mono and mute buttons under the volume knob - but at the price this is perhaps wishful thinking on my part. On the subject of buttons, it would have also been nice for the manufacturer to have included a few monitor controller facilities on the top panel - eg. input 1 panned to the left ear and input 2 to the right - as it makes it far easier for musicians to make a distinction between the two inputs. ![]() The mix control for input monitoring (playback versus input signals) makes it very quick to set up a monitor feed for the headphones, yet I would have preferred to have a button to toggle the input monitoring to ‘stereo’ mode - ie. The preamps, although very simple, give plenty of gain with very little unwanted noise even at extreme settings. Once microphones are plugged in, the LED meters provide a helpful indication of levels without having to glance back at the DAW software, although another couple of LEDs on the meter ladder would have made this even better. Put to work, the interfaces are incredibly simple to operate. Connection to the computer is via a newfangled USB-C socket. MIDI I/O is a helpful inclusion for those grappling with limited USB ports. The 2X2M from the rear: Two combination XLR/jack connectors are provided, as well as balanced line-output jacks. Once again, plenty of disk space is necessary, with Strike alone requiring some 56GB. ![]() Meanwhile, the bundled AIR software will helpfully complement any of the more modest DAW packages by adding audio processing functionality and high-quality sounds from the likes of Xpand!, the Mini Grand piano plug-in and the Strike drum plug-in. Those who really value their hard disk space should be warned that the Cubase installer includes additional content that will lay unused unless you either pay to upgrade or carry out detective work to remove the files manually I’m perpetually frustrated by software manufacturers adopting this approach. This bundle includes Cubase LE and a whole host of audio and virtual instrument plug-ins from AIR Music Technology that will be well known to users of Pro Tools. Bundled software is abundant and may be downloaded and authenticated following registration. Windows drivers are available from the support section of M-Audio’s web site and there’s no additional configuration software to install since operation relies on simple, hardware controls on the interface. Getting set up is relatively straightforward, particularly on Mac OS where no driver software is required. The rear panel also includes balanced line outputs on quarter-inch jacks, MIDI sockets (on the 2X2M), a USB-C connector and a slot for a Kensington security lock. Conveniently, the instrument inputs on the 2X2M take precedence over the mic/line sockets on the rear, allowing users to leave microphones plugged in around the back when instruments are plugged into the front. The front panel houses instrument jack inputs (two on the 2X2M and one on the 2X2), a phantom power toggle switch and a headphone socket. Blue LED lighting indicates power and phantom power status and, on the 2X2M, MIDI in/out activity. To the right there is a direct-monitor balance control and a headphone level knob. To the left-hand side of the panel, below each gain control, is a four-stage LED meter to indicate input level. Whilst this would perhaps not be to everyone’s taste, the controls are all solid to the touch, with no chance of them being knocked out of place during a recording session. ![]() A large main volume knob acts as a centrepiece and, curiously, all the other dials seem somewhat oversized too. The top panel is covered in clear acrylic for a glass effect and the overall finish suggests real quality. ![]() Out of the box, a highly attractive metal case is revealed. This is reflected in their relative prices. We’ll look at the differences between the two as we go along, but essentially the 2X2 is a cut-down version of the 2X2M, lacking its extra input sockets and MIDI I/O. Whilst the inclusion of USB-C is likely to be attractive to those who own recent, ultra-portable notebook computers, a USB-C to USB-A cable is provided in the box for anybody yet to jump on that particular bandwagon. Notably, both interfaces utilise the up-and-coming USB Type-C connector. The M-Track 2X2M and 2X2 are the latest additions to M-Audio’s extensive array of audio interfaces, both featuring an ergonomic desktop ‘monitor controller’ form factor. M-Audio’s latest interfaces offer a lot of bang for relatively little buck.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |