British manufacturer Audient raises the stakes once again with the release of its latest, and to date most powerful desktop audio interface, iD44. Four Audient Class-A console mic pres offering 60 db of gain, all new class-leading converter technology, options for digital expansion, new intuitive, mix-focussed software specifically designed for ease of use when managing large sessions, an impressive potential I/O of 20in / 24out and an all-metal build, providing the basis of the complete recording studio.
"iD44 is the natural expansion of Audient's high performance audio interface range, building on award-winning features; utilising high grade components and adding innovative, new enhancements inspired by listening to our customers' feedback," says Andy Allen, Audient's marketing manager.
"As with our smaller interfaces, the mic pres are the exactly the same as those you find in our large format recording consoles, making us the only company to use the same discrete Class-A mic pre throughout our entire product range. iD44 continues to deliver real analogue heritage right to our customers' desktops."
The ADAT inputs and outputs give the user flexibility to grow their studio, enabling the addition of up to 16 extra channels of mic pres - ideal for bigger sessions such as tracking a live band or mic-ing up a drum kit. "iD44 is the perfect long-term investment for those wanting to build up their setup over time," continues Andy.
Channels 1 & 2 also feature two fully balanced insert points. "Add your favourite compressor, reverb or EQ while recording, or get direct access to the analogue digital converters for unlimited creative options, such as print-backs, FX processing or integrating outboard analogue line level sources. iD44 really provides all the flexibility the modern producer needs."
Audient's upcoming Windows drivers update will also provide significant performance enhancements, allowing for reduced buffer sizes and operation at lower latency, giving customers reliable software as well as hardware. "What you get for your money in terms of feature set and quality is unrivalled in today's market," affirms Andy.
The feature set of iD44 further includes:
• 20-in, 24-out Desktop Interface
• 4 x Class-A Audient Console Mic Preamplifiers with 60 db of gain
• Class Leading AD/DA Converters
• 2 x ADAT Inputs & Outputs for Digital Expansion
• 2 x Discrete JFET Instrument Inputs
• 2 x Fully Balanced Inserts
• 2 x Independent Stereo Headphone Outputs
• Main and Alt Speaker Outputs
• ScrollControl
• 3 x User Defined Function Keys
• Dedicated Talkback, Dim and Cut Controls
• Low Latency DSP Mixer
• Word Clock Output
• USB2.0 Compliant
• 24bit/96khz
• All-Metal Enclosure
• Over £500 worth of plugins and software free with ARC
Come and see iD44 up close at NAMM at booth #10602.
iD44 is expected to ship in the first quarter of 2018 and will retail in the US at $699 MAP.
Video preview: