For personal studio recording and live performance mixing purposes, MOTU introduced the Audio Express -- a 6 x 6 hybrid FireWire / USB 2.0 audio interface and mixer.

The Audio Express features studio-grade sound, hands-on mixing, MIDI connectivity, and plenty of I/O. Advanced features include front-panel control of four stereo mix busses, standalone mixing, digitally controlled analog trim, DDS (Direct Digital Synthesis) audio clocking for low jitter performance, and an instrument tuner.

With MOTU’s Hybrid interface technology onboard, the Audio Express connects to any current Mac or PC via FireWire or high-speed USB 2.0 and provides six simultaneous inputs and outputs. Two XLR / TRS "combo" jacks with clean, neutral preamps provide input for guitars and microphones, with individual 48V phantom power for each input. Two additional 1/4-inch (TRS) analog inputs let you connect a keyboard, drum machine, or other line-level instrument. Four 1/4-inch (TRS) analog outputs can be connected to powered monitors, stage wedges, or other output destinations.

According to the manufacturer, all 1/4-inch analog connectors are balanced to ensure the best-possible protection against RF interference, AC hum, and other noise-producing environmental factors.

The rear panel includes S/PDIF digital I/O, MIDI I/O, and a foot switch input for hands-free punch-in recording (or other computer keyboard function, programmed from the included setup software).

The Audio Express front panel provides straightforward mixing of all six inputs. From here you can plug in a mic, guitar, keyboard, and a digital input device, and immediately control the mix going to the main outs via four front-panel knobs labeled MIC 1, MIC 2, LINE 3-4, and S/PDIF. Furthermore, you can also adjust input trim levels directly from the front panel.

In the studio, Audio Express front-panel mixing can be used for monitor-mixing while tracking into host software on a computer, or for playing connected instruments even when the computer is turned off. On stage, the Audio Express can be used for live mixing, either standalone or  with a computer.

Since it has four stereo mix busses, the Audio Express allows you to create a completely separate mix for each output pair (main outs, line outs, S/PDIF out, and phones). For example, a full mix could be sent to a venue's PA system, while a guitar-only mix could be sent to wedge monitors on stage via the line outs. Input trim levels are maintained across all four mix busses. Programming for all four mixes (and input trim) can be done from the front panel by simply pushing the MIX knob to cycle amongst the four mixes and trim mode.

MOTU Audio Express features:

• 6-input, 6-output audio interface for Mac and Windows
• 6 x 8 physical input / output channels
• Hybrid FireWire / USB 2.0 connectivity
• 8-bus digital mixer
• Four separate mixes
• Two mic / guitar combo jacks
• Stereo analog inputs
• Stereo main outs
• Stereo 24-bit, 96 kHz S/PDIF digital in / out
• Stereo headphone output on quarter-inch jack with independent volume control
• Support for standard sample rates up to 96 kHz
• Precision Digital Trim
• Front-panel mixing and control
• CueMix FX cross-platform mixing software
• Stand-alone operation
• Front panel volume control of main outs and headphone jack
• Expandable -- add additional interfaces for more I/O as your needs grow
• Time code support
• Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS)
• Sample-accurate MIDI
• Foot switch input
• DC-coupled TRS outputs
• Includes native 32- and 64-bit drivers for Mac OS X and Windows 7 / Vista, including ASIO, WDM, Wave, Core Audio, and Core MIDI; supports all popular Mac and Windows audio software
• Compatible with all host-based effects processing in major audio programs
• Includes AudioDesk full-featured sample-accurate workstation software
• Half-rack form factor with removable rack brackets (included) for portable desktop operation or rackmount installation

The new Audio Express will begin shipping this month for $449 (MSRP). To learn more, visit motu.com.