Description
The M-Audio AIR 192|6 is a step up in the M-Audio AIR series from the 192|4, offering increased input flexibility while maintaining the core features that make the line popular. It’s designed for musicians and producers who need more simultaneous recording options than a basic 2-input interface provides, particularly if they frequently record multiple microphones or a combination of mics and instruments.
Key Features and Highlights:
- 2-in/2-out Recording Capability with Flexible Inputs: While still a “2-in/2-out” interface in terms of simultaneous tracking, the AIR 192|6 offers more versatile input options compared to the 192|4:
- Two Combo XLR-1/4″ TRS Inputs: These are on the rear panel and can accept microphones (with switchable +48V phantom power, applied to both inputs) or line-level signals (from keyboards, drum machines, etc.).
- Two Dedicated 1/4″ TS Instrument Inputs: These are on the front panel and feature a specially designed gain and impedance stage for directly plugging in electric guitars and basses.
- Flexible Input Combinations: This is a key differentiator. You can use any combination of these inputs for your two simultaneous recording channels. For example, you can record:
- Two microphones (using the XLR inputs)
- Two instruments (using the front-panel instrument inputs)
- One microphone and one instrument
- Two line-level devices
- 24-bit/192kHz Resolution: Like other AIR interfaces, it supports high-resolution audio for pristine recording and monitoring, capturing every detail of your performance.
- “Crystal” Preamps: M-Audio’s transparent, low-noise Crystal preamps ensure a clean and accurate capture of your audio sources, providing a neutral foundation for your mixes.
- Pristine A/D Converters: High-quality analog-to-digital converters contribute to the wide dynamic range and faithful reproduction of your sound.
- High-Speed USB Connectivity (USB 2.0 via USB-C): It connects via USB-C (USB 2.0 protocol) and is known for its low round-trip latency (M-Audio claims as low as 2.59ms, dependent on system and settings), vital for comfortable monitoring. It includes both USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables.
- MIDI I/O: A significant upgrade over the 192|4, the 192|6 includes traditional 5-pin DIN MIDI In and Out ports. This is very useful for connecting MIDI keyboards, controllers, drum machines, or external hardware synthesizers directly to your setup.
- Direct Monitoring: The “USB/Direct” blend knob allows for zero-latency monitoring of your input signals, letting you hear yourself without any delay.
- VU LED Meters: Clear LED ladder meters for each input help you quickly visualize and set optimal recording levels.
- Robust Metal Chassis: The durable metal construction ensures longevity and reliability, both in a studio environment and for portable use. The large central monitor volume knob is also a signature M-Audio design.
- Bus-Powered: It draws power directly from your computer via the USB connection, eliminating the need for an external power adapter and simplifying your setup.
- Comprehensive Software Suite: This is a major value-add. The M-Audio AIR 192|6 comes with a substantial bundle, which typically includes:
- DAWs: Pro Tools | First M-Audio Edition and Ableton Live Lite.
- Virtual Instruments (from AIR Music Technology): Xpand!2 (multitimbral workstation), Mini Grand (acoustic piano), Vacuum (analog synth), Boom (drum machine), and DB33 (classic organ).
- Effects Plug-ins: Avid Eleven Lite (guitar amp/cab/stompbox simulator), AIR Creative FX Collection (20 effects), and Avid Effects Collection (another 20 effects).
- Loops: A 2GB library from Touch Loops.
Who is the M-Audio AIR 192|6 for?
- Small Ensembles/Duos: Great for recording two vocalists, or a vocalist and an instrument simultaneously.
- Producers with MIDI Gear: The inclusion of MIDI I/O is a big plus for anyone using hardware synthesizers, drum machines, or MIDI controllers.
- Guitarists/Bassists with Multiple Instruments: The two dedicated instrument inputs are perfect for quickly swapping between different guitars or basses without re-patching.
- Anyone needing flexible input options: The ability to choose between two combo inputs or two instrument inputs provides more versatility than simpler interfaces.
- Beginners to Intermediate Users: It offers excellent features, sound quality, and a robust software package at a competitive price.
Key Differences from M-Audio AIR 192|4:
The main distinctions are:
- Input Configuration: The 192|6 offers two combo XLR-1/4″ inputs (for mics/line) and two dedicated 1/4″ instrument inputs, whereas the 192|4 has one combo input and one dedicated instrument input. Both can record 2 simultaneous channels, but the 192|6 gives you more options for what you plug into those two channels.
- MIDI I/O: The 192|6 includes 5-pin MIDI In/Out, which the 192|4 lacks.
