Novation Audio Hub 2x4

Started by Elantric, September 12, 2014, 03:17:34 PM

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Elantric

http://global.novationmusic.com/audio-interfaces/audiohub-2x4











Technical Specification
Rear Panel

2 TRS Balanced jack outputs
4 Unbalanced RCA outputs
USB type B socket for connection to computer
Power jack for included power supply
Kensington security slot
Front Panel

2 RCA Line Inputs with selectable gain switch
Input Monitor switch
Headphone socket with output select switch
3 USB type A sockets for connecting USB devices to the hub
Top Panel

2 Volume controls for outputs 1&2 and 3&4
Signal/clip LEDs for outputs 1&2 and 3&4
Input signal/clip LED
Headphone volume control
LEDs to indicate USB ports in use
LEDs to indicate Audio interface and USB hub function
Product Compatibility

Supported Operating Systems:
Mas OS X 10.9 Mavericks, Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion (class compliant)
Window 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 (ASIO drivers included)
iOS 7, 6 (class compliant)
Product Dimensions

134mm width x 150mm depth x 41mm height (51mm inc knobs)
Product Power Requirements

Audiohub 2x4 can be powered via USB bus power as an audio interface only
The Included power supply is required for USB hub operation
Use of the power supply is recommended for headphone monitoring at loud volumes











Finally, Connect a USB Hub and Audio in One Gadget, on Laptop or iPad
BY PETER KIRN
AudioHub-3quart_Retouch-HR
File this directly under "why has no one done this properly before?"
One of the few remaining annoyances in computer music making is just getting connected. First, you need an audio interface to get proper sound and headphone cueing. Then, you've got all this great gear for control – but where to put it? Macs and even many new PCs have few USB ports (especially ultrathin notebooks like the MacBook Air).
Yes, it's about time someone combined a practical audio interface with a USB hub.
Focusrite/Novation seem to be the right folks for the job. Focusrite's audio interfaces are some of the best of the bunch – I've had good luck with their drivers, and they deliver good sound for the price, thanks to the company's experience in things like mic pres. Novation, meanwhile, are one of the companies making all the stuff you want to plug in (like the ever-popular Launchpad line).
The Novation-branded Audiobus, labeled "Audiohub 2×4? (meaning I would expect they have other configurations in mind), merges both sides. There's a 96kHz, 24-bit Focusrite interface for the audio guts, plus a three-port, powered USB hub.
AudioHub-PP_Image7
Specs:
Three USB 2.0 ports
Stereo line input (phono/cinch plug) with high/low gain switch
Four line RCA outputs or two balanced jack outputs
"Loud" outputs, including the headphone jack (with DJs and producers in mind)
Bus-powered audio interface – or connect a 12V DC power supply (included) to power the USB hub
Low latency performance and zero-latency (direct) monitoring
AudioHub-rear-HR
Crucially, those headphones can be set to outputs 1-2 or 3-4, so you do get separate headphone monitoring. That, combined with loud headphone output gain, indeed makes this DJ and live performance worthy. I also like those output knobs on the top of the unit.
And it works with the iPad, Linux, and the like, too, thanks to class-compliant operation. In fact, the hub combined with the ability to connect to iOS via a USB camera adapter makes this really ideal.
All in all, this looks like a box that ticks all the boxes for live PA and DJing. Where it sacrifices things is for those who need a mic or instrument input. If it's a hit, though, a variant that does that seems close behind.
MIDI is missing, too, but that fits easily on one of the USB ports, so no complaints. (And then you can add more ports, for yet more connectivity...)
And because it's hard to find a perfect, leave-it-in-your-bag-at-all-times interface for sampling, DJing, and live electronic performance, I have a feeling this will become a classic if they've done their job. Definitely hitting the review queue – stay tuned.
In the meantime, Novation has some nice marketing on this – I like the mention of DJ and Maschine sampling workflows alike, alongside this cute artist video.
Not that you need any of this. They had me at "USB hub."