit with a computer
(supports USB 2.0).
If the unit is connected to a USB recharger using the USB
cable, the iOS device connected to the dock connector
cable can be recharged.
2 – Names and Functions of Parts

10 TASCAM iU2
In order to recharge an iOS device, you must connect the
device to the dock connector cable before connecting the
USB cable.
rDIGITAL OUT (coaxial) jack
This RCA pin jack is a coaxial digital output compliant with
IEC60958-3 (S/PDIF) standards.
tLINE OUT L/R unbalanced jacks
These RCA pin jacks are analog line outputs (L/R).
Left side panel
yMIDI OUT jack
This sends MIDI output.
uMIDI IN jack
This receives MIDI input.
i(3.5mm stereo headphones) jack
Use this jack to connect stereo headphones. Use an adapter
to connect headphones with a standard (1/4”) jack.
CAUTION
Before connecting headphones, minimize the volume with the
PHONES knob. Failure to do so could result in sudden loud
noises that might damage your hearing or cause other harm.
Bottom panel
oDock connector cable storage
This holds the dock connector cable used to connect iOS
devices.
2 – Names and Functions of Parts

TASCAM iU2 11
pHOST switch
Set which USB bus signal (dock connector cable or
USB port) is used. Set it to iOS DEVICE to use an iOS
device connected to the dock connector cable, or set
it to COMPUTER to use a computer (or similar device)
connected to the mini USB port.
aMONO switch
Set this switch to ON if you want to output a mono signal
from the LINE OUT L/R and jacks. This switch only
aects the signals input through the INPUT L/R jacks.
sINPUT R switch
Set this according to the sound source connected to the
INPUT R jack. Set it to LINE when connecting an electronic
instrument, audio device or other equipment. Set it to MIC
when connecting a microphone.
dINPUT L switch
Set this according to the sound source connected to
the INPUT L or jack. Set it to the GUITAR when
directly connecting electric guitar, electric bass or similar
instrument. Set it to LINE when connecting an electronic
instrument, audio device or other equipment. Set it to MIC
when connecting a microphone.
fPHANTOM switch
Use this switch to supply +48V phantom power to the
INPUT L and INPUT R jacks.
When the PHANTOM switch is ON, the 48V indicator on
the top lights.
NOTE
If the INPUT L or INPUT R switch is set to LINE or GUITAR,
phantom power will not be supplied to that input even when
the PHANTOM switch set to ON (phantom indicator lit).
CAUTION
Turn the• PHONES and LINE OUT knobs to their minimums
before setting the PHANTOM switch to ON or OFF.
Depending on the mic, loud noise could result that might
damage other equipment or harm your hearing.
Do not connect or disconnect a mic while the• PHANTOM
switch is set to ON.
Do not supply phantom power to an unbalanced dynamic•
microphone.
Supplying phantom power to some types of ribbon•
microphones could break them. Do not supply phantom
power to a ribbon microphone if you are in doubt.
When powering the unit by a computer running on its•
battery, if the PHANTOM switch is set to ON, the battery
charge will be used more rapidly.
Since phantom power is supplied through the USB bus,•
when using the unit with a connected iOS device, you must
connect the Mini USB port to a USB recharger in order to
supply phantom power to equipment connected to the
unit.
2 – Names and Functions of Parts

12 TASCAM iU2
Connecting with an iOS device
Set the HOST switch on the bottom panel to iOS DEVICE
before connecting an iOS device to the unit.
Next, remove the dock connector cable from its storage
compartment and connect it to the iOS device. To provide
power, connect a USB recharger to the unit as shown bellow.
When the unit is connected to a USB recharger using a USB
cable, the iOS device connected to the dock connector cable
can be recharged.
USB (for power supply)
Dock connector cable
iOS device
USB
recharger
CAUTION
In order to recharge an iOS device, you must connect the•
device to the dock connector cable before connecting the
USB cable.
Only connect the genuine Apple USB recharger that came•
with the connected device or one that is sold by Apple for
the device to the USB port on this unit.
If the connected device has an “Airplane Mode”setting, set•
it to“ON”.
Connecting with a computer
Set the HOST switch on the bottom panel to COMPUTER
before connecting the unit to a computer.
Use a USB cable to connect this unit to the computer as shown
in the illustration.
USB
Computer
3 – Connections

TASCAM iU2 13
CAUTION
Some USB devices use the USB bus frequently. In order to
prevent audio signal dropouts, clicking noises and other
interference, we strongly recommend that you do not connect
any USB devices other than keyboards and mice to the
computer that you are using with this unit.
Connecting microphones
Connect a microphone to the line/mic INPUT L jack or line/mic
INPUT R jack on the front panel.
To activate mic input set the corresponding INPUT L or INPUT
Rswitch on the bottom panel to MIC.
Turn the PHANTOM switch ON when connecting a mic that
requires phantom power.
The connectors on this unit are standard TRS input jacks,
but by using the TRS–XLR adapter cables included with this
product, you can also connect mics with XLR connectors.
Microphone TRS–XLR adapter cable
CAUTION
When the PHANTOM switch is set to ON, phantom power•
will be sent to the left input and/or right input if the
corresponding INPUT L/INPUT R switch is set to MIC. When
connecting a device that does not require phantom power,
set the corresponding switch to a position other than MIC.
Supplied phantom power could damage a device that is not
compatible with it.
Do not connect or disconnect a mic while the• PHANTOM
switch is set to ON. Depending on the mic, loud noise could
result that might damage other equipment or harm your
hearing.
Since phantom power is supplied through the USB bus,•
when using the unit with a connected iOS device, you must
connect the Mini USB port to a USB recharger in order to
supply phantom power to equipment connected to the
unit.
Connecting a guitar
Connect a guitar or bass to the (guitar) input jack on the
front panel, and set the INPUT L switch on the bottom panel
to GUITAR.
3 – Connections

14 TASCAM iU2
Guitar
Connecting keyboards, drum machines
and music players
Connect the analog line outputs of these types of devices to
the line/mic INPUT L and INPUT R jacks on the front panel.
To enable line input, set the INPUT L switch and/or INPUT R
switch on the bottom panel to LINE.
Keyboard,
drum machine
or music player
Connecting monitor speakers
Connect monitor speakers (powered speakers or an amplier
and speakers) to the LINE OUT L and Rjacks on the rear panel.
Powered monitor speakers or
an amplier and speakers
Connecting headphones
Connect headphones to the (headphones) stereo output
mini-jack on the left side panel.
Headphones
3 – Connections

TASCAM iU2 15
3 – Connections
Connecting MIDI devices
Use the MIDI-stereo mini-jack adapter cable to connect sound
modules, keyboards/synthesizers, drum machines and other
MIDI devices to this unit as shown below.
External mixer
Analog output Analog
output
MIDI OUT
Sound module,
etc.
MIDI IN
USB
Keyboard/
synthesizer, etc.
Computer
LINE OUT
L
R
MIDI OUT
MIDI IN
or
(Set with
HOST switch)
MIDI OUT to MIDI-stereo mini-jack adapter cable
MIDI-stereo mini-jack adapter cable to MIDI IN
iOS device
If you want to monitor a sound module, keyboard/synthesizer
or drum machine, connect its line outputs to this unit’s INPUT
L/R jacks. You could also connect both its outputs and this
unit’s LINE OUT L/R jacks to an external mixer and use the
mixer’s outputs for monitoring.
Using the MIDI IN and MIDI OUT jacks on the left side panel,
the unit can send and receive MIDI time code (MTC). By doing
this, you can synchronize multi-track recording (MTR) in an
application that supports MTC with the MIDI device.
Sequencer, drum machine, etc.
MIDI OUT
MIDI IN
MIDI OUT
MIDI IN
MIDI OUT to MIDI-stereo mini-jack adapter cable
MIDI-stereo mini-jack adapter cable to MIDI IN
CAUTION
When using Windows Media Player, MIDI performances will
not be heard from this unit’s LINE OUT or (headphones)
outputs if the Default device for MIDI music playback is set
to Microsoft GS Wavetable SW Synth in the Audio pane of the
Sound and Audio Devices window of the Control Panel.

