iConnectivity Introduces PlayAUDIO1U

US Audio and MIDI interface with redundancy fail-safes, designed specifically for live musicians 12/09/23

iConnectivity has announced PlayAUDIO1U, which they describe as a revolutionary audio and MIDI interface designed specifically for live musicians. iConnectivity says that PlayAUDIO1U builds on their reputation for developing bullet-proof, fail-proof solutions for live music performance. They tell us that, much like its direct predecessor PlayAUDIO12, PlayAUDIO1U integrates numerous redundancy fail-safes for control and playback of backing tracks, virtual instruments, and MIDI devices.

Al Joelson, VP of iConnectivity Sales and Marketing, told us, "PlayAUDIO1U builds on everything we learned in creating and then supporting users of our PlayAUDIO12, an interface that quickly became the industry standard. This interface is designed to be an even more ready-to-gig, comprehensive solution. It's a crazy powerhouse of audio and MIDI capability for live performance."

Here's the full details direct from the company...

Imagine never having to worry about your computer playback failing, ever again. Imagine an interface where not just the big things, but even all of the little things that are important to your performance were thought of... Things like seamless failover protection of audio and MIDI, XLR outs you can just plug into without direct boxes, control ports that allow you to control all of your connected computers and other hardware, onboard power that works in any part of the world with standard IEC connection, and it all fits in a tiny 1U rack! Imagine no longer...

PlayAUDIO1U allows every working musician access to an easy, seamless, simple & straightforward failover solution.

PlayAUDIO1U fuses iConnectivity's vast engineering knowledge of the live arena, passion for performance, and decades of experience into one product. PlayAUDIO1U ensures working musicians never suffer the embarrassment of a silent show, ever again.

PlayAUDIO1U's secret in part is integrating two computers connected directly to the interface, forming an incredible redundancy / failover protection system. Should your main computer fail, PlayAUDIO1U switches to the backup computer in a heartbeat; so fast that you and your audience won't even notice. Backing tracks keep playing in time and your MIDI gear stays connected. It does this all in a package that is completely designed from the ground up made-to-tour.

PlayAUDIO1U also ships with iConnectivity's new and improved Auracle 2.0. Auracle 2.0 is fast, flexible and intelligent, allowing performers to create a sophisticated live integration of all audio and MIDI connections, inputs and outputs; Auracle lets you do it in minutes, not hours.

Key Features:

12 Balanced panel reinforced XLR outputs

Integrated +48v phantom power protection on outputs protects your interface from accidental damage when plugging directly into consoles or stage boxes

1x 1/4" TRS stereo headphone output with dedicated control for convenient headphone monitoring

2x USB C type ports for connecting computing devices

Automatic and manual computer switching modes, for lightning-fast switching between connected computers

2x two-button "Control" footswitch selectable input/outputs can be mapped to MIDI functions, control over numerous functions on the interface and/or sending control messages to compatible devices

Audio Protection helps stop unwanted noise from corrupt audio sources/files from making it into the audience

USB MIDI host port, offering up to 8 ports worth of USB MIDI for Class Compliant controllers and/or modules

DIN-MIDI port built-in (1 in 1 out)

Ethernet MIDI with 22 ports of connectivity for rugged long-distance MIDI connections

Auracle 2.0 software enables you to tailor the PlayAUDIO1U's settings to your exact needs

"MIDI learn" from external MIDI devices to control key functions on the interface

High-resolution audio - Studio sound quality for the live arena - up to 24-bit/96kHz AD/DA conversion

Comprehensive audio mixing and routing between connected USB computing devices and analog outputs

Easy-to-use capacitive touch control and 2 rotary encoders provide software-less control over PlayAUDIO1U's key features from the front panel

OLED screen for instantaneous status information and precise control

100-240v switching power built-in with Industry-Standard IEC Power Connection

1U ready-to-tour rack-mountable chassis