By | Thu, 01 Jan 2004
Compiled by Greg Rule
As slick as laptops are for music, they aren’t much use if you can’t get data in and out. Before the plug &play days, it was often a costly and bulky proposition to equip your laptop with pro I/O. But now, with one simple connection, your laptops are ready to rock — and the choices are plentiful.
Here’s a look at some of the current USB and Firewire solutions. And for a batch of PCMCIA audio add-ons, be sure to visit www.eqmag.com.
FIREWIRE I/O
Digidesign Digi 002 Rack, $1,295
Pro Tools LE native software now has a Firewire rack companion in the Digi 002 Rack — a 2U module that packs all the punch of Digi 002 (minus the control surface). The 002R is loaded with audio and MIDI I/O, and includes Pro Tools LE software and a suite of plug-ins in the bundle.
Hercules 16/12FW, $799
An audio/MIDI interface for Mac and PC, the 16/12FW offers 16 independent ins, 12 independent outs, stereo optical and coaxial I/O, word clock sync, two high-quality preamps with phantom power, and 24/96 converters. The unit is housed in a sturdy 1U rack chassis.
M-Audio Firewire 410, $500
Firewire 410 features two analog inputs with two mic preamps (with phantom power) for 24/96 digital recording. Line level 1/4" TRS connectors are also provided. Eight analog line outputs allow surround mixing or 8-channel transfers to another device. The 410 also has optical and coaxial S/PDIF I/O as well as MIDI I/O. Two headphone outs with separate volume controls are provided.
Metric Halo Mobile I/O 2882 ($1,495) and 2882+DSP ($2,195)
This 24/96 audio interface offers analog balanced and unbalanced (mic, line, and instrument) inputs, S/PDIF, AES, ADAT optical. Eight line-level outputs and independent stereo headphone mix and output are provided as well. Wordclock input and output allows transparent professional interfacing of multiple units for larger systems. Also available with DSP for effects processing.
Metric Halo Mobile I/O ULN-2, $1,195
ULN-2 means two analog and two digital channels of I/O, and Ultra Low Noise performance. With up to 73 dB of gain, an E.I.N. of -129 dBu, fantastic detail, and an ultra fast slew rate, the ULN mic pres are up to the most demanding recording situations. The ULN-2 also features balanced analog inserts, front panel controls, and the same FireWire connectivity, A/D D/A converters, and onboard DSP for mixing and routing.
MOTU 828Mk2, $795
The 828mkII is a 1U 24/96 FireWire audio interface for Mac and Windows, with 20 channels of input and 22 channels of output expandable to 80/88 channels. It provides 10 channels of 24/96 I/O on balanced 1/4" connectors, including two Neutrik XLR/TRS combo connectors with built-in mic pre-amps, ADAT optical digital I/O, S/PDIF, latency-free 20-input/8-bus monitoring, stand-alone operation, and a complete set of drivers for compatibility with all major audio software on both computer platforms.
MOTU 896HD, $1,295
The 896HD provides eight quality mic preamps, pristine 192 kHz analog I/O, eight channels of ADAT digital I/O and stereo AES/EBU. Expand your system by connecting additional 828 or 896 FireWire audio interfaces. The 896HD is equally well-suited for studio and stage, with or without a computer. As a computer interface, the 896HD provides 18 separate inputs and 22 outputs, including separate main outs and headphone out.
Presonus DigiMAX LT, $999.95
The DigiMAX LT features the same 8-channel mic/line, dual-servo gain stage preamplifier as the original DigiMAX, but adds front panel phantom power buttons and insert points for every channel.
Presonus FireStation, $999.95
Using Yamaha’s mLAN FireWire protocol to communicate with Macs and PCs, this sleek silver interface offers audio and MIDI I/O, two dual-servo preamps with switchable tube circuit, two 1/4" instrument preamps, 48 V phantom power with –10 dB pad, balanced preamp sends, eight channels of analog I/O, eight channels of ADAT I/O, S/PDIF I/O, control room and headphone outs with separate volume controls, and an external recording punch input. The FireStation can also be used standalone, and can be expanded to handle up to 48 channels of I/O.
