Say this three times fast: EIE I/O. Announced at Winter NAMM 2011, the EIE I/O is the latest audio interface and USB hub from Akai Professional.

Ideal for project and portable studio setups, the EIE (Electromusic Interface Expander) I/O tabletop USB audio interface is a four-in, four-out (4 x 4) device that enables users on Mac and PC-based systems to record up to 24-bit resolution into any DAW, recording, or performance software. In addition to its main USB port, the EIE I/O also houses three additional USB inputs, which let you 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.

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 any type of microphone, along with individual ¼" Nickel-plated jacks on the rear of the unit for channel inserts for processing audio signals externally.

You can monitor sessions on multiple sets of studio monitors using the four ¼" balanced outputs, which are also Nickel-plated. Both pairs of outputs can be monitored visually with the analog VU meters, and for remote tracking and alternative playback, the EIE I/O has a 1/4" TRS headphone output. Analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters ensure that every detail of each session or performance gets captured and played back.

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 bus-powered EIE I/O is class compliant for plug-and-play operation with Mac OS X and Windows XP, Vista, and 7. It features traditional MIDI In and Out jacks for playing and controlling software with keyboard and pad controllers, workstations, and other MIDI-compatible instruments.

Akai EIE I/O 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 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
• Includes power cable, quick start guide

Akai plans on releasing the new EIE I/O in the first quarter of 2011. For more information, visit akaipro.com.