Zoom has developed new models of USB audio interfaces featuring an industry first 32-bit float recording technology, giving musicians the ability to record pristine audio to their computers and smart devices. The new Zoom UAC-232 (USB Audio Converter) is now available and feedback from users has been overwhelmingly positive. As a result, Zoom is moving forward with plans to release an 8-channel interface, giving creators even more inputs and features than originally anticipated (previously announced as 4 channel model UAC-432). 

The Zoom UAC-832 will provide 8 inputs in a rack-mountable unit with added functionality to fit home recording studios as well as live set-ups. The technology built into the UAC series allows the user to capture the highest audio quality possible, with an ultra-wide dynamic range and an incredibly low noise floor. 32-bit float recording, along with sample rates up to 192kHz, processes audio at an increased bit-depth and at full bandwidth. All of this is done without the need to set gain.

Standout Features
32-bit float recording gives musicians peace-of-mind, ensuring that their audio will never clip — no matter how loud or soft the signal, the audio capture is crisp and clean. Additionally, Zoom’s new interfaces feature a robust chassis, XLR/TRS combo jacks, main and headphone outputs, Direct Monitoring and MIDI In/Out.

UAC-232 Available Now.
UAC-832 coming late 2023.

The Solid State Logic SSL 12 is the perfect audio interface for producers and engineers who demand uncompromising performance and versatility from a desktop device. SSL 12 is capable of being both a studio centrepiece and a portable production hub to take with you on the road. Four SSL-designed mic pre-amps with uncompromising low-noise and high gain performance, Legacy 4K analogue enhancement for adding that signature SSL colour, class-leading dynamic range from premium-quality converters, comprehensive monitoring section, ADAT expandability, talkback mic, flexible headphone outputs and an intuitive console-style software mixer. SSL 12 just set a new bar for what you can expect from a unit that is entirely USB-powered.  

Big Studio Features, Small Desktop Footprint 

SSL 12 is loaded with an extraordinary amount of professional studio features normally reserved for high-end rackmount interfaces. For tracking, the ADAT connectivity, together with the on-board talkback mic and an incredibly powerful cue mixer (that allows you to create up to 4 independent near-zero latency performer mixes) will handle the most demanding of recording sessions. For mixing, alternative monitor switching and assignable front panel control room functions puts everything you need at your fingertips. For production, USB Loopback, MIDI I/O and DC-coupled outputs for CV control of synths and FX equip you with a serious toolkit to keep the creativity flowing. To top it all off, the ever-expanding SSL Production Pack (packed with a selection of must-have virtual instruments, plug-ins, samples and DAWs) helps to bring your productions to life.

SSL Studio Quality & Know-How

For over 50 years, SSL have been designing cutting-edge mixing consoles and hardware processors, as used by the world’s most recognised artists and recording studios. Over that time, their reputation as a world-leading manufacturer of professional audio equipment has centred around a constant pursuit of audio excellence and technical innovation, accomplished through streamlining production workflows and advanced studio ergonomics. SSL 12 takes the ‘traditional’ desktop audio interface where it’s never been before with an incredible array of features in a compact footprint that delivers outstanding audio quality. Featuring the familiar Alps pots, Neutrik connectors and an attractive brushed aluminium front panel, SSL 12 is built to last whether you’re using it in the studio or on location.

Real Analogue Enhancement Inspired By The Ssl 4000-Series (4K) Console

SSL has a history of innovation in analogue electronics and console design. Whether it be the sound of the classic ‘242’ and ‘292’ EQ circuits, the punch of the legendary SSL Bus Compressor or the incredible bandwidth and sonic accuracy of the ground-breaking SuperAnalogue designed mic amps and consoles, SSL are always moving forward with analogue. Legacy 4K is an all-analogue enhancement effect, inspired by the character of an SSL 4000-series console (often referred to as ‘4K’). It distils two essential characteristics of the 4K sound into a single circuit. The first thing engaging the Legacy 4K circuit will do is to introduce a forward, yet musical sounding high frequency EQ boost, helping to add some excitement to your vocal or instrument. Secondly, it’ll add some subtle analogue distortion with finely tuned harmonic content, helping bolster any sound with more edge and personality.

