Emu 0404 USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI Interface

Think about recording as taking a picture of your music. The Polaroid-quality of the old four track tape machines had its charm, but you want your computer-based recordings to be be crisp, clear, and colorful. The Emu 0404 is one of the most accurate USB audio interfaces available, and at a price that's simply unbeatable. It employs ultra-low-noise preamps, very high quality converters, and a streamlined design to create a pristine recording path from the real world of your studio to the digital world of your recording computer.

Unmatched Analog-Digital Conversion
The most impressive spec on the Emu 0404 is this one: 24-bit, 192kHz analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion. It's the highest resolution you can get in a USB audio interface, and it means the most accurate possible picture of your performances.

Super-Low Noise And Low-Jitter
Of course, ultra-high resolution would only expose the flaws of lesser-grade components, so the E-MU 0404 is pro-quality throughout its entire signal path. A pair of XTC class-A preamps provide crystal-clear recording with microphones and direct instruments, and are capable of supporting studio-quality condenser microphones that require a full 48v of phantom power for operation. These preamps feature a unique soft-clipping limiter that allows for higher input gain without the risk of harsh digital distortion. The 0404 is also outfitted with a top-notch word clock that keeps conversion sampling rates consistent. This oft-overlooked feature eliminates the digital "jitter" inherent in USB audio interfaces, and markedly improves low-end focus and mid-range clarity.

Plenty Of Ins And Outs For Audio And MIDI
Every input and output you'll need for professional recording is on the Emu 0404. You get a pair of combination XLR/line-level/Hi-Z inputs for connecting studio microphones, synthesizers, or direct recording guitars and basses. Digital S/PDIF in and out allows for the connection of external, digital recording processors and preamps, and full MIDI I/O easily integrates external sequencers and sound modules.

Zero-Latency Direct Monitoring
Not all USB interfaces include direct monitoring but the 0404 has it. Direct monitoring is the only way to record delay-free overdubs without having to setup complicated latency delay compensation settings in your recording software. Direct monitoring is the key to professional-level multitrack recording, and the 0404 provides hardware monitoring through headphones or balanced line-outputs to powered studio monitors.

Truly Plug-N-Play Interface
The Emu 0404 sets up in seconds, and ships with drivers for every OS--even 64-bit Windows Vista drivers are included. You also get demo or "lite" versions of some of the most popular recording software on the planet, so you can start tracking right out of the box with your Emu 0404.

Clarity, stability, and instant set-up. If you're looking to capture accurate studio performances and get the most bang for your project budget buck, you just can't go wrong with the Emu 0404 USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI Interface.

E-MU's new 0404 USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI Interface delivers an unparalleled level of audio performance to your PC with premium 24-bit/192kHz A/D and D/A converters, pristine XTC mic/line/hi-Z preamps, ultra-low jitter clock and rock-solid stability. From its plug-and-play functionality and hands-on ergonomic design to professional features and signal-to-noise specs that are simply unmatched by any other USB interface on the market, the 0404 USB will forever change your expectations of USB audio. The 0404 USB also ships with the E-MU Production Tools Software Bundle that includes E-MU's Proteus VX, as well as software by Cakewalk, Steinberg, Ableton, IK Multimedia, and many more -- everything you need to create, record, edit and master your music.

White Limited Edition Model
A fresh updated look to one of the most popular USB audio interfaces being sold on the market today. The new White “Limited Edition” 0404 USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI Interface for Mac and PC delivers the same great performance and spec’s as Emu's classic Gray 0404 USB unit along with a new updated Vista-compatible software bundle.

Features:
Premium 24-bit/192kHz A/D and D/A converters (A/D: 113dB SNR, D/A: 117dB SNR) deliver unmatched USB audio fidelity

E-MU XTC Class-A ultra-low noise Mic/Line/Hi-Z preamplifiers (-127dB EIN) with 48V phantom power and ground lift switches enable you to plug microphones, keyboards and guitars straight into your computer with professional results, while the built-in analog soft limiting circuit lets you record a hotter signal without fear of clipping

Comprehensive digital I/O with optical and coaxial S/PDIF (switchable to AES/EBU) and MIDI In/Out to easily connect all of your digital studio gear and instruments

Ultra-low latency Windows XP and x64 USB 2.0 drivers offer accurate timing and playback of your recorded audio and software instruments

Hardware zero-latency direct monitoring (mono/stereo) allows you to record and overdub with no annoying delay

Plug-and-play operation with hands-on control of all major functions like master level, direct monitoring, preamplifier controls and more

Compatibility with most popular audio/sequencer applications (ASIO2, WDM, MME - AC3 and DTS Passthru supported)

* Mac OS X drivers available right now

I/O Configuration:
2 E-MU XTC Ultra-low Noise Mic/Line/Hi-Z Preamps with Soft Limiter and 48V Phantom Power (-127dBu EIN)

2 x 1/4 in. Balanced Outputs (117dB SNR)

Stereo 1/8 in. Speaker Output (117dB SNR)

24-bit/96kHz S/PDIF Optical In/Out (Switchable to AES/EBU)

