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Connecting via a simple FireWire (IEEE 1394) connection, this exciting new device brings the integration of total tactile control, 18 x 14 audio I/O and professional preamps to all of the industry’s major software applications. The unit boots into dedicated modes for Pro Tools®, Ableton Live 5^, Logic*, Digital Performer*^, Cubase* and SONAR*^. In addition to supporting the aforementioned DAWs, ProjectMix I/O is the only universal integrated control surface that allows users to record directly into industry-standard Pro Tools sessions in Pro Tools M-Powered™. Each of the ProjectMix I/O control surface’s eight channel strips and master strip feature a moving fader for hands-on mixing and seamless automation. The moving faders are touch-sensitive to galvanic skin current, providing for fluid operation and the elimination of motor burnout prevalent in older technologies. The ProjectMix I/O control surface’s faders also have true 10-bit resolution for smoother control compared to 7-bit components on other similarly priced systems that can cause zipper noises and sloppy automation. The ProjectMix I/O control surface’s eight channel strips can map to all the channels in a larger project by simply pressing the bank +/- and channel +/- controls. In addition to a touch-sensitive motorized fader, each channel strip features buttons for record enable, mute, solo, and select. Each strip has an endless rotary encoder knob, the function of which is assigned by one of 15 dedicated buttons for EQ, aux send and more. Related information is displayed in the LCD display directly above the encoders. The encoders and LCD display double to control assigned plug-in parameters as well. Dedicated transport controls also makes doing sessions with ProjectMix I/O a breeze. Users get illuminated controls for record, play, stop, fast forward, and rewind, plus a jog/scrub wheel and locate buttons for easy project navigation. There are also sets of keys for in/out points, zoom, region nudge, looping and more designed to optimize session efficiency. ProjectMix I/O integrates just about every kind of I/O that might be needed for a session—and at the same price as many control surfaces lacking audio altogether. Eight analog input channels all feature high-quality preamps with individual mic/line switches and ¼” TRS balanced and XLR inputs. Phantom power is provided for up to eight condenser mics. Input 1 also features a front-panel instrument input for easy direct connection of a guitar or bass during a session. ADAT Lightpipe I/O brings the simultaneous input total to 16, allowing users to expand their system with devices like M-Audio’s award-winning Octane eight-channel preamp. S/PDIF accommodates other standard digital connectivity, and word clock synchronizes ProjectMix I/O with other digital devices. ProjectMix I/O also serves as a 1 x 1 MIDI interface, allowing the connected computer to communicate with MIDI hardware. The ProjectMix I/O ships with M-Audio’s ProjectMix Control software application for Mac and Windows. This application allows users to assign special MIDI commands to the control surface faders, encoders and buttons for control of outboard sound modules, effects processors or virtual instruments in the computer. This MIDI mode, which is separate from the DAW control mode, can be accessed at any time with the press of a button. The ProjectMix I/O control surface’s monitoring options include two ¼” headphone outputs with separate volume controls for working with a partner, as well as two stereo output pairs for routing to monitors, processors and mixdown devices. There’s also an A/B headphone source-monitoring switch for DJ-style cueing. ProjectMix I/O is compatible with Mac and PC computers. In addition to supporting Mackie Control, Logic Control and HUI protocols, the unit is compatible with WDM, ASIO 2, Core Audio and GSIF 2. “An increasing number of music projects today are produced in personal and project studios—and that means users are demanding more professional standards from their gear,” says Adam Castillo, marketing director at M-Audio. “Today’s software DAWs are capable of doing just about anything—except being hardware. The ProjectMix I/O brings computer-based studios the simplicity and reliability of a dedicated studio-in-a-box while remaining expandable, updatable and filled with creative options." ProjectMix I/O is expected to ship in October with an MSRP of $1,249.95. * DAW software version must support Mackie Control, Logic Control or HUI protocol. ^ Support provided after product launch via free downloadable firmware upgrade; check www.m-audio.com for availability. About M-Audio M-Audio, a part of Avid Technology, Inc., is a leading provider of creative tools for today’s electronic musicians and audio professionals. Founded in 1988, M-Audio now has independent offices in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, France and Japan, as well as independent distribution in most of the rest of the world. M-Audio’s ability to parlay advanced technology into affordable products has led the company to win some of the international audio community’s highest praise and awards. M-Audio’s mission of “Redefining the Studio” delivers new levels of control, virtualization and mobility that transform the way computer-centric musicians compose, perform and live their creative lives. In addition to manufacturing its own product lines like the popular Delta™ audio cards, Studiophile™ reference monitors and USB MIDI controllers, M-Audio also wholly owns Evolution Electronics, LTD., and distributes other best-of-class products such as Ableton Live, Way Out Ware TimewARP 2600, Wizoo virtual instruments, Glaresoft iDrum, iZotope processing solutions and GForce virtual vintage instruments. In 2002, the company successfully launched a product line that brings professional-quality audio to the consumer electronics market. |
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