Mark of the Unicorn (MOTU) has announced the 10 input/14 output Ultralite-mk3, an audio interface that they say is the first ever “hybrid” audio interface, offering FireWire and USB 2 connectivity to Mac and PC computers.

They haven’t put up official availability or pricing info yet. If you know anything on this, leave a comment.

Details on the Ultralite-mk3 below.

Feature summary

• Hybrid FireWire/USB2 connectivity — connect to your computer via either bus-powered FireWire or hi-speed USB2.
• CueMix FX™ — flexible 10 input/14 bus mixer with on-board DSP effects, including reverb with sends/returns, plus EQ and compression on every input and output.
• 10 inputs / 14 outputs — there’s no channel sharing in the UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid; the mic inputs, S/PDIF I/O, headphone out and main outs are all handled as separate channels.
• Classic Reverb™ — provides five different room types, three frequency shelves with adjustable crossover points, shelf filtering and reverb lengths up to 60 seconds.
• Two forms of compression — a standard compressor with conventional threshold/ratio/attack/release/gain controls and the Leveler™, an accurate model of the legendary LA-2A optical compressor, which provides vintage, musical automatic gain control.
• Modeled EQ — provides 7-band parametric EQ modeled after British analog console EQs, featuring 4 filter styles (gain/Q profiles) to effectively cover a wide range of audio material. LP and HP filters are also supplied with slopes that range from 6 to 36 dB.
• CueMix FX cross-platform mixing software — attractive graphic mixing, graphic editing of parametric EQ and a convenient tabbed interface for quick access to all features in one window. Also provides full-screen real-time FFT display, spectrogram “waterfall” display, oscilloscope, X-Y plot and linear or polar phase analysis.
• Front-panel control — access any setting in your entire UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid mix directly from the front panel.
• “Reverb return” stream — allows users to record or mix UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid reverb output separately in their DAW. Effects can also be applied when the UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid is operating stand-alone (without a computer) as a complete stand-alone mixer.
• Stand-alone operation — program your mixes at the studio and then bring the UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid to your gig — no computer needed. Just plug in the included power adapter and you are ready to go. Need to tweak the mix? Do it on site using the back-lit LCD and front-panel controls.
• Multiple CueMix FX mixes — for example, create different monitor mixes for the main outs and headphones. Or add send/return loops for outboard gear — with no latency.
• Two combo jacks provide hi-Z 1/4” guitar input or low-Z XLR mic input with phantom power, pad and plenty of gain.
• Eight 24-bit 192kHz analog inputs and outputs on balanced/unbalanced 1/4″ TRS jacks
• Precision Digital Trim™ — Digitally controlled analog trim on all analog inputs (mic/guitar inputs + quarter-inch TRS inputs) provides accurate adjustements in 1 dB increments. Fine-tune the balance of your analog inputs and then save/recall trim configurations.
• Direct Digital Synthesis™ (DDS) — a DSP-driven phase lock engine and internal clock source that produces imperceptibly low jitter characteristics (below the noise floor), even when the UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid is resolved to an external clock source via SMPTE time code.
• Time code support — directly resolves to (or generates) time code via any quarter-inch input or output, without the need for an extra synchronizer.
• Sample-accurate MIDI — connect a MIDI controller and/or sound module with no separate interface needed. MIDI I/O is sample-accurate with supporting software.
• Expandable — add additional interfaces for more I/O as your needs grow.
• Separate TRS main outs with front panel volume control.
• Stereo 24-bit 96kHz S/PDIF in/out.
• Includes drivers for Mac & PC, including ASIO, WDM, Wave, Core Audio, and Core MIDI. Supports all popular Mac and Windows audio software.
• 100% compatible with all host-based effects processing in today’s popular audio programs.
• Includes AudioDesk full-featured sample-accurate workstation software for the Mac with recording, editing, mixing, real-time 32-bit effects processing & sample-accurate sync.
• Plug-and-play operation with your Mac or PC via FireWire or USB2.
• Front panel volume control for monitoring. Stereo, Quad, 6.1, 7.1 and user-defined surround monitoring setups available.
• Front panel headphone jack with volume control.
• Bus-powered FireWire operation. No need for external power when operating as a FireWire interface connected to a computer. A power supply is included for stand-alone operation.