Key Features:

• 4 x SSL-designed microphone preamps with unrivalled EIN performance and huge gain range for a USB-powered device
• Per-Channel Legacy 4K switches – analogue colour enhancement for any input source, inspired by the 4000-series console
• 2 Hi-Z instrument inputs for guitars, bass or vintage instruments
• 2 professional-grade headphone outputs, with switchable modes of operation that cater for high impedance or high sensitivity headphones. Or re-purpose each headphone output as an additional balanced/unbalanced line-level outputs instead
• 32-bit / 192 kHz AD/DA Converters – capture and hear all the detail of your creations
• ADAT IN – expand the input channel count with up to 8 channels of digital audio
• Built In Talkback Mic that can be routed to Headphone A, B and Line 3-4 outputs
• 4 x dedicated balanced outputs and precision Monitor Level, with stunning dynamic range (Use Outputs 3-4 to connect an alternative monitor set or as additional line-level outputs to connect to studio outboard equipment, with +24 dBu operating levels)
• SSL 12 mixer: Powerful digital mixer hosted in SSL 360° – Quickly create low-latency cue mixes.
• DC-coupled outputs for controlling CV input instruments & FX
• 3 user-assignable front panel switches – assign various monitoring functions and talkback open/close
• MIDI I/O
• SSL Production Pack Software Bundle; includes 3-months free subscription to SSL Complete, plus an exclusive collection of 3rd party DAWs, virtual instruments and plug-ins
• USB bus-powered audio interface for Mac/Windows – power is provided by USB 3.0, audio via the USB 2.0 protocol

SSL 12 Mixer

The cross-platform Mac and Windows SSL 360° application hosts the powerful, yet intuitive console-style SSL 12 Mixer, where you can configure and control every aspect of SSL 12:

• Easily set up multiple near-zero latency headphone mixes
• Configure HP A and HP B outputs for different headphone sensitivities or re-purpose as additional line-level outputs
• Customise the 3 user-assignable front panel buttons
• Choose your Loopback source
• Save/Load SSL 12 Mixer templates

SSL Production Pack
(Inspirational software from your favourite industry tools includes over $1000 worth of software and sounds)

SSL 12 comes bundled with the SSL Production Pack, a unique collection of SSL and 3rd party software packed with a selection of must-have virtual instruments, plug-ins, samples and DAWs. The SSL Production Pack includes:

• 3-months free access to SSL Complete subscription
• 3-months free access to Auto-Tune Unlimited subscription
• 3-months free access to Arcade subscription by Output
• Perpetual plug-in licenses for SSL Vocalstrip 2 and Drumstrip plug-ins
• IK Multimedia Amplitube 5 SE
• Celemony Melodyne Essential
• Native Instruments Hybrid Keys & Komplete Start
• Ableton Live 11 Lite
• AAS Session Bundle plug-ins
• 1.5 GB Samples from Loopcloud

At this year’s AES Show in New York City, Avid has announced the return of its Mbox desktop audio interface with a brand-new offering — the Mbox Studio, powered by Pro Tools software. Mbox Studio completes the picture for musicians and audio creators in home studios wanting to record, edit, and mix vocals, musical instruments, and other sources.

Long sought after for its ability to bring power, and simplicity to the production process, the original Mbox was one of the most popular audio interfaces Avid ever made. Now reimagined for a new generation of creators, the new Mbox Studio is a fully-featured USB interface solution that operates on both Mac and Windows operating systems, running not only the bundled Pro Tools Studio subscription, but also any third-party DAWs. Users can easily connect mics, instruments, studio monitors, Bluetooth devices, and other analog, digital and MIDI gear with 21 inputs and 22 outputs — more than any other desktop interface. For optimal sound quality, Mbox Studio relies on the same mic pre-amps found in Avid’s S6L and Pro Tools Carbon system.

Mbox Studio users can immediately tap into a wealth of exciting new tools to support their creative process and expand their production repertoire. Free with the purchase of Mbox Studio are one-year subscriptions for Pro Tools Studio and Avid Sibelius Artist music notation software. These are in addition to the bundled Mbox Ignition Pack which brings Brainworx Megadual, Ampeg SVT-VR Classic, and many other plugins and tools. Throughout the year, the Avid Inner Circle program also brings additional free product drops with thousands of dollars-worth of plugins, beats, loops and virtual instruments. 

“We’re thrilled to bring Mbox back to the music creation community, who are a very big influence upon Avid’s continuous surge of hardware and software innovation,” said Francois Quereuil, Vice President, Product Management for Audio and Music Solutions, Avid. “Our re-creation of Mbox is uncompromising. It’s overflowing with an amazing array of software tools and takes advantage of the same high-performance components found in Avid’s professional-grade audio solutions, guaranteeing best-in-class sound quality and production for anyone, from entry-level performers to the most accomplished artists.”