USB I/O
Apogee Mini-Me, $1,295
The popular Mini-Me features two channels of Apogee A/D conversion at sample rates of up to 96 kHz, two premium mic/instrument preamps, line level inputs, AES/EBU, S/PDIF, and Push-It, a unique new 3-curve stereo comp/limiter ideal for location recording. Mini-Me is equipped with optional USB for a direct connection to your laptop.
Digidesign Mbox, $495
Mbox is the smallest and most affordable entrance into the Pro Tools hardware/software family. The 2-channel USB audio peripheral is equipped with Focusrite mic preamps, and comes with Pro Tools LE software.
Digidesign MIDI I/O, $595
MIDI I/O includes ten MIDI inputs and outputs for a total of 160 channels, and features a programmable hardware thru mode, allowing you to patch any inputs to any combination of outputs without the need to access your computer. The unit connects to your computer via its self-powered USB connection, and includes support for the Digidesign Time-Stamping feature for superb timing accuracy and precision.
Edirol UA series, $95 and up
Included in the USB family are UA-1X ($95, RCA I/O, S/PDIF optical out), the UA-20 ($215, 24-bit audio and MIDI I/O), the UA-3D ($215, analog and optical I/O, plus 5.1 features), the UA-3FX ($215, with direct monitoring, direct input for mic, guitar, voice, and dynamic effects), the UA-5 ($355, audio interface with phantom power XLR, 1/4", RCA, and S/PDIF in), and the flagship UA-1000 ($945, the world’s first USB 2.0 audio interface, with 10 ins, 10 outs, 24/96 converters, four preamps, phantom power, inserts, and ADAT, S/PDIF, Word Clock and MIDI I/O).
Edirol UM series, $45 and up
These pocket-size USB MIDI interfaces are as slick and streamlined as they come. The line includes the 1x1 1SX ($45), the 1x1 UM-1X ($50, featuring Edirol’s FPT technology to allow for low latency, low jitter MIDI transmission), the 2x2 UM-2 ($85), the 5x5 UM-550 ($240), and the 8x8 UM-880 ($375).
Emagic A26 ($399) and A62m, ($399)
The A26 is a sleek and simple USB audio solution: lightweight and compact, approximately the size of a videocassette. It offers six analog outputs, two analog inputs, and stereo S/PDIF digital I/O at 16- or 24-bit resolution. The A26’s big brother, the A62m, provides six analog inputs and two outs at up to 24/96 resolution. MIDI and S/PDIF I/O is provided as well. The A62 m offers mobility and quality in one compact interface.
Emagic MT4, $199
The MT4 is a MIDI interface for USB-equipped PCs and Macs. Two MIDI ins and four outputs, each with an activity LED, provide a total of 32 input and 64 output MIDI channels.
Emagic Unitor8 mkII, $799
Unitor8 mkII is Emagic’s flagship 8 x 8 MIDI interface for Logic-based studios that require comprehensive sync with external devices. Analog and digital audio and video recorders, or timecoded DATs can be locked to the Logic system via Emagic‘s AMT technology. In addition, the Unitor8 mkII features LTC and VITC I/O and an external Click input, allowing the control of Logic via a percussive audio signal.
Lavry Engineering Mini-PRS-2, $250
Lavry’s new Mini Personal Recording Studio 2 is a small, road-tough USB recording solution. Connecting your choice of two dynamic mics to the stereo preamp inputs will send CD quality digital audio to your computer. The unit’s ultra-low power drain (only .25 watts) makes it ideal for portable/laptop applications. The Mini PRS-2 is compatible with Windows 98 SE, ME, 2000, and XP machines. It also operates with Mac OS9 and OS X machines. The unit works with all software supporting WAV formats. Lavry includes user-friendly direct-to-disk recording software for recording CD quality or MP3 format on Windows machines.
Lexicon Pro Omega Desktop, $529.95
Omega Studio is an integrated 24-bit USB-based recording system that includes the Omega 8x4x2 USB I/O mixer, ProTracks Plus 32-track recording software, and high-quality Pantheon Lexicon reverb plug-in. The mixer is a true mixer, not just a patch bay, with input, output, and monitoring controls, along with two dbx mic preamps with 48v phantom power and TRS insert points. (For more, see our feature on page 22 of the AES Report, December 2003 issue.)