Maybe the worst Christmas special ever…..but Randolph’s got the scoop on a deal if you’re looking for a FireStudio Project or FireStudio Tube –  you can get a “free” Faderport USB controller.

More than 6,000 people have already signed the petition.

Here’s the text of the petition:

To: Apple Inc.

We all love your products, Apple Inc.! But your recently refreshed line of consumer notebooks lacks the possibility to plug in digital audio and video equipment as well as fast mass storage devices. Therefore, we pledge to purchase a new MacBook or MacBook Air if you, the inventor of FireWire technology, would be so kind to bring back FireWire ports to those products.

You can sign the petition here.

Here’s the port lineup for the new MacBooks:

• MagSafe power port
• Gigabit Ethernet port
• Two USB 2.0 ports (up to 480 Mbps)
• Mini DisplayPort
• Audio line in
• Audio line out
• Kensington lock slot

T.C. Electronic has introduced the Desktop Konnekt 6 FireWire audio interface, which looks like it’s well spec’d out and nicely laid out for a relatively inexpensive audio interface.

Features:

• High resolution meter
• Tracking reverb level control
• Direct monitor control with input/DAW control
• DIM switch for convenient speaker dimming
• Instant scene recall
• Separate headphone level control
• IMPACT Mic preamp with 48v phantom power
• Input configuration: mic + instr/instr+instr/stereo line
• Balanced stereo outputs
• True Hi-Z guitar inputs known from TC’s high-end guitar processors
• Headphone out with separate level control and separate source
• Studio sound reverb based on hardware technology
• Hall, Room and Plate algorithms
• Part of monitor mix and included as VST/AU compatible plug-ins
• Cubase LE4 included
• C NEAR compatible: works with all other Konnekt products
• FireWire 1394, bus powered
• DICE digital interface chip with JetPLL jitter elimination technology
• Low latency drivers for Mac and PC, WDM, ASIO and CoreAudio
• 24-bit/192 kHz sampling rate
• External power supply included

The Desktop Konnekt has a MSRP of $295.

This driver update is available immediately for the following devices :

• FireWire 1814
• FireWire 410
• FireWire Audiophile
• FireWire Solo
• NRV10
• Ozonic

This driver does not support ProjectMix I/O or ProFire Lightbridge.

Stanton has introduced the Stanton SC System, a new set of digital controllers for the professional DJ.

Stanton doesn’t explain what “SC” stands for – but “sexy control” comes to mind.

The system is made up of the SCS.1d deck and the SCS.1m mixer. Each component of the system (mixer and deck) can be used standalone or together, allowing for multiple configurations, with clean lines drawn between the functions of each unit.

The system offers built-in FireWire connections, a high-torque motorized platter with vinyl control disc, motorized fader, rotary encoders, massive flexibility, and integration into DJ software with advanced two-way feedback.

The Stanton SC System will be available Summer 2008 and will carry a MSRP of $2,499 (deck $1,499, mixer $999).

Audio interfaces don’t have near the sex appeal that a hardware synth has, but MOTU’s V3HD Firewire audio and video interface comes close.

It’s Mac. It’s PC. It turns either into a powerful HD/SD video production workstation.

And at $2750, it’s as unobtainable as it is sexy.

Features:

