At the 2011 NAMM Show, Akai Professional introduced the new EIE I/O – a new audio interface and USB hub.

The EIE I/O is a tabletop USB audio interface tailored for project and portable studio setups. The four-in, four-out (4×4) device enables users on Mac and PC-based systems to record up to 24-bit resolution.

The EIE I/O also houses three USB inputs, in addition to its main USB port, letting you connect controllers, hard drives or any other peripheral when native ports on a computer may be limited.

The compact recording interface features nickel-plated input jacks, analog-style VU meters and a rugged aluminum casing.

AKAI EIE I/O Premium Audio Interface

Each channel of the EIE I/O has a XLR-¼” combo jack, dedicated gain-pots and Mic/Line/Guitar switches.

The EIE I/O features four discrete-design preamplifiers with 48V phantom power for use with virtually any microphones. Individual ¼” Nickel-plated jacks found on the back of EIE I/O provide channel inserts for processing audio signals externally. Users can monitor sessions on multiple sets of studio monitors using the four ¼” balanced outputs, which are also Nickel-plated. Both pairs of outputs can be monitored visually with the high-quality, analog VU meters providing classic features with modern style. For remote tracking and alternative playback, the EIE I/O has a 1/4” TRS headphone output. High quality analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters ensure that every detail of each session or performance gets captured and played back faithfully.

The EIE I/O sends and receives four audio channels on a single USB cable for simple, universal interface to a computer. The three additional USB ports allow EIE I/O to function as a hub as well, bridging other MIDI controllers and hard-drives to the computer. The bus-powered USB interface is class compliant for plug-and-play operation with Mac OS X and Windows XP, Vista and 7. The EIE I/O features traditional MIDI In and Out jacks for playing and controlling software with keyboard and pad controllers, workstations, and other MIDI-compatible instruments.

“EIE I/O melds classic design and modern technology with solid construction for a flexible, rugged and great-sounding studio solution,” said Glen Darcey, Director of Product Management, Akai Professional.