Mark of the Unicorn (MOTU) 24IO 24-Channel Audio Interface

Manufacturer's Description for Mark of the Unicorn (MOTU) 24IO 24-Channel Audio Interface

Mark of the Unicorn (MOTU) 24IO Core 24-Channel Audio Interface
The MOTU Audio 24I/O interface fulfills the promise of host-based hard disk recording: to record, edit, mix process, and master multi-track recording projects entirely inside the computer. It provides 24 high quality, 24-bit/96kHz analog inputs and outputs in a cost effective, single rack space package, allowing you to connect and record from 24 simultaneous analog sources.

Metering
The 24I/O's front panel is essentially a dedicated meter bridge for your hard disk recording system. Audio activity for every input and output is represented by its own five-segment LED bar graph.

Front Panel Power Switch
Useful in the unlikely event you wish to turn off your 24I/O. An interesting fact about MOTU Audio interfaces is that they are hot swappable. This means you can power off, plug-in, add and remove interfaces without turning your computer off or restarting. In fact, if you already have a 2408mk3 or other PCI-424 system, adding a 24I/O is as easy as plugging in an AudioWire cable.

24-bit analog TRS Input and Output
The 24 analog inputs and outputs are professional-grade TRS (balanced/unbalanced) connectors operating at either -10 dB or +4 dB. The input level can be switched via software in banks of eight inputs. In addition, CumixDSP provides continuously variable input trim with up to 12 dB boost per channel.

Word Clock I/O
The 24I/O audio interface provides industry standard word clock sync on a single BNC connector that can be programmed for input or output via software. When operating as a word clock input, the word connector allows the 24I/O to synchronize smoothly with today's digital audio studio. When operating as a word clock output, the word connector can be used as a master clock to drive other digital devices in your studio, such as a digital mixer.

AudioWire
The 24I/O uses the second generation AudioWire we introduced with the 2408mk3. It is a high-bandwidth digital audio format capable of carrying up to 24 channels of 96 kHz digital audio in and out of the computer at the same time. AudioWire can readily handle the 24 simultaneous inputs and outputs of the 24I/O audio interface.

Power Supply
Like all MOTU hardware products, the 24I/O comes with an internal power supply and standard detachable IEC power cable. No wall warts or line lumps.

Expansion
The 24I/O uses the same PCI-424 card that comes with the 2408mk3. You can connect up to four audio interfaces to a PCI-424 in any combination to create a system that fits your needs.

An ideal companion for the 2408
The 24I/O adds 24 channels of high quality analog input and output to your MOTU Audio system. With that much I/O available, you can keep the outputs of your synthesizers and outboard effects patched into your computer at all times. It is a snap to route the output via the PCI-424 Console Software.

Cuemix DSP
The PCI-424 card features a powerful DSP chip dedicated to creating a custom tailored monitor mix of up to 96 channels of 96kHz audio. Because the mixing takes place on the card itself, instead of making the round trip from the PCI bus to the host processor, the system provides the same near-zero latency performance as today's latest digital mixers. CueMix DSP completely eliminates the buffer latency associated with monitoring on host-based systems. Because the DSP is mixing for you, your computer's CPU is free for other tasks.
Cuemix DSP is the most flexible Cuemix ever, allowing you to mix multiple channels into multiple mix busses or directly assigned outputs. Manage your monitor mix with the intuitive Cuemix Console software included with the 24I/O.

Cuemix console greatly now provides independent level and pan controls for each input on every mix. Also, CuemixDSP does not limit you to four stereo mixes. You can configure a unique mix for every physical stereo output you have available. This means you can have up to 48 separate stereo mixes on a 96 output system.

Any MOTU Audiowire interface plugged into the PCI-424, including the original 2408, can take advantage of Cuemix's flexible monitoring.

Legacy Compatibility
The PCI-424 card included with 24I/O core systems is fully compatible with legacy MOTU interfaces originally designed for the PCI-324 card. Connect any MOTU PCI interface, including the 2408mk3, 2408mkII, 2408, 1296, 1224, 24I/O, and 308. Mix and match new and legacy interfaces as you please. All connected interfaces can take full advantage of the PCI-424's CueMix DSP features.

Setup Wizard
In a perfect world, your 24I/O system would arrive a week before your next recording project. But chances are, it will be only a few hours. That's why the 24I/O includes a setup wizard for both Mac and Windows based systems. The Setup Wizard is an interactive application that helps you connect everything together. It even configures the 24I/O driver for you when you're done! With the 24I/O, you'll be up and running in minutes.

Feature Summary
Expandable - connect up to four 24I/O units to a PCI-424 audio card for a total of 96 inputs and outputs. Use as many simultaneous channels as host software and computer allow.

100% compatible with all MOTU Audio Wire interfaces. Mix and match MOTU audio interfaces (up to four at once) to meet your exact I/O needs.

ASIO drivers for Mac OS and Windows - provides multi-channel 24-bit I/O for all leading ASIO-compliant audio software on both computer platforms.

Multichannel WDM driver - provides simultaneous inputs/outputs for all Windows audio applications that support standard WDM and multi-channel Wave drivers.

100% compatible with VST, MAS, Premiere, DirectX, and all other host-based native plug-in formats supported by today's popular audio programs. Does not require proprietary plug-ins.

Word clock - resolves to time code or any other external time base via MOTU's Digital Timepiece synchronizer or any other standard digital audio synchronization device.

Resolves directly to SMPTE time code (LTC) with fast lock-up and sub-frame accuracy. zZounds is an authorized dealer of Mark of the Unicorn (MOTU) products.

Specifications
24 analog inputs/outputs with 24-bit, 96kHz converters on balanced/unbalanced 1/4 in. TRS connectors

16, 20 and 24-bit recording at 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96kHz

ADAT sync input on PCI-424 card

Word clock

Includes cross-platform PCI-424 card

MOTU has Vista-compatible drivers available for all MOTU Firewire, PCI and USB hardware interface products.