Small is in when it comes to audio interfaces like the new MOTU MicroBook.

This USB bus-powered audio interface, compact enough to fit in your pocket, delivers studio-grade audio performance and turns a Mac or PC into 4x2 recording studio with all the audio I/O and mixing you need to get going, according to the manufacturer.

The MicroBook has four simultaneous inputs for a microphone, a guitar, and a keyboard, or other stereo line level device, along with four programmable pairs of outputs -- balanced TRS 1/4-inch main outs, stereo "mini" line out, S/PDIF digital out, and headphones. Its mic preamp provides neutral coloration and pristine sound with 20 dB pad and 48V phantom power for condenser mics, while the guitar input provides the proper impedance loads for guitars, so that you can play through guitar processing plugins in host software.

In addition, the MicroBook features internal mixing and routing options, and it lets you program up to five different stereo mixes consisting of any combination of inputs and host audio tracks. The main outs, stereo "mini" out, and headphones can each produce an independent output mix. Likewise, the S/PDIF digital output mirrors the main outs.

Seven separate filters are available on every input and output, including low-shelf and high-shelf, with graphic control of each EQ parameter via the CueMix FX software. Classic compression is also available, with individual settings for each input and output. What's more, the MicroBook features tools such as real-time FFT, spectrogram waterfall, oscilloscope, X-Y plot, and phase analysis, plus a test tone and noise generator that can be independently assigned to any output.

Check out the MOTU MicroBook:

• 4-input, 2-output bus-powered "plug-and-play" USB audio interface (Mac / Win)
• 4 x 8 physical input / output channels
• 10-bus digital mixer to route and mix live inputs with live computer tracks
• Preamp equipped mic input with Precision Digital Trim, 48V phantom power, and 20 dB pad
• Guitar input with Precision Digital Trim
• Stereo line level analog input (balanced TRS quarter-inch or stereo mini)
• Stereo balanced TRS 1/4-inch line level main outs
• Stereo 1.8-inch "mini" line level out
• S/PDIF digital out (duplicates main out)
• Headphones output on 1/8-inch stereo "mini" jack with independent volume control
• Digitally controlled analog trim for all analog inputs
• Digital trim for all outputs
• CueMix FX no-latency mixing and monitoring with EQ and dynamics processing
• 7-band parametric EQ and compression
• Test tone and white / pink noise generator
• Advanced audio analysis software tools, including FFT display, spectrogram "waterfall" display, oscilloscope, X-Y plot, and phase torch
• Industry standard Mac and Windows audio drivers (Core Audio, Wave, and ASIO) for across-the-board compatibility
• Compatible with all current and recent generation Macs and PCs
• Includes AudioDesk DAW software for Mac, USB cable, and mic cable adapter

MOTU expects to begin shipping the MicroBook sometime during July of 2010 for $269 (MSRP). For more information, please visit motu.com.