The Mackie dXb is a 48/96/192kHz, digital production console with dual integrated touch screens, internal DSP, automation, control surface functionality, and optional FireWire I/O cards for streaming audio to/from a desktop computer. It incorporates the functions of other Mackie products including an onboard UAD-1 Powered Plug-In card and the ability to operate as a Mackie Control Universal control surface for popular DAWs like Pro Tools™, Logic™, Digital Performer™, Nuendo™, Cubase™, SONAR™ and others.

The dXb has 24 channel strips with 100mm touch sensitive faders and two integrated 15-inch touch screens--one for each bank of 12 faders. These screens are the mixer's primary interface offering access to send levels, inserts, routing, dynamics processing, surround panning, metering, effects and more. Also included are a tape-style transport with memory location recall and a weighted jog/shuttle wheel with padded armrest and built-in mouse pad. The control room section has controls for A/B monitoring, dual phones mixes and talkback.

Both touch screens and mouse operate simultaneously and independently--allowing users to select the best interface for any job. Users can also run select VST plug-ins internally and/or operate plug-ins in a desktop computer system and use them with the dXb using FireWire.

The rear panel card cage holds any combination of I/O cards currently planned to include analog (mic or line level with remote controlled mic preamps), AES/EBU, FireWire, TDIF and ADAT optical. Cards for both sync and controlling nearfield and main speaker outputs, phones, and stereo AES/EBU and SPDIF are standard.

The Mackie dXb will be available the second quarter of 2004 with a suggested retail price under $20k depending on configuration. For more information contact: LOUD Technologies Inc. at 16220 Wood-Red Road N.E., Woodinville, WA 98072. Telephone them at: 425-487-4333 or visit www.mackie.com.