Class-compliant 4-in/4-out USB Audio/MIDI Interface with 4 Microphone Preamplifiers, Onboard Compressor/Limiters, Ground Lift, and Loopback Recording - Includes Ableton Live Lite (Mac/PC)
Versatile, Mobile-ready 4-channel Interface
Roland's Rubix 44 is a versatile 4-channel USB audio interface that lets you record clean and clear audio, even in less than ideal environments. That's because Roland built this interface to be as mobile as possible. A sturdy metal housing lets you toss your Rubix 44 in your bag and go, and since it communicates via class-compliant USB, you can leave your laptop at home and track right on your iPad. Four microphone preamps offer the kind of clarity you don't normally find on such an affordable interface, and bonus features such as a ground lift and onboard dynamics processing make it easy to capture high-quality audio wherever you go.
Low-noise performance from the ground up
When it comes to fighting noise, the Rubix 44 starts off with a pair of microphone preamps that go hand in hand with its extensively shielded construction. These passive noise-reduction methods work great in most cases, but sometimes bad power can ruin your day. Roland addressed this issue by outfitting the Rubix 44 with a system-wide ground-lift switch, so you can cut off any hum coming from the power supply. That's something recording engineers have rarely, if ever, seen on an audio interface, and it's extremely useful for recording live sound.
Onboard dynamics save time and your tracks
Ask any seasoned engineer/producer, and they'll tell you that getting the best possible sound on the way in will save you hours of editing when it's time to mix. One of the easiest ways to improve your incoming audio is by adding a touch of compression on the front side to keep your levels smooth. That usually requires outboard compressors to pull off, but Roland equipped the Rubix 44 with a pair of 3-mode compressor/limiter circuits for each set of stereo inputs. These dynamics circuits feature two gentle compression types plus a more aggressive limiter — something you'll appreciate if you track live sound, where unexpected spikes can obliterate your audio quality.
Cool bonus features offer added versatility
Between its class-compliant USB, robust design, and low-noise performance options, it's clear that Roland intended for the Rubix 44 to be a great mobile audio interface, but it has some tricks up its sleeve that also make it a wonderful start or addition to your home studio. First off, it comes with Ableton Live Lite, which is both a solid DAW and a powerful songwriting tool. MIDI I/O also adds compatibility with keyboards, controllers, and other devices. Selectable headphone output sources let you create a separate monitor mix for recording, which is a real bonus if you collaborate with other artists. Loopback recording lets you record output sources from your computer, which is particularly handy for podcasting and similar applications.
Features:
- Versatile 4-channel USB interface that's perfect for live and studio use
- Supports up to 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution audio
- 4 low-noise inputs accept mic-, line-, and instrument-level sources
- Shielded metal chassis and universal ground-lift switch help prevent noise
- Onboard compressor/limiters smooth out your sound and protect against clipping
- Selectable headphone channel assignment lets you set up an independent monitor mix
- Loopback recording captures your output — an essential feature for podcasting
- MIDI I/O connects keyboards, control surfaces, and other MIDI-equipped gear
- Class-compliant USB supports Mac and Windows PCs as well as iOS devices
- Includes Ableton Live Lite DAW recording software (Mac/Windows)