• HD/SD FireWire video interface for Mac and Windows
• Supports Apple Final Cut Pro on the Mac and Adobe Premiere Pro on Windows
• Plug-and-play connectivity via FireWire – provides HD and SD capture and playback for any current-generation FireWire equipped computer, including Mac & PC laptops
• Capture and play back 720 and 1080 HD over FireWire via industry standard DVCPro HD capture format for direct, native import into – and playback from – Final Cut and Premiere
• Across-the-board compatibility and pristine quality – DVCPro HD capture format provides 100 Mb/sec quality and CPU-efficient, frame-based (non-GOP) native editing
• Capture and play back uncompressed 10-bit SD from all formats
• HDMI output – connect HD plasma, LCD, DLP or flatscreen for flexible and affordable HD monitoring, including pixel for pixel display at 1080 with a supporting monitor
• Broadcast quality hardware-based real time SD-to-HD up-convert
• Broadcast quality hardware-based real time HD-to-SD down-convert
• Real-time 2:3 or 2:3:3:2 pull-down insertion and removal
• Comprehensive zoom modes for up/down conversion – anamorphic, pillar box, letterbox, 14:9 pillarbox, 14:9 letterbox and full screen
• Simultaneous HD/SD operation – connect multiple HD and SD sources and destinations simultaneously. Switch HD/SD sources on the fly while converting to multiple HD/SD destinations.
• Two rack space form factor with dedicated connectors – connect all of your gear to dedicated connectors. No cable swapping or gangly, inconvenient breakout cables.
• Stand-alone operation – converts selected input source to supported output formats with SD-to-HD up-convert, HD-to-SD down-convert and pull-down insertion/removal.

Winter NAMM Show Update: MOTU introduced the 828mk3 ($795), a cross-platform FireWire audio interface with on-board effects and mixing.

New features include a 32-bit floating point DSP for digital mixing and effects processing, more I/O, 192 kHz operation, true hi-Z guitar inputs, signal overload protection, digitally controlled analog input trims on all inputs, two banks of ADAT/TOSLink optical and MIDI I/O.

The 828mk3 lets you connect a wide variety of studio gear, including microphones, guitars, synths, keyboards, drum machines and even effects processors. In addition to the two mic/guitar preamp inputs on the front panel, the 828mk3 provides two independent headphone jacks with independent volume knobs, one of which also controls the XLR main outs on the rear panel. This “master vol” knob can also be programmed to control any combination of outputs (analog and/or digital). For example, it can control monitor output for an entire 5.1 or 7.1 surround mix.

Eight balanced (TRS) 24-bit analog inputs and outputs, as well as two XLR main outs and the two preamp inputs, can operate at sample rates up to 192 kHz (a total of ten analog inputs and outputs). Two optical banks provide 16 channels of ADAT optical at 48 kHz, 8 channels of S/MUX optical I/O at 96 kHz or two banks of stereo TOSLink at rates up to 96 kHz. The banks operate independently, allowing users to mix and match any optical formats. RCA S/PDIF connectors also supply independent stereo digital I/O.

Each mic input has a corresponding rear panel send that allows users to insert outboard gear before the signal goes digital. Any input can be used as a return.

The 828mk3 will ship in February 2008 for a list price of $795.

Synchronization

The 828mk3 is equipped with Direct Digital Synthesis™ (DDS), a DSP-driven phase lock engine and internal clock source that produces imperceptibly low jitter characteristics (below the noise floor), even when the 828mk3 is resolved to an external clock source via either word clock or SMPTE time code. The 828mk3 can directly resolve to (or generate) time code via a dedicated quarter-inch time code input and output, without the need for an extra synchronizer.

Expansion, drivers and AudioDesk

As with other MOTU FireWire interfaces, the 828mk3 supplies two FireWire jacks so it can be daisy-chained with additional MOTU FireWire audio interfaces or other devices. The 828mk3 is also fully compatible with the 8pre, a single rack MOTU interface that adds 8 mic preamp inputs to the 828mk3. Because the 8pre connects to the 828mk3 via ADAT optical, its mic inputs are fully integrated into the 828mk3’s on-board CueMix FX digital mixer.

The 828mk3 provides CueMix FX and drivers for Mac (OS X) and Windows (XP and Vista) for cross-platform compatibility with virtually all audio software via WDM/ASIO/Core Audio drivers. The included AudioDesk workstation software for Mac provides 24-bit recording/editing and 32-bit mixing/processing/mastering.

At the 2008 Winter NAMM Show, PreSonus announced the FireStudio Tube – a 24-bit/96k 16 input, 10 output Firewire recording system for Windows and Macintosh computers that features two tube-based analog “super channels”.

The FireStudio Tube has sixteen analog inputs – two tube-based super channels on the front panel, eight XMAX preamps on the rear chassis and six balanced TRS inputs. All outputs are Neutrik balanced TRS.

