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iConnectivity PlayAUDIO1U Audio/MIDI Interface

12-output Live Performance Audio/MIDI Interface with 24-bit/96kHz AD/DA, Dual USB-C Ports, Ethernet MIDI, and OLED Touchscreen
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Reliable Playback for Mission-critical Performances

A blessing for playback engineers, the iConnectivity PlayAUDIO1U is an audio/MIDI interface tailor-made for live performance. The PlayAUDIO1U offers failproof performance, thanks to dual USB-C ports, which give rise to iConnectivity's vaunted multi-computer redundancy. You get both automatic and manual computer switching modes for lightning-fast switching between connected computers. This near-bulletproof interface boasts 12 balanced XLR outputs with integrated phantom power protection, a stereo headphone output with dedicated control, and comprehensive MIDI over USB, 5-pin DIN, and Ethernet. You also get built-in audio protection that stops unwanted noise from corrupt audio sources from reaching your audience. Mixing and routing is a piece of cake with the PlayAUDIO1U — even when you're using multiple computers and analog outputs. The intuitive interface includes a convenient MIDI learn function for key functions on external devices, along with an OLED touchscreen for instantaneous status information and precise hands-on control. When you need rock-solid control and playback of backing tracks and virtual instruments, the iConnectivity PlayAUDIO1U will give you steadfast reliability well-suited for mission-critical applications.

Related Videos: PlayAUDIO1U Audio/MIDI Interface

Built for failproof operation

When you deploy the PlayAUDIO1U in a live performance application, you can breathe easy knowing you're in excellent hands. For starters, this audio/MIDI interface employs iConnectivity's lauded multicomputer redundancy. The PlayAUDIO1U listens to your software and automatically switches computers if any issues arise. It can sense both MIDI and audio, and it switches computers faster than the ear can hear. The PlayAUDIO1U also listens for corrupt audio streams, and it's able to automatically mute audio to its main outputs at the first sign of trouble, ensuring that unwanted sounds never reach your audience. Beyond that, the PlayAUDIO1U will provide you with diagnostic information to help you solve the issue quickly and easily.

Comprehensive MIDI capabilities

Here at Sweetwater, we've come to respect iConnectivity as an industry leader in all things MIDI, and the iConnectivity PlayAUDIO1U is a MIDI powerhouse. This interface accommodates MIDI devices connected via 5-pin DIN, USB host port, or even on an Ethernet network via RTP. The PlayAUDIO1U makes routing MIDI data a piece of cake. Its powerful MIDI processing can not only send MIDI to connected computing devices, but it can also send only a single set of Program Change messages to connected peripherals, send an All Notes Off message when a computer failure occurs to safeguard against stuck notes, and filter out extraneous Control Change messages.

Ready for the rigors of the road

The PlayAUDIO1U is ready for anything you throw at it. Its 12 XLR outputs are panel mounted to the unit's chassis, ready to plug into your snake, stage box, or multi-core loom. You get universal 100–240V switching power built-in with an industry-standard IEC power connection — no wall warts needed. To top it off, the PlayAUDIO1U is housed in a near-indestructible 1U rackmountable chassis.

iConnectivity PlayAUDIO1U Audio/MIDI Interface Features:

  • An audio/MIDI interface tailor-made for live performance
  • High-resolution 24-bit/96kHz AD/DA supplies crystal-clear sound
  • Dual USB-C ports give rise to iConnectivity's vaunted multi-computer redundancy
  • Auracle software enables tailors settings to your precise needs
  • Automatic and manual computer switching modes provide lightning-fast switching between connected computers
  • 12 balanced, panel-mounted XLR outputs with integrated phantom power protection
  • Stereo headphone output with dedicated control
  • Comprehensive MIDI over USB, 5-pin DIN, and Ethernet
  • Built-in audio protection stops unwanted noise from corrupt audio sources from reaching your audience
  • Convenient MIDI learn function for key functions on external devices
  • OLED touchscreen gives you instantaneous status information and precise hands-on control
  • Universal 100–240V switching power with an industry-standard IEC power connection
  • MIDI-mappable 2 x 2 button footswitch with selectable input/outputs
  • Housed in a near-indestructible 1U rackmountable chassis

Additional Media

Audio Interface Buying Guide
MIDI Interface Buying Guide

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Tech Specs

  • Computer Connectivity: USB 2.0
  • Form Factor: Rackmount
  • A/D Resolution: Up to 24-bit/96kHz
  • Analog Outputs: 12 x XLR
  • Headphones: 1 x 1/4"
  • MIDI I/O: In/Out/USB/Ethernet
  • USB: 1 x Type A, 2 x Type C
  • Data I/O: 1 x RJ45 (RTP-MIDI)
  • Other I/O: 2 x 1/4" (control)
  • Software: Auracle Control, Ableton Live Lite, Big Fish Audio
  • OS Requirements - Mac: OS X 10.11 or later
  • OS Requirements - PC: Windows 10 or later
  • Rack Spaces: 1U
  • Power Supply: Standard IEC Power Cable
  • Height: 1.75"
  • Width: 19"
  • Depth: 7.9"
  • Weight: 6 lbs
  • Manufacturer Part Number: PA1U

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Customer Reviews

1.8 out of 5

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The inconsistencies scare me.

First off, I don't know if it's bias, but every time I get an iConnectivity product, I worry about its failure due to constant quality and software issues.

The software is janky in its current state. When I first got my playaudio1, I updated the firmware and ended up in the bootloader loop. I thought, "This isn't a good sign already, I just got this, and there's nothing in the manual that prepares you for this." So if you aren't used to googling things, you'll be running for support or panicking.

