M-Audio's ProjectMix I/O is a control surface complete with motorized faders and an 18 x 14 audio interface. Connect it to your computer via firewire, and you can record up to 8 channels from 1/4" or XLR inputs, providing phantom power where necessary. The 8 motorized channel faders can be used to control Pro Tools M-Powered or any other software such as Live, Cubase, or Sonar that supports the Mackie Control, Logic Control or HUI protocol - no more using your mouse for mixing! The ProjectMix I/O is loaded with other features, including ADAT Lightpipe, word clock, and dual headphones with A/B source switching.
The ProjectMix I/O has two functions as it acts as both a high quality sound card and a motorized control surface. The soundcard capabilities include support for recording from 8 analogue inputs using either XLR or 1/4" inputs. It also offers support for recording an additional 8 digital channels by using the ADAT Lightpipe connector. This is useful if you want to record up to 16 channels at once - simply connect a device with an ADAT out. It also offers 4 1/4" outputs for monitoring along with two headphone jacks. You can even connect a MIDI keyboard through the built in MIDI interface.
The motorized touch-sensitive faders on each of ProjectMix I/O’s eight channel strips and master strip record and playback your changes, making for seamless mix automation. It offers touch sensitivity so that when you touch a fader in motion, it immediately disengages for manual control and re-engages automation when you release. The dedicated transport controls mean that you can easily record, play, stop, fast forward, and rewind, without using your mouse. Plus the luminated keys and a jog/shuttle wheel and locate buttons make for easy project navigation - even in the dark!
You aren't limited to controlling just eight channels with the ProjectMix I/O. Each strip can map to as many channels in your project as you wish by simply pressing the bank +/- and channel +/- controls. Each channel strip includes buttons for mic/line, record enable, mute, solo, and select. The handy LCD window directly above each encoder displays relevant data and the encoders and LCD double to control assigned plug-in parameters as well.
Unlike many "all in one" devices, the ProjectMix I/O is very strong both as an audio interface and as a control surface. The affordable price point means that in addition to getting a great audio interface, you can take advantage of the unique advantages offered by a control surface. Instead of adjusting one track at a time with your mouse you can use the motorized faders, dedicated buttons and rotary encoders to save you time. Not only can you focus on your music and not your mouse, the control surface offers a more "musical" way of interacting with your mix.
Sound Cards
