Spectron by iZotope is the next generation of spectral effect plug-ins, allowing unmatched control over audio by frequency. Add delay to only the snare or pan only the hi-hat—on a drum track that's already mixed! Give your guitar a delay, but only on the high notes. Make your bass ring down low, but stay clear and dry up high. For effects that are subtle or out of this world, Spectron is the one-stop spectral toolbox. Valued at $129, this exciting 64-bit Spectral Effects Processor will add new power and options to your audio mix that you never before thought possible.

The Firewire 1814 is M-Audio's high-end Firewire solution. This is basically as maxed-out as you will find in a portable interface. With the addition of ADAT compadibility the M-Audio runs an incredible 18-in / 14-out, capable of recording entire groups or a complex studio with one interface.

The FireWire 18/14 is an 18-in, 14-out audio interface complete with ADAT Lightpipe for multi-channel communication with other digital devices. It features 8 x 4 analog I/O at up to 24-bit/96kHz, and boasts 192kHz on the first two inputs and all four outputs. Channels 1 and 2 also include high-quality microphone/instrument preamps. S/PDIF optical digital I/O provides 2-channel PCM, as well as pass-through of surround-encoded AC-3 and DTS material. Flexible internal mixing allows input and output routing, including an aux bus for effects send or monitor mix. A front-panel momentary switch allows DJ-style headphone auditioning between two assignable sources.

Other features include two headphone amplifiers, assignable level controller, S/PDIF coaxial/optical digital I/O, 1 x 1 MIDI I/O, and BNC word clock connectors for synchronization to other digital devices.

• 18 x 14 firewire audio interface
• 8 24-bit / 96kHz analog line inputs (1/4" TS), analog inputs (mic or line) 1 & 2 up tp 192kHz
• 4 24-bit/192kHz analog line outputs (1/4" TRS balanced/unbalanced)
• 8 x 8 ADAT lightpipe I/O with S/MUX for 4 x4 96kHz I/O
• S/PDIF (coaxial/optical) digital I/O w/ 2 channel PCM up to 96kHz
• S/PDIF out supports pass-through of AC-3/DTS surround-encounded content
• 2 front panel mic/instrument preamps (neutrik XLR / 1/4" TS) each with input level controls, 20dB pad, +48V phantom power, signal/clip LEDs
• 2 independent stereo headphone outputs (1/4" TRS) with individual level controls
• flexible software controlled mixing of software I/O
• 1 x 1 MIDI I/O
• powered via firewire bus or included DC power adapter
• Mac and PC compatible
• rugged steel construction

• Ableton Live Lite

reviewed by mgmnt