User Manual

ESI U86 XT

1. Introduction

U86 XT is a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed audio interface for Mac and PC, bringing USB audio technology to

a new level by providing better performance for better results.

This interfaces provides not less than 8 input channels and 6 output channels that are all available

for simultaneous usage. The 24-bit / 96kHz solution not only provides balanced 1/4" TRS line

connectors, it also includes 2 integrated microphone preamps with XLR inputs on the front of the

unit with switchable +48V phantom power, 2 Hi-Z instrument inputs for electric guitars as well as

coaxial digital S/PDIF input and outputs. There is a headphone output on the front, next to an

integrated monitoring mixer. External keyboards, synthesizers and sound modules can be connected

via the MIDI inputs and outputs on the backside of the unit.

U86 XT provides fast high performance low latency drivers based on our EWDM and DirectWIRE

technology with support for the latest WDM, ASIO 2.0 and CoreAudio technology for both Mac

and PC, making it possible to use the interface with all current standard audio applications available

for professional usage.

All this makes the stylish U86 XT an audio interface, bringing USB audio for professional

applications to a new level.

1.1 Features

The front panel of the U86 XT hardware has these main features:

1. microphone and Hi-Z instrument input channel 1 with XLR/TRS combo connector, use this

connector to connect a dynamic or condenser microphone or an electric guitar. Next to it is the

on switch that enables this input for usage when pressed. When not pressed, the corresponding

line input on the backside of the unit is used instead. With the gain knob you can control the

input level which is indicated with the LEDs above it. The +48V switch enables phantom

power if required for a condenser microphone; when enabled this is shown with the LED next

to it. Please note that for microphones you should use XLR connection while a guitar needs to

use a TRS connection.