Mackie Spike, $419
The Spike package consists of the XD-2 audio/MIDI interface and recording software. The interface is a 2-channel, USB-compatible, cross-platform box. It supports 24-bit resolution and sampling rates up to 96 kHz, while folding in two Mackie mic pre’s with gain controls, low frequency rolloff filter, switchable 48v phantom power, and 3-LED level meters. The preamps are claimed to offer the low noise and distortion characteristic of Mackie mixer mic pre’s. (For more, see our Coming Attractions spotlight, page 94, November 2003.) ‰
M-Audio Audiophile USB, $249.99
This USB incarnation of the Audiophile has two analog ins and outs on gold-plated RCA jacks, S/PDIF and MIDI I/O, and a headphone jack. Operates at up to 24/96 resolution. Driver support: MME, WDM (Win 2000, XP), Direct X, PC-ASIO, EASI, Sound Manager, Mac-ASIO, OMS, Core Audio and MIDI (OS X).
M-Audio Duo USB, $349.99
A 2x2 USB audio interface that can be used as a stand-alone mic pre and A/D converter, the Duo USB features 24/96 converters, two XLR mic inputs with phantom power, a 20 dB pad switch, and variable input level and two 1/4" balanced line level inputs.
M-Audio Midisport series, $49.95 and up
The Midisport USB MIDI interface series comes in a variety of I/O offerings to suit a wide range of studio needs and budgets. Driver supports multiple units for easy expandability. Bus powered. Mac OS 9 (OMS included)/X and Win 98/ME/2000/XP. USB Midisport 1 x 1 ($49.95), USB Midisport 2 x 2 ($89.95), USB Midisport 2 x 4, ($179.95), USB Midisport 4 x 4 ($199.95), USB Midisport 8 x 8/s ($399.95).
M-Audio MobilePre USB, $249.95
This bus powered 16/48 interface is equipped with two mic/instrument preamps (with 48 V phantom power), two XLR mic inputs, a stereo mic in (1/8"), and two high-impedance instrument/line ins. A stereo 1/8" output, 1/4" TRS out, and 1/8" headphone output are included. Direct monitoring allows zero-latency performance.
M-Audio OmniStudio USB, $599.99
The OmniStudio USB is a 4 x 4 audio interface with two high-quality mic/instrument preamps, and an onboard mixer complete with effect sends and return, and four stereo aux inputs.
M-Audio Quattro, $349.95
Quattro is a 4 x 4 audio 24/96 interface plus MIDI in and out. Features include zero-latency direct monitoring and variable I/O levels. Driver support: MME, WDM (Win 2000, XP), Direct X, PC-ASIO, EASI, Sound Manager, Mac-ASIO, OMS, and Core Audio and MID (OS X).
M-Audio Transit, $99.95
Small enough to fit in your pocket, Transit brings 24/96 quality to any USB-compatible computer. Its digital I/O lets you transfer pristine audio between your computer and other devices such as MiniDisc and DAT.
MOTU FastLane USB, $79
Available in a variety of high-impact colors, this mini 2 x 2 MIDI interface features a thru button, allowing you to play your gear when your computer is turned off. A 1-input/3-output serial version is also available for older Macs.
MOTU MicroLite, $149
MicroLite is a 5 x 5 MIDI interface that provides 80-channel performance, and is compatible with all Mac and Windows software. The MicroLite takes full advantage of USB, giving you high-speed MIDI throughput, sub-millisecond timing accuracy, support for “hot-swapping,” and plug-and-play expansion. Removable rack attachments, as well as a custom center-joint fastener, are included and allow you to easily mount two MicroLites side by side in a standard rack.
MOTU MIDI rackmount series, $249 and up
MIDI Express 128 ($249) is an 8 x 8 MIDI interface that provides plug-and-play connectivity to any USB-equipped Mac or PC. It provides 128-channel operation and compatibility with all Mac and Windows software. . . . The MIDI Express XT ($395) takes the MIDI Express 128 and adds tape sync in all SMPTE formats. . . . The half-rack Micro Express USB ($295) offers four MIDI inputs, six MIDI outputs, and 96 MIDI channels. It includes SMPTE/MIDI timecode conversion, MIDI processing, and expansion via any standard USB hub. . . . The granddaddy MIDI Timepiece AV ($595) is an 8-input, 8-output MIDI/SMPTE interface/patchbay/merger with plug-and-play connectivity to any USB-equipped Mac or PC. Includes video, digital audio, and SMPTE-to-MIDI sync features.
