Review: Terratec DMX 6Fire USB audio interface

External audio system for gamers and DJs, but audio enthusiasts will be left wanting

Despite the word ‘fire’ in the name, Terratec’s latest take on budget audio/Midi I/O is USB2, not Firewire.

Also, the ticket places it roughly in the category of competing Edirol, M-Audio and various other semi-pro interfaces.

It has no OSX drivers, a single phantom-powered combo XLR mic input and, around the back, every line-audio connection is phono, all unbalanced, by definition.

It’s clear, immediately, that this is not a device aimed at the project-studio enthusiast or audio pro.

We’re in DJ territory, and the DMX makes that quite plain by including something curiously lacking in many audio devices.

This device used to be a PCI card, but now it uses USB2 and an external power supply to fire audio into the high-def 192KHz/24-bit range.

What really gives the game away, however, is a ground terminal for turntables – as does the prime placing of a socket for headphones.

While catering for the needs of surround sound-addicted gamers, or movie fans, the DMX is a gizmo very well suited towards cash-strapped disc jockeys.

The build quality is good, as is the -20dB-paddable (high-Z) instrument input. Optical, alongside coaxial digital, I/O is also commendable. But the paucity of balanced audio connectivity is a mistake. It almost makes the Midi sockets look redundant since few DJs will use them.

The DMX 6Fire is a DJ tool. It seems capable of withstanding the rigours of club use and would make a handsome surround solution for home entertainment buffs. But we would not recommend it for recording or Midi-sequencing enthusiasts. You need balanced audio connectors, and possibly more Midi options, in which departments the DMX falls short.

If you are a vinyl-wielding DJ, possibly driving a pair of Technics turntables or NI Traktor and physical interfaces, then you will appreciate the audio clarity, robustness and straightforwardness of Terratec’s audio interface.