nio 2/42 in / 4 out audio interface featuring Direct FX™ technology
Key Features
Overview![]() nio 2 | 4’s multi-effects engine includes a selection of the world’s finest guitar amp and distortion pedal effects, as well as filters, delay, chorus and phaser effects derived from Novation’s synth classic, the Supernova II. Finally, nio 2 | 4 features EQ, compression, gating and reverb solutions from signal processing experts, Focusrite. ![]() Two inputs are available for recording high quality audio into the DAW. An XLR with phantom power on the rear, and a ¼” Jack on the front, provide the two independent mic inputs. Switch to high impedance, and the same ¼” Jack provides a high-quality direct instrument input. A pair of phono (RCA) inputs can also be used to record a stereo signal, from a CD/MP3 player or synthesizer for example. Nio 2 | 4 ships with Novation’s new Xcite+ bundle, which features a host of exciting software solutions and free samples, including Ableton Live Lite 6 and over a gigabyte of royalty-free ‘loopmaster’ samples; ideal for getting the new user started, or to expand the experienced user’s creative toolbox. Finally, nio 2 | 4 provides MIDI i/o and is bus-powered via USB. Combined with flexible input and output routing, powerful real-time ‘Direct FX’, unmatched stability and robust hardware design, nio 2 | 4 is the ideal mobile interface; ready to channel your creativity, any time, anywhere. Direct FX![]() nio FX Rack![]() The effects are created using their unique 'analogue modeling' method, the focus of which is to reproduce the same tone characteristics and the same parametric behavior of the original unit modeled. Guitar Amp and distortion pedal effects include: Distortion pedals:
Amps:
In addition to these are powerful effects derived from Novation’s synth classic, the Supernova II. Novation plug-ins include:
nio 2 | 4 also features solutions from signal processing experts, Focusrite. Novation plug-ins include:
Finally, there are two nio 2 | 4 unique effects:
Online Important Information: All product names used in this page are trademarks of the respective owner, and are in no way associated or affiliated with Novation DMS Ltd or Over Loud Audio Tools, a brand of Almateq SRL. These trademarks of other manufacturers are only used to identify the products of those manufacturers, the sonic behaviour of which was studied during Overloud Audio Tool's analog modeling development. SpecificationsInputs:
Outputs:
Digital Audio:
Other interfacing
System requirements
Weights and Dimensions
ReviewsMay 2008 "The nio 2/4 squeezes an impressive array of I/O into a tiny package" "Many personal USB interfaces include little more than a signal and a clip LED, so I consider the addition of hardware meters a real bonus." "If you're looking for an interface for personal recording, the Novation nio 2/4 has a lot to recommend it." Music Tech Magazine review quotes March 2008 Hollin Jones "The nio 2/4 is an excellent mobile recording interface with some very useful extra features." "Despite its tiny size, the nio 2/4 is surprisingly flexible and the inclusion of the effects software plus the bundled plug-ins and instruments make it excellent value. For DJs, mobile musicians or small studios, Novation's nio punches well above its weight." Sound On Sound Magazine review quotes March 2008 Tom Flint "As a whole, the effects — a number of which are derived from Novation’s own Supernova II synthesizer — form a comprehensive set of processing tools." "The black parts of the Nio, formed from tough plastic moulds, and thick sheet-metal silver panels have been bonded neatly to create a very rigid casing. The various knobs and switches also feel very solid, adding to the impression that the device has been well engineered. Despite the remarkably small size of the box, absolutely none of the controls are cramped together, as is usually the case when only the front and rear faces are used in rack-compatible layout." "The Nio may qualify as a low-cost interface, but it offers a lot for the money, and the build quality is reassuringly good. The effects and processors will tempt many guitarists away from more straightforward product packages, I’m sure, as they’re high quality and are organised in a program that’s easy to use. There’s not much here to complain about." "Potentially of interest to guitarists as well as DJs, who can exploit the bus mixing output monitoring system, the Nio is undoubtedly a success." iDJ Magazine review quotes March 2008 issue 97 "The nio is a very neat package and whether you're an accomplished studio musician, home music maker or computer DJ, the combination of the two inputs, four outputs, MIDI, extensive monitoring and metering makes this a very flexible mixer in the palm of your hand." "The nio 2/4 is a no frills mix solution that anyone can get the best out of. A handy little unit all round." iCreate Magazine review quotes February 2008 issue 114 "The nio 2/4 is an audio interface that offers amazingly professional, forward-thinking features in an easy-to-set-up, easy-to-use portable unit. Perfect for beginners who want simplicity and professionals who want quality." "We can’t help but be impressed by this product. You get much more than your money’s worth with the added software, not to mention the most important thing: a truly portable, simple-to-use and extremely effective audio interface." Read the full review fromIcreate Computer Music Magazine review quotes February 2008 issue 122 "Novation have come up with the nio 2/4, a unit aimed at the ‘do it all’ producer who needs flexibility from