PreSonus recently announced the availability of their Revelator io24 loopback digital mixer. This is a significant improvement over their Revelator microphone introduced some time ago, which incorporated also some loopback technology. This unit lets you use your two of your own microphones. It is USB-powered and has phantom power for condenser microphones. It is designed for both recording and streaming and is very inexpensive.
Revelator io24 is both a great-sounding audio interface and a streaming mixer. with powerful onboard DSP (digital signal processing). When you’re ready to stream, engage Stream Mix mode—and with the click of a button, your complete mix of your analog inputs, loopback channels, reverb, and effects is routed directly to USB, where you can easily send it to your streaming software. No complex routing or extra hardware required. The DSP uses the same State-Space Modeled sonic enhancements as StudioLive® Series III mixers. Two XMAX-L mic preamps capture even the most complex musical harmonics smoothly and naturally, with no audible distortion, so your microphones will sound their best. Instrument and line inputs let you connect all of your gear. A Stereo Link option provides even more flexibility.
Because the processing is built into the Revelator io24, you can save your favorite presets onboard your Revelator, and you can use it just like you would on your computer, even at some remote location. However, the reverb will not work unless it is connected to a computer that has the driver installed. Wireless remote control via UC Surface for iPadOS®, Windows®, and Android™ devices means you get touchscreen control over all of your Revelator io24’s features. Just connect your favorite tablet to the same network as your computer, and you’re good to go! The app has three separate mixes and a fourth control that lets you add various types of reverbs and effects.
Revelator io24’s easy-to-use mixer also lets you create a custom zero-latency monitor mix fast. Independent levels for the Headphone and Main outputs (plus a Mute option for the latter) make it easy to switch between mixing on studio speakers and monitoring on headphones. You can even create a separate mix just for your headphones! MIDI In and Out ports let you connect MIDI controllers and external hardware synthesizers and drum machines. The PreSonus Studio One® Artist production and recording software is included, which makes it easy to polish your recordings with its lightning-fast drag-and-drop workflow and full-featured production environment. The presets for the built-in effects are stored onboard, so your sounds will be available anywhere you take the mixer.
PreSonus has a nice production ad video that shows how the Revelator can be used. Mitch Gallagher has a better video that shows some details about the functionality of the io24. Another helpful review by Production Expert is here. You can view an overview of the earlier Revelator microphone itself here. In 2022 Presonus announced additional USB microphones and audio interfaces for the Revelator series.
Everything considered, the PreSonus io24 is a nice little digital mixer for less than $200.
