Zoom TAC-2 Thunderbolt Audio Converter

2-in/2-out high speed audio interface that uses the latest Thunderbolt technology for ultra-low latency and the ultimate in high-quality audio, up to 24-bit/192 kHz. Lightweight and portable, yet rugged enough for the road, it is also easy to use, with a single large rotary knob controlling all parameters. More than twice as fast as USB 3.0 (not to mention twenty times faster than USB 2.0 and twelve times faster than Firewire 800) Thunderbolt is the interconnection technology of the future. Co-developed by Apple and Intel Labs, it allows signal to be transferred at an incredibly fast 10 gigabits per second, which means virtually no latency. The interface is also unaffected by computer jitter (slight variations in timing), so there is no need to connect an external master clock source. In addition, Thunderbolt carries 10 watts/18 volts of power (as compared to the 2.5 watts/ 5 volts carried by USB 2.0) – enough to provide stable phantom power. The interface performs 4-times up-sampling during both analogue-to-digital and digital-to-analogue conversion. For A/D conversion, this means less aliasing noise; for D/A conversion, this means increased clarity and fidelity. The Thunderbolt port on the rear panel carries digital signal to and from the computer as well as carrying power to the interface. Two combo XLR/TRS inputs are provided for the connection of mic- and line-level signals, and there is a handy Hi-Z (high impedance) unbalanced input on the front panel for direct connection of passive electric guitars and basses using a standard 6.3mm guitar cable. The interface also offers two balanced TRS output jacks allowing for connection to the monitors, as well as a dedicated 6.3mm stereo headphone jack. All of the audio jacks use the industry standard Pin 2 hot on XLR connectors and Tip hot on TRS connectors. The single rotary control knob is used to set input, output, and headphone levels and to provide +48 volts of phantom power to the selected input, allowing user to use the interface with any kind of microphone, from low-cost dynamics to expensive studio-quality condensers. Seven-segment LEDs show continuous signal strength as well as input/output overload clipping. The TAC-2 MixEfx is a free Macintosh application designed especially for this interface – it allows user to set mix parameters and add high-quality effects such as reverb and echo. Other features include a low cut filter, phase reverse, and AUTO GAIN control for each input. There is also a LOOPBACK function that allows user to blend the input signal and playback signal for ultra-low latency. Dimensions: 129.5 x 120 x 51.3 mm. Weight: 420 g.