ESI Neva Uno and Duo Interfaces review on Sound on Sound
New affordable audio interfaces
I/O
The Neva Uno offers a single microphone preamp with +48V phantom power available. The input will also accept line-level signals, with connectivity provided by an XLR/TRS combo socket. An additional line-level / Hi-Z instrument input is also available, which is present on a quarter-inch TRS connector. The Duo is equipped with two inputs that will accept microphone, line-level, and instrument signals, all of which can be connected via a pair of XLR/TRS combo sockets, with a button on the top panel allowing users to select the appropriate source.
A pair of line-level outputs are present on each device, with the Uno employing RCA connectors whilst the Duo opts for a pair of quarter-inch TRS connectors which are capable of operating in both balanced and unbalanced modes. Each interface is also equipped with a headphone output, which is available via a quarter-inch TRS connector.
The top panel of each interface houses a gain control for the input channel(s), as well as separate headphone and main output level controls. There is also a switch to engage phantom power for the microphone input(s), and zero-latency monitoring of input signals is also available courtesy of a Direct button.
Specs
Each of the interfaces is capable of 24-bit / 192kHz operation, and ESI specify dynamic range figures of 97dB (A-weighted) for the A-D converters, and 107dB (A-weighted) for the D-A converters. Up to 50dB of gain is available when using the XLR microphone inputs. Both units are bus-powered via USB-C, and are supported on PCs running Windows 10 or above, and all modern Intel and Apple Silicon Macs (no minimum macOS requirement has been specified). The Uno measures 105 x 90 x 40 mm, and the Duo measures 130 x 90 x 40 mm.
Software
Both of the interfaces are supplied with a software bundle that aims to provide users with all they need to start recording and mixing their songs or audio content. Bitwig Studio 8-Track is provided along with the Bitwig Essentials Package, offering eight tracks of audio and MIDI recording and sequencing along with a selection of presets and sounds.
Steinberg’s WaveLab LE is also included, providing a simple solution to editing and mastering, whilst Cubasis LE offers a recording, editing, and mixing solution for iPhone and iPad users. Lastly, inTone 2 ESI Edition from Audified offers multi-track playback and mixing facilities, as well as the ability to act as an effects host for the included GK Amplification 2 LE and ampLion Free bass and guitar amp simulators.
Pricing & Availability
Both interfaces will begin shipping to retailers in Europe this month (December 2022), with worldwide availability to be confirmed soon. The Neva Uno is priced at €69, and the Neva Duo at €85.
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