With their rich heritage in high quality synthesizers, MPC Groove boxes and MIDI controllers it seems almost strange that Akai Professional have thus far not had a studio Audio/MIDI Interface on the market. Regardless of the reasons for the wait, Akai’s launch Audio/MIDI box looks to be a good’un, with a clever little set of features that solves some really practical (and simple) problems not addressed by other cards & represents a continuation of the high level of quality we’ve come to expect from Akai Pro products across the board.

The Akai EIE is a USB audio interface (although it does feature powering for reasons I will address shortly) for 24bit, 44.1 khz studio quality audio recording.  The EIE offers four XLR-¼" combo jacks with phantom power (power source purpose #1) and gain control channel inputs on the front face of the interface box, matched to two lovely source selectable analog V/U meters for classic input source monitoring. 

Output options on the back are geared to match the input recording with four nickel-plated ¼" outputs for two separate monitoring systems. Ideal for Ableton or other digital DJs, quick monitor selecting switches allow you to select your feed without re-patching or reconfiguration. 

On the back of the EIE apart from the four output jack connections you will also find a 3 output powered (power source purpose #2) USB hub. Anyone who has been using a Macbook with an audio interface and multiple USB controllers (say a keyboard + an APC40) will instantly recognize how useful having additional USBs directly on your interface would be. 

Rounding off the feature set on the back of the EIE are four insert effect jacks (a very unique and desirable feature on a sound card at this price range) and conventional 5 DIN MIDI IN/OUT connections.

We’re expecting the Akai EIE at Spank! Records very soon and we are currently taking pre-orders online or in store for this product. We’re expecting an RRP of $449 and we will update with street pricing as more details come to hand.

Thanks,