nio 2 | 4 provides a quick flexible ‘Direct Mix Monitoring’ solution, With all key processes accessible from nio’s hardware, independent switching independent switching between three different monitor mixes is simple; the user can easily create custom mixes of two stereo computer audio streams alongside live inputs with applied effects. This, combined with four phono (RCA) outputs and flexible metering make nio 2 | 4 the ideal solution for laptop DJs and live performers (especially since nio 2 | 4 comes bundled with Ableton Live Lite 6 and a host of other software).

Two inputs are available for recording high quality audio into the DAW. An XLR with phantom power on the rear, and a ¼” Jack on the front, provide the two independent mic inputs. Switch to high impedance, and the same ¼” Jack provides a high-quality direct instrument input. A pair of phono (RCA) inputs can also be used to record a stereo signal, from a CD/MP3 player or synthesizer for example.

Nio 2 | 4 ships with Novation’s new Xcite+ bundle, which features a host of exciting software solutions and free samples, including Ableton Live Lite 6 and over a gigabyte of royalty-free ‘loopmaster’ samples; ideal for getting the new user started, or to expand the experienced user’s creative toolbox.

Finally, nio 2 | 4 provides MIDI i/o and is bus-powered via USB. Combined with flexible input and output routing, powerful real-time ‘Direct FX’, unmatched stability and robust hardware design, nio 2 | 4 is the ideal mobile interface; ready to channel your creativity, any time, anywhere.

Key Features

• Direct FX Technology
  Ultra-low latency effects allow hassle-free, real time jamming and recording.
• Direct Mix Monitoring
  Unique, flexible, and tactile monitoring control beyond anything in its class
• 'Overloud' Guitar amp and distortion pedal effects
  professional effects from the experts in the field of accurate Guitar Amp modeling.
• Powerful effects from Novation and Focusrite
  Novation effects from the Supernova II and signal processing from Focusrite.
• Professional Inputs
  Microphone, instrument or line-level sources. nio 2 | 4 is ready for anything, be it guitar, mic, synth, or MP3/CD player.
• Two Headphone Outputs
  Simultaneous headphone mix for the artist and the engineer. Ideal for home recording and the classroom environment.
• Four RCA phono outputs
  Combined with two streams of stereo digital audio via USB, nio is the ideal interface for the laptop DJ performing live.

Novation’s unique ‘Direct FX’ technology places a powerful multi-effects engine within nio 2 | 4’s custom drivers. This effects engine rests at the core of your computer, working independently of other software. Effects operating within this engine are almost entirely free of any latency, leaving the artist to use any combination of effects in real time for hassle-free jamming and recording. The result of this technology is the 'nio FX rack, which allows you to build, save and recall an FX rack of your choosing. This same unique environment ensures rock-solid, lightning-fast performance.

Eectronic Musician Magazine review quotes
May 2008

"The nio 2/4 squeezes an impressive array of I/O into a tiny package"

"Many personal USB interfaces include little more than a signal and a clip LED, so I consider the addition of hardware meters a real bonus."

"If you're looking for an interface for personal recording, the Novation nio 2/4 has a lot to recommend it."

Music Tech Magazine review quotes
March 2008
Hollin Jones

"The nio 2/4 is an excellent mobile recording interface with some very useful extra features."

"Despite its tiny size, the nio 2/4 is surprisingly flexible and the inclusion of the effects software plus the bundled plug-ins and instruments make it excellent value. For DJs, mobile musicians or small studios, Novation's nio punches well above its weight."

Sound On Sound Magazine review quotes
March 2008
Tom Flint

"As a whole, the effects — a number of which are derived from Novation’s own Supernova II synthesizer — form a comprehensive set of processing tools."

"The black parts of the Nio, formed from tough plastic moulds, and thick sheet-metal silver panels have been bonded neatly to create a very rigid casing. The various knobs and switches also feel very solid, adding to the impression that the device has been well
engineered.
Despite the remarkably small size of the box, absolutely none of the controls are
cramped together, as is usually the case when only the front and rear faces are used in rack-compatible layout."

"The Nio may qualify as a low-cost interface, but it offers a lot for the money, and the build quality is reassuringly good. The effects and processors will tempt many guitarists away from more straightforward product packages, I’m sure, as they’re high quality and are organised in a program that’s easy to use. There’s not much here to complain about."

"Potentially of interest to guitarists as well as DJs, who can exploit the bus mixing output monitoring system, the Nio is undoubtedly a success."

iDJ Magazine review quotes
March 2008
issue 97

"The nio is a very neat package and whether you're an accomplished studio musician, home music maker or computer DJ, the combination of the two inputs, four outputs, MIDI, extensive monitoring and metering makes this a very flexible mixer in the palm of your hand."

