Event's EZbus Now Shipping

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The first of Event Electronics' EZbus Computer Audio Recording Interface / Software Control Surface / Stand-Alone Digital Mixers has rolled off the assembly line, marking the end of a nearly two-year long development cycle. In the words of Event President Ted Keffalo, "It's been a long and winding road getting here, but for our customers, I guarantee it's worth the wait."

The EZbus combines three powerful functions in a single table-top box. As a computer audio interface, it allows the user to take virtually any analog or digital audio source-microphone, instrument, line level, ADAT optical, and S/PDIF-and send it to a PC or Macintosh computer via USB. A matrix-style audio routing architecture, combined with 24-bit/96kHz AD/DA, on-board mixing and processing, and zero latency monitoring, makes it remarkably simple to record and overdub computer audio tracks.

As a software control surface, the EZbus provides comprehensive user-programmable control over virtually any software application or hardware device that supports parameter control via MIDI. The EZbus can store 32 unique control "profiles" in internal memory, affording users control over DAWs, virtual instruments, plug-ins, rack-mount effects, and the like. Profiles for a variety of popular software applications are included, and users can create their own. A front-panel Audio/Virtual button allows the user to easily flip back and forth between controlling his or her computer software and the EZbus on-board audio. Tape recorder-style transport controls are also included, and a programmable footswitch provides control over functions such as punch-in and mix advance. Since the EZbus is also a fully functional stand-alone digital mixer, users can remove it from their computer environments for use in live performance. Thanks to the wide assortment of I/O, up to 20 analog and digital signals can be brought into the unit simultaneously, making the device ideal for keyboard players, solo performers, small combos, and the like. An included Mix Librarian lets users program "set lists" of mixes, which can then be instantly recalled while performing. And the USB and MIDI capabilities make it a simple matter to integrate virtual instruments (on a laptop, for example) with keyboards and sound modules, with the EZbus acting as the command center for the entire keyboard rig.

EZbus has a suggested list price of only $849 U.S.

For more information, visit their web site at www.event1.com.