OVERVIEW
The Edirol FA-66 is a smart, mid-priced Firewire/MIDI interface. And like its USB-cousin the UA-25, it will work as an ideal hub for your home/mobile studio. With some of the best technical specs of any interface in this price range and the speed of a Firewire connection, the FA-66 is an obvious choice for those who wish to upgrade from an entry-level interface.

USES
- audio recording & playback
- MIDI recording & playback
- MIDI input & output
- vinyl to digital transfers

FEATURES
The most obvious features of the FA-66 are its compact size and the durable metal casing (which not only protects the unit from road wear, but also shields out audio interference). For those who demand high quality audio, the FA-66 offers premium level sound with powerful analog electronics, quality digital converters, and numerous inputs and outputs including balanced 1/4" outs. Edirol (and its parent company Roland) make products that are clearly built to higher standards than entry level competitors, and this particular model is an obvious choice in the midprice range for interfaces. Additional features include:

Two High Quality Mic Preamps: Includes a pair of high quality microphone preamps using premium analog components. It provides a clean recording environment to give a perfect microphone recording.

Built-in Analog Limiter: Reduce sudden overloaded sounds or popping noises in your recordings.

Wide Variety of I/O Ports: A pair of Neutrix XLR/TRS combo jacks with Phantom power, (4) 1/4" outputs, (2) RCA inputs, S/P DIF optical I/O ports and MIDI IN/OUT ports.

Zero Latency, Direct Monitoring: The FA-66 provides ultra low latency with maximum performance from popular music software, such as Sonar, Logic and Cubase. You can control Direct Monitoring from the front panel. Ideal for soft synths controlled from MIDI devices.

OUR OPINION:
If your sonic needs take you beyond the scope of entry-level interfaces and you want the power and convenience of Firewire, the Edirol FA-66 is the first model you should consider. Like its USB cousin the UA-25, the FA-66 and all its advanced home studio features (premium sound, mic pre-amp, balanced outs, limiter) and portable features (metal casing, Firewire powered), make it one of the most versatile interfaces we carry.

- aluminum chassis
- premium audio quality
- Firewire connection
- switchable from 44.1/48/96/192 sample rates
- MIDI I/0
- built-in analog limiter
- adjustable buffer setting for low latency
- (2) Neutrik XLR/ TRS combo jack inputs with phantom powered mic preamps
- (4) 1/4" balanced outputs
- (2) stereo RCA inputs
- S/PDIF optical input & output ports
- FireWire Bus Powered or use included adaptor
- hedphone output with level control
- 6.5 x 5.25 x 1.8"
- 1.25 lbs

• manufacturer's website