Compact design and better audio performance have been added to both the Tascam US-122mkII ($129 Street) and the US-144mkII ($149 Street) USB 2.0 audio / MIDI interfaces. Tascam sought to keep it simple this time, providing the functions you need in a clear, easy layout.

For about 20 bucks more than the 122, you can get the US-144mkII which offers S/PDIF digital audio I/O for four channels of 24-bit, 96 kHz resolution audio to and from a computer, and a dedicated headphone level control. Both interfaces employ USB 2.0 connectivity for low-latency performance.

Coupled with the upgraded performance features and improved design are all the same features as before, including XLR microphone inputs with phantom power, balanced line inputs, a guitar level input, MIDI I/O, and unbalanced line outputs. Each interface comes bundled with Steinberg Cubase LE4.

Tascam expects to ship the US-122mkII and the US-144mkII this month.