Slate Digital VRS8 Virtual Analog Thunderbolt Audio Interface

The result of nearly three years of development, the VRS8 Virtual Analog interface unifies Slate Digital's software and hardware into a robust audio ecosystem called The Virtual Recording Studio. Slate used a "no compromise" design approach, resulting in a fantastic-sounding eight-channel audio interface that leads the industry when it comes to components, specs, price and performance.


See how Steven Slate and his team developed the VRS8 interface:


See how studio pros use Slate VRS gear in real-world recording sessions:

Eight Ultra Linear Preamps

The start of any signal chain is extremely important, which is why the VRS8 features EIGHT high bandwidth Ultra Linear microphone preamps. These are the same 'blank canvas' preamps as the VMS-One preamp designed by Paul Wolff (formerly of API and Tonelux) from Slate's award-winning Virtual Microphone System, enabling you to use their modeling software to recreate the authentic sound of famous microphones and preamps. Each preamp has its own high-quality metal knob, so you can easily set levels like a regular analog preamp -- instead of using single logic controller knobs and menus.

Industry Best Converters

The next step in the signal chain is the converter itself. The VRS8 offers mastering-quality conversion by incorporating the newest AKM AK5578 converter chips -- offering a whopping industry-best 124db of dynamic range on all 8 inputs!

High Quality Components

The sound of an audio interface relies on much… read more more than the converter chip itself -- all of the components in the audio circuit have a direct result on the audio quality. Keeping to Slate's "no compromise" design aesthetic, the VRS8 utilizes high-quality WIMA capacitors for the entire audio path.

Low Latency Native

Part of the goal behind creating the Virtual Recording Studio was to provide a near-realtime experience when using Slate's analog modeled plugins while tracking. In order to achieve that goal, Slate created a new technology called LLN, which stands for "Low Latency Native". LLN utilizes a custom hard-wired converter chipset, which reduces managed components in the audio path and allows an incredible 1 millisecond of latency at 96K (with a 32 sample buffer). This latency spec allows you to monitor through mic and preamp emulations while tracking, giving you the ability to hear your audio in context while still allowing you to change your mind later.

XTC Audio Clock

The audio clock is the heart of any recording interface, which is why it was important that the VRS8 had a killer clocking system onboard. Slate used satellite-grade XTC clocking technology, utilizing four temperature-compensated crystal oscillators for ultra-stable audio performance, keeping your audio jitter and distortion free.

Discrete Headphone Amplifiers

Most engineers listen to music on headphones when working in the studio, but headphone amplifiers are the first place that manufacturers usually look to cut costs when building an interface. Instead of using typical designs that cost mere pennies, Slate used discrete amplifiers to ensure that your headphones sound robust and clear for all of your monitoring tasks. Not only that, Slate also added in two separate monitor mixes and the ability to use the VRS8 as a speaker switcher.

Native MIDI IO:

Slate's "no compromise" design goal extended well into other areas, which is evidenced by the VRS8's native MIDI IO. Unlike USB MIDI interfaces (where MIDI information has to fight with your mouse, keyboard, and other USB traffic) MIDI IO on the VRS8 never touches the USB bus. You can count on hyper-accurate MIDI timing, and stuck sustain pedals when tracking keyboards and synths should become a thing of the past.

Audio Interface Harmony

Already have an interface? No problem! The VRS8 Audio Interface Harmony options allow MacOS users to pair their existing audio interface with a VRS8. You can combine any interface with a word clock connection directly to the VRS8, including interfaces from other popular manufacturers.

Software Included

Get 1 year of the Slate Digital All Access Pass -- with access to all the analog-modeled plug-ins from the Slate "Everything Bundle" -- FREE with your VRS8 interface.

NOTE: iLok Required, not included.

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