The FW-1082 from Tascam is both a FireWire audio/MIDI interface and a control surface that provides plenty of audio and MIDI I/O to small studios, while offering a control surface with moving faders for DAW use or for stand-alone operation.
The unit features ten inputs, including four balanced XLR microphone inputs with phantom power. Two MIDI inputs and outputs are also included, plus S/PDIF digital I/O. Eight channel strips each feature a 60mm touch-sensitive moving fader and select/solo/mute button.
Four encoders are also available for mix control, as well as transport and jog/shuttle controls. Stereo monitoring is included, and the FW-1082 even mixes signals internally for stand-alone use. The unit includes Cubase LE 48-track recording software, the GigaStudio 3 LE streaming sampler and Nomad Factory plug-in demos.