The FireStudio Tube also sports MIDI I/O, LED input metering, headphone output and zero-latency matrix mixer. The FireStudio Tube ships with the PreSonus Propak software suite including Cubase LE 4 as well as a bundle of third party plug-ins, loops and drum samples.

The FireStudio Tube is scheduled to ship Spring, 2008.

PreSonus Audio has cut the price of its best-selling Firepod firewire recording system to $399 (estimated street price in the USA.) Previously, it was selling for $599 street.

The FirePod is a 10 input, 10 output, Mac and Windows-compatible firewire recording system complete with eight Class A XMAX preamplifiers, MIDI and SPIDF input/output as well as the ProPak Software Suite featuring Cubase LE and over 2 GB of plug-ins, drum loops and samples.

PreSonus is shipping what looks to be the Monica Bellucci of recording system remotes, the Monitor Station Remote for the FireStudio 26×26 FireWire Recording System.

The Monitor Station Remote (MSR) is an integrated surround sound/stereo speaker manager, input switcher and communication system. The MSR connects to the FireStudio via standard Cat 5 Ethernet cable. There are also two headphone outputs on the FireStudio for added convenience.

The Monitor Station Remote is integrated with the FireStudio’s Control Console routing/mixing software giving total control of routing tracks, mixes, switching inputs and outputs, as well as talkback, mute, dim and mono, all the press of a button. The FireStudio with the Monitor Station Remote is a total recording environment designed to keep the creative juices flowing.

MSR Features:

• Connect to FireStudio via rj45 ethernet connector
• Main speaker volume control (surround and stereo)
• Dual headphone amplifiers
• Track Mode: enables 9 stereo mixes for headphones during tracking
• Mix Mode: allows user to switch between three sets of stereo monitors
• Surround Mode: enables 5.1 surround volume control or mixing in surround sound
• Switch between surround and stereo with the push of a button
• Talkback
• Dim, mute, mono and more

$229.95 MSRP

Musikmesse: PreSonus announced the FireStudio LightPipe, a 24-bit/96k, 32-channel ADAT to FireWire recording system for Macintosh and Windows computers.

The FireStudio LightPipe features JetPLL jitter elimination technology for ultra-tight digital synchronization, a 34×4 zero-latency monitor mixer, balanced TRS stereo analog outputs, word clock input/output, MIDI input/output and headphone output. The FireStudio LightPipe is a perfect recording solution for digital mixers and AD/DA converters including the PreSonus DigiMax FS 8-channel microphone preamplifier.

The FireStudio LightPipe is scheduled to ship in May 2007.

Musikmesse: ECLER introduced the EVO5, a new mixer for DJs and producers that features an internal 12-channel FireWire sound card, 24bit/96kHz digital sound quality, flexible MIDI control and a powerful built-in editable effects processor.

Here are the details…..

24bit/96kHz A/D conversion

The external analogue signal is digitalised through a professional A/D converter at 24bit/96kHz for the highest sound quality.

Internal 12 channel FireWire sound card

The EVO5 allows professional DJs to think forward and integrate software in their set up thanks to its 24bit/96kHz internal sound card. This 12 channel sound card is powered via FireWire. There are 2 FireWire connections that work as a HUB and 12 inputs and outputs: 6 stereo inputs (CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4, MIX and PFL) and 6 stereo outputs (CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4, MIX and CH0). FireWire stereo outputs can be used for instance to route Phono or Line inputs to a PC for effects processing with your favourite software.

Fully editable effects processor

The EVO5 features a powerful effects processor at 24bit/96kHz that can be fully edited. It features 8 basic effects: Delay/Echo, Filter, Flanger, Phaser, Transformer, Panoramic, Pitch and Reverb, and all effects parameters can be edited. Moreover the EVO5 offers the possibility to chain 2 basic effects and so create complex customized effects. A total of 64 different complex effects can be created and saved.

A BPM counter with reliability indication synchronises the effects. Another new feature is the pattern synchronisation that makes the effects oscillate in a unique and extremely creative way. There are also 2 dedicated Microphone effects: Noise Gate and Compressor (also editable). Personal effects presets can be imported and exported to a PC via FireWire with the EVO5 external software (included).