I emailed support first, but since I'm on a time constraint, I checked Reddit first and randomly found a similar post on Facebook. Again, if you aren't savvy with searching things on the internet, you'll have a hard time finding quick support.

That being said, the fix was through third-party apps to get the unit to update. Okay, whatever, the unit seems to be working and not bricked. I still have 4 days to try this.

The unit works, which is cool. Although the moment I get to the auto fail switch, I run into issues. The directions say to route an aux out to the control tone channel so you can prepare your fail switch. I proceed and have done said task, but this is where I was in a loop of trying to fix this. It didn't work. So I tested all my virtual outputs and still found no solution. I tried the XLR outputs of the unit, and it worked. I searched for anything relating to the problem and spent an entire day finding no solution, only to be told, "Factory reset and update firmware" (which the firmware was updated).

I didn't do that because my schedule didn't allow me to do this. After the show I just did, I decided to come back and follow the instructions. But as skeptical as I am with iConnectivity, I decided to set up the rig.

And guess what? Everything seems to work. Although it wasn't merely a turn on and off situation because I did that during the day I was having these issues.

Honestly, I'm not a fan of these inconsistencies. I've owned the smaller versions of iConnectivity and wasn't impressed with the materials they used to house the enclosure. Things broke after a certain amount of time, to the point where I had to solder better connectors. Mind you, I'm not rough when it comes to these things.

Maybe iConnectivity has gotten better in general? But I'm just entirely incredulous with their products in their current state.
by Christopher Embry on

Not a good first impression

The PlayAudio1U on paper is for the most part fantastic hardware and if you get one that actually works you might just love it.

Baring the fact that the unit we received is for some reason not fully functional the critiques I would give the PA1U and of course, this is from my limited experience with it, are as follows:
It would be beneficial for the PA1U to have at least two audio inputs so that a guitar and or bass could be plugged in without the use of a secondary interface. With all the two way audio interfaces out there why would you build one with only audio output, it almost makes no sense.
Another thing is that the Auracle X control software is in my opinion a bit clunky but it does get the job done that is, if you have a fully functional unit.
Also the user manual is a tremendous help for anyone not already mostly familiar with audio and MIDI devices. I have a baseline education in MIDI and audio so for me the basics of the PA1U are mostly self explanatory but that wouldn't be the case for a first time user.
The manual references a different iconnectivity device and so unless you are already familiar with iconnectivity devices then how does that do a user any good?
The PA1U does a few things that are in no way explained in the manual plus some real world scenario usage examples might be very beneficial for first time users of such devices as the PA1U. There is more but let us move on.

Beyond any opinionated critique the unit that we received does not function as intended.
The first problem we had was, as per the user manual's first instruction, updating the firmware using Auracle X which resulted in the PA1U being stuck in boot loader mode and wouldn't update. As per iconnectivity's instructions MIDI-OX was one third party work around to solve that issue which is what I successfully used. Kind of ridiculous if you ask me.
I'm guessing a great number of users in this scenario might assume the unit to be bricked and send it back for a refund. One example of the need for more concise user manual information. Or perhaps just make it work out of the box.
The next problem we had was that when installed into our system we suddenly had noise that wasn't present before.
Our studio has A/C circuits with dedicated grounding plus we use balanced power conditioners. What will happen out in the real world of untamed dirty A/C power? We contacted iconnectivity tech support but never got any real answers about the noise.
After working with the unit further we realized that the USB Host Port wasn't functioning as intended. Baring the details of that we again contacted tech support. Which at first suggested things that simply didn't apply and then suggested procedures that in the end were nothing more than convoluted work around that not only didn't work to solve the issues but were procedures that in my opinion shouldn't have to be necessary in the first place. The process of these procedures is what brought my attention to the clunky nature of the software.
Furthermore the experience with tech support was hit and miss making my experience with them less than desirable however, they did finally conclude that the unit didn't seem to be functioning correctly and asked for it to be sent for analyses in return for a replacement which we agreed to do. Was told we would be receiving a email with a prepaid shipping label but have yet received such email.

The last communication received from them was on 1/30/2024 it is now the evening of 2/6/2024 and have received no further communication from them even though in the mean time I have sent two emails inquiring as to what is going on. Hence the hit and miss experience. Each time when first contacted they responded immediately but as each conversation unfolded time between communications stretched further apart to a point where you might think you're being ignored.

The smart decision for us would have been to simply react quicker and send the thing back for a refund but we held out hope that it was just a learning curve to overcome, big mistake. Here we are over three months later with countless hours and frustration invested for what is in the end a unit that is only partially functional and therefore completely useless.
We would love for this thing to do what it is intended to do but unfortunately for us the unit that we have does not function correctly and so far iconnectivity has done little if nothing to help us.
This has been bar none the worst experience with any piece of MIDI or audio equipment, or company for that matter, that I have ever had.
Maybe I'm just the one unlucky putts out of the entire lot but there it is.

iconnectivity have great ideas but from what we can see their execution is much less than desirable and we will never ever recommend or purchase another one of their products.

Maybe I should be more patient but at what point will enough be enough?
Does it really take a week to email a shipping label for a RMA? Somehow I don't think so.

I wish we could simply get a refund and be done with it because even if we can get a fully functional unit I will never trust it and will always wonder when the inevitable disaster will take place because of it.
by Dana L. Harris on
See also: USB Interfaces, iConnectivity, iConnectivity USB Audio Interfaces, iConnectivity MIDI Interfaces
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