Mackie Debuts Spike Recording System

XD-2 (Click for a close-up)

XD-2 Side View

Mackie Designs today introduced a compact recording system with a retail price of $419 USD. Available in Q4, 2003, the Spike Powered Recording System includes all of the hardware and software necessary to track, mix and record music on a Mac or PC, including Mackie's new XD-2 USB 24-bit USB Audio/MIDI interface, integrated Tracktion audio recording and sequencing software, a copy of Ableton Live Mackie and more.

The hardware portion of the Spike Powered Recording System is the new 2-channel XD-2 USB Audio/MIDI interface with 24-bit, 96kHz resolution and support for ASIO 2.0, WDM and OS X Core Audio. The XD-2 features two of Mackie's new low-noise digital mic preamps. Each input channel features a "combo" jack that can support a line level or an instrument input in addition to the mic preamp. Other input/output options include SPDIF I/O, MIDI I/O as well as stereo monitor outputs and front panel headphone jack and level control.

The XD-2 offers low latency monitoring by use of a "Mix" knob located on the front panel along with a Monitor level control. Other input/output options include SPDIF I/O, MIDI I/O as well as stereo monitor outputs and front panel headphone jack.

The XD-2 also features an onboard SHARC DSP chip that supports a full suite of dynamics processing for recording. This includes a 4-band parametric EQ, a Compressor/Limiter and a Gate/Expander, all of which can be re-arranged in order along the signal path for each input or output channel. The onboard DSP also allows for low latency monitoring of effects while recording.

The software bundle that ships with the Spike Recording System begins with a copy of Tracktion, a new mutitrack recording and MIDI sequencing software application from Raw Material Software. Tracktion's interface allows users to record, overdub, edit, mix and play back any combination of audio tracks or MIDI sequences. Through a drag-and-drop interface that maximizes the use of a single screen, Tracktion provides unlimited track count, full VST and VSTi automation support. Tracktion ships with a number of bundled effects and soft synths.

As part of the Spike Powered Recording System, Mackie is also including is a copy of Abelton Live Mackie, a loop-based sequencing software application for live performance based on the Live software.

Mackie is bundling two free plug-ins with the Spike Recording System: the new AmpliTube LE guitar cabinet and distortion modeler from IK Multimedia, as well as the new Warmer-Phaser modulator based on the popular Blue Tubes bundle from Nomad Factory.

Spike will be available for purchase from authorized Mackie dealers in Q4, 2004.