EMU 0204 USB Audio Interface

The EMU 0204 USB Audio Interface is the ultimate portable USB audio interface for the Mac and PC, offering pristine 24-bit/192kHz recording and playback, direct monitoring, and a host of professional features in a compact, USB bus-powered package.  The 0204 features two XTC Class-A, ultra-low noise Mic/Line/Hi-Z preamplifiers that can be run independently or in stereo to record guitars, basses, keyboards or microphones with optimal audio performance.

EMU 0204 USB Audio Interface Features:
-Portable USB bus-powered interface for Mac and PC with 2 mic preamps
-Two 1/4" unbalanced outputs (1/2)
-Stereo headphone output doubles as an assignable pair of auxiliary outputs (3/4)
-Inputs:
  -1 Balanced XLR — 1/4" TRS combo jack
  -1 Balanced 1/4" TRS jack
  -1 Unbalanced 1/8" mic input with +5V power (in parallel with XLR mic input)
-Two XTC Class-A, ultra-low noise, mic/line/hi-z preamps with up to 60dB of gain
-The center of the XLR jack functions as a Hi-Z input for use with guitars, basses, keyboards, etc.
-The 1/4” input also accepts a Hi-Z microphone with a 1/4” plug
-Hardware zero-latency direct monitoring (mono or stereo) with continuously variable level control
-24-bit/192kHz A/D (AK5385) and D/A converters (AK4396), 113dB measured SNR performance
-Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz from internal crystal with no sample rate conversion
-Drivers: ASIO2, WDM MME, Apple Core Audio
-THD+N (input to output): -101.9dB (.0008%) 1kHz at -1dBFS
-Signal to Noise Ratio: 113dB A-weighted
-Jitter: <100ps RMS
-In the box
-EMU 0204 USB AudioPod
-USB cable
-0204 USB installation guide
-EMU Software/Manual CD-ROM (OS X /Windows)
  -Windows XP, Windows Vista/x64, Windows 7/x64 drivers
  -Mac OS X drivers
  -Owner’s manual and tutorials
-Acoustica Mixcraft LE 4 Install CD-ROM (Windows only)

A 2-input/4-output interface is perfect for many non-professional musicians with home recording setups, especially when the audio specifications of the 0204 USB rival or exceed those of other interfaces costing hundreds of dollars more.  The EMU 0204 USB Audio Interface contains two XTC ultra-low noise Mic/Line/Hi-Z preamplifiers, which have been favorably compared to boutique preamps costing thousands of dollars or more. In addition, guitars, basses and keyboards can be plugged directly into the Hi-Z inputs to access the world of computer audio recording and software plug-ins.

Combined with a laptop computer and a pair of microphones, the 0204 USB makes a great bus-powered, field audio recorder with audio specs exceeding other units costing many times more. Although only the left input has an XLR jack, both channels are balanced mic inputs and feature the superb, XTC low-noise preamplifiers.

EMU USB products have become highly regarded in the music listening community for their accurate and uncolored audio reproduction. EMU went a little crazy on this product and used premium-quality, digital-to-analog converters normally reserved for thousand dollar systems. Then they went even further and completely redesigned the signal path to wring every last bit of performance from the A-D and D-A converters. The results are simply stunning. The sound and specifications of this little interface literally “blows the doors off” many audiophile interfaces and headphone preamps costing many times more.

Bus-powered World-class Sound
Pristine 24-bit/192kHz recording, playback and audio specifications unmatched by any other interface in its price range. Your music will be accurately converted and preserved in the digital domain with professional standards.

Cross-platform support
Cross-platform support (Mac OS X and Windows XPx64/Vista) and compatibility with most popular audio/sequencer applications (ASIO2, WDM, MME, Apple Core Audio and Core MIDI) supported.

Two High-Quality Microphone Preamps
The EMU 0204 USB Audio Interface contains two of our famed XTC, ultra-low noise preamplifiers with up to +60dB of gain. Wide range, front panel gain controls adjust to any type of signal from weak microphones to +6dBV line level.

Hi-Z Inputs
You can plug your electric guitar or bass right into the Hi-Z inputs of the 0204, eliminating the need for an instrument direct box or preamp. The sound of your instrument will be accurately converted without loss of tone.

Four Independent Outputs
The headphone output can either monitor the main outputs, or it can be set up as a completely separate stereo output. This feature provides several advantages:
1. You can set up a separate headphone mix in your software.
2. Using a cable adapter, the headphone output becomes another pair of signal outputs (3/4). The headphone signal is of the same
  exceptional quality as the main outputs with the addition of an analog volume control.
3. The headphone output can monitor the main outputs when listening to music or recording.

Balanced Inputs
Balanced connections are preferred by professionals because of superior noise immunity. Both inputs of the EMU 0204 USB are balanced, but can also be used with unbalanced cables.  Balanced inputs are especially important for low level microphone or instrument signals. High level, low impedance outputs, such as on the EMU 0204, are much more immune to noise.

Hardware Direct Monitoring
When using a computer for digital recording, an audible time delay occurs while the audio signal is being input to the computer, processed by the software and then returned to the output for monitoring. This time delay is called Latency.  Latency becomes a problem when you have to use high buffer settings to conserve CPU resources. Because the 0204 USB has hardware direct monitoring, you can enjoy zero latency regardless of your buffer setting.

Ground Lift Switches
The EMU 0204 USB contains built-in “ground lift” switches for both inputs in order to safely break the loop if a ground loop occurs in your setup.

EMU 0204 USB Audio Interface System Requirements:
-Windows
  -Intel Pentium or AMD processor — 1.2 GHz or faster
  -Intel, AMD, or 100% compatible motherboard & chipset
  -Microsoft Windows XP (SP3 or greater), Vista/x64, Windows 7/x64 Drivers
  -1 available (Hi-Speed) USB 2.0 port
  -1GB System RAM
  -950 MB of free hard disk space for full installation
  -CD-ROM/CD-RW or DVD-ROM drive required for software installation
  -XVGA Video (1024 x 768)
-Mac OS X
  -Apple Macintosh Intel-based processor — 1.2 GHz or faster*
  -Apple Macintosh OS X, 10.5 or greater
  -1 Available (Hi-Speed) USB 2.0 port
  -1GB System RAM
  -500MB of free hard disk space for full installation
  -CD-ROM/CD-RW or DVD-ROM drive required for software installation
  -XVGA Video (1024 X 768)

*NOTE: For more information on Intel Mac support see the ReadMe file on the CD, and/or EMU.com for latest information.