Revelator io44
This USB audio interface immediately catches the eye with its unusual form factor, which is more reminiscent of an effect pedal for guitars. The centrally illuminated knob can also be pressed, but, of course, it is not intended for foot operation on stage. Rather, it‘s a 4 In/4 Out audio interface in a very compact form factor (approx. 58 x 77 x 136 mm with a weight of 350 g), where you can connect a microphone or instrument to the
XLR/jack combo socket at the front. Next to it is a headphone jack, which is also suitable for headsets with a microphone, and a 3.5mm stereo input. On the back, there is a USB-C port for connecting to the notebook, which then also takes over the stable power supply, and two jack sockets for the output. Relevator io44 works with all popular systems, from Windows and Mac to iOS and Android.
With a handful of buttons, the large controller and the colorful display, you can make all the important settings directly on the device. If you want to edit the included effects such as Compressor, Equalizer, Reverb, Delay, Doubler or Vocoder, which are provided latency-free by the internal DSP, you have to resort to the free software from Presonus. You should not expect sonic miracles from the effects, but particularly in mobile use, the compressor and EQ serve their purpose. The sound quality of the microphone preamp and the instrument input is also rather average, we had to deal with a bit too much noise depending on the recording scenario. The recording and playback quality, however, is more than sufficient for use in the desktop studio or on the road and, due to the power supply from the more powerful USB-C ports, it also feels a bit more dynamic than comparable ultra-compact interfaces with older USB ports.
Verdict
The Revelator io44 is an ultra-compact audio interface that runs on all popular systems and is particularly recommended for mobile use with its good features such as USB-C port for powerful power supply, flexible monitor mixes and internal DSP effects.
Manufacturer: PreSonus Web: presonus.com
Ref: Specialty
Price: 169 Euro
Rating: