Installation:
The minute I plugged the Link.USB into a USB port on my computer it powered on and Windows XP detected it and installed the WDM drivers. However, for proper ASIO drivers you'll have to use the included installation CD. Unfortunately the only way to install the ASIO drivers is to install the Tracktion2 software as they are bundled together. Once Tracktion was installed, I booted it up and registered my serial number with it and everything seemed to be working. A quick browse around the options and I saw that it had detected the Link.USB and was using it's ASIO driver as default. I checked in some other recording software I have as well, and all saw the Link.USB and there were no problems recording in any of them.

I really wish that Tapco would make a separate standalone ASIO driver for the Link.USB. Something with a nice control panel and some basic options would be a lot more helpful for setting up latency control, sample rate, etc., as the included drivers do not have a stand alone control panel. Perhaps this will be something that could be released in the future.

Testing:
Testing System:
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 3200+ (Socket 939)
Motherboard: Biostar NF4UL-A9
Memory: 512mb Dual-Channel OCZ Premiere Series
HDD: Western Digital 160gb SATA II (WD1600JS)
Video: XFX GeForce 6600GT PCI Express
Sound: Tapco Link.USB Audio Interface
Power Supply: Silverstone ST60F 600W
OS: Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2

To test the Link.USB I did some audio tests by simply playing some music and listening to many other audio files to test the sound output quality. For testing the inputs, I made several recordings using my guitars and I also tested using some mics, both a Shure SM57 and an Apex 185 condenser were used to test the 48V phantom power.

In the end, I was left very impressed by the sound quality of the Link.USB. Output was crisp and clear with no distortion, crackles or any noticeable defects in the sound quality. Same with the input, I made a variety of recordings using both direct instruments and the mics mentioned above, and the quality still did not let me down.

Conclusion:
Remembering the sub $200 price tag on the Link.USB is really what put things into perspective at the end. For under two bills both your teenage home musician or even professional musician can have an amazing quality 2 in/2 out recording interface. The included Tracktion2 will give you a head start on creating amazing sounding recordings, but being compatible with most recording programs out there won't hold you back from using it with the software you're most comfortable in. Tapco certainly has done a great job of making an excellent interface in a price range lower than most.

Pros:
Price
Mackie preamps
USB bus powered
Phantom power
Ultra low latency direct monitoring
Included Tracktion2 recording software and extra plugins
Excellent exterior design
Great overall performance

Cons:
No power switch
Standalone ASIO driver with control panel would be nice

Rating: 9.5/10

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