Mark of the Unicorn (MOTU) HD192 High Definition 192 KHz Audio Interface
The MOTU HD192 high- definition 192-kHz audio interface is designed for those who demand the very best audio quality available. Equipped with the latest generation 24-bit, enhanced multi-bit 128x oversampling 192-kHz converters, the HD192 achieves a remarkable A-weighted signal-to-noise ratio of 120 dB with balanced XLR connectors throughout. Ideal for surround applications, the HD192's 12 inputs and 12 outputs can support two simultaneous 5.1 mixes. And the HD192 is full of advanced features, like AES/EBU I/O with sample rate conversion both in and out.

The PCI-424 card introduced with the 2408mk3 is 192-kHz ready. Just connect the HD192 expansion interface to record 192-kHz audio.

The HD192 can be purchased as an expander for an existing PCI-424-based MOTU Audio System, or as a core system which includes the PCI-424 card and Audiodesk workstation software.

Converters
The most important link in the digital recording chain is the A/D converter. It is the critical component that converts your analog input signal into digital information. The higher the quality of the A/D converter, the better your recordings will sound. The 192-kHz converters in the HD192 are the very same used in more expensive HD systems. With 120dB A-weighted dynamic range and a THD+N of 0.0005%, the HD192 is simply the best sounding front end you can buy for your digital audio workstation.

Metering
The HD192's front panel… read more provides dedicated 19-segment level meters for all 12 inputs and outputs. Two over meters are included, a temporary over meter and an over/hold meter that is resettable via software. Comprehensive clock status LEDs are also included so you can see at a glance the current sampling rate and clock source.

Front Panel Power Switch
Useful in the unlikely event you wish to turn off your HD192. An interesting fact about MOTU Audio interfaces is that they are hot swappable. This means you can power off, plug-in, add and remove interfaces without turning your computer off or restarting.

24-bit, 192-kHz analog XLR Input and Output
All 12 analog inputs and outputs of the HD192 are professional-grade XLR connectors operating at +4 dB.

AES/EBU
The HD192 features stereo AES/EBU digital I/O with built in sample rate conversion. This gives you the ability to integrate external digital audio sources, no matter what the sample rate, while recording audio at higher sample rates on the analog I/O of the HD192. For example, you can still take advantage of the 96-kHz digital I/O on your favorite outboard reverb, while recording audio at 192-kHz.

Word Clock I/O
The HD192 audio interface provides industry standard word clock input and output. The word clock input allows the HD192 to synchronize smoothly with today's digital audio studio. The word clock output can be used as a master clock to drive other digital devices in your studio, such as a digital mixer. The AES digital I/O can be driven separately via a dedicated word clock input. You can even slave to a 48kHz clock source, even when the HD192 is operating at 192-kHz.

Audio Wire
The HD192 uses the second generation Audio Wire we introduced with the 2408mk3. It is a high-bandwidth digital audio format capable of carrying up to 24 channels of 96-kHz or 12 channels of 192-kHz digital audio in and out of the computer at the same time.

Power Supply
Like all MOTU hardware products, the HD192 comes with an internal power supply and standard detachable IEC power cable. No wall warts or line lumps.

Expansion
The HD192 uses the same PCI-424 card as the 2408mk3. You can connect up to four audio interfaces to a PCI-424 in any combination to create a system that fits your needs.

The PCI-424 card included with HD192 core systems is fully compatible with legacy MOTU interfaces originally designed for the PCI-324 card. Connect any MOTU PCI interface, including the 2408mk3, 2408mkII, 2408, 1296, 1224, 1296, and 308. Mix and match new and legacy interfaces as you please. All connected interfaces can take full advantage of the PCI-424's CueMix DSP features.

CueMix DSP
The PCI-424 card features CuemixDSP (tm), a powerful processor dedicated to creating a custom tailored monitor mix of up to 96 channels of audio. Because the mixing takes place on the card itself, instead of making the round trip from the PCI bus to the host processor, the system provides the same near-zero latency performance as today's latest digital mixers. CueMix DSP completely eliminates the buffer latency associated with monitoring on host-based systems. Because the DSP is mixing for you, your computer's CPU is free for other tasks.
Cuemix DSP is the most flexible Cuemix ever, allowing you to mix multiple channels into multiple mix busses or directly assigned outputs. Manage your monitor mix with the enhanced Cuemix Console software included with the HD192.

The CuemixDSP console provides independent level and pan controls for each input on every mix. Also, CuemixDSP does not limit you to four stereo mixes. You can configure a unique mix for every physical stereo output you have available. This means you can have up to 48 separate stereo mixes on a 96 output system.

Any MOTU AudioWire interface plugged into the PCI-424, including the original 2408, can take advantage of Cuemix's flexible monitoring.

Setup Wizard
In a perfect world, your HD192 system would arrive a week before your next recording project. But chances are, it will be only a few hours. That's why the HD192 includes a setup wizard for both Mac and Windows based systems. The Setup Wizard is an interactive application that helps you connect everything together. It even configures the HD192 driver for you when you're done! With the HD192, you'll be up and running in minutes. read less