At the 2009 Winter NAMM Show, a convention that focuses on music and audio technology, Alesis announced their USB Recording Kit, an all-in-one computer-recording system.

The USB Recording Kit lets you connect the pair of AM2 condenser microphones to the iO|2 digital-audio interface to record stereo audio, using the included Steinberg Cubase LE 4 digital audio workstation software. You can monitor sessions and playback with the M1Active 320 USB speakers.

No extra sound cards, no special connectors or adapters and no software drivers are needed. You need to supply a Mac or PC with two available USB ports and a pair of standard microphone cables.

The USB Recording Kit is available from musical instrument and pro audio retailers with an estimated street price of $299.99. 

Here are the details:

The AM2 stereo microphone set contains a matched-stereo pair of AM2 condenser microphones, an XY-stereo mount, stand clips, windscreens and a carry case. The low profile, miniature cardioid condensers offer a switchable pad and high-pass filter for optimal signal management.

The iO|2 is a flexible digital audio interface with two XLR-1/4-inch combination inputs and 48V phantom power. The inputs enable users to plug in microphones, instruments and line-level inputs for easy recording of guitar, bass, keyboards and more. The iO|2 sends CD-quality 16-bit, 44.1 kHz digital audio to the user’s computer via USB and stereo signal to the user’s headphones.

The M1Active 320 USB studio monitors feature one-inch silk-dome tweeters and three-inch lightweight woofers and both analog and USB inputs for clean, low-distortion signal flow. The speakers have additional inputs, enabling users to employ them as a standalone recording solution when connected via USB. When used within the bundle, the speakers’ inputs add to the input count of the system.