"The nio 2/4 is a no frills mix solution that anyone can get the best out of. A handy little unit all round."

iCreate Magazine review quotes
February 2008
issue 114

"The nio 2/4 is an audio interface that offers amazingly professional, forward-thinking features in an easy-to-set-up, easy-to-use portable unit. Perfect for beginners who want simplicity and professionals who want quality."

"We can’t help but be impressed by this product. You get much more than your money’s worth with the added software, not to mention the most important thing: a truly portable, simple-to-use and extremely effective audio interface."

Computer Music Magazine review quotes
February 2008
issue 122

"Novation have come up with the nio 2/4, a unit aimed at the ‘do it all’ producer who needs flexibility from their interface. Could this device raise the standards in terms of the features expected of an entry-level unit?

Direct FX, you can use it as you would such a piece of ‘real’ gear, which is great for live work.

Finally, if you don’t own an audio interface and are new to the world of computer recording/DJing, or you’re looking for a budget unit that allows you to use tasty guitar sounds with almost zero latency, you’d struggle to find better value for money."

Reverb Magazine review quotes
Christmas 2007
vol 02 issue 06

"Setting up the interface was the easiest I’ve experienced yet. After running the installer, I connected the device, booted up Cubase and saw nio 2/4 in my device setup straight away. Novation have written their own drivers for nio 2/4, which make it much super stable and ensures latency is as low as possible."

"In fact, the meaning of ‘Direct FX’ is that the effects have been built in to the driver, resting at the core of your processor so that, although they run off your computer, the delay incurred is totally inaudible."

"All in all, I was amazed at how much nio 2/4 packs in, especially for the price. Both the hardware and software look and sound excellent and take no time at all to get going with. As is the case with many Novation and Focusrite products, nio 2/4 is appealing to a vast range of musicians and producers; it’s easy and intuitive enough for a complete beginner but with an audio quality and versatility that the pro demands. For me, Novation are a company that like to make ‘making music’ fun – and nio 2 | 4 delivers in spades."

Read the full review from Reverb Magazine


Future Music Magazine review quotes
January 2008
issue 196

"There are phono sockets (on the back of the unit) for line input and four audio outs – as two stereo pairs. The result is that it’s perfectly placed for use by DJ’s. We tried it with Traktor and it worked like a charm – our virtual decks appearing on separate actual outs for feeding into our DJ mixer."

"Input 2 on the front of the unit can be switched to run at Hi-Z allowing you to jack in a guitar. And to keep it company Novation have pulled out all the stops to bundle in one of the most impressive set of guitar plug-ins I’ve seen."

"It’s worth buying nio just for the software. It’s a bit of a winner therefore. Great-quality build and sound, ultra-flexible routing and monitoring options and a massive pile of software to boot. Whatever your I/O needs, you should certainly check out nio as a solution."


Audio Technology Magazine review quotes

"In an on-going spirit of ingenuity, Novation has released a sweet little USB interface that includes some fabulous DSP-assisted effects processors."

"The nio arrives with its own ‘Direct FX’ processing software – thenNio FxRack. When it comes to the big, value-for-money drawcard, this certainly is the clincher. This software is built for low-latency, live jamming and really sounds very good. As to the effects on offer I think you’ll be as surprised as I was."

"I’m well impressed with the Nio 2|4. The package is worth it for the effects alone. Focusrite EQ and reverb, the Supernova II collection and some convincing guitar cab simulations. For my money, possibly the best bang for your buck I’ve seen all year."


CT (German) Magazine review quotes
February 2008
English Translated quotes

"You will love the two headphone outputs, with individual volume controls, if you are working with two people on one song."

"Our audio measurements prove the quality of the nio with linear frequency response and good to very good SNR."

"The latency, using Windows XP, is incredibly small, at 8 ms.”

"Compressor, Equalizer, Noise Gate and Reverb are branded with the Focusrite logo and they sound great. They are an excellent alternative to many of the built in effects in sequencers.”

Conclusion:
"For everybody who likes to record in a home studio and who can live without a digital I/O, the nio provides a solid Audio-MIDI-interface, which is fitted with flexible routing- and monitor options."

Specifications

• 1 XLR (with phantom power)
• 1 TS Jack
• 2 RCA Phono
• Two inputs simultaneously only - either stereo RCA phono or the XLR and Jack

• 4 RCA Phono
• 2 stereo 1/4" Headphones Jacks

• 44.1/48kHz sample rate
• 24-bit resolution

• Data ports: 1 x USB 1.1

• MIDI i/o

• Operating system: Mac OSX 10.3.9 or greater (Leopard also supported) or Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or greater (Vista 32/64 also supported)
• Minimum Computer spec: Mac - G3/600MHz or G4/667MHz, both with 256MB RAM or PC - Pentium 3/500MHz/256MB RAM (machines running Vista will require a higher spec)
  Interfacing: USB 1.1 compatible USB connector (also compatible with USB 2.0), 28/24 awg USB cable recommended

• 633g
• 45.4mm (H) x 144mm (W) x 149mm (D)