Interesting new interfaces

I have recently become aware of these new(-ish) interfaces, which might be of interest to the HW community:
https://www.esi-audio.com/products/u86xt/ and https://www.esi-audio.com/products/u168xt/.

The thing that attracted me to them is that they actually have MORE outputs than they say they do.
The first one says it has 6 outputs; the second says it has 8. But in reality it's 8 and 10 respectively.
Each one has an extra pair of outputs called "Mix output", which does exactly what it says on the tin.
In other words, you could use 3 pairs / 4 pairs of speakers from Outputs 1-6 / 1-8, plus a sub which takes a mix of everything.
And you don't even have to include the sub in the HW audio routing - simply plug your sub into the "Mix output" jack sockets.

The outputs-only Gigaport eX, also new, does the same. Good value as you aren't paying for inputs with mic preamps etc, and it handles Hauptwerk well. All 8 outputs (plus the mix) are available at 24 bit, where the previous model dropped the number of outputs once you went beyond 16 bit. https://www.esi-audio.com/products/gigaportex/

I saw that one a few months ago, and noticed that - like the Cymatic LP16 - it has NO inputs. Great!
But it also has no MIDI In/Out ports....

True, but a separate USB MIDI interface doesn't add much to the cost!

Just checked out the Gigaport eX unit. Interesting that its USB powered. I agree, looks like a great product for Hauptwerk. With 2 headphone jacks, one can be used for a subwoofer which it makes for an easy upgrade to multichannel audio! Hopefully the street price will be < $200.

Danny B.

Danny, the Gigaport eX retails for c.GB£140-150 in UK.

Dennis,

Regarding the Cymatic-16, this looks exactly what I need. Have you used it? Can you comment on the audio quality? Does this simply connect directly to the PC, same as a regular audio interface?

Thanks,
Michael

Michael,
Not sure if that question was addressed to me or someone else.
But yes, I do have one, and have used it occasionally for testing, but not long-term.
It does what it says on the tin - 16 analogue outputs, MIDI In/Out, and no wasted inputs.
The only possible downside is that the outputs are unbalanced.

Forgive me Douglas for getting your name wrong and thank you for your reply!

Michael

I have a Cymatic LP 16 which I've been using for a few months. Before buying I read a few reviews, which explained that it uses "enthusiast" level converters rather than "professional" ones. I decided this would not be a problem, as speakers usually generate around ten times as much distortion as most digital audio devices. In practice it's been fine - the Paramount 341 sample set sounds just as good as through the much more expensive MOTU 828 Hybrid Mark 3. My system includes a pair of Quad electrostatic speakers, which are very analytical and would certainly show up any deficiencies in the sound.

The LP 16 was very easy to install and has worked perfectly so far. It may be possible to obtain 18 outputs, as the headphone outputs show up separately in Hauptwerk. I haven't tested this option yet, but if it works it would be useful for setting up a separate pedal channel.

Order of switching on appears to be important: computer - wait until the desktop appears; switch on Cymatic; then load Hauptwerk. Be warned that switching on the Cymatic causes a VERY loud click on the audio lines - speakers/amplifiers should definitely be switched on last!

Order of switching on appears to be important: computer - wait until the desktop appears; switch on Cymatic; then load Hauptwerk. Be warned that switching on the Cymatic causes a VERY loud click on the audio lines - speakers/amplifiers should definitely be switched on last!

That would be an absolute no-go for me. One time not attended and I risk to destroy my speakers!