We struggled to get acceptable performance at latency settings lower than 10ms, though new drivers might improve this in the future. This second option is selected from a curiously large dropdown list - a bit odd, since at latency times greater than 40ms or so, you´re usually not so fussy about the precise time. The control panel is easy to use, since there isn´t anything much to play with except the sample rate (which goes up to 192kHz) and the ASIO buffer size. In use, the unit sounds great - there´s absolutely nothing to complain about on that score. The separate level controls for headphones and speakers are very welcome, while the status lights for MIDI In and Out are helpful too. Phantom-power is available (so studio-grade mics can be used), and, remarkably, there are ground-lift switches on the bottom of the unit so that hum problems can be easily fixed. The design of the 0404 USB 2.0´s top panel is excellent - there´s something very satisfying about the layout and operation of the controls. On the plus side, the mains adapter does have the benefit of being unusually lightweight and so wouldn´t add any significant load to the mobile musician´s rucksack. Sadly, the 0404 USB 2.0 is not bus-powered, so if you fancy a spot of battery-operated recording in remote areas, you´ll be left disappointed. MIDI I/O and a small mini-jack for desktop computer speakers completes the connectivity, but there´s also a socket for a power supply. If you aren´t going to make use of this - and let´s face it, most of us won´t - the 0404 USB 2.0 is therefore, to all intents and purposes, only a 2-in/2-out audio interface. One thing we should make clear, though, is that it´s the digital connectivity that affords the 0404 its 4-in/4-out technical specification. That said, the digital I/O might be a selling point for people who have DAT machines, MiniDisc players or similar gear that needs hooking up. We have to ask, though, what might you connect them to? Both CD and DVD players are now built into our computers, and most other digital hardware equipment (reverbs, samplers, etc) has been emulated satisfactorily in software. This is quite a surprise, as it´s been a while since we´ve seen them on an interface of this type. We can also celebrate the return of a couple of long lost friends: coaxial and optical digital connections. The front panel boasts a 1/4-inch headphone jack too.
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