NAMM 2019 Video: Meet Audient Sono, the “ultimate audio interface for guitarists”
Valve colour, amp/cab sim, re-amping and more for under $500.
In a move that will please the recording guitarist, Audient has introduced Sono, a product it’s calling the world’s first amp modelling interface. This is a departure for the British interface and console maker, but it’s teamed up with Two Notes Audio Engineering, a company that already has a stellar reputation for its Torpedo load box and cab simulation hardware for guitarists.
No need for an amp
Sono is designed to get you up and running quickly: just plug your guitar directly into the front panel instrument input. The interface provides preamplification, a 12AX7 tube and a three-band tone control for hands-on tone sculpting. This is then fed into the Two Notes Torpedo power amp modelling and cab simulator section, which offers recreations of classic Fenders and Marshalls, among others, with loads more available via download.
Though the interface offers near-zero latency, there’s also a monitor mix knob that lets you blend between guitar input signal and DAW playback to ensure the highest level of precision when playing.
If you want to keep your tonal options open, you can also use the Sono to record a clean DI, then use the front-panel ‘To Amp’ output to re-amp later.
Extra colour
The interface is very capable even without the extra guitar-centric features. Audient Marketing Manager Andy Allen suggests: “Try routing vocal microphones or synths through the classic valve preamp, analogue EQ and two notes processing and start creating crazy new sounds or simply add that classic analogue warmth to your recordings.”
This looks like an impressive box whether you’re recording, practicing or playing live. Its styling, including “Bad!” legending for the signal overload light, should make it popular with guitarists, while pro features such as eight-channel ADAT input and optional valve colouration make it an attractive prospect for producers and engineers.
The Sono will be available in the first quarter of 2019, and will cost $449/£419.99/€449. More information at audient.com.
