Roland reveal brand new hi-res USB interfaces for 2017 – Rubix series
Roland have debuted 3 new audio interfaces which balance high fidelity sound, solid build quality, compact size, and crucial features all with an affordable price.
At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Roland presented their new line of audio interfaces, Rubix, launching with 3 models of varying size but consistent quality. Each interface supports recording audio up to 24-bit/192 kHz and features almost universal USB support to work with all ranges of PC and Macs, and even connect up to iPads.
The Rubix series will debut with the Rubix 22, Rubix 24, and Rubix 44. The Rubix 22 features 2 mic/line inputs with dual mic preamps for simple 1 or 2 track recording with low noise and high definition. The Rubix 24 then adds two outputs and a hardware compressor/limiter for controlling highly dynamic sources. The 44 is obviously the biggest of the bunch with 2 extra mic preamps for a complete package with 4 inputs and outputs.
Whichever Rubix interface takes your fancy they have all been designed with the same attention to sound quality, as Roland say:
Nothing is more important than sound quality when it comes to audio interfaces. And you shouldn’t have to sacrifice sound quality to have an affordable interface that you can take with you. Rubix sounds clean and detailed with transparent, low noise mic preamps and supports audio resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz. It’s made of durable metal, and a lot went into its compact, low-noise design. With all the places Rubix 22 can go, you’ll appreciate its extensive shielding and ground lifts, making sure you get good clean audio just about anywhere.
Roland’s Rubix interfaces are made so that anyone can use them, working easily with PC and Macs using USB and a low latency for smooth audio performance. You can also use the Rubix interfaces on the go thanks to compatibility with iPad’s that lets you plug in and record wherever you take your iPad. Each version of Rubix comes with Ableton Live Lite out of the box so you don’t even need to buy any fancy music software before you can start using it.
Roland’s Rubix line features:
- 2-in/2-out / 2-in/4-out / 4-in/4-out USB audio interface
- 2 / 4 low-noise mic preamps with XLR combo jacks
- Hardware compressor/limiter (Rubix 24 & Rubix 44)
- Hi-Z input for guitar and other high impedance sources
- MIDI In/Out ports
- Extensively shielded, low-noise design
- Sturdy and compact metal construction
- Big, easy-to-read indicators show vital information
- Low latency, class compliant drivers
- Ground lifts for quiet operation in a variety of venues
- Includes Ableton Live Lite
Roland have only unveiled the products so far however there are suggestions that the price and availability of Rubix interfaces will be revealed at the upcoming NAMM show in California. Hopefully Roland have a similar definition of “affordable” as we do.