M-Audio Debuts ProjectMix I/O at AESCombination control surface, audio interface and mic preamp delivers tactile control for popular recording software programs
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October 8, 2005
M-Audio is proud to announced the ProjectMix I/O combination motorized control surface and
multi-channel audio interface. ProjectMix I/O is designed to simplify system
configuration and streamline production by integrating everything needed to
give project studios many of the workflow advantages of pro studios.
Connecting via a simple FireWire (IEEE 1394) connection, this new
device brings the integration of total tactile control, 18 x 14 audio I/O
and professional preamps to all of the industry's major software
applications. The unit boots into dedicated modes for Pro Tools, Ableton
Live 5, Logic, Digital Performer, Cubase and SONAR (support for some software provided after product launch via free downloadable firmware upgrade). In addition to
supporting the aforementioned DAWs, ProjectMix I/O allows users to record directly into
industry-standard Pro Tools sessions in Pro Tools M-Powered.
Each of the ProjectMix I/O control surface's eight channel strips and master
strip feature a moving fader for hands-on mixing and seamless automation.
The moving faders are touch-sensitive to galvanic skin current, providing
for fluid operation and the elimination of motor burnout prevalent in older
technologies. The ProjectMix I/O control surface's faders also have true
10-bit resolution for smoother control compared to 7-bit components on other
similarly priced systems that can cause zipper noises and sloppy automation.
The ProjectMix I/O control surface's eight channel strips can map to all the
channels in a larger project by simply pressing the bank +/- and channel +/-
controls. In addition to a touch-sensitive motorized fader, each channel
strip features buttons for record enable, mute, solo, and select. Each strip
has an endless rotary encoder knob, the function of which is assigned by one
of 15 dedicated buttons for EQ, aux send and more. Related information is
displayed in the LCD display directly above the encoders. The encoders and
LCD display double to control assigned plug-in parameters as well.
Dedicated transport controls also makes doing sessions with ProjectMix I/O a
breeze. Users get illuminated controls for record, play, stop, fast forward,
and rewind, plus a jog/scrub wheel and locate buttons for easy project
navigation. There are also sets of keys for in/out points, zoom, region
nudge, looping and more designed to optimize session efficiency.
ProjectMix I/O integrates just about every kind of I/O that might be needed
for a session--and at the same price as many control surfaces lacking audio
altogether. Eight analog input channels all feature high-quality preamps
with individual mic/line switches and 1/4" TRS balanced and XLR inputs.
Phantom power is provided for up to eight condenser mics. Input 1 also
features a front-panel instrument input for easy direct connection of a
guitar or bass during a session. ADAT Lightpipe I/O brings the simultaneous
input total to 16, allowing users to expand their system with devices like
M-Audio's award-winning Octane eight-channel preamp. S/PDIF accommodates
other standard digital connectivity, and word clock synchronizes ProjectMix
I/O with other digital devices.
ProjectMix I/O also serves as a 1 x 1 MIDI interface, allowing the connected
computer to communicate with MIDI hardware. The ProjectMix I/O ships with
M-Audio's ProjectMix Control software application for Mac and Windows. This
application allows users to assign special MIDI commands to the control
surface faders, encoders and buttons for control of outboard sound modules,
effects processors or virtual instruments in the computer. This MIDI mode,
which is separate from the DAW control mode, can be accessed at any time
with the press of a button.
The ProjectMix I/O control surface's monitoring options include two 1?4"
headphone outputs with separate volume controls for working with a partner,
as well as two stereo output pairs for routing to monitors, processors and
mixdown devices. There's also an A/B headphone source-monitoring switch for
DJ-style cueing.
ProjectMix I/O is compatible with Mac and PC computers. In addition to
supporting Mackie Control, Logic Control and HUI protocols, the unit is
compatible with WDM, ASIO 2, Core Audio and GSIF 2.
ProjectMix I/O is expected to ship in October with an MSRP of $1,249.95.
For more information, visit their web site at www.m-audio.com. | 
