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1. Introduction
1.1 Overview
The US-428 is a USB controller
primarily designed for Digital Audio
Workstation (DAW) software
applications. Its design incorporates a
four-input, two-output 24-bit audio
interface, a dual MIDI interface, and a
control surface for your most-used
mouse functions.
Our goal was to create a device to make
your DAW software as easy to use as a
Portastudio. The transport and other
controls are designed and laid out to
look and function just like a Portastudio
– if you’ve ever used a tape recorder,
you know how to use the US-428.
Because the US-428 is USB based, it’s
the ideal companion to any desktop- or
laptop-based digital recording setup.
And since it’s as compact as a laptop, it
can be combined with one to create a
complete portable digital audio
workstation solution.
1.2 Features
The input section comprises a 24-bit
audio interface, capable of streaming up
to four simultaneous tracks of audio into
your computer. Inputs include two
balanced XLR mic inputs, two balanced
1/4” TRS inputs, two 1/4” unbalanced
line inputs (switchable to high-
impedance, for direct input of a guitar,
bass or other hi-Z source), and an
S/PDIF digital input. Outputs include a
pair of unbalanced line outputs on RCA
connectors, S/PDIF output, and
separate headphone output.
The US-428 also features two
independent MIDI I/O ports, allowing
you to send and receive data and MIDI
Time Code from your MIDI-based
keyboards and other devices. You can,
for example, use one port for MIDI
modules and devices, and the other to
synchronize your MIDI Time Code
capable Portastudio, DTRS or other
multitrack tape machine with your digital
audio software.
The US-428’s control surface includes a
variety of controls which make working
with audio software faster and easier.
The channel section of the control
surface consists of eight channel faders
(plus one master fader), eight mute
buttons, a switch to toggle Solo and
Mute functions, and individual record-
ready and select switches. The master
section features four Aux Sends, a
dedicated EQ module (with continuous
controllers for level, frequency and Q, as
well as four band-selection buttons), a
data wheel and four application-defined
soft keys. Dedicated transport and
locate controls offer one-button access
to these often-used functions.
1.3 Special Note Regarding
Programming of the US-428
The many faders, switches and other
controls on the US-428 make it an
extremely versatile device. The basic
operational premise behind the US-428