Two-piece recording system composed of a base and a satellite, external two-channel sound card for recording on PC and MAC. Reduced Price! The Onyx Satellite is the world's first two-piece FireWire recording system. The Satellite consists of two parts: a portable recording Pod with integrated Onyx microphone preamps and a desktop base with additional inputs and outputs. Simply remove the Pod and you can record wherever you want without having to disconnect your studio equipment from the base. When you return to the studio, all it takes to get back to full operation is a single click sound as it docks back into the base. The base provides additional inputs and outputs, monitor control, a talkback section with a built-in microphone. The system comes with a full version of Tracktion 2 music production software, allowing you to go from idea to finished CD. (Compatible with WDM, GSIF, ASIO, and Core Audio drivers, the Onyx Satellite works seamlessly with most music production programs on PC and Mac). Unbeatable sound quality: When developing a FireWire audio/recording device, it is crucial to understand how musicians will use it. Mackie, being originally a professional audio manufacturer, focused on important components: microphone preamps, well-designed analog circuits, and A/D D/A converters. Instead of standard microphone preamps, the Satellite uses premium Onyx microphone preamps, providing exceptional dynamic range and noise characteristics comparable to much more expensive preamps. The analog circuits were meticulously designed to meet the most demanding criteria. Professional AKM-brand precise 24-bit/96kHz Analog-to-Digital and Digital-to-Analog converters were used to ensure that what you record is what you play back, every time. Features: • Innovative two-piece recording studio for professional production on PC or Mac • Portable Satellite Pod docks into the base, allowing recording anywhere without disconnecting studio gear • Two Onyx microphone preamps for perfect purity, detail, and dynamics • Satellite base offers 8 inputs (2 active at any time) for connecting microphones, line sources, instruments, plus six line outputs • Built-in Control Room function and Talkback with a built-in microphone and A/B monitor switch • 6-channel volume control for Surround Sound mixing • Satellite Pod can be bus-powered or externally powered • Professional AKM 24-bit/96kHz A/D and D/A converters • FireWire interface for low-latency real-time recording • Works with WDM, GSF, and ASIO on PC and Core Audio compatible programs on Mac • Comes with Tracktion 2 - a complete recording solution • With Mackie's durable all-metal construction, you can confidently take it on the go.