[NAMM] MOTU MicroBook II

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MOTU unveiled the MicroBook II, an updated version of its audio interface.

The MicroBook II that turns a Mac or PC into a 4 × 6 recording studio with I/O and monitor mixing will replace the original model at the same price.

The MicroBook II comes in a cast metal case suitable for on-the-go recording, personal studio tracking, laptop-based DJ-ing, and other recording and playback activities. At 5.5 × 3.5 × 1.25 inches, the bus-powered MicroBook II has the features of the original model, plus volume control, USB 2.0 connectivity, simultaneous outputs (six), an XLR mic input, and support for 96 kHz recording and playback.

The four inputs (mic, hi-Z guitar, and stereo balanced line in) can be recorded simultaneously. The mic preamp is designed to deliver neutral coloration, with 20 dB pad and 48V phantom power for condenser mics. The MicroBook II includes balanced analog connectors and digitally controlled analog trim. Input trim is controlled separately from input mix volume.

The MicroBook II provides six channels of computer output on eight physical outputs (four pairs): balanced TRS quarter-inch main outs, stereo “mini” line out, S/PDIF digital out, and phones (on a stereo quarter-inch jack). The S/PDIF digital output mirrors the main outs.

Internal CueMix mixing and routing features let users program a different stereo mix for each output pair, consisting of any combination of live inputs and host audio tracks. Alternately, users can send the same mix to multiple outputs, or choose a separate output for the MicroBook’s built-in test tone generator or white and pink noise generator.

The driver provides an extra input and output pair for routing complete mixes back to the computer host, for scoping audio streams with the analysis tools in the included CueMix FX software, and for routing virtual instrument (or other host) output to the MicroBook II mixer.

On-board effects include modeled analog EQ and compression, which can be applied to live inputs.

MicroBook feature highlights

4-input, 6-output bus-powered USB 2.0 audio interface for Mac and Windows.
6 × 8 physical input/output channels.
8-bus digital mixer to route and mix live inputs with computer tracks.
Pre-amp equipped mic input with Precision Digital Trim 48V phantom power, and 20 dB pad.
Hi-Z guitar input with Precision Digital Trim.
Stereo line level analog input (balanced TRS quarter-inch or stereo mini).
Stereo balanced TRS quarter-inch line level main outs.
Stereo eighth-inch “mini” line level out.
S/PDIF digital out (duplicates main out).
Headphones output on quarter-inch stereo jack with independent volume control.
Digitally controlled analog trim for all analog inputs.
Digital trim for all outputs.
Output volume digital rotary encoder. Push to cycle among three modes: main out, phones, or both.
Mic input digital rotary encoder for adjusting trim level, 48V and pad.
Dedicated 3– or 4-segment LED meters for all inputs and outputs.
CueMix FX mixing and monitoring with EQ and dynamics processing.
7-band parametric EQ and compression.
Test tone and white/pink noise generator.
Support for recording and playback at 2x sample rates (88.2 and 96 kHz).
Audio analysis software tools, including FFT display, spectrogram “waterfall” display, oscilloscope, X-Y plot, and phase torch.
Mac and Windows audio drivers (Core Audio, Wave, and ASIO).
Compatible with current and recent generation Macs and PCs.
Includes AudioDesk DAW software, USB cable, and mic cable adapter.