The NRV10's eight analog inputs let you keep all of your favorite instruments and other gear connected while composing or practicing—even when your computer is off or disconnected. And, thanks to its integral 10 x 10 FireWire interface, you can record any or all of them to computer-based tracks any time you wish. Conversely, you can also discretely return multiple channels of pristine digital audio to the mixer for flexible monitoring, mixing and processing. Inline monitoring on the same channels from which you recorded means you can just leave your levels set where they are. Use the two aux buses to route to external processors or create a custom headphone mix. In the studio, the NRV10 lets you move seamlessly between writing, recording, practicing, editing and mixing without ever needing to change cabling or connections.

The NRV10's live applications are endless. Its flexible monitor source assignment can send the drummer a headphone click track—and even lets your DAW's automation change effects and other parameters on the fly for different song sections. Or if you're creating live dance music, the monitoring section lets you audition material in your headphones DJ-style before routing it to the main mix. Have some soft synths? A laptop, the NRV10 and an M-Audio MIDI controller are a great way to perform them on stage. And if you're recording a band live, the NRV10 lets you easily record different players to separate tracks using an application like Pro Tools M-Powered.

Featuring a durable metal chassis with optional rack-mount bracket, the NRV10 can be used either with a computer or as an excellent standalone mixer. M-Audio's award-winning Octane preamp technology assures best-of-class performance. The unit features four stereo and four mono channels—and the first five inputs have phantom-powered XLR mic inputs as well. its design features everything you'd expect in a professional mixer including balanced inputs, channel inserts for inline processing, two aux buses, 3-band EQ on each channel and a flexible monitor section. There's also a built-in effects section with 16 effects so you don't even need to burden the computer for basic effects—especially handy live or when practicing.

Using computer-based tracks on live gigs used to require making and saving software adjustments for parameters like levels, EQ and effects just so everything sounded right. Now that's history. The NRV10 gives you easy analog mixer control over direct feeds from multiple computer-based tracks. Perfect your studio tracks, then just make temporary tweaks on the NRV10 for live performances. As a bonus, you can run live vocals and more through the same processing you used on those studio tracks. You can even add the NRV10's built-in digital effects to tracks without modifying your files. The NRV10 puts you back in control of the mix that you and your audience hear live.

A FireWire digital interface is not a pricey extra option on the NRV10. It's built right in, giving you the best of analog mixing and digital recording in a single, cost-effective package. The ability to route analog inputs and outputs in conjunction with digital tracks and buses provides for seamless creative flow without multiple devices or constantly plugging and unplugging cables. The FireWire interface and software drivers build on M-Audio's years of experience perfecting digital audio interfaces to critical acclaim. You get unbeatable specs like pristine digital audio quality all the way up to 24-bit/96kHz. And unlike other FireWire mixers, the NRV10's ability to return multiple channels from your computer gives you much more flexibility compared to simple stereo returns.

The included NRV10 interFX software for Windows and Mac turns the NRV10 and your host computer into an even more powerful mixing console complete with multi-effects processing. The application adds a compressor, expander/gate and two VST effect slots to each mixer channel—letting you process your live instruments and mics with your favorite computer-based effects. Of course, you can also save and recall settings for later use. Now, with the NRV10 and NRV10 interFX, you can bring the VST plug-in effects you use in the studio to the stage.