Built-in mixing, routing and remote control.It is therefore advisable to work at 24-bit whenever possible. Although the I/O supports all four common sample rates (44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96 kHz) it only records at 24-bit, meaning that when you record into an existing 16-bit session the data will be truncated to 16-bit depth by the host software. Analogue outputs are on eight balanced TRS sockets with 24-bit/96kHz D-A converters. There are four balanced XLR inputs and four balanced TRS inputs, all with 24-bit/96kHz A-D converters. On the rear panel the physical access to these channels is laid out as follows. The Mobile I/O offers 18 channels of input and output: eight analogue, eight via ADAT lightpipe and two 'copper-based' digital (either AES-EBU or S/PDIF). At 1U high it can also be rackmounted if required, and rack ears are supplied.
MIO CONSOLE UPDATE WINDOWS
It can be powered by the FireWire buss if required and at 347mm wide, it is only 8mm wider than the Apple Powerbook with which it is ideally partnered (users of Windows laptops will have to wait until the New Year for appropriate software).
Photo: Mark EwingMetric Halo's long-awaited Mobile I/O is now available, and looks set to provide an interesting alternative. FireWire should be an ideal audio connection protocol for laptops, since it doesn't require a PCI card: however, any mobility that you might gain with the MOTU products is hindered by their need for mains connection, and their standard 19-inch rack width which does not slot easily into a briefcase! The variety of FireWire audio interfaces currently on the market is very limited compared to their PCI counterparts, and MOTU have dominated the field with their 828 and 896 (reviewed SOS July 2001 and July 2002 respectively), both of which are highly popular with users.
Now, however, Metric Halo's Mobile I/O looks likely to threaten their dominance, offering true portability and built-in DSP mixing. Despite the obvious advantages of FireWire as an audio interface protocol, MOTU have had the market to themselves.
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