The M-Audio ProFire 2626 brings an interface that delivers 26 x 26 simultaneous I/O, with an on board DSP mixer sourced from up to 52 audio streams. It features Octane preamp technology on all eight analog inputs, ADAT, S/PDIF, word clock and MIDI. JetPLL jitter elimination technology ensures audio quality and synchronization up to high-definition 24-bit/192kHz resolution. In addition, ProFire 2626 offers FireWire connectivity, dual headphone outputs, front-panel ¼" instrument inputs and standalone operation.

The ProFire 2626 doubles as a standalone 8-channel preamp, 8-channel A/D-D/A converter and digital format converter. In standalone mode, the eight analog inputs route to the first eight ADAT optical output channels. This facilitates use of the line, instrument and mic ins—including the preamps—with other digital gear. Similarly, the first eight ADAT optical input channels feed the eight analog outputs to provide D/A functionality. You can also disable the D/A conversion to allow the analog input channels to route to both the analog and ADAT optical outputs—transforming the ProFire 2626 into a standalone 8-channel mic pre with eight discrete analog outputs plus 8-channel ADAT output. When the second optical port is not used for A/D conversion, the ProFire 2626 can also convert coaxial S/PDIF to optical S/PDIF.

The ProFire 2626 interface gives the user control via the customizable master volume knob. It's assignable to all of the four analog output pairs, so the user can choose which output pair will feed their main monitors. Users can also choose whether the master volume knob influences either or both of the two headphone outputs, or operates independently of them. In addition, users can assign the master level control to all four output pairs to uniformly attenuate up to a 7.1 surround mix.

Analog inputs are sourced from the eight combo jacks as either XLR mic or ¼" TRS balanced line inputs. In addition, analog channels 1 and 2 provide access to ¼" TS instrument jacks on the front panel. Eight ¼" TRS connectors provide balanced line outputs for monitoring and interfacing with other outboard gear. Digital I/O is available via 2 x 2 S/PDIF and 16 x 16 ADAT Lightpipe. The two front-panel headphone jacks feature separate sources and independent level controls for additional cue mixing flexibility.