Roland's Rubix 44 is a versatile 4-channel USB audio interface that lets you record clean and clear audio, even in less than ideal environments. That's because Roland built this interface to be as mobile as possible. A sturdy metal housing lets you toss your Rubix 44 in your bag and go, and since it communicates via class-compliant USB, you can leave your laptop at home and track right on your iPad. Four microphone preamps offer the kind of clarity you don't normally find on such an affordable interface, and bonus features such as a ground lift and onboard dynamics processing make it easy to capture high-quality audio wherever you go.
When it comes to fighting noise, the Rubix 44 starts off with a pair of microphone preamps that go hand in hand with its extensively shielded construction. These passive noise-reduction methods work great in most cases, but sometimes bad power can ruin your day. Roland addressed this issue by outfitting the Rubix 44 with a system-wide ground-lift switch, so you can cut off any hum coming from the power supply. That's something Music Experience recording engineers have rarely, if ever, seen on an audio interface, and it's extremely useful for recording live sound.
Ask any seasoned engineer/producer, and they'll tell you that getting the best possible sound on the way in will save you hours of editing when it's time to mix. One of the easiest ways to improve your incoming audio is by adding a touch of compression on the front side to keep your levels smooth. That usually requires outboard compressors to pull off, but Roland equipped the Rubix 44 with a pair of 3-mode compressor/limiter circuits for each set of stereo inputs. These dynamics circuits feature two gentle compression types plus a more aggressive limiter — something you'll appreciate if you track live sound, where unexpected spikes can obliterate your audio quality.
Between its class-compliant USB, robust design, and low-noise performance options, it's clear that Roland intended for the Rubix 44 to be a great mobile audio interface, but it has some tricks up its sleeve that also make it a wonderful start or addition to your home studio. First off, it comes with a 6-month membership to Roland Cloud Pro. MIDI I/O also adds compatibility with keyboards, controllers, and other devices. Selectable headphone output sources let you create a separate monitor mix for recording, which is a real bonus if you collaborate with other artists. Loopback recording lets you record output sources from your computer, which is particularly handy for podcasting and similar applications.
Rubix44 delivers the perfect balance of high-fidelity audio, rugged build quality, and essential features for today's musicians and producers. It serves up warm and clear high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192 kHz, and features four top-quality mic preamps carefully designed for pristine sound and low-noise performance. And with four discrete outputs, analog dynamics processing, and an integrated MIDI interface, you have the power and flexibility to support your growing musical ambitions. Rubix44 works seamlessly with Mac and Windows computers, and even supports the Apple iPad for the ultimate portable music production experience.
With four simultaneous inputs and support for mics, electric guitar/bass, and line-level devices like keyboards and drum machines, Rubix44 allows music creators to capture mix-ready performances in a single pass. Singer/songwriters can record vocals and stereo instruments at the same time, and acoustic instrumentalists can connect up to four different microphones to capture every nuance of their sound.
Rubix44’s stellar mic preamps are low noise and high definition, with plenty of headroom for capturing all the impact and detail of whatever you’re recording. The flexible combo jacks and Hi-Z inputs let you connect a variety of sources including mics and guitars, with no need for adapters or special cables. Four individual outputs enable sophisticated routing and monitoring possibilities, like sending a click to a performer, setting up a stage monitor, or routing audio to external gear.
Highly dynamic sources like percussion instruments often need level taming with dynamics processing. It’s also common to apply compression on vocals and bass while tracking to even out levels and make these sources easier to mix. Rubix44 is equipped with panel-accessible compressor/limiters on inputs 1/2 and 3/4, ensuring good, hot signals without clipping and unwanted distortion. The dynamics processing is completely analog, providing smooth and transparent control with zero added latency.
When recording, achieving proper signal levels is critical. But studios and stages can be dark places, and you don’t need to deal with clip and level indicators that are small and hard to see. Designed with recording performers in mind, Rubix44 features bright indicators that clearly show if a channel has incoming signal or is going to overload. Better still, they can be seen from both the front and top of the unit, allowing you to easily monitor signal status from nearly anywhere you’re located.
On its front panel, Rubix44 features quick-access knobs for adjusting the overall volume and headphones level, plus dedicated Direct Monitor controls for latency-free monitoring without having to fuss with a computer-based mixer. Mac and Windows drivers deliver smooth, reliable performance, and the included Roland Cloud Pro membership provides a complete creative platform that works right out of the box. Rubix44 even supports iPad, giving you a powerful, compact system for on-location recording, mobile production, and gigging.
| Computer Connectivity | USB 2.0 |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | Desktop |
| Simultaneous I/O | 4 x 4 |
| Number of Preamps | 4 |
| Phantom Power | Yes |
| A/D Resolution | Up to 24-bit/192kHz |
| Analog Inputs | 2 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/line/Hi-Z), 2 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/line) |
| Analog Outputs | 4 x 1/4" |
| Headphones | 1 x 1/4" |
| MIDI | In/Out |
| USB | 1 x Type B |
| Software | Ableton Live Lite (included) |
| OS Requirements - Mac | OS X 10.10 or later, iOS 9 or later |
| OS Requirements - PC | Windows 7 or later |
| Power Supply | 9V DC power supply (included) |
| Depth |
6.5" |
| Width | 12.25" |
| Height | 1.8" |
| Weight | 4 lbs. |
| Manufacturer Part Number | RUBIX44 |
