The MasterControl from Alesis is a combination FireWire interface and control surface. The interface provides two microphone inputs, along with six balanced line inputs, capable of functioning at up to 192kHz sample rate. An additional eighteen inputs of digital audio are also available, via S/PDIF and dual ADAT Lightpipe (S/MUX enabled) connectors. Audio output consists of six analog outputs, configurable as discrete, 5.1 surround or three stereo pairs.
The control surface functionality of the unit is fully featured and programmable, and conforms to the HUI protocol. MIDI I/O is also provided, further enhancing the scope of the unit's control over various DAWs and other MIDI devices. The included jog wheel can be used to shuttle, zoom and enter data, while two banks of eight, fully-assignable buttons provide functions for setting markers, loop points and automation modes.
Eight rotary controls, with continuous 360° rotation and three selectable layers, provide control of up to twenty-four parameters, such as volume, pan and auxiliary sends. Nine motorized faders make easy work of mixing. Dual headphone outputs deliver comprehensive monitoring. Cubase LE software is included and completes a package that gives professionals the ability to handle all their recording and editing tasks with ease. The MasterControl is powered via an external power supply.