WNAMM11: Old MacDonald Goes Hi-Tech

US Akai announces EIE I/O audio interface and MIDI Hub 13/01/11

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Here's what Akai has to say...
The EIE I/O is a tabletop USB audio interface perfectly tailored for your project and portable studio setups. This four-in, four-out (4x4) device enables you on Mac and PC-based systems to record up to 24-bit resolution into virtually any DAW, recording or performance software. The EIE I/O also houses three convenient USB inputs, in addition to its main USB port, enabling you to connect controllers, hard drives or any other peripheral when native ports on a computer may be limited. The compact recording interface contains high-quality components including nickel-plated input jacks, analog-style VU meters and a rugged aluminum casing for a powerful, professional, portable audio solution.
Each channel of the EIE I/O has a XLR-1/4" combo jack, dedicated sturdy, gain-pots and Mic/Line/Guitar switches. The EIE I/O features four discrete-design preamplifiers with 48V phantom power for use with virtually any microphone. Individual 1/4" Nickel-plated jacks found on the back of EIE I/O provide you with channel inserts for processing audio signals externally. You can monitor sessions on multiple sets of studio monitors using the four 1/4" balanced outputs, which are also Nickel-plated. Both pairs of outputs can be monitored visually with the high-quality, analog VU meters providing classic features with modern style. For remote tracking and alternative playback, the EIE I/O has a 1/4" TRS headphone output. High quality analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters ensure that every detail of your session or performance gets captured and played back faithfully.
The EIE I/O sends and receives four audio channels on a single USB cable for simple, universal interface to a computer. The three additional USB ports allow EIE I/O to function as a hub as well, bridging other MIDI controllers and hard-drives to the computer. The USB interface is class compliant for plug-and-play operation with Mac OS X and Windows XP, Vista and 7. The EIE I/O features traditional MIDI In and Out jacks for playing and controlling software with keyboard and pad controllers, workstations, and other MIDI-compatible instruments.
Features

USB audio interface with up to 24-bit recording resolution
Four XLR-1/4" combo jacks with phantom power and gain control
Four nickle-plated 1/4" outputs for two separate monitoring systems
Two classic, high-quality VU level meters with switchable sources
Three additional USB ports for connecting other devices through to a computer
5 Pin DIN MIDI Interface
Headphone output with switchable source and direct monitoring dial Table-top, solid construction with a great-looking, classic design

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