OmniStudio USB Added to M-Audio's Interface Lineup
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(Click for a close-up) |
July 22, 2003
At this year's Summer NAMM show, M-Audio announced the OmniStudio USB--a complete USB audio/MIDI studio interface. OmniStudio USB builds on M-Audio' s Quattro
USB and Omni Studio, combining their features into a single compact 24-bit/96kHz interface for USB computers.
The 4x4 architecture is software configurable for 4x4 operation at 16-bits, or 2x4 or 4x2 operation at 24-bits, thereby getting the
most out of the bandwidth available via the USB specification. The unit sports an on-board mixer along with numerous connections
for auxiliary I/O, effects sends/returns, monitoring and more. OmniStudio USB is designed for both mobile and desktop operation
and includes detachable rack-mount ears.
The first two inputs of OmniStudio USB feature Neutrik connectors to accept both XLR and balanced 1/4" TRS microphone and
instrument inputs, each complete with M-Audio's pre-amp technology, switchable phantom power, gain control knob
(up to 66dB), 20dB pad switch, 1/4" inserts, and signal present/clip LED. Two additional balanced 1/4" TRS line inputs with
selectable +4dBu/-10dBV operation levels also route to the A/D converter.
Zero-latency direct monitoring of all four inputs is
available, complete with individual mix level controls that are independent of record levels. Switches control direct monitoring and
mono/stereo mode for each stereo pair. Four stereo aux inputs on pairs of 1/4" TRS jacks provide direct zero-latency monitoring of
the connected signals to the output bus or can be routed to the A/D converters for recording outboard sound modules and other
line-level signals.
Outputs on the OmniStudio USB include individual balanced 1/4" TRS direct outputs from the four D/A channels, a stereo balanced
1/4" TRS monitor output pair complete with level control, a stereo balanced 1/4" TRS record output pair (independent of the
monitor level control), and two separate 1/4" TRS stereo headphone outputs with individual level controls. The unit also features
effects sends with level controls for each of the four D/A or direct monitor signals, as well as a stereo effects return. OmniStudio
USB also serves as a 1x1 USB MIDI interface, thus providing a complete all-in-one audio/MIDI interface solution ideal for today's
compact and mobile recording studio situations. OmniStudio USB ships with full driver support for Mac and Windows computers,
including OS X. The package also includes M-Audio's Maximum Audio Tools bundle including an assortment of software designed
to get users making music immediately.
OmniStudio USB is expected to ship in the beginning of September 2003 and carries an MSRP of $599.99.
For more information, visit their web site at www.m-audio.com. | 
