The heart of the Satellite System is the Satellite Pod, a sleek, portable two-channel FireWire interface that incorporates two of Mackie's acclaimed Onyx preamps, as well as 24-bit/96kHz A/D and D/A converters. Additional Satellite Pod features include dual headphone/control room outputs with individual level controls, two inputs, two outputs, and a rugged portable design.

A compelling feature of the Satellite System is the Satellite Base Station, which the Satellite Pod snaps into to provide AC power, additional I/O, talkback and monitor switching functions. By plugging the Satellite Pod into the base station, the Satellite System becomes a two-input, six-output FireWire audio interface with professional features such as an advanced routing matrix, built-in talkback microphone, advanced monitoring functions and surround speaker control.

The Satellite System's two inputs can be switched between mic, instrument or balanced line input sources, and its six-channel volume control provides for surround sound mixing. Its control room section provides for switching between two separate monitor outputs for multiple monitor speaker setups.

Both Mac and PC compatible, the Satellite System works with all ASIO and Core Audio compatible software. It comes bundled with a full version of Mackie's award-winning Tracktion 2 software, providing a complete out-of-the-box recording setup with professional features like a 64-bit high-definition mix engine, unlimited track count, ReWire and VST support, MIDI controller mapping, external synchronization, and integrated support for Mackie Control Universal and C4 control surfaces. Also included is a full set of Mackie's Mixing and Mastering plug-ins.

Mackie Satellite FireWire Recording System Features:
Innovative 2-piece FireWire Recording System for professional recording to Mac or PC
Dual Onyx mic preamps for superior sound quality versus competing interfaces
8 inputs (2 active at any time) for connection of microphones, line sources, and instruments
6 line-level outputs
24-bit/96kHz capable sound quality
Built in control room functions include talkback and A/B monitor switching
6-channel volume control allows for surround sound mixing
FireWire protocol for low latency real time recording
Satellite Pod can be bus powered for field use, or externally powered, for added convenience

The Mackie Satellite FireWire Recording System has a manufacturers suggested retail price of 499 Euros ($519.99 USD). The complete Mackie product line is currently on display at Musikmesse in Frankfurt, Germany, March 29-April 1, 2006. Mackie is located in Hall 4.1, stand F51.