FW-1082

FireWire Audio/MIDI Interface and Control Surface

The TASCAM FW-1082 Audio/MIDI Interface and Control Surface from TASCAM and Frontier Design Group not only provides tons of audio and MIDI I/O to small studios, but offers a control surface with moving-faders for a previously unheard-of price. The FW-1082 features 10 inputs, including four balanced XLR mic inputs with phantom power. Two MIDI inputs and outputs are also included, plus S/PDIF digital I/O. Eight channel strips each feature a 60mm touch-sensitive moving fader and select/solo/mute buttons, and a moving master fader is also provided. The FW-1082 includes Cubase LE 96kHz/48-track recording software.

The FW-1082 is a great choice for small studios, whether someone is just starting out or if they're upgrading their equipment. Its four microphone inputs, two with analog insert jacks, have phantom power for professional condenser microphones.

Four additional line inputs and a S/PDIF stereo input add up to 10 inputs simultaneously, each at 96kHz/24-bit audio resolution. Two MIDI inputs and outputs are provided for 32 channels of MIDI synth playback or control. The control surface has nine 60mm touch-sensitive moving faders for silky-smooth control over channel level, pan or aux settings. Four encoders are also available for mix control, as well as transport and jog/shuttle controls. Stereo monitoring is included, and the FW-1082 even mixes signals internally for stand-alone use.

The FW-1082 includes Cubase LE professional 48-track, 96kHz recording and mixing software. It works well with Steinberg Cubase and Nuendo, Apple Logic, Apple Final Cut Pro, Soundtrack Pro and Motion, Cakewalk Sonar, MOTU Digital Performer. It also works as a HUI control surface and MIDI interface for Digidesign Pro Tools.