DISC Alesis iO2 Express 24-bit USB Audio Interface

Full Description

The iO2 Express is a compact, audio-recording interface for home studios and portable recording setups. This two-channel USB device for Mac and PC-based systems allows you to record at up to 24-bit resolution for input into virtually all DAW, recording, and performance software. It's small enough to comfortably fit into your mobile recording rig, laptop bag, or backpack, while featuring high-quality components and circuitry suitable for the studio.

Flexible Recording and Playback

The iO2 Express boasts discrete-design preamplifiers and true 48-volt phantom power to let you capture microphones' complete signal. It has high quality analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters, allowing for the finest details to be recorded and played back on your monitoring system. With a simple plug-and-play design you can use the iO2 EXPRESS with virtually any computer.

Power from your Computer

You won't need an additional power supply, because the iO2 express is powered by USB bus. The interface's performance is optimised for minimal laptop battery drain, meaning you'll be able to record long sessions away from the desktop.

iO Inputs and Outputs

• Two input channels. Each channel has an XLR microphone input, a 1/4" TRS insert for external effects units, and a 1/4" TS jack which works with line-level sources and can accommodate direct connection of guitars.

• Single USB cable. The interface sends and receives two audio channels on a single USB cable for great simplicity.

• Dual 1/4" Balanced Outputs. Monitor your sessions on any studio monitoring or other loudspeaker system via dual 1/4" balanced outputs.

• 1/4" TRS headphone output. For remote tracking and alternative playback.

• MIDI In and Out jacks. Play and control software with keyboard and pad controllers, workstations, and other MIDI-compatible instruments.

Level Management

• Gain trim control for each channel

• Master level control for optimal gain staging.

• Dedicated volume control for headphone monitoring.

• Tricolor, stereo metering tree and lighted status indicators lets you visually monitor levels and operation.

Steinberg Cubase LE Software Included

The iO2 Express comes complete with a copy of Steinberg Cubase LE digtal audio workstation (DAW) software. Cubase is one of the most popular DAWs in the world thanks to its intuitive approach to composing, recording, editing and mixing. In addition to the included software, the iO2 EXPRESS is compatible with virtually all audio and MIDI software.

Features

• Two-channel computer audio recording interface

• Record up to 24-bit, 48 kHz audio into virtually any software

• Monitor sessions with balanced studio monitor and headphone outputs

• High-quality A/D and D/A converters, discrete-design preamps, 48V phantom power

• Inputs for microphones, line-level sources, and instruments including guitars

• Tricolor stereo level meter and lighted status indicators for visual monitoring

• MIDI Input and Output jacks for playing and controlling software with instruments

• USB bus powered - no external power supply needed

Specifications

System Requirements

• Mac: OS X 10.6, 10.7, 10.8
• Windows: XP, Vista, 7, or 8
• USB port

Frequency Response

• MIC/LINE IN to USB OUT: ±0.1dB
• MIC/LINE IN to MAIN OUT (through ADC/DAC): ±0.35dB

Signal-To-Noise Ratio (SNR)

• MIC/LINE IN (balanced) to INSERT OUT: 110dB A-weighted, input impedance at XLR or 1/4" jack = 600 Ohms
• GUITAR IN (unbalanced) to INSERT OUT: 99dB A-weighted, input impedance at 1/4" jack = 600 Ohms
• MIC/LINE IN (balanced) to USB OUT: 99dB A-weighted, input impedance at MIC or LINE jack = 600 Ohms
• GUITAR IN (unbalanced) to USB OUT: 94dB A-weighted, input impedance at 1/4" jack = 600 Ohms
• MIC/LINE IN (balanced) to MAIN OUT (through ADC/DAC): 97dB A-weighted, input impedance at MIC or LINE jack = 600 Ohms
• MIC/LINE IN (balanced) to MAIN OUT (through direct monitor): 95dB A-weighted, input impedance at MIC or LINE jack = 600 Ohms

Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N)

• MIC/LINE IN (balanced) to INSERT OUT: <0.001 Input Gain = minimum, 1KHz input signal, INSERT OUT = 5.7dBV
• GUITAR IN (unbalanced) to INSERT OUT: 0.034 Input Gain = minimum, 1KHz input signal, INSERT OUT = 5.3dBV
• MIC/LINE IN (balanced) to USB OUT: 0.003 Input Gain = minimum, 1KHz input signal, USB OUT = -0.3dBFS
• GUITAR IN (unbalanced) to USB OUT: 0.034 Input Gain = minimum, 1KHz input signal, USB OUT = -0.7dBFS
• MIC/LINE IN (balanced) to MAIN OUT (through ADC/DAC): 0.005 Input Gain = minimum, 1KHz input signal, MAIN OUT = 5.6dBV
• MIC/LINE IN (balanced) to MAIN OUT (through direct monitor): 0.006 Input Gain = minimum, 1KHz input signal, MAIN OUT = 5.6dBV