Steinberg Midex 3 ($150) and Midex 8 ($499)
The sporty Midex 3 is Steinberg’s latest USB MIDI interface. Its three outputs and one input can address up to 48 MIDI channels. . . . The Midex 8 features eight MIDI inputs and outputs. It incorporates Steinberg’s LTB (Linear Time Base) technology, which provides sub-millisecond MIDI timing. The Midex 8 also features multi-client capability, an integrated MIDI cable test function, a MIDI Thru function, and the ability to stack multiple units.
TASCAM US-122, $269
TASCAM and Frontier Designs team once again. The US-122 features two XLR-based, phantom-powered mic inputs. As one of the only small computer interfaces with analog inserts, you can use the US-122 to place hardware devices (compressors, etc.) into the recording signal chain. Two line-level inputs on balanced 1/4" TRS jacks are included, and are switchable to guitar-level for direct instrument recording into your computer. The US-122 also provides a dedicated control for adjustable zero-latency direct monitoring. Its two line-level outputs provide control for levels, and a dedicated headphone output is also included.
Terratec Aureon 5.1 USB, $249
An external 5.1 soundcard for laptops and USB computers, the Aureon 5.1 USB offers easy plug-and-play operation, and comes bundled with a comprehensive software package that includes Native Instruments Traktor DJ and InterVideo WinDVD. Two analog inputs and six outs are provided, as is S/PDIF digital I/O.
Yamaha UW10, $159
UW10 is a quality, compact USB audio interface with stereo S/PDIF optical I/O, two RCA analog inputs and outputs, and a headphone jack. The UW10 is Windows 98, ME, and XP compatible and uses ASIO drivers. The built-in headphone amp provides quick and mobile monitoring. Yamaha’s TWEplus wave editor for audio editing and MP3 conversion is included.
COMBO I/O & MIX/ CONTROL SURFACES
Digidesign 002, $2,495
Digi 002 pairs Pro Tools LE software with an integrated control surface to provide you with a finger-friendly music production environment. Record, edit, process, mix, and master your projects with hands-on efficiency, then tuck Digi 002 under your arm, take it to a gig, and use it as an 8 x 4 x 2 digital mixer, complete with EQ, dynamics, delay, and reverb with snapshots.
Edirol UA-700, $595 UA-700 is a tactile USB audio and MIDI interface that boasts Roland’s COSM microphone and guitar amp modeling. The UA-700 supports ASIO, WDM, and Core Audio drivers, and can accept, mic, line, guitar, phono, and S/PDIF input.
Edirol UR-80, $545 The UR-80 features stereo I/O, phantom power, XLR, 1/4" input, RCA output, MIDI I/O, and 43 assignable controls capable of controlling up to 102 parameters per control map. Included is HQ Hyper Canvas editing software.
Event EZbus, $749 EZbus is a combination USB computer audio recording interface, software control surface, and stand-alone digital mixer. It’s equipped with mic, instrument, and line inputs,
eight line outputs (including headphone out), 24/96 converters, ADAT optical I/O, S/PDIF I/O, dual MIDI ports, and word clock. Three-band EQ and compressor/gate is standard on each audio channel. Other features include four sends per channel (independently configurable pre-/post-fader), four returns, 32 scene memories, 32 programmable control surface configurations, built-in transport controls for operating a variety of digital audio workstations, and preset control profiles for major DAWs and virtual instruments. PC Profile Editor included.
TASCAM/Frontier US-428, $625 The US-428 is a USB control surface that supports up to four channels of audio input and two channels of output simultaneously, all at 24-bit. It can also control an unlimited number of banks of eight software mixer faders. The EQ section can be used to control up to four bands of fully parametric EQ, plus four aux sends and a pan pot. Audio interfacing includes two XLR inputs, two balanced 1/4" TRS inputs, two unbalanced 1/4" inputs (switchable to Hi-Z), and S/PDIF I/O. The US-428 also offers 32 channels of MIDI I/O that can be used to access MIDI instruments or to lock MTC-capable tape tracks to a computer. The US-428 comes bundled with a custom version of Steinberg’s Cubasis VST audio recording/MIDI sequencing software and is PC and Mac compatible. (A scaled-down version of the 428, the US-224, is available for
$375.)
