* Tested on iPad Air (M1) with 24bit, 96kHz sampling rate and 32 sample buffer size
** Due to bandwidth limitations of USB 2.0, the maximum sampling rate will be 48kHz.
*** To use all features, an ASIO driver for Windows needs to be installed.
As this device is still a prototype, some specifications could still change.
I've just arrived back in Munich, pretty exhausted but very happy. The Superbooth was great, the MAT 16X8 attracted a lot of interest and I'm currently getting a lot of positive feedback. There are signs that a crowdfunding campaign could start soon. Before that, I need to get a better idea of the number of potential buyers so that I can calculate the prices. So be sure to put your email above, that's the indicator for me of the number of people interested, even though I know not everyone will buy one. But it will certainly start soon and everyone on the mailing list will be informed in good time.
In the meantime, I have received a lot of feedback, requests and unanswered questions. I have therefore made the description above a little more precise.
I initially thought of offering the MAT 16X8 as a kit for self-assembly (DIY), as I had anticipated a rather small number of units. However, it looks like I can expect enough orders to be able to deliver a fully assembled device. I'm also thinking about the housing or frame, which may even be made of aluminum and the circuit boards can also be fitted with protective plates to make them even more stable and robust.
Over the coming week, I will continue to see how many people register here and thus estimate how many units could be produced in an initial production run. The more, the lower the price will be. Then I still have to clarify a few things, legal matters such as production and distribution. This will ultimately determine the price for the MAT. Then I will start with a crowdfunding, unless I find another way for you to pre-order it. I need a certain amount of capital to finance the production in advance. I hope many of you will join in and the MAT can see the light of day. I am optimistic that I will be able to deliver it already this year.
A lot of people are asking about Eurorack compatibility. Currently the MAT is designed for use with audio signal levels and offers low noise and high dynamic range.
CV output: The 8 outputs are already DC-coupled and offer a voltage range of approx. -2.5V to 2.5V, which already enables a kind of CV control (5 octaves). However, this is more of a side effect and not the intended application.
CV input: The 16 inputs are not DC-coupled and are only intended for audio purposes. You would need level converters to supply them with Eurorack audio levels. But they are quite simple and passive.
So I have also planned an additional extension to achieve Eurorack compatibility with additional 16 inputs and 16 outputs, with the audio levels holding 8 outputs and 16 inputs in parallel. This will be an additional available board that can then be stacked between the two existing boards to create a sort of sandwich construction with another two rows of connectors. This way it would also be possible to use the MAT as a bridge between Eurorack and standard audio levels with 16 channel audio in, 8 channel audio out, 16 channel eurorack dc-coupled cv in and 16 channel dc-coupled cv out.
However, there is one problem that is not so easy to solve: the voltage outputs need to be calibrated in hardware to precise voltages in order to use them for voltage-controlled oscillators. This is quite difficult to implement. If you're OK with using the outputs for gates, envelopes and LFOs, or if you can live with some drift or inaccurate voltage, or if you can do the calibration on the daw side, that wouldn't be a problem. But I suspect you're expecting perfect value-voltage behavior. So, let me know...
... But let's start with the audio version first.
Consistently designed for mobile use on small live sessions with hardware synths, drum computers, modular systems and external effects units.In conjunction with an iPad* and hardware controller, the combination becomes an easily transportable, highly flexible performance mixer with effects chain and complex routing options. Always perfectly tailored to the requirements of the respective setup.
With 24bit resolution at 96kHz, less than 4ms roundtrip latency (tested with an iPad Air M1) and converters with 110dB dynamic range, even the highest demands are met.
The integrated headphone amplifier allows pre-listening separately from the master out. USB Audio Class Compliance 2.0 and power supply via USB simplify connection and eliminate the need for additional cables and mains adapters.
The consistent use of high quality stereo mini jacks also enables a compact and cost-effective design and simplifies the connection of smaller synthesizers, which are often also equipped with mini jack outputs.
Larger devices can also be easily connected using the mini jack to dual mono jack Y-cables. Of course, the channels can also be used mono with corresponding Y cables.
The use of line levels at the inputs eliminates the need for additional preamps and dedicated gain controls. The high resolution of 24bit and 96kHz as well as the dynamic range of 110dB offer sufficient scope for digital post-processing.
In addition, Midi In and dual Midi Out (currently mirrored) are available as TRS A sockets.
* The interface is suitable for all Audio Class 2.0 compatible computers and devices and works directly with iOS (tablets and phones), MacOS and compatible Linux systems. To be able to use all features, a driver must be installed under Windows.
In conjunction with Audio Class 2.0 compliant tablet, phone or computer:
The first version of the interface will be available as a DIY kit in PCB sandwich construction. A 3D printed frame nevertheless ensures a robust and closed device that can also be used live without any problems. The kit will be easy to assemble in a very short time without soldering.
Since I have received a lot of feedback in the meantime and many people seem to want to buy it, I can now probably offer a fully assembled version, perhaps even with a nice sturdy aluminum frame instead of the 3d printed frame. There are also considerations for additional cover plates to further protect the already quite sturdy top and bottom board exteriors. Since I want to maintain stackability for additional expansion, it probably won't be a fully enclosing case as that wouldn't allow for building anything upwards. But I am working on it and discussing the possibilities with the manufacturers. I will let you know...
The design has already been conceived in such a way that the interface can be modularly expanded to 32 input and 24 output audio channels in the future by means of an additional circuit board clipped in between. The design also allows subsequent integration into a sheet metal housing to make the device even more robust. Various types of plug-in boards can open up further areas of application in the future, e.g. voltage compatibility with Eurorack, versions with large mono jacks or even higher quality AD converters. The firmware can be updated at a later date and creates additional space for further functions.
For a long time I was looking in vain for a portable audio interface with lots of input channels for small live sessions with several hardware synths and drum machines. Mixing consoles are often far too large and inflexible, offer too few stereo channels and usually have too many unneeded components and functions. In my own live setup, I have been reliably using the combination of iPad and audio interface for years for live mixing, pre-listening and sound optimization of the connected synths. I also run virtual instruments on the iPad. The midi routing between USB and hardware midi can also be configured very flexibly. As I often travel to sessions by public transport, I was always annoyed by the size, weight and extra power supply unit of the audio interface I used previously. Encouraged by a good friend and a lot of encouragement from everyone I told about my idea, I decided to build my own audio interface ... and the adventure began.
The interface presented here is now the first version and I look forward to a lively exchange, your opinions, criticism and suggestions. Depending on the feedback, production can start this summer and the first devices can be delivered in the second half of the year.
Visit me on Superbooth 24
