COSTAQ : [ST-MR816X] Steinberg MR816 X: FireWire audio Interface [Steinberg MR816X FireWire Audio Interface]

Steinberg MR816X FireWire Audio Interface
[ST-MR816X] Steinberg MR816 X: FireWire audio Interface

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MR816

Steinberg MR816 CSX: FireWire audio Interface

Overview
Features
Specifications

MR816

Overview

The MR816 CSX and MR816 X fuse fully featured FireWire interfaces and inbuilt DSP FX power with next-generation integrative technologies. Developed by Steinberg and Yamaha, both MR interfaces are the centerpiece of a latency-free recording and monitoring environment that fully exploits the flexibility and power of Cubase.

More just doesn't fit in the box

Featuring Advanced Integration with Cubase, outstanding I/O capabilities and first-class sound quality, both MR816s merge full-featured FireWire interfaces and inbuilt DSP that combines with Steinberg's renowned Cubase music production system to form a latency-free recording and monitoring environment.

Music production using Cubase

MR816 CSX and MR816 X are, simply put, the ideal hardware for any Cubase owner who needs to record vocals, instruments, keyboards, percussion or any other audio source. The Advanced Integration between MR816 and Cubase offers a unique and powerful production solution that fully mirrors Cubase functionality, adds DSP power for mixing, allows on-the-fly rerouting of input signals via Quick Connect, full integration into the Cubase user interface and much more.

Musicians/producers	Studios
Any musician or producer already using Cubase and looking to add a recording interface need look no further. The MR816 CSX and MR816 X are ideal for recording bands in rehearsal rooms or live gigs with a laptop, or building up a dedicated project studio or recording space. Full integration into the Cubase user interface means that operating the MR816 requires very little or no learning — all functions and features are in the places any Cubase owner expects to find them. The intelligent plug and play handling means that Cubase automatically detects any attached MR816 hardware. And because the DSP FX run as VST3 plug-ins, these excellent plug-ins are available during mixing in Cubase, often replacing the need to purchase an additional DSP card.	Excellent sound, great stacking options and a smooth, fast workflow are among the top priorities for studios using MR816 and Cubase as recording and production solution for their business. Connections required for studios like Wordclock, S/PDIF and ADAT are onboard, with the hardware inserts offering an ideal way of integrating boutique hardware units in the software realm. Features like Quick Connect allow on-the-fly rerouting by simply pushing a button on the MR816 front panel. Eight channel outputs offer full support for surround productions up to 7.1, ideally complemented by Steinberg's fully multi-channel architecture and the Control Room features in both Cubase and Nuendo.
Post production using Nuendo	Users of other DAW software
Many post production facilities require an audio interface for recording tasks like foley or ADR, as well as in edit, premix or sound design suites as a high-quality, reliable playback device that integrates fully with the production software. MR816 is an ideal extension for Nuendo in these environments, offering the same Advanced Integration features, DSP FX as VST3 plug-ins when mixing, Quick Connect, no-latency recording as when used with Cubase.	Excellent sound characteristics, first-class build quality, no-latency monitoring mixes with DSP: anyone looking to change or upgrade their audio interface has plenty of reasons to take a closer look at MR816. As well as drivers for ASIO and CoreAudio for full compatibility with any DAW application using either of these driver standards, the installation package includes the MR Editor, a custom application that handles all aspects of DSP, routing, monitor mixing in one easy-to-navigate interface. Additionally, both MR816 CSX and MR816 X offer direct access to DSP parameters from the front panel of the hardware.
Musicians currently with no recording software	Press Reviews for MR816 CSX/X
MR186 CSX includes Cubase AI, a special streamlined version of the Cubase music production system for a full recording solution right out of the box for anyone with a PC or Mac. Integrated with MR816, Cubase AI offers Advanced Integration, DSP-powered no-latency monitoring and all the advantages of the outstanding audio characteristics and manufacturing quality of MR816. Because Cubase is the world's most popular production solution, projects begun in Cubase AI project can be taken to a larger studio and seamlessly imported there for the next production stage. Upgrades to more comprehensive Cubase versions are available to expand the functional depth of the entire production solution.	Recording (US) August 2010 "Of course all the cool integration in the world is pointless if the unit does not hold up sonically. Well, the MR816 sounds amazing and holds its own with some of the best digital converters on the market." "Cubase or no Cubase, the MR816 is a great sounding, well built, feature-laden box."

Models

The MR816 Models
Designed especially for Cubase by Steinberg and Yamaha, the MR816 CSX and the MR816 X represent a new generation of solutions for musicians and producers. Together with Cubase, the MR816 CSX and MR816 X FireWire interfaces provide an all-round system solution.
MR816 CSX	MR816 X

First-Class Advanced Integration DSP Studio	Advanced Integration DSP Studio
Functioning far beyond the envelope of traditional audio devices, MR816 CSX fuses a full-featured FireWire interface and inbuilt DSP FX power with next-generation integrative technologies into one breathtakingly powerful production environment. Developed by Steinberg and Yamaha, this Advanced Integration DSP Studio is the hardware centerpiece of a latency-free recording and monitoring environment that fully exploits the flexibility and power of Steinberg's renowned Cubase music production system.	Featuring the same Advanced Integration with Cubase, outstanding I/O capabilities and first-class sound quality as MR816 CSX, the MR816 X offers a full-featured FireWire interface and inbuilt DSP-powered REV-X that combines with Steinberg's renowned Cubase music production system to form a latency-free recording and monitoring environment.

Front Panel View MR816 CSX
	1. Combo input with Hi-Z switch for guitar and bass, gain control with peak indicator and Quick Connect button 2. Input gain controls with peak indicator and Quick Connect button 3. Phantom power and pad switch / selectable for each channel separately 4. Encoders for different functions 5. Headphone outputs (each adjustable separately) 6. Power switch
Rear Panel View MR816 CSX
	1. Power adaptor DC in 2. S/PDIF and ADAT in and out 3. FireWire sockets 4. WordClock in and out as BNC 5. Analog outs as TRS 6. Combo TRS and XLR inputs 7. TRS stereo inserts
Front Panel View MR816 X
	1. Combo input with Hi-Z switch for guitar and bass, gain control with peak indicator and Quick Connect button 2. Input gain controls with peak indicator and Quick Connect button 3. Phantom power and pad switch / selectable for each channel separately 4. Encoders for different functions 5. Headphone outputs (each adjustable separately) 6. Power switch
Rear Panel View MR816 X
	1. Power adaptor DC in 2. S/PDIF and ADAT in and out 3. FireWire sockets 4. WordClock in and out as BNC 5. Analog outs as TRS 6. Combo TRS and XLR inputs 7. TRS stereo inserts

Key Features

What is the difference between the MR816 CSX and MR816 X?
Basically the MR816 CSX and MR816 X are the same device. The only but not unimportant difference between those two units are the eight DSP-powered channelstrips that the MR816 CSX provides. The innovative Sweet Spot Morphing Channel Strip is a unique new compression and EQ tool that runs on DSP inside the MR816 CSX. All other features of the both units are the same: Both provide best sound quality and outstanding preamps as well as the same quantity of inputs and outputs. Also MR816 CSX and MR816 X offer one REV-X reverb, a complex reverb algorithm developed by Yamaha which provides a high density, richly reverberant sound quality, with smooth attenuation, spread and depth that work together to enhance the original sound.
True Integrated Monitoring
Offering real-time, independent and most importantly no-latency mixes with FX for several performers is an engineering challenge in itself, and there are only one or two FireWire I/O interfaces on the market that can achieve this. Even these units are functionally isolated from the DAW software forcing the user to use additional mixing applications, in turn hampering workflow and splintering what should be a truly integrated production system.
The answer? Cubase and the MR816: a solution defined by its ease-of-use, flexibility and pure functional elegance. Running with Cubase, MR816 removes any need for additional mixing software between DAW and I/O — all aspects of I/O handling, DSP management and independent performer mixes are handled directly from within Cubase itself. With Cubase 4 and Cubase 5, these performer mixes are realized using the Studio Sends in the Control Room — a unique system that is completely integrated into the Cubase mixer.	With the unique True Integrated Monitoring technology, Cubase manages all audio streams with perfect sync. No-latency mixes for performers with DSP FX (compressor, EQ und reverb effects for MR816 CSX and reverb effects for MR816 X) are managed side-by-side with mixes played back through the Cubase audio engine that combine hard disk audio data and live streams being recorded at the same time — all within Cubase. Combined with other unique features, True Integrated Monitoring allows a highly efficient workflow that boosts productivity to new levels. The technological know-how required for this level of integration results directly from the ongoing cooperation between Steinberg software engineers and the hardware experts at Yamaha.
Flexible I/O
The MR816 interfaces provide all the audio I/O connectivity needed for any audio recording situation: Eight "D-Pre" XLR/TRS combo connectors with Class A discrete preamps with +48 V and -26 dB pad switch per channel Eight analog balanced TRS outputs for separate studio performer mixes and a variety of different monitoring setups One Hi-Z input for electric guitar or bass Optical input and output port for ADAT digital audio streams or S/PDIF optical S/PDIF coaxial input and output WordClock port Two independent headphone outputs with individual level control from the front panel Two inserts for integration of additional hardware FX
D-Pre Mic Preamps	DSP Power for Cubase
Both MR816 interfaces feature the latest generation of Yamaha microphone preamps: the "D-Pre". Meticulously engineered to the highest standards, these discrete Class A analog mic preamps feature combination XLR and TRS analog inputs for connection of 8 ¼" jack plugs or standard XLR connectors, supporting both balanced and unbalanced signals. Each D-Pre is fitted with a -26 dB Pad selector as well as true 48 volt phantom power per channel. An additional phase inversion capability and high pass filter are available directly from the Cubase mixer or MR Editor software via remote control. What sets these preamps apart? The audio quality of the eight D-Pres can only be described as stunning. Each utilizes an advanced inverted Darlington circuit design and electronics components specifically designed for the MR816 CSX and MR816 X. The result is a sumptuously smooth and richly detailed sound normally only attained by preamps costing many times more; the outstanding sound of these mic pres obviate the need for all but the rarest vintage preamps. Just as important as the preamps are, of course, the converters behind them. The MR816s include first-rate A/D and D/A converters that offer absolutely crystal-clear sound that portrays the sound with astonishing precision and clarity. Each D-Pre is paired with a useful signal/peak lamp that lights up green when a signal between -40 dB and -3 dB is connected, warning with a red light if levels reach -3 dB. Unlike many other preamps, the red warning light alerts the engineer not just when it's already "too late" and a signal has already clipped the converter behind it, but indicates that gain levels should be checked and monitored closely.	On top of the excellent I/O capability, the MR816 CSX features an onboard DSP chip that runs up to 8 instances of the highly acclaimed Sweet Spot Morphing Channel Strip plug-in, featuring the latest compression and EQ technology. The Both MRs feature the renowned REV-X reverb, which is also featured on many top Yamaha hardware mixing consoles. Each independent monitor mix can utilize the DSP capability for an outstanding sound that every performer will feel extremely comfortable performing to. Optionally, the FX can be included in the signal recorded to the input track. The signal can, of course, also be recorded dry with no FX or bypassed completely. The Advanced Integration of MR816 in Cubase goes even further. The full DSP capability is also available as VST3 plug-ins in Cubase when mixing! Wit the MR816, up to 8 instances of the Sweet Sport Morphing Channel Strip plug-in can run as an insert plug-in in Cubase (MR816 CSX only), as well as one instance of REV-X. This adds additional first-class FX capability that is available even when the computer's CPU is running under a high load. For Cubase owners, MR816 combines not only outstanding I/O capability, extremely easy handling and no-latency monitor mixing, but also a powerful DSP capability — a peerless combination with an almost unbeatable price/performance ratio.
	Sweet Spot Morphing Channel Strip with Compressor and EQ (MR816 CSX only)
	The innovative Sweet Spot Morphing Channel Strip is a unique new compression and EQ tool that runs on DSP inside the MR816 CSX. While the first-class algorithms developed by Yamaha deliver sonically excellent equalization and compression, this unique new plug-in has also been designed for convenience, accessibility and simplicity of operation. The Sweet Spot Morphing Channel Strip consists of a sidechain-enabled compressor and a 3-band parametric equalizer, which can be applied to up to 8 mono input channels or 4 stereo input channels on the MR816 CSX or on Cubase tracks during mixing. Both EQ and compressor were developed to attain a highly "musical" sound that can not only give audio signals new sparkle and punch or help (re)define their sonic personality, but also work adaptively on audio signals to blend them satisfyingly into a mix.
The first-class sonic qualities of the Sweet Spot Morphing Channel Strip are not the only aspect that set it apart. It also features a unique new way to set up a great sound for just about any audio signal in next to no time: the Morph knob. Simply turning this knob smoothly morphs through both EQ and compression settings in combination, allowing the user to 'dial in' the ideal sound very quickly just by using one single control element. As an additional workflow enhancement, MR816 CSX also features built-in hardware control for the DSP effects, because both the Morph and Drive knobs can be remote controlled from the front panel of the MR816 CSX! The two multifunctional knobs can be assigned to these two settings simply by setting the MR816 CSX to MORPH mode on its front panel. This offers very intuitive hardware control over these two parameters directly from the MR816 CSX.	Using the Morph knob is especially useful for recording situations where quick setup for EQ and compression is paramount. Newcomers to recording will also find this system very helpful, as presets for many common recording situations are included. The presets were designed by veteran audio engineers using their many years of recording experience, and cover ideal EQ and compression settings for instruments, drums, vocals and many more situations. Each of the parameters can, of course, be edited singly from the interface, and individual setups stored as presets for later recall.
REV-X Reverb
The REV-X built into both MR816 interfaces is a complex reverb algorithm developed by Yamaha. It provides a high density, richly reverberant sound quality, with smooth attenuation, spread and depth that work together to enhance the original sound. Yamaha's REV-X digital reverb algorithm is renowned for its high resolution and extraordinarily natural sound. Each MR816 features three types of reverb effects: Hall, Room and Plate simulations with reverb time and level control. Reverb Time and Level can be controlled either through Cubase or from the front panel of the MR816. This superlative reverb processor also featured on Yamaha's premiere digital consoles is ideal for monitoring mixes for performers, but also adds a further excellent reverb to your available VST plug-ins on mixdown.
Complete Cubase user interface integration throughout	Quick Connect: next-generation of plug and play and instant setup
MR816 interfaces feature direct integration into Cubase through unique windows and views within Cubase that appear only when they are connected. These interface elements allow full control of the hardware's functionality from within Cubase itself. This includes not only the Sweet Spot Morphing Channel Strip (MR816 CSX only) and REV-X reverb DSP effects, but almost all hardware functionality in the MR816s including performer mixes and their levels, phantom power selection, -26 dB pad, high pass filters and phase inversion switch per input channel. The benefits are an extremely fast and intuitive workflow that handles software and hardware effectively as one system! Attention is focused on Cubase at all times without creative flow being broken off by having to open or edit in other applications. And because the features are all embedded in the Cubase graphic environment, they're very intuitive to use for anyone who is already used to Cubase — no need to adjust to another graphic environment to adjust levels for performer mix, for example. This is only one of the many Advanced Integration features between MR816 intefaces and Cubase, which effectively meld hardware and software together into perhaps the most sophisticated production system available today. Setting up a project with MR816 interfaces is extremely easy and intuitive. Templates offer pre-made setups with routing and I/O configurations already set up, automatically creating and assigning inputs and outputs for connected devices. Additionally, if no input busses have yet been created within the project, selecting a Cubase track and pushing the button of the desired channel on the front panel not only routes that input to that track, but automatically creates either a mono or stereo bus as desired. The bottom line? No need to manually create buses or reassign I/Os in the VST Connections window, with obvious benefits for project workflow. No other combination of FireWire hardware and software offers such flexible and intuitive I/O handling within a software DAW. As one of the unique Advanced Integration features, Quick Connect helps MR816 interfaces integrate completely into Cubase to form a next-generation software and hardware system that discards traditional boundaries between these two previously separate worlds.	As soon as the drivers are installed, Cubase automatically recognizes when the MR816 is connected, featuring complete plug and play and very fast setup. The MR816 offers another stunningly unique feature: instant routing and rerouting of inputs to Cubase channels on the fly from the front panel of the I/O with the push of a single button! Just select a Cubase channel, and press a channel button on the I/O front panel, and that channel is instantly routed to the selected track. To help quickly identify which input is routed to the selected Cubase track, the front panel light for the channel flashes, showing which input is currently routed to that track.

Extendable system	New and enhanced features with free updates
Developed using advanced technologies to offer seamless scalability, this mixing and recording system offers many options to increase the number of available inputs, preamps, outputs and DSP capability — all on the same FireWire port. Up to three MR816s can be used simultaneously by connecting them in daisy-chain fashion to a computer via IEEE1394 cables. The number of available channels for input and output across the system can be easily expanded simply by adding up to two more MR816s. The MR816 supports up to 48 input and output channels — using only one FireWire port on the computer. All connected I/Os are recognized by Cubase simultaneously, with no additional setup required. Cubase also automatically assigns the correct I/O port configuration for one, two or three units, depending on how many are connected. Even when multiple MR816s are connected, parameters such as those for digital audio input/output, Sweet Spot Morphing Channel Strip (MR816 CSX only) and REV-X are available for each device individually. Because of the highly flexible driver architecture, both MR816 CSX and MR816 X models are fully compatible with each other and run daisy-chained together on the same system, allowing full flexibility in creating a customized system that offers the needed number of inputs, outputs and DSP capability.	Version 1.5
	Output level metering of each audio stream and additional control of MR816 Master volume levels from within Cubase Expanded and enhanced Audio Hardware Setting dialog for controlling master levels of analog and digital outputs from within Cubase Enhanced MR Editor
	Version 1.6
	The Yamaha Steinberg FireWire driver now supports the Yamaha FW16E FireWire Expansion Board Better performance on Apple Macintosh computers with faster processing of the audio input and output The Steinberg MR Extension also sees several minor enhancements
	Download updates
	Cubase AI included
	Cubase AI is a special, compact version of Steinberg's famed music production system. Based on the same technology as Cubase, Cubase AI offers powerful yet easy-to-use software tools for audio recording, editing, MIDI sequencing and mixing — exclusive to customers of selected Steinberg or Yamaha hardware.