STEINBERG AXR4T

With the AXR4, Steinberg sets a new standard in audio interfaces for studios, producers and professional musicians. Featuring connectivity and facilities aimed at professional-level recording, including 32-bit integer resolution and a sample rate of up to 384 kHz, this premium audio interface significantly raises the bar. The hybrid mic preamps with Rupert Neve Designs SILK emulation add exceptional tonal control, while SSPLL guarantees ultra-low jitter. The AXR4 ensures universal excellence for all recording applications.

VCM was developed by an engineering group led by Toshifumi Kunimoto (aka Dr. K), who was also responsible for the first physical modeling synthesizers, VL1 and VP1. VCM enables an ultra-realistic digital reproduction of individual components in analog circuits, such as resistors and capacitors. Besides modeling the functionality of a circuit and the interaction between single components, VCM focuses on an unprecedented musical simulation of analog sound qualities, including typical characteristics like saturation and non-linearity - subtleties that simple digital simulations cannot capture.
Each effect is carefully analyzed by some of the best ears in the business and tweaked to provide the best-sounding results in today’s pro sound environment. Breathtakingly accurate, yet highly musical - the VCM technology is the most straightforward approach to analog sound modeling and is now available in the SILK processor on AXR4 hybrid mic preamps and EQ 601 and Compressor 276 both available onboard DSP and Advanced FX Suite plug-in bundle in AXR4.

The AXR4 can connect to a huge range of musical instruments and audio equipment, making it an ideal interface for any professional application. With +48 V phantom power available on all four XLR/TRS combo inputs, both condenser and dynamic microphones are accommodated, while all four inputs can also accept line level signals. Inputs 1 and 2 can accept Hi-Z signals, so electric guitars and basses, MIDI equipment and any kind of studio equipment or playback device can all be used. With a range of analog and digital output options, as well as additional I/O available via the digital connections, the AXR4 has all the connectivity required for professional production situations. A special feature of the AX4T is that up to three units can be daisy-chained using Thunderbolt 2.

For creative music professionals a wide range of connectivity options and great sound quality are crucial. The AXR4 is equipped with exceptional hybrid mic preamps featuring switchable RND SILK emulation, which can accommodate any kind of microphone. It features Hi-Z inputs for direct connection of guitars and basses, which also allow for recording clean signals and re-amping. With two individual headphone outputs and latency-free monitoring with DSP-powered effects, two musicians or singers can receive their own, individual monitor mix. The extensive range of analog and digital connectivity makes it possible to connect all of the equipment needed for creative musical workflow in any genre, including a master keyboard, pad controller, guitars and much more, with the facility to easily expand the setup when required.

Project studios are often much smaller than major facilities, but that doesn’t mean they should compromise on sound quality. Every aspect of the AXR4T is geared toward recording best-quality audio. Class-A hybrid mic preamps feature the legendary Rupert Neve Designs sound, via switchable SILK emulation, while cutting-edge 32-bit converters and advanced SSPLL jitter reduction technology guarantee the best results when recording. With the dspMixFx AXR application and DSP-powered latency-free monitoring, individual mixes can easily be created for musicians and singers. The vast array of connectivity options also allows quick and easy expansion of the recording setup, for example with additional mic preamps or outboard gear, and allows you to connect guitars, keyboards and other instruments or audio sources.

With a full set of professional connections, including ADAT, S/PDIF, AES/EBU, Word Clock and MIDI, the AXR4 can be expanded with one or two eight channel mic preamps, professional outboard and other equipment, while SSPLL jitter reduction technology guarantees perfect synchronization of all devices. The dspMixFx AXR full matrix mixer allows for easy setup, routing and latency-free monitoring with effects with any DAW, with Cubase users able to control these features through a custom panel. In addition, 32-bit converters with up to 384 kHz sample rate and AXR hybrid mic preamps equipped with RND SILK processing are the ideal recording basis for any professional studio. The Thunderbolt 2-equipped AXR4T can run three units in daisy-chain mode for a maximum of 84 inputs and 72 outputs, sufficient for high end recording applications and also allowing for analog summing.

The provision of 32-bit integer recording means the rugged AXR4T provides plenty of headroom, which is especially crucial for live recordings. The 28 inputs allow many different sources to be connected, while the outstanding Class-A hybrid mic preamps can accommodate any type of microphone, with phantom power available on all four front panel inputs for professional high-quality condenser mics. Recorded signals can also be enhanced with RND Silk emulation. Two digital connectors mean the AXR4 can easily be expanded with eight channel mic preamps of choice, as in most live recording scenarios a higher count of microphone inputs is needed. The advanced SSPLL jitter reduction technology guarantees perfect sync of all connected devices. These features combine to make the AXR4 the perfect solution for any live recording situation.

Mastering facilities always require the ultimate in sound quality. With 32-bit converters, up to 384 kHz sample rate and an ultra-low noise floor, the AXR4 delivers the best sound quality currently available. Its comprehensive connectivity allows the connection of high-end outboard mastering equipment like equalizers, compressors and processors in the audio chain, as well as several pairs of monitor speakers. Two sets of headphones can also be connected, fed by individual sources. In addition, by feeding the audio signal to the front inputs, it can also be processed with the onboard SILK emulation, bringing the legendary sound of Rupert Neve Designs to every audio master.