24-bit/96kHz S/PDIF Coaxial In/Out (Switchable to AES/EBU)

MIDI Input/Output

Stereo Headphone Output (114dB SNR)

Technical Info

Minimum System Requirements
Intel or AMD processor -- 1.2 GHz or faster

Intel, AMD or 100% compatible motherboard & chipset

Microsoft Windows XP (SP 2 or greater) or Windows XP x64

1 available (Hi-speed) USB 2.0 port*

256MB System RAM

900MB of free hard disk space for full installation

CD-ROM/CD-RW or DVD-ROM drive required for software installation

XVGA Video (1024 X 768)

* When using a USB 1.1 port, performance will be limited to 16-bit and 44.1/48kHz recording and playback

General
Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz from internal crystal (no sample rate conversion)

Bit Depth: 24-bit I/O, 32-bit processing

USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
- Full 24-bit resolution at all sample rates
- 4in/4 out channels from 44.1-96kHz
- 2 in/2 out channels from 176.4-192kHz

Zero-latency direct hardware monitoring (disabled at 176.4-192kHz)

ASIO2, WDM, MME - AC3 and DTS Passthru supported

Anti-Pop speaker protection minimizes noise during power on/off

Ultra-low jitter clock subsystem: < 500ps RMS in PLL mode (48kHz, Coaxial S/PDIF Sync)

Combo Microphone Preamplifier/Hi-Z/Line Inputs (2)
Type: E-MU XTC combo mic preamplifier and Hi-Z/line input w/ Soft Limiter

A/D converter: AK5385A

Gain Range: +60dB

Frequency Response (min gain, 20Hz-20kHz): +0.0/-0.16dB

Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz min gain, -1dBFS): < -110dB

Hi-Z Line Input:
- Input Impedance: 1Mohm
- Max Level: +12dBV (14.2dBu)
- Dynamic Range (A-weighted, 1kHz, min gain): 113dB
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted, min gain): 113dB
- THD+N (1kHz at -1dBFS, min gain): -101dB (.0009%)

Microphone Preamplifier:
- Input Impedance: 1.5Kohms
- Max Level: +6dBV (+8.2dBu)
- EIN (20Hz-20kHz, 150ohm, unweighted): -127dBu
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted, min gain): 112.5dB
- THD+N (1kHz at -1dBFS, min gain): -101dB (.0009%)
- Phantom Power: 48V
- Soft Limiter: 5dB max compression (software selectable)

Analog Line Outputs (2)
Type: balanced, AC-coupled, 2-pole low-pass differential filter

D/A converter: AK4396

Level (auto detect):
- Professional: +12dBV max (balanced)
- Consumer: +6dBV max (unbalanced)

Frequency Response (20Hz - 20kHz): 0.06/-.035dB

Dynamic Range (1kHz, A-weighted): 117dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted): 117dB

THD+N (1kHz at -1dBFS): -100dB (.001%)

Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz at -1dBFS): < -114.5dB

Headphone Amplifier
Type: Class-A power amplifier

D/A converter: AK4396 (shared with Line Out)

Gain Range: 60dB

Maximum Output Power: 20mW

Output impedance: 22ohms

Frequency Response (20Hz-20kHz): +0.06/-0.035dB

Dynamic Range (A-weighted): 114dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted): 114dB

THD+N (1kHz, max gain): 600ohm load: -95.5dB (.0018%)

Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz at -1dBFS, 600 ohm load): < -85dB

Digital I/O
S/PDIF:
- 2 in/2 out coaxial (transformer coupled)
- 2 in/2 out optical
- AES/EBU or S/PDIF format (software selectable)

MIDI
- 1 in, 1 out

Synchronization
Internal crystal sync at 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz

External sample rate sync via
- Optical S/PDIF (44.1 - 96kHz)
- Coaxial S/PDIF (44.1 - 96kHz)

Retail Box Contents
E-MU 0404 USB 2.0 AudioPod

USB cable

Universal power adaptor

Quick Start installation guide

E-MU Software/Manual CD-ROM
- Windows XP and x64 Drivers
- Owner's Manual and Tutorials

E-MU Production Tools Software Bundle CD-ROM
- Cakewalk SONAR LE
- Steinberg Cubase LE
- Ableton Live Lite 4 for E-MU
- Steinberg Wavelab Lite
- IK Multimedia AmpliTube LE
- SFX Machine LT
- Minnetonka diskWelder BRONZE (trial)
- E-MU Proteus® VX (over 1000 sounds included)

Cross-platform support (Windows XP/x64 and Mac OS X) and compatibility with most popular audio/sequencer applications (Windows: ASIO2, WDM, MME, AC-3 and DTS Passthru; Macintosh: Apple CoreAudio, CoreMIDI, AC-3 and DTS Passthru)

Record pristine audio with this high quality audio interface. USB 2.0 for ultra-fast transfer. Premium A/D converters with sample rates up to 24-bit 192 kHz. Two Class A mic preamps accept mic/line/hi-Z input signals. Onboard phantom power. Zero-latency hardware monitoring. Mac/PC compatible. Available in Black and White.