Apple Asteroid, was eMagic EMI?

More evidence that Apple is indeed releasing a FireWire/USB breakout box. Earlier we speculated along with many others that Apple is developing a FireWire audio interface for GarageBand codenamed "Asteroid" or "Q97".  The breakout box will include multiple audio inputs, including two XLR microphone inputs. And now suddenly we're reminded that a little while ago Apple bought a company called eMagic which makes a sub-$200 breakout box for Macs and PCs. Exactly.

[Via Scripting.com]

[motech @ Dec 19th 2005 2:27AM]

i dont understand why engadget doesnt just referance appleinsider - they are usually dead on and have all the relevant info - still not posted here . . .

[Vic Jr @ Dec 19th 2005 2:27AM]

No doubt we'll see a somewhat *nicer* design on this project... Unless Ive took a bad fall...

[Mike S. @ Dec 19th 2005 2:27AM]

Duh, they did, right here: http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000873021451/

[JE @ Dec 19th 2005 2:27AM]

Well it should be good - Emagic produce one of the best audio sequencers in th world. (Shame they were bought out by Apple which lead to the decision to drop the PC version of Logic).

[Peter Kirn @ Dec 19th 2005 2:27AM]

Hey, PowerPage broke this story, NOT AppleInsider.

The latest story from them:

http://www.powerpage.org/cgi-bin/WebObjects/powerpage.woa/wa/story?newsID=12863

And I don't agree with this assessment. Clearly Apple is using the Emagic hardware team, but the EMI 2|6 was USB-based, not FireWire, and lacked mic pres or XLR / balanced 1/4" jacks as on the Asteroid. In fact, the Emagic wasn't under $200 when new, though you might pick one up for that now. So . . .uh . . . what's your point, exactly? :-)

I think it's the 'people who brought you the EMI' but not the EMI.