TASCAM FW-1884, $1,599 FW-1884 is a pro DAW control surface and audio/MIDI interface that provides audio and MIDI interfacing to computers as well as control of DAW parameters via eight 100mm motorized touch-sensitive channel faders, one master fader, and controls for pan, solo, mute, and select functions on each channel. Tactile control for four bands of parametric EQ, a jog/shuttle wheel, and a variety of shortcut keys for various popular software applications are also included.
Yamaha 01X, $1,699 This powerful new tool from Yamaha comprises a 28-channel moving fader digital mixer, eight mic preamps, 24/96 A/D converters, 3-band EQ plus dynamics processing on each channel, two effects processors, a multi-channel mLAN FireWire audio interface, a multi-port mLAN FireWire MIDI interface, and a DAW control surface that supports all of the major software platforms. Included are four VST plug-ins; 01X Channel Module, Vocal Rack, Final Master, and Pitch Fix.
PCMCIA I/O Digigram VXpocket 440, $850 The VXpocket 440 multi-channel audio solution features a PCMCIA card and a breakout cable with balanced XLR connectors for four channels of analog I/O, as well as S/PDIF I/O and LTC timecode.
Echo Digital Audio Indigo, $159 One stereo output on dual 1/8" analog connections in Type II CardBus card powered by your notebook computer, enables you to listen to CDs and DVDs on the road, mix pro audio or live performance. Like MiaMIDI, it uses eight “virtual” outputs, and allows use with more than one audio software program at a time. Runs on Windows ME/2000/XP and Mac OS X with support for all Pro Audio software.
Echo Digital Audio Indigo DJ, $229 Indigo DJ offers two independent stereo 1/8" analog outputs on Type II CardBus card powered by your notebook computer; one for setting up your cue mix on a pair of headphones, and the other for the house mix. Includes 6' foot audio cable for RCA and 1/4" connections. Like MiaMIDI, uses eight “virtual” outputs, and allows use with more than one audio software program at a time. Runs on Windows ME/2000/XP and Mac OS X with support for all Pro Audio software.
Echo Digital Audio Indigo io, $229 One stereo 1/8" analog input and output on Type II CardBus card powered by your notebook computer. 24/96 converters. Includes six foot audio cable for RCA and 1/4" connections. Like MiaMIDI, uses eight “virtual” outputs, and allows use with more than one audio software program at a time. Near zero latency monitoring available through the Echo Console. Runs on Windows ME/2000/XP and Mac OS X with support for all Pro Audio software.
Echo Digital Audio Layla Laptop, $995 Layla Laptop is a great solution for multitrack recording on notebook computers. With Layla Laptop you get everything in the Layla24 system except for the PCI card. Instead, you get a CardBus card that allows you to use Layla24 on a Windows or Macintosh notebook computer with a Type II card slot. Layla Laptop runs on Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP and Mac OS 8/9/X with support for all Pro Audio software (WDM Kernel Streaming, ASIO, GSIF, and CoreAudio).
Magma CB2, $895 Need PCI? Many musicians do, but what to do if you’re using a laptop for music production? Add a pair of PCI slots to your Mac or PC laptop with Magma’s CB2 Expansion Chassis. Cable included.
Steinberg Audio Link 96 Mobile, $299 Compatible with both Macs and PCs, and with up to 130Mb-per-second transfer rate in both directions, the Audio Link 96 Mobile PCMCIA Type II Interface card brings pro quality 24/192 performance to laptops.
MANUFACTURER CONTACTS Apogee, www.apogeedigital.com
Digidesign, www.digidesign.com
Edirol, www.edirol.com
Emagic, www.emagic.de
Event Electronics, www.event1.com
Hercules, www.hercules.com
Lavry Engineering, www.lavryengineering.com
Lexicon, www.lexiconpro.com
Mackie, www.mackie.com
M-Audio, www.m-audio.com
Metric Halo, www.mhlabs.com
MOTU, www.motu.com
Presonus, www.presonus.com
Steinberg, www.steinberg.net
TASCAM, www.tascam.com
Terratec, www.terratec.com
Yamaha, www.yamaha.com