Tascam's PCI-822 Audio Card

Tascam is unveiling the PCI-822 Computer Interface Card at Summer NAMM (booth #403 in the hall and #5017 in the arena). With the addition of software, the card can turn a PC or Mac into a powerful digital recorder, allowing for a multitude of interconnections to outboard recording systems and direct interfacing with MIDI programs.

"The PCI-822 ($369 MSRP) at once expands a project studio, working with digital tape machines and MIDI, into a computer-based powerhouse, compatible with topend editing programs," says Mike McRoberts, Tascam product development manager. "It was designed to address the needs of musicians looking for a high-quality and reliable computer interface, to connect DTRS machines, DAT recorders, and CD players to Macs and PCs."

The PCI-822 is a PCI-compatible card for use in a PC or Macintosh computer. The card features an 8-channel Tascam TDIF digital audio connector, a breakout cable supporting S/PDIF in and out via coaxial connectors, two MIDI input and two MIDI output ports using the MIDI-standard DIN-5 connectors, and a word clock output on a BNC connector for synchronization. The PCI-822 comes bundled with NemeSys Music Technology's GigaSampler LE (a $99 value), which eliminates traditional RAM sampling methods by capturing and streaming audio samples via the hard drive thus allowing for longer samples and audio files. Two CDs are also included which feature a variety of audio samples ready for immediate use. The PCI-822 also works with numerous software packages including, but not limited to, Cubase VST, Cakewalk Pro Audio, Logic Audio, Cool Edit Pro, Samplitude, and Reaktor for the PC, and Cubase VST, Logic Audio, Digital Performer, and BIAS Peak for the Mac.

"The PCI-822 also works well with a digital mixer like the Tascam TM-D4000," McRoberts explains. "A studio can use the eight audio track in and out capabilities of the TDIF connector, with two more audio channels in and out via the S/PDIF connector. MIDI Machine Control, MIDI Time Code and MIDI automation are all directly supported for a powerful mixing/recording situation."

The PCI-822 can also be used with analog mixers via analog-to-TDIF conversion devices like the Tascam IF-DA8. The TDIF interface is also used in tools like Tascam's MA-AD8 for eight channels of microphone input. A special GSIF PC driver is included that supports up to 10 GigaSampler audio output channels. An on-screen control panel allows the user to select digital clock sources, select audio buffer sizes, view input error status and view audio 1/0 channel activity. A comprehensive manual is also included with the PCI-822.

PC computer requirements for the PCI-822 include:

• Windows 95 or 98
• an open PCI slot
• MME audio
• ASIO 2.0 audio
• GSIF audio
• MME MIDI driver, which is provided on CD-ROM.

MacOS computer requirements include:

• MacOS 8.6 or higher
• an open PCI slot
• ASIO audio driver
• an OMS MIDI driver, which is provided on CD-ROM.