Unlock A New Dimension In Guitar Sound
Mbox Studio lets users go further than ever before to find their desired guitar sounds. With variable Z impedance switching on instrument inputs, users can change guitar tones while recording to complement the effects chain. They can also play through the renowned Guitar Amp plug-in Eleven MK II, and numerous stompbox effects, in addition to incorporating personal outboard guitar effects pedals, reamplifying tracks, and staying pitch-perfect with the built-in tuner.

Elevate Audio Creativity In Podcasts & Social Videos
Mbox Studio also streamlines and accelerates workflows for podcasting, live streaming, social video, and sound design for picture. For example, users can assign buttons to their favourite functions to inject sound effects, and bring in other sources and content such as intro music and voice overs. These enable users to quickly produce more polished, professional content.

Innovating Fast For Hard-Working Music Creators
In addition to unveiling Mbox Studio at the AES 2022 Show (booth 155), Avid also debuted Pro Tools Carbon Pre, a pristine multi mic-pre interface that enables individual artists, bands, and producers using either Pro Tools Carbon, or third-party audio interfaces to easily expand their studios to capture every sonic detail of their performances. Avid is also demonstrating the new Pro Tools now including Celemony Melodyne via ARA 2 for quick vocal tuning and creating harmonies, re-voicing instruments, fixing rhythm timing, and much more. 

Mbox Studio Pricing And Availability
Mbox Studio is available for pre-order today through Avid resellers starting at US$899.

Arturia has announced the immediate availability of MiniFuse 4, a 4-in/4-out audio and MIDI interface that’s packed with useful and accessible creative features. Completing the MiniFuse family of easy-to-use interfaces, it offers expanded connectivity for musicians and producers looking to streamline their audio creation setups.

Capture crystal-clear recordings, refine with pro-grade creative software, and make music happen with a 4-in/4-out interface that ticks all the boxes; best-in-class audio, expanded connectivity, 5-year warranty, and a world-class suite of software titles for modern music production.

Best-In-Class Audio Quality
A 110dB dynamic range and industry-best equivalent input noise of -129dB means clear noise-free recording and studio-grade sound quality.

Supreme Connectivity
Record with up to 4 inputs, connect other gear via MIDI & the USB hub, and customise your ins and outs including dual headphone connections.

Loopback Channel
The stereo virtual Loopback channel lets you record audio from your computer alongside MiniFuse 4’s inputs for a seamless content creation.

Production-Ready Software Bundle
All the premium software you need to make music your own way, from Ableton Live Lite, to Analog Lab Intro, to Native Instruments’ Guitar Rig 6 LE.

Connectivity

• 2x combo Mic/Inst/Line XLR input, with 48V phantom power
• 2x Inst/Line TRS inputs
• 4x 1/4-inch TRS balanced line outputs with volume control
• 2x stereo headphone output with volume control
• 1x 5-pin MIDI input
• 1x 5-pin MIDI output
• 2x USB2 type A hub (250mA max.)
• 1x stereo virtual loopback channel
• USB-C interface compatible with PC and Mac, fully USB 2.0 compatible

The MiniFuse Family
3 powerful, easy, fun interfaces built to empower creativity: from solo guitar recording, to podcasting, to live multi-track performances, there’s a MiniFuse that works for you.

MiniFuse 4 is available for purchase now, priced at EU219 / A$219.

The R12 MultiTrak is Zoom’s portable project studio for recording and editing music tracks. Built on the features introduced by the R20, the R12 provides the same smartphone-friendly experience offered through the onboard touchscreen — which is fully integrated with a multi-channel mixer board and transport controls. In addition to this, the R12 has the ability to play out sequences (‘playlist’) for live performances requiring backing tracks. 

Main Features

• 2 input (Combo Jacks with phantom power) / 8 track recorder
• 2.4-inch colour LCD touchscreen for full operation
• 8 channel mixer/fader board, with Effects Send and Master
• Click routing (Phones / Output) on panel for use during live performances
• 2 in / 4 out, USB audio interface, and MIDI host for connection to a MIDI keyboard
• Loop-based drum patterns (x150) for building rhythm tracks
• Onboard 8-voice FM music synthesizer
• Built-in multi-effects processor, compatible with Guitar Lab software

The R12 also provides up to 5 hours on four AA batteries allowing users to bring production anywhere. Additionally, the R12 can be powered with the included AD-17 power adapter, or a USB battery.

The market for musicians wanting to record music at home remains strong. By taking advantage of its portability and ease of operation, the new and improved features of the Zoom R12 MultiTrak provide a useful tool to hobbyists and professionals alike.