Pass Through Null Controls, Channel Strips

If "Audio During Fast Forward/Rewind" is not selected under Setups/Preferences.../Operation, then you can tap the REW or FFWD keys to move backward or forward in steps. (The step size depends on your selected time display mode.) Or you can hold down the REW or FFWD keys to move the time line continuously.

"Pass Through Null" Controls

In using the US-428 with Pro Tools, the physical faders and rotary control positions at times will not match their on-screen counterparts. When you move a control, like a level fader, pan control, or effect parameter knob, it will not affect the on-screen control until it has moved past the on-screen position, called the null point. The on-screen control will then stay locked to the physical control after this. Once you have stopped moving the control, it will still stay locked until the Touch Timeout time has passed. Then, once again, you have to pass through the null point to regain control. (You can adjust the Touch Timeout setting in Setups/Preferences.../Automation.)

Channel Strips

Each channel strip has controls for level, mute, solo, select, and record enable. The channel strip fader controls the corresponding on-screen level fader, but remember that you must move it through the on- screen position before it takes effect. As you start to move a fader that is not locked to its on-screen counterpart, either the HI-MID or LO-MID LED will light up to show you which direction you need to move the fader to reach the null point.

You can press the MUTE keys to mute/unmute a channel. The MUTE light displays the current MUTE state for that channel. If you press the SOLO key, the SOLO LED will light up and you are in SOLO mode. Now the MUTE keys become SOLO keys for the 8 channels, and the MUTE lights become SOLO lights. Press the SOLO key again, and you are back in MUTE mode.

Pressing a SELECT key selects a track for panning, send level, or plug-in parameter control, and deselects other tracks. Once selected, its on-screen name will be highlighted in green. Hold the SET key and press SELECT to toggle the selection of a track for editing, deleting, etc. Its on-screen track name will get a white background.

You can move to different banks of 8 channel strips by using the BANK keys (<BANK and BANK>). Pressing these will move the selection by 8 to the right or left (or as far as possible) and the MUTE and REC lights will be updated for the currently active channel strips. The currently selected track for panning, etc. will also move (and the same green LED will stay lit).

Changing Parameters

When a track is selected, you can use the four rotary knobs in different ways to control the track's pan setting, send levels, and plug-in parameters. There are different sets of parameters for a track that these four knobs can control. The "top" set includes pan, and five send levels. With a track selected, you get to its top parameter set by holding LOCATE> and pressing the HIGH key. The HIGH LED lights to show that the top set is selected.

Now you can move the PAN knob (through the null point!) to change the pan setting for the selected track. You can also change the send level for all five sends, A through E. (See the summary at the end for details.) Hold the SET button while moving a knob for finer control.

On screen you can select any plug-in and display its settings. The track for the plug-in, if it is different than the selected track, will have its name highlighted in red. Load the "4-band EQ II" plug-in in an insert. Now press the LOW button several times. As you do, a set of plug-in parameters is highlighted (up to 6 at a time for a plug-in). The set goes to the bottom then cycles back to the top. Now try turning an EQ knob back and forth. Once it moves through the parameter's null point, you can control it with the US-knob. All six plug-in parameters selected can be controlled (only 4 are used per set for this EQ). See the summary at the end for details, and for more on using plug-ins with Pro Tools, see "DigiRack Plug-Ins Guide.pdf" that came with Pro Tools.

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US-428 specifications

The Tascam US-428 is a versatile USB audio interface and control surface designed to enhance music production, mixing, and audio editing. Known for its robust build and user-friendly interface, the US-428 combines high-quality audio processing with intuitive control capabilities, making it an ideal choice for musicians, producers, and engineers alike.

One of the standout features of the US-428 is its ability to provide up to four channels of simultaneous audio input and output. This flexibility allows users to connect various instruments, microphones, and effects processors directly to their computer, ensuring pristine audio quality. The unit supports 24-bit/96 kHz audio resolution, leading to professional-grade recordings that capture every nuance of sound.

The US-428 boasts an integrated MIDI interface, enabling musicians to connect MIDI devices such as keyboards and controllers. This feature allows for seamless integration of MIDI data, facilitating the production of complex arrangements and compositions.

In terms of control, the US-428 features a comprehensive set of faders, knobs, and buttons that allow for hands-on manipulation of software parameters. The 100mm motorized faders offer precise control over mixing levels, while the assignable knobs and buttons provide easy access to various plugin parameters and transport controls. This tactile control enhances workflow efficiency and makes mixing sessions more intuitive.

The unit also includes a built-in LCD screen that displays crucial information, such as track levels and parameter values, keeping users informed without requiring them to constantly shift their focus to their computer screen. The US-428 is compatible with major DAW software, including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and Cubase, ensuring a seamless experience for users regardless of their preferred platform.

Another notable characteristic of the Tascam US-428 is its compact and rugged design, making it an excellent choice for studio and mobile setups alike. The USB bus-powered feature allows for easy connectivity without the need for an external power supply, providing enhanced portability.

Overall, the Tascam US-428 stands out as a reliable and feature-rich audio interface and control surface suitable for a wide range of audio applications. Its combination of high-quality audio performance, versatile connectivity options, and user-friendly controls makes it an essential tool for anyone looking to elevate their audio production capabilities.