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No, the Tascam iU2 isn’t a new audio device powered purely by Bono’s ego.

In fact, the iU2 by Tascam introduces a new style audio interface with hybrid connectivity capabilities.

A 2 in 2 out USB audio interface is specifically designed to be plugged into your iPad, iPhone or iTouch (using the build in dock connector), but also capable of being plugged into a Mac or PC via a conventional USB connection.

This type of hybrid connection capability could well make the iU2 a winner with all those who don’t want to clutter their lives with lots of different pieces of audio hardware.

Let’s take a tour…….

The controls on the front offer comprehensive control of input levels, monitor mix level (for getting the balance between the audio on your computers DAW and your live inputs right), line out level (to control of the volume out to your speakers or amp) and headphone monitor level.

Inconspicuous controls on the bottom of the iU2 provide control over various functions; host type (iOS or computer), phantom power, together with input type selection settings for mic, line or guitar level audio sources.

It should be noted that only the left input channel is optimised to accommodate a guitar input (take note if you’re expecting to plug in and record more than one guitar or bass at a time).

If you’re a musician looking for a pair of phantom powered balanced mic inputs and instrument inputs, together with zero latency monitoring it may be time to start getting excited. The iU2 provides these using break out cables provided that plug into the L and R inputs on the bottom of the device to give access to balanced XLR connection inputs.

Midi I/O capability comes via 2 provided breakout leads gives your Midi keyboard or controller access to you favorite iOS music apps (provided that the iOS app supports apple core midi).

Plug into your speakers or amp using the S/PDIF digital output or the stereo analogue outputs.

Specifications overview for the iU2

Audio/MIDI Interface for Mac, Windows and iOS devices

Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch

Two XLR mic inputs with phantom power

Two balanced line inputs

Instrument-level input for guitar or bass

MIDI in and out

Onboard A/D conversion for low-noise and distortion when recording with iOS devices

Zero-latency direct monitoring

S/PDIF Digital Output

Includes USB cable, iOS dock connection cable, XLR to ¼” connector

Overall this is a versatile and compact performer. If you want just one device for desktop and mobile iOS use then this unit make a great deal of sense.

Here’s a quick video overview of the iU2 presented at NAMM 2012

You can find the iU2 at Amazon.

Links and further reading

UPDATE (17/10/2013):

The iU2 seems to have been discontinued by Tascam. Although, there do seem to be units still available for sale on Amazon and eBay (and other retailers), there’s even some that come with all the cables you’d need (including a power adapter).

We have managed to find a similar unit, the iUR2. it’s not clear what the difference is (if any), but this isn’t listed on the US tascam.com site any more.

Also, if you’re using iOS 7 beware as this iOS version has not yet been confirmed as compatible with the iU2 or iU2R. If we notice any updates on this situation we’ll add it here (anyone who knows more please feel free to add to the comments below!).

It’s also unclear as to whether the iU2/iUR2 will work with a lightening connector. It certainly doesn’t come with one, so chances are if you have a device with a lightening connector then this isn’t the unit for you!

All this is a shame as the iU2 had the makings of a great little unit. Although perhaps this is one of the pitfalls of being such an early adopter of the iPad/iOS platform.