ZOOM TAC-8 & TAC-2R Audio Interfaces Bring Thunderbolt to the Masses

With two new Thunderbolt audio interfaces to talk about, let's focus first on the TAC-8 (8- in/10-out) and then look at the incredibly cute, TAC-2R (2-in/2-out).

Zoom TAC-8 Thunderbolt Interface

Ronkonkoma, New York '" Zoom North America debuts the TAC-8 ThunderboltTM Audio Converter.

The single rack-space TAC-8 provides 8 front-panel analog XLR/TRS combo inputs each with Phantom Power and a dedicated gain control, for the connection of mic- and line-level signals. Two of the inputs can be used for Hi-Z input from electric guitar or bass. The TAC-8 also provides a total 10 balanced line-level analog outputs as well as SPDIF and ADAT optical digital inputs and outputs.

Zoom TAC-8 features 8 XLR/TRS inputs.

The TAC-8 records up to 24-bit / 192kHz. Zoom's free TAC-8 MixEfx software extends functionality further still, enabling internal routing of all inputs to all outputs.

The TAC-8 provides dual headphone jacks, each with their own dedicated volume control, allowing individual output pairs to be monitored. In addition, MIDI In and Out is provided for precise synchronization with devices such as sequencers and electronic keyboards.

The back panel of the Zoom TAC-8.

The TAC-8 is compatible with all Thunderbolt-equipped Macintosh computers running OS X 10.8.5 or later. The fastest data transfer protocol ever developed, Thunderbolt provides extremely low latency for virtually instantaneous recording and playback. Extraordinary sound quality is assured by the TAC-8's use of upsampling technology to eliminate aliasing noise during A/D conversion and increase clarity and definition during D/A conversion.

"The TAC-8 is the most advanced and feature-laden audio interface we've ever offered," said Dan Gallagher, Senior Vice President of Sales for Zoom North America. "It gives great sound and incredible power to musicians, producers, and sound engineers everywhere,"

Web: https://zoom-na.com/TAC-8

ZOOM TAC-2R Thunderbolt Interface

Ronkonkoma, New York '" Zoom North America today announced the release of the TAC-2R ThunderboltTM Audio Converter. 

 The 2-in/2-out TAC-2R uses the latest Thunderbolt technology for extremely low latency and supports up to 24-bit / 192kHz files for the ultimate in high-resolution audio. Its advanced features and streamlined design make it the perfect recording interface as well as for onstage playback and the enjoyment of streaming audio. The TAC-2R can also be used as an ultra- stable MIDI interface.

Audio and MIDI Thunderbolt interfaces don't get much more portable and cute than the Zoom TAC-2R.

The compact and rugged TAC-2R is housed in a robust metal chassis. Dual front panel combo XLR/TRS input jacks allow the connection of a wide range of microphones and line-level devices, as well as passive instruments such as electric guitar and bass. Independent gain controls and clip LEDs make it easy to set optimum input levels, and +48 volts of phantom power can be applied when using condenser microphones. Monitoring is available via dual balanced TRS outputs and a stereo headphone jack with dedicated volume control. A three-way Direct Monitoring switch enables monitoring of input signal with zero latency in both mono and stereo, and MIDI In and Out is provided for precise synchronization with devices such as sequencers and electronic keyboards. The

TAC-2R is compatible with all Thunderbolt-equipped Macintosh computers running OS X 10.8.5 or later.

"The TAC-2R brings Thunderbolt interfacing to a whole new level," said Dan Gallagher, Vice President of Sales for Zoom North America. "Paired with a computer, DAW software, and MIDI devices, it provides everything today's musician needs, both at home and on the road."

Web: www.zoom-na.com/TAC-2R