Novation has announced that it is partnering with Italian software company and Almateq brand, Overloud, experts in the field of accurate Guitar Amp simulation. This collaboration falls in line with the future direction of Novation, in creating a broader group of products for all musicians, including today's guitarists.

Nio 2 | 4 is the first example of this. A USB 1.1 Interface featuring Direct FX technology, nio 2 | 4 is set to ship with a host of Overloud amp simulations, including the most famous British and American amps, overdrive and distortion stomp-boxes, alongside a mass of classic Novation effects, many derived from the classic Supernova II.

Novation's Direct FX technology places a host of powerful FX at your fingertips. Direct FX technology's ultra-low latency environment provides an unmatched freedom to create, allowing all of nio 2 | 4s effects to be used in real time. This same unique environment ensures rock solid and lightening fast performance.

nio 2 | 4's multi-effects engine includes guitar amp simulations, filters, delay, chorus, phaser, flanger, distortion, EQ, Reverb, Tremolo, and others too many to mention, many derived from the effect algorithms of Novation's synth giants, past and present, most notably the Supernova II.

With robust rock-solid hardware, flexible software and powerful FX, nio 2 | 4 is the ideal interface solution for home recording, live performing and DJ'ing. With two headphone outputs, it's also an ideal solution for the classroom environment. nio 2 | 4 provides a unique and flexible monitoring solution, with two dials close to hand and independent switching between three different monitor mixes. This, combined with four phono (RCA) outputs and flexible metering, make nio 2 | 4 the ideal solution for laptop DJs and live performers.

Two inputs are available for recording high quality audio into the DAW. Both an instrument jack and microphone XLR with phantom power are provided. As an alternative to these inputs, a pair of phono (RCA) inputs can be used to record a stereo signal, from a record deck, CD player or synthesizer for example.

Finally, nio 2 | 4 provides MIDI i/o and is also class compliant with both Mac and PC, connecting via USB and bus powering with each. In addition, the unit is class compliant with Mac OS X CoreAudio.

nio 2 | 4 is being shown to the public on Novation's booth, number A50, hall 5.1, and is expected to ship Spring 2007.