ESI has announced that 2 new interfaces at NAMM 2020. The first is the UGM192: Ultra Mobile Guitar & Microphone 24-bit / 192 kHz USB Audio Adapter and the second is the GIGAPORT eX: 24-bit 192 kHz 8 output USB-C Audio Interface that unusually supports 7.1 playback.

GIGAPORT eX: 24-bit 192 kHz 8 output USB-C Audio Interface

ESI Claim that the GIGAPORT eX is not like any other USB audio interface. They describe it as “simply the multichannel playback solution with the best price-value ratio on the market due to its unique set of features providing 8 independent outputs (and full 7.1 surround support), 2 independent stereo headphone outputs and excellent audio quality supporting up to 24-bit and 192 kHz.”

The GIGAPORT eX is an upgrade of their GIGAPORT HD+ and provides ESI ASIO 2.0 drivers for audio mixing and playback under Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. The hardware is also CoreAudio compatible and works natively under macOS without the installation of special drivers. The device is also compatible with iOS and iPadOS and is bus-powered via the USB-C port.

One application for this unit is for digital DJs on the road working using notebook computers. They can simply use their favourite DJ software (it comes bundled with a license for Stanton's Deckadance LE v2 DJ software) and assign the eight outputs as up to 4 different stereo channels, enabling them to mix, cue and add effects. In addition, they can monitor and pre-listen to their signals via the two built-in headphone outputs.

GIGAPORT eX also works on your desktop computer and ESI say that it is compatible with all the main DAW software applications. They also say that the hardware works with consumer programs such as DVD playback software.

Feature Summary

• USB 3.1 Audio Interface with USB-C connector (different connection cables included)

• USB 2.0 compatible

• 24-bit / 192 kHz D/A converter with 114dB dynamic range (A-weighted), available on all output channels

• 8 independent output channels with -10dBV RCA connectors

• 2 independent stereo headphone outputs: 1st output sends out a mixed signal of all playback channels, 2nd output l sends out a different signal from playback channel 1/2

• Compatible with Windows 7 / 8.1 / 10 and OS X / macOS

• Supports ASIO 2.0, WDM, MME with our EWDM drivers as well as CoreAudio

• 100% class compliant

Price And Availability

• Pricing: TBA.

• Availability: GIGAPORT eX will start shipping in late February.

UGM192: Ultra Mobile Guitar & Microphone 24-bit / 192 kHz USB Audio Adapter

UGM192 is an ultra-mobile guitar and microphone to USB audio interface that supports up to 24-bit and 192kHz sample rates.

This compact device allows you to connect an electric guitar via its Hi-Z instrument input and a dynamic or condenser microphone directly to your PC or Mac or to compatible mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers that support USB audio.

The rear panel offers a stereo output that you can use for playback and for realtime input monitoring, i.e. with headphones.

You can use the UGM192 to jam with a guitar and microphone, process the signal in realtime and listen to the mix directly via headphones. It can even be powered via an optional external battery.

Features

• USB 3.1 audio interface with USB-C connector (cable included)

• USB 2.0 compatible (cable included)

• USB bus powered

• separate power connector for optional use (microUSB)

• professional microphone preamp with balanced 1/4" TRS connector

• switchable 48V phantom power support

• professional Hi-Z instrument input with unbalanced 1/4" TS connector

• line / headphone output with 1/4" stereo TRS connector

• 24-bit / 192kHz AD converter (114dB dynamic range A-weighted)

• 24-bit / 192kHz DA converter (114dB dynamic range A-weighted)

• 100% class compliant

Pricing And Availability

• Pricing: "less than €130"

• Availability: UGM192 will start shipping during February.