Musikmesse 2009: Cakewalk announced that its new line of cable-based audio & MIDI interfaces is now shipping. The UA-1G USB audio interface, and UM-1G, UM-2G, and UM-3G MIDI interfaces are Mac and PC compatible and USB-bus powered.

UA-1G Audio Interface

The UA-1G is a compact Stereo In/Stereo Out USB Audio Interface that offers excellent sound quality via multiple connection options and a simple, user-friendly design.

• 24-bit/96kHz audio quality
• Low latency ASIO 2.0 performance (PC); UA-1G is also WDM (Windows Vista, Windows XP) and Core Audio (Mac OS X) compatible
• Large Input Level knob for easy control while recording
• Includes Cakewalk’s SONAR LE digital audio workstation for high-quality music recording, mixing, editing, and publishing
• Contains high-end A-D and D-A converters for accurate recording and playback
• An electric condenser microphone input that’s similar to, but higher quality than, the ‘MIC-IN’ on most internal soundcard
• Headphone output with volume control to quickly and easily listen to audio from your computer
• A _” jack with Hi-Z switch option, which is ideal for recording high-impedance instruments like electric guitar or bass
• S/PDIF optical I/O

Three MIDI Interfaces

The new UM-1G, UM-2G, and UM-3G MIDI interfaces are designed to be affordable solutions to easily connect MIDI devices with a computer through a USB connection.

Each MIDI interface:

• is Mac and PC compatible
• is a compact, cable-style interface with a sleek form factor
• conveniently incorporates an independent MIDI Out/Thru hardware selection switch for each output, providing functionality even if your computer is turned off
• provides FPT (Fast Processing Technology) for fast, stable MIDI data transmission, as well as lower latency performance through FPT’s Advance Driver mode
• offers standard OS-based driver mode for instant connection to computers, even when drivers are not available

UM-1G in detail:

• 1-In/1-Out MIDI port with LED indicators for MIDI I/O signal monitoring
• MIDI Check switch for quick troubleshooting of MIDI connections
• MIDI cables are engraved with ‘Connect to MIDI In’ and ‘Connect to MIDI Out’ labels for no confusion when connecting devices
• Perfect for hobbyists who want to connect a MIDI keyboard to a computer, or musicians who need MIDI connectivity to control or record music with a computer
• Ideal for small studios or academic settings where only one MIDI device will be connected in close proximity to the computer
• In live performance settings, use the UM-1G to control a synth, drum machine, MIDI light set-up, or master recording console

UM-2G in detail:

• Features 2-In/2-Out MIDI ports for 32 channels of MIDI to control hardware and software
• Provides ability to connect multiple MIDI keyboards, sound modules, control surfaces, and other devices to a computer
• Ideal for musicians, producers or recording engineers with more than one MIDI device in a small studio or portable MIDI configuration

UM-3G in detail:

• 3-In/3-Out MIDI Ports
• Control up to 48 channels of MIDI equipment
• Expandable design allows you to daisy-chain up to three UM-3G interfaces, providing nine total MIDI inputs and outputs without the need for additional USB Ports
• Advanced Driver mode uses FPT (Fast Processing Technology) to ensure low-latency, even with three UM-3G interfaces daisy-chained together
• Up to 3 units can be rack-mounted via Roland RAF-70 kit, available separately
• Ideal MIDI interface for the mid- to larger-sized studio
• Out or Thru selectable switches built-in; select between MIDI Out and MIDI Thru for each output port
• Great for live settings using multiple MIDI applications, including traditional instruments, synths, sequencers and live sound, lighting, and special effects

Pricing and Availability:

Recommended UK retail prices for the UM-1G, UM-2G and UM-3G MIDI interfaces will be £44.99, £54.99 and £84.99 respectively. The UA-1G USB Audio interface is available at a RRP of £94.99.