Unlimited MIDI control

A dedicated mappable MIDI control panel featuring 14 controls and 64 different layouts
The EVO5 features a dedicated MIDI control panel including 10 push switches and 4 rotary encoders. Controls are fully mappable, editable and visible from a full colour screen, which turns into the perfect display for labelling the controls functions. There are 64 different layouts including different control presets for DJ software such as Traktor and Live. Moreover all mixer controls are MIDI enabled and fully editable.

A total of 69 MIDI controls multiplied by 64 layouts result in 4416 different MIDI commands. Presets can be imported and exported to a PC via FireWire with the EVO5 external software (included). There is also a MIDI Clock output synchronised to the BPM counter. All MIDI information is transferred at ultra high speed thanks to the EVO5 FireWire and MIDI DIN5 interface.

Full colour TFT screen
The EVO5 includes a 320 x 240 pixels (3,5″) screen. The screen has up to 262.144 colours and works at 6bit making the colour quality extremely high. Thanks to this integrated screen, users can easily display labels for MIDI controls, edit sound effects and mixer parameters. The screen also serves as a display for the BPM counter, the MIDI monitor, the FireWire connection and much more.

Customize your mixer

Edit EQ styles, gains, frequency ranges, fader curves and much more Most EVO5 parameters can be easily adjusted through the screen. Users can choose between Kill and Baxandall EQ styles. EQ gains and frequencies are fully editable and channel EQ can be also bypassed. Microphone Talkover and dedicated effects are also editable. On the output, users can adjust sensibility of OUT1 and OUT2 to 0dB, +3dB or +6dB, as well as assigning the REC signal to MIX or PFL. All fader shapes can be adjusted, including the crossfader, the channel faders and the effects Dry/Wet crossfader. The BPM counter can be assigned to the internal source or to the MIDI Clock, and can work on different ranges from 60 to 220 BPM. The FireWire sound card input and output levels can also be adjusted from 0dB to +18dB. Different user presets protected with password can be saved, as well as imported and exported to a PC with the external software (included).

Totally safe performance

The EVO5 features a limiter on output 1 or 2 for a totally safe performance. The limiter is only accessible with a special password in order to avoid that a guest DJ modifies it. The limiter can be assigned to OUT1 or OUT2, or it can be deactivated. The limit threshold goes from -20dB to +6dB. Club owners and sound engineers can feel safe thanks to this unique feature that will prevent the sound system from any damage.

Design by Giugiaro

The EVO5 has been designed by Giugiaro Italdesign, one of the most prestigious firms in the world with a curriculum that includes designs for companies like Apple, Swatch, Motorola, Sanyo, JVC, Siemens, L’Oreal Seiko, Nikon and a long etcetera, besides being awarded in 1999 as the car designer of the century with designs for Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, BMW, Audi, Volkswagen and many others. For the EVO5 Giugiaro Italdesign has chosen the highest quality materials and an elegant yet robust black aluminium faceplate. Lettering and markings are made through a selective anodised technique that makes it ultra resistant to any wear and tear and will stand the test of time.

Specifications:

FireWire sound card:

• 24 bit stereo analogue to digital and digital to analogue converters
• Sample rate can be set to 96kHz, 88.2kHz, 48kHz or 44.1kHz
• 12 channels – 6 stereo inputs and 6 stereo outputs
• 2 FireWire 6 pin connection IEEE1394 (Hub)

Stereo channels:

• Channels: 4
• Channel gain: Off to +10dB
• Channel EQ: 3-band
• EQ styles: Choose between Kill and Baxandall (Kill by default)
• EQ frequencies: Fully editable
• EQ range: Fully editable (Off to +10dB by default)

Inputs:

• Phono inputs: 4
• Line inputs: 4
• MIC input (XLR): 1
• MIDI input (DIN5 180°): 1

Outputs:

• Output 1 (XLR): 1
• Output 1 (RCA): 1
• Output 2 (RCA): 1
• MIDI Out (DIN5 180°): 1

Crossfader:

