Alesis Ships IO|2 USB Interface

Jan 20, 2006

Alesis announces shipment of the IO|2 USB portable 2-channel, 24-bit / 48 kHz USB audio interface. Designed as the ideal audio / MIDI companion to notebook computer-based recording environments, the IO|2 USB has a compact form factor that can easily fit in a laptop case or a small backpack. The IO|2 USB features a tough aluminum housing, is USB powered (eliminating the need for cumbersome external power supplies), and is optimized for minimal laptop battery drain.

The IO|2 is equipped with professional mic preamps, 48V phantom power (to accommodate professional studio condenser microphones), and comprehensive metering. Its flexible inputs can handle everything from mics to guitars and basses to keyboards, and includes two XLR mic inputs (with phantom power) and two quarter-inch balanced line inputs that can accept guitar level signals. These inputs also include quarter-inch TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) inserts for patching signal processors such as a compressor. The unit provides quarter-inch balanced main outputs along with a quarter-inch TRS headphone output for monitoring. Completing this comprehensive I/O configuration is the inclusion of MIDI In and Out to accommodate MIDI sequencing functionality plus S/PDIF digital I/O for interfacing digitally with CD recorders, DAT machines, and similar equipment.

The Alesis IO|2 USB features a dedicated four-segment signal/clip LED meter on both channels and includes low latency ASIO 2.0 drivers with zero-latency hardware monitoring. The IO|2 USB supports Plug and Play operation under both Mac OSX and PC/Windows—no drivers or setup is required. And to make this a complete desktop recording solution, the IO|2 USB is bundled with Steinberg's Cubase LE recording software.

With a suggested retail price of just $299, Alesis' new IO|2 USB is an outstanding value for the computer music enthusiast. The IO|2 USB is available now.

For more information, visit their web site at www.alesis.com.