their interface. Could this device raise the standards in terms of the features expected of an entry-level unit? Direct FX, you can use it as you would such a piece of ‘real’ gear, which is great for live work. Finally, if you don’t own an audio interface and are new to the world of computer recording/DJing, or you’re looking for a budget unit that allows you to use tasty guitar sounds with almost zero latency, you’d struggle to find better value for money." Reverb Magazine review quotes Christmas 2007 vol 02 issue 06 "Setting up the interface was the easiest I’ve experienced yet. After running the installer, I connected the device, booted up Cubase and saw nio 2/4 in my device setup straight away. Novation have written their own drivers for nio 2/4, which make it much super stable and ensures latency is as low as possible." "In fact, the meaning of ‘Direct FX’ is that the effects have been built in to the driver, resting at the core of your processor so that, although they run off your computer, the delay incurred is totally inaudible." "All in all, I was amazed at how much nio 2/4 packs in, especially for the price. Both the hardware and software look and sound excellent and take no time at all to get going with. As is the case with many Novation and Focusrite products, nio 2/4 is appealing to a vast range of musicians and producers; it’s easy and intuitive enough for a complete beginner but with an audio quality and versatility that the pro demands. For me, Novation are a company that like to make ‘making music’ fun – and nio 2 | 4 delivers in spades." Read the full review from Reverb Magazine Future Music Magazine review quotes January 2008 issue 196 "There are phono sockets (on the back of the unit) for line input and four audio outs – as two stereo pairs. The result is that it’s perfectly placed for use by DJ’s. We tried it with Traktor and it worked like a charm – our virtual decks appearing on separate actual outs for feeding into our DJ mixer." "Input 2 on the front of the unit can be switched to run at Hi-Z allowing you to jack in a guitar. And to keep it company Novation have pulled out all the stops to bundle in one of the most impressive set of guitar plug-ins I’ve seen." "It’s worth buying nio just for the software. It’s a bit of a winner therefore. Great-quality build and sound, ultra-flexible routing and monitoring options and a massive pile of software to boot. Whatever your I/O needs, you should certainly check out nio as a solution." Audio Technology Magazine review quotes "In an on-going spirit of ingenuity, Novation has released a sweet little USB interface that includes some fabulous DSP-assisted effects processors." "The nio arrives with its own ‘Direct FX’ processing software – thenNio FxRack. When it comes to the big, value-for-money drawcard, this certainly is the clincher. This software is built for low-latency, live jamming and really sounds very good. As to the effects on offer I think you’ll be as surprised as I was." "I’m well impressed with the Nio 2|4. The package is worth it for the effects alone. Focusrite EQ and reverb, the Supernova II collection and some convincing guitar cab simulations. For my money, possibly the best bang for your buck I’ve seen all year." CT (German) Magazine review quotes February 2008 English Translated quotes "You will love the two headphone outputs, with individual volume controls, if you are working with two people on one song." "Our audio measurements prove the quality of the nio with linear frequency response and good to very good SNR." "The latency, using Windows XP, is incredibly small, at 8 ms.” "Compressor, Equalizer, Noise Gate and Reverb are branded with the Focusrite logo and they sound great. They are an excellent alternative to many of the built in effects in sequencers.” Conclusion: "For everybody who likes to record in a home studio and who can live without a digital I/O, the nio provides a solid Audio-MIDI-interface, which is fitted with flexible routing- and monitor options." Beat (German) Magazine review quotes English Translated quotes "Novation's debut interface, nio 2|4, has left a solid mark on the industry. With its reasonable combination of Quarter Inch, Jack and XLR connections it is well equipped for nearly every recording-, mix- and monitor situation. The very special highlight is the first class effects suite, which provides 20 useful Plug-ins. The nio is perfect for using live or in a studio, and works with all audio software packages." Awards![]() Future Music Magazine January 2008 ![]() Computer Music Magazine February 2008 Performance Award Computer Music Magazine February 2008 ![]() February 2008 issue 114 ![]() Music Tech Magazine March 2008 Xcite+ Pack'Xcite+' comes on a DVD-ROM filled to the brim with royalty-free loops and samples alongside a host of powerful applications ideal for getting the new user started, or to expand the experienced user’s creative toolbox. The bundle includes: Ableton Live Lite 6 Find Out More Novation Bass Station Find Out More Waldorf PPG Wave Lite classic synth Find Out More Arturia Analog Factory SE plug-in Find Out More Waldorf's D-Pole Lite FX classic filter plug-in Find Out More FXpansion's powerful demo versions of the BFD acoustic drum plug-in and 'Guru' sample player with library. Find Out More Waldorf's 'Attack Lite' analogue drum module plug-in Find Out More 'Mike the Drummer' A collection of 572 inspiring and original live drum loops Find Out More Free 3 months membership for 'i-dance'- Global XS Artist Find Out More ** |
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