Apple Computer is expected to introduce a new audio interface for GarageBand users in the coming months. The analog FireWire audio device, the first product of its recently created iPod division, will allow users to directly record audio using any Mac and Apple’s GarageBand music studio application. According to reputable sources, the company is on track to begin manufacturing the device overseas next month.
The device, code-named 'Q97' or 'Asteroid,' has been under development at the company for the better part of the year. Typically referred to as a 'breakout box' in the music recording industry, the external audio device attaches to a computer and offers audio inputs and outputs for attaching instruments or other audio sources. Apple is reportedly building the device around GarageBand, its popular application for aspiring musicians.
According to sources, Asteroid will include two XLR/ TRS audio input connectors, two RCA analog output jacks, and a standard headphone jack. The device will draw power through a single FireWire 400 port and include a phantom on/off power switch.
In addition to the aforementioned specs, a more advanced version of the Asteroid device—recently seen floating around the Apple's Cupertino campus—sports an additional S/PDIF optical output port; however, it is unclear which version the company will ultimately send to manufacturing.
The new device was developed in part by portions of Apple's Germany-based Emagic subsidiary that have now become part of the iPod division. Leveraging the music device expertise of Emagic, the breakout box will sport a software-driven input gain control and a limiter circuit to automatically prevent audio clipping or distortion. Users will also be able to link together up to four of the devices to add support for additional instruments, microphones, or other audio sources.
Expected to debut in January, alongside a revised version of Apple's iLife digital lifestyle software suite, Asteroid will integrate with a new version of GarageBand, sources said. The GarageBand software update will deliver a simplified setup, recording and playback support for Asteroid, and input gain and mute controls.
The new version of GarageBand will also allow users to monitor Asteroid's operational states, including limiting, input level and output level. It will be capable of automatically detecting the presence of the Asteroid device and allow users to record from 2 mono channels on 2 tracks simultaneously, or through a single stereo channel.