• Type: Long life digitally controlled
• Shape: Shape adjust control

Faders:

• Type: Long life digitally controlled
• Shape: Shape adjust control

TFT Screen:

• Type: Full colour
• Dimensions: 320 x 240 pixels (3.5″)

Effects:

• Basic Effects: Delay/Echo, Filter, Flanger, Phaser, Transformer, Panoramic, Pitch and Reverb
• Customized effects: 64 (2 different effects chained and edited)
• Sound processor: 24bit/96kHz
• Auto BPM Counter: Yes (editable via software)
• Oscillation patterns: Yes
• Dry/Wet crossfader: Shape adjust editable via software

MIDI Control:

• Dedicated controls: 14
• Mixer controls: 55
• Layouts: 64
• Edition: Fully editable commands via software
• Connections: FireWire and MIDI In and MIDI Out DIN5 180°

Mic:

• Mic EQ: 3-band
• Talkover: Fully editable release time and attenuation
• Mic effects: Noise Gate and Compressor (fully editable)

General:

• Dimensions: 370 (W) x 433 (D) x 80 (H) mm

The EVO5 is scheduled to be released in October 2007, and the price is estimated to be $1500-2000 USD.

Musikmesse: Mackie unveiled its new d.pro Series of DJ Production Consoles with FireWire I/O. These new 2- and 4-channel DJ consoles are highlighted by their FireWire capabilities, studio-quality sound, immense routing flexibility, and certification for Native Instruments Traktor “Scratch” software—letting DJs mix and scratch digital music files using standard turntables with specially coded vinyl discs.

“The d.2 pro and d.4 pro consoles go well beyond anything that’s ever been offered in a DJ-style mixer,” commented John Boudreau, Vice President of Product Development for Mackie. “With their unprecedented feature sets and Traktor Scratch certification, these consoles eliminate the need for separate computer audio interfaces, mic preamps or, in the case of the d.4 pro, standalone compact mixers.”

Mackie’s d.2 pro (2-channel) and d.4 pro (4-channel) consoles start with premium analog circuitry throughout, including VCA-based design, audiophile-grade phono preamps, an Infinium “contact-free” crossfader, and a variety of rear-panel connections including balanced XLR main outputs. The d.4 pro is further distinguished by onboard analog filtering effects and Onyx microphone preamps with 48v phantom power.

The d.pro’s most notable feature, however, is their built-in 13×6 FireWire interface at 24 bit/96kHz—enabling these mixers to function as a multitrack recording source and a multi-input performance mixer when connected to any FireWire-equipped Mac or PC. DJs can simply plug either the d.2 pro or d.4 pro into a laptop and start playing digital music files from iTunes, Traktor, MixVibes, Ableton Live, and more.

The d.pro series Traktor Scratch certification brings an entirely new level of performance. By purchasing Native Instrument’s Traktor Scratch Upgrade Kit, DJs can mix, manipulate and scratch digital music files on their computer using a d.pro mixer, standard turntables and specially coded vinyl disks—without the need for separate converter boxes or any additional hardware.

For music producers and remixers, the d.4 pro delivers all the simultaneous I/O needed to connect turntables, CD decks, a beat machine, two studio microphones, a keyboard and a computer—with studio sound quality and without repatching. It also includes Mackie’s easy-to-use Tracktion 3 software with hundreds of inspiring beats, samples and loops to get started.

The d.pro mixers will be available starting May 2007 and have a U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $899.99 for the d.2 pro and $1,149.99 for the d.4 pro, respectively.

The most unique feature of the unit is its large, weighted, backlit jog wheel, which lets you zip through a song, while the backlight provides useful feedback such as a visual metronome. The FireOne is also the first stereo audio interface in its class that records two mic ins and two outs over FireWire at 192kHz/24-bit audio resolution.

The FireOne features a pair of mic inputs with phantom power, pad and line switches. A guitar input switch for recording direct and MIDI input and output are also provided. It’s the first FireWire interface in its class to record and play at up to 192kHz/24-bit resolution.