16 TASCAM iU2
This unit uses standard operating system drivers, so the
necessary settings are the same for all audio applications,
including Windows Media Player and iTunes.
CAUTION
Before connecting headphones or speakers to this unit,
minimize the volume using the LINE OUT and PHONES knobs.
Sudden loud noises could damage hearing or cause other
harm.
NOTE
If you set the unit as the input/output source for the•
computer while an application is running, that software
might not recognize the device. In this case, restart the
application software.
If no sound can be heard even though you have made the•
settings and are operating the unit correctly, try restarting
the computer.
When you connect the unit to a computer, sound is output•
via the device, but sound stops being output from the
computer’s speakers and headphones jack.
Windows 7/Windows Vista
1 Shut down all applications, and open the Control Panel
from the Start menu.
2 Open the Sound panel.
NOTE
If you do not see the above panel, click Hardware and Sound
and then select the Sound panel.
3 Click the Playback tab, click Speakers iU2, and then click
Set Default. The green checkmark is moved to Speakers
iU2.
4 – Application Guide

TASCAM iU2 17
4 Click the Recording tab, click Microphone iU2, and then
click Set Default. The green checkmark is moved to
Microphone iU2.
5 To adjust the input levels, use the INPUT L and INPUT
R knobs on the top of the unit. When using a computer
running Windows 7 (32/64-bit) or Windows Vista (32-
bit), you can also adjust the level from the Levels tab of
the Microphone Properties window. Adjust them so that
the overload indicators (L and R) do not light.
Overload indicators
Open the Recording tab of the Sound Control Panel, and
then click Properties at the bottom right of the window.
4 – Application Guide

18 TASCAM iU2
This opens the Microphone Properties window.
Click the Levels tab.
Windows 7 32-bit example
On the Levels tab of the Microphone Properties screen, set
Microphone to the standard recording level according to
the operating system as follows.
Windows 7 32-bit: 2/100
Windows 7 64-bit: 3/100
Windows Vista 32-bit: 25/100
Setting the level higher than this could result in the
sound being distorted.
NOTE
If using Windows Vista 64-bit, the level cannot be set using the
computer. It can only be set by the iU2.
6 To adjust the output level, use the LINE OUT and
PHONES knobs on the top panel of this unit.
These settings adjust the level output from the analog line
output (LINE OUT L and LINE OUT R) connectors and
headphone output ( ) jack.
LINE OUT
knob
PHONES
knob
Open the Playback tab of the Sound Control Panel and
click Properties at the bottom right of the window.
4 – Application Guide

TASCAM iU2 19
The Speakers Properties appears.
Click the Levels tab.
Set the level for Speaker to the maximum, then click OK
at the bottom of both windows to close them.
7 Use the MON MIX knob to adjust the volume balance
between the computer and input signals.
4 – Application Guide

20 TASCAM iU2
MON MIX
knob
Windows XP
1 Shut down all applications, and open the Control Panel
from the Start menu.
2 Open the Sounds and Audio Devices panel.
NOTE
If you do not see the above panel, click Sounds, Speech, and
Audio Devices and then select the Sounds and Audio Devices
panel.
3 Click the Audio tab, and set the Default device under both
Sound playback and Sound recording to iU2.
4 To adjust the input level, use the INPUT L and INPUT R
knobs on the top panel of this unit. Adjust them so that
the overload indicators (L and R) do not light.
Overload indicators
5 To adjust the output level, use the LINE OUT and
PHONES knobs on the top panel of this unit.
These settings adjust the level output from the analog
line output (LINE OUT L and LINE OUT R) connectors
and headphone output ( ) jack.
4 – Application Guide