What is the primary feature of the iCON Touch 8?

The primary feature is its 10-inch capacitive multi-touch display, which allows users to control levels and routing directly from the hardware. This reduces the need to navigate software menus on a computer screen.

How many inputs and outputs does the Touch 8 provide?

The device features a 12x12 I/O configuration. This includes four onboard preamps and can be expanded using digital connections.

What is the maximum microphone gain provided by the preamps?

The high-gain preamps provide up to 75dB of clean amplification. This makes the interface suitable for demanding microphones that require significant gain, such as certain dynamic or ribbon models.

Can I expand the number of channels on this interface?

Yes, the Touch 8 includes ADAT connectivity. This allows for the addition of eight extra channels if connected to an external ADAT-compatible preamp or expander.

What is the purpose of the UNI OTG connection?

The UNI OTG connection is designed for direct mobile device integration. It allows users to stream audio directly to or from smartphones and tablets during live sessions.

Does the Touch 8 have physical controls for phantom power?

Yes, the interface features dedicated hardware controls for phantom power. It also includes dedicated physical buttons for polarity and pad settings to improve workflow speed.

What type of screen does the device use?

The device uses a 10-inch capacitive multi-touch display. This technology is similar to that found in modern smartphones, offering responsive and precise touch interaction.

Is the Touch 8 suitable for live streaming?

Yes, it is designed for streamers as well as producers. The combination of tactile metering, direct routing, and mobile device connectivity via OTG makes it a versatile tool for live broadcasts.

How does the Touch 8 handle monitoring?

The interface provides direct access to monitoring controls via the touchscreen. Users can manage their monitor mixes and levels without relying entirely on their DAW software.

What is the build format of the iCON Touch 8?

It is designed as a compact desktop interface. Despite its large 10-inch screen, it is intended to fit into small studio setups while providing comprehensive control.

How does it compare to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2?

The Touch 8 offers a higher I/O count (12x12 versus 2x2) and a much more advanced control surface with its touchscreen and faders. The Touch 8 also provides significantly more preamp gain at 75dB.

Are the faders on the Touch 8 touch-sensitive?

Yes, the interface includes touch-sensitive faders. These provide responsive tactile feedback and precise control over audio levels during recording and mixing.

Gear article

iCON Touch 8 12x12 Audio Interface

The iCON Touch 8 is a 12-in, 12-out USB audio interface featuring a 10-inch capacitive multi-touch screen for direct hardware control. Designed for producers and streamers, it provides 75dB of microphone gain and integrated digital routing without requiring constant software menu navigation.

See live prices

Overview

The iCON Touch 8 is a professional desktop audio interface that distinguishes itself through a large, integrated 10-inch touchscreen. It serves as both a high-fidelity sound card and a hardware controller, allowing users to manage levels, routing, and monitoring directly on the device. This design aims to bridge the gap between software-based digital audio workstations and physical mixing consoles.

Features and Functionality

The unit is equipped with four high-gain preamps capable of delivering 75dB of clean amplification, making it suitable for low-output microphones and a variety of line or instrument sources.

Key hardware features include: * Capacitive Touchscreen: Provides tactile control over internal routing and visual metering. * Physical Controls: Includes touch-sensitive faders for precise level adjustments. * Dedicated Switches: Hardware buttons for phantom power (+48V), polarity reversal, and pad settings. * Connectivity: Includes ADAT for expanding the channel count by eight, and a UNI OTG connection specifically for mobile device streaming.

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen Audio Interface

Sound Character

The Touch 8 focuses on transparency and technical precision. The premium AD/DA conversion is designed to maintain signal clarity across both the recording stage and playback. The 75dB preamps are engineered for low-noise performance, ensuring that even quiet sources are captured with high fidelity without introducing significant electronic artefacts.

Suitability and Use Cases

This interface is primarily targeted at studio engineers and music producers who require detailed control in a compact desktop footprint. The inclusion of the UNI OTG port also makes it a viable tool for professional streamers who need to interface directly with mobile devices for live broadcasts. Its expandable nature via ADAT ensures it can grow with a studio's needs.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to entry-level interfaces like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC202HD, the Touch 8 offers significantly higher gain and more sophisticated tactile control. Unlike the Tascam US-2x2HR or M-Audio AIR 192|6, which rely on traditional knob-based workflows, the iCON's touchscreen interface provides a more visual routing environment. While units like the MOTU 10Pre offer high-end connectivity, the Touch 8 is unique in its price bracket for its large-format integrated display.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary feature of the iCON Touch 8?: The primary feature is its 10-inch capacitive multi-touch display, which allows users to control levels and routing directly from the hardware. This reduces the need to navigate software menus on a computer screen.
How many inputs and outputs does the Touch 8 provide?: The device features a 12x12 I/O configuration. This includes four onboard preamps and can be expanded using digital connections.
What is the maximum microphone gain provided by the preamps?: The high-gain preamps provide up to 75dB of clean amplification. This makes the interface suitable for demanding microphones that require significant gain, such as certain dynamic or ribbon models.
Can I expand the number of channels on this interface?: Yes, the Touch 8 includes ADAT connectivity. This allows for the addition of eight extra channels if connected to an external ADAT-compatible preamp or expander.
What is the purpose of the UNI OTG connection?: The UNI OTG connection is designed for direct mobile device integration. It allows users to stream audio directly to or from smartphones and tablets during live sessions.
Does the Touch 8 have physical controls for phantom power?: Yes, the interface features dedicated hardware controls for phantom power. It also includes dedicated physical buttons for polarity and pad settings to improve workflow speed.
What type of screen does the device use?: The device uses a 10-inch capacitive multi-touch display. This technology is similar to that found in modern smartphones, offering responsive and precise touch interaction.
Is the Touch 8 suitable for live streaming?: Yes, it is designed for streamers as well as producers. The combination of tactile metering, direct routing, and mobile device connectivity via OTG makes it a versatile tool for live broadcasts.
How does the Touch 8 handle monitoring?: The interface provides direct access to monitoring controls via the touchscreen. Users can manage their monitor mixes and levels without relying entirely on their DAW software.
What is the build format of the iCON Touch 8?: It is designed as a compact desktop interface. Despite its large 10-inch screen, it is intended to fit into small studio setups while providing comprehensive control.
How does it compare to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2?: The Touch 8 offers a higher I/O count (12x12 versus 2x2) and a much more advanced control surface with its touchscreen and faders. The Touch 8 also provides significantly more preamp gain at 75dB.
Are the faders on the Touch 8 touch-sensitive?: Yes, the interface includes touch-sensitive faders. These provide responsive tactile feedback and precise control over audio levels during recording and mixing.