Professional Audio/Video

Loaded with onboard DSP, loopback channels, and surprisingly versatile I/O in a highly portable and compact form factor, the PreSonus Revelator io44 USB Type-C audio interface blends studio-quality, sonic performance, and refreshing ease of use, so podcasters, live streamers, content creators, and musicians can get great sounds in a hurry. Plus, it comes with a powerful software package that includes a DAW, a slew of virtual instruments, plug-in effects, loops, samples, and much more.

On the hardware side, the single XMAX-L preamp and 24-bit / 96 kHz converters deliver clarity and natural tonality for your microphone or electric guitar, while the separate mini-jack input accommodates a line-level source such as a DJ mixer. Whether you use the factory presets or create your own, the built-in Fat Channel processing offers pro-level impact without ever taxing your computer. Use the two loopback channels and integrated mixer to pipe in backing tracks or a call-in guest, and feed independent mixes to the main and headphone outputs.

The Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic from Focusrite is an eight-channel preamp and interface suitable for expanding the input array of any studio, and also, for use on stage. Connections are secured via eight combination inputs, each one giving you jacks that accept 1/4" and XLR cables. Two of the inputs can handle Hi-Z instruments as well, allowing you to plug in guitars and basses. Eight 1/4" line outs are also available via the rear panel. Also provided are eight channels of AD/DA conversion up to 192 kHz. This feature, combined with the unit's back-panel ADAT I/O section, renders the Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic quite suitable for expanding the input and output capability of interfaces such as the Scarlett 18i8, 18i20, or indeed, any interface connectable via ADAT.

As its name suggests, the Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic provides a compressor on each individual input—more specifically, a soft-knee VCA compressor operated by a signal knob. You can use this compressor in transparent mode for a more natural transient-taming response, or depress the More button to achieve a more noticeable sound out of the compressor. Along with the dynamic controls, the high-headroom, 2nd-generation Scarlett mic preamps render the unit suitable for recording loud sound sources, such as drums.

48V phantom power is available to power condenser microphones, as is a sample-rate selection button, a word clock sync button, instrument mode button, and more—all controllable from the front panel. 5-segment LED input metering provides an accurate readout of your levels. With its flexibility in accepting/routing signal via ADAT or analog connection points, you'll find this device useful in both studio and live environments.