At the NAMM 2012 Show, Behringer introduced the FIREPOWER USB/FireWire audio interfaces, the FCA610 and FCA1616.
The FCA610 and FCA1616 incorporate 24-bit/96 kHz A/D-D/A converters, support Windows XP/Vista/7 plus Mac OS X, and provide onboard phantom power for use with condenser microphones.
Due to its small size and low-latency operation, 6-input/10-output architecture, and two XENYX mic preamps, the FCA610 is a tool for traveling musicians who record and edit on their laptops. The portable FCA610 can receive power from a computer’s 6-pin FireWire bus or via the included external power supply.
Built-in MIDI I/O allows for easy connectivity with keyboards and other outboard MIDI hardware. All standard I/O formats are supported, including analog and S/PDIF (both coaxial and optical).
The half-rack-space FIREPOWER FCA610, which stows easily in a travel kit, can also be used as a premium 2-channel mic preamp and A/D-D/A converter.
With an expanded 16-channel I/O, four XENYX mic preamps and ADA8000 ADAT connectivity, the FCA1616 is more suitable for permanent applications as well as live performance multi-track recording rigs.
All standard I/O formats are supported; including analog, S/PDIF (coaxial and optical), ADAT and S/MUX, and a built-in MIDI I/O allows the user to connect keyboards and other outboard MIDI hardware.
The single rack-space FCA1616 also features eight analog Inserts for use of external effects such as compressors, gates and EQs. A dedicated power supply comes with the unit.
Included with both FIREPOWER interfaces is a massive software download at behringer.com that includes the widely popular Audacity audio editor, as well as a selection of audio software such as Podifier, Juice, Podnova and Golden Ear. Also included are more than 100 virtual instruments and 50 FX plug-ins.
FIREPOWER Features:
• Low-noise, high-headroom audio interface with 24-bit/96 kHz resolution
• Operates as multi-channel audio and MIDI interface via FireWire and USB2.0
• XENYX mic preamps with individual switches for Phantom Power, Pad, Low Cut and Hi-Z
• Direct Monitoring and Main Volume control on hardware front
• Two headphone outputs with individual volume control, mono and source signal select for flexible monitoring purposes
• Level control of stereo or 7.1 active loudspeaker systems with a single knob turn
• Smooth cross-fading between inputs and DAW playback signals
• Status and signal presence indication for all analog and digital I/O
• Standard port for Kensington security lock