In addition to its weighted jog wheel, the FireOne has transport keys and nine programmable function keys to control audio applications like Logic Pro, SONAR, Cubase, Nuendo, Digital Performer, Live and Pro Tools. The edit control interface makes it a perfect choice for video editing applications like Final Cut Pro and Premiere.

US MSRP $399

The podcasting kit comes with a studio-grade FireWire audio interface which includes the Behringer Edition of Ableton Live Lite 4 music production software for PC and Mac computers. The package also includes an 8-input mixer, high-quality headphones and a studio microphone plus cable.

Pricing is expected to be $269.99.

FireWave extends to Mac users the ability to affordably and effectively upgrade their sound systems by way of their FireWire ports.

FireWave’s small size makes it easy to incorporate into any computer setup, and makes it portable enough for use with laptops. FireWave gets its power through the FireWire connection, so there are no separate cables, batteries, or power supplies to tote. FireWave’s extra FireWire port lets you daisy-chain other FireWire devices, so it won’t hog your FireWire port.

FireWave lets you enjoy Dolby Digital encoded DVDs in 5.1 surround, or use Dolby Prol Logic II to make any audio source alive, whether from iTunes, QuickTime, or streaming audio. In addition, FireWave’s support of multi-channel playback from cross-platform OpenAL games like World of Warcraft and Unreal Tournament make it a must-have for gamers.

Technical Specifications:

• Complies with IEEE1394 specification
• Sample Rates supported:
• • 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz and 96kHz playback in MBLA mode (non-Dolby)
  • 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz in Dolby Pro Logic II
  • 48kHz Encoded Digital in Dolby Digital
• Outputs: 6-Channel, 24-bit
• Frequency Response: (-3dBr, 24-bit 48kHz input) = < 20Hz – 20kHz
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 100dB
• Powered by the Oxford Semiconductor FW970

Pricing & Availability

Griffin FireWave is priced at $99.99 USD, and is now available at Griffin Technology, and where Mac or FireWire accessories are sold.

M-Audio has posted beta drivers for the entire FireWire-compatible family of products, including FireWire 410, FireWire 1814 and the new ProjectMix I/O. Beta drivers for the Fast Track USB and Fast Track Pro have also been posted to http://www.m-audio.com.

The M-Audio engineering team is actively working on Intel-based Mac support for the remainder of the company’s USB interfaces. Visit the Support > Drivers section of the web site for additional drivers, as the compatibility list will be updated regularly.

Also at NAMM, M-Audio software partner Ableton announced that Live 5.2 will deliver native support for new Intel Macs—in addition to significant gains in audio performance. Live 5.2 will enter beta testing as soon as the new Intel Core Duo-equipped MacBook Pro is available and is expected to be released in February. M-Audio projects the rest of its developed and distributed software will be operable on “MacTel” computers in the near future.

More information is available at the M-Audio site.

Miglia Technology

The slim aluminium enclosure combines vast amounts of storage space with data transfer rates peaking at 88 MB/sec. Thanks to its advanced DCS cooling system, the hard drives run at low temperatures at all times, thereby lengthening their lifespan and securing your data.

Available in capacities of 320GB, 500GB and 640GB and as an empty case, the Miglia DualDisk provides excellent secure expansion for both PC and Mac platforms. In addition DualDisk is now available using the ultimate quality WD Caviar ‘Raid Edition’ drives, these have 16MB of cache per device and an MTBF of 5 times a conventional Disc Drive. Designed and built to last, DualDisk is made from robust, shock resistant aluminium, giving the best possible protection for your valuable data.

Features:

• Interface: IDE
• Spin speed: 7200 RPM
• Cache: 8MB
• MTTF: 1.2 million hours
• Avg. read seek: 8.8 ms
• Warranty: 5 years

Compatibility:

• Mac with Firewire connectivity Mac OS 9.1+ (400 Mbps speeds only) Mac OS X 10.2.5 or higher
• PC with FireWire Connectivity Windows XP

Pricing and availability

Miglia DualDisk is available now from Miglia’s distribution partners, refurb or online store, for a recommended retail price of (ex VAT):

• 320 GB: £209, €299, $399
• 500 GB: £322, €467, $549
• 640 GB: £340, €502, $585