KORG microAUDIO722
This is an audio interface with a filter. While the mission of an audio interface is typically to capture sound without coloration, this product dares to include features that intentionally dirty the sound.
I figured such an unconventional product would surely be discontinued soon
(sorry, KORG), so I bought it while it was still in stock.
I tried it out.
You can apply filters to the input signal. I could play with it for hours just by running an RD-6 through it and turning the knobs. But that's not all. You can send tracks from your DAW to the 722, filter the sound, and then send it back into your DAW. What's more, you don't have to use line outputs; you can do this IN/OUT via the USB cable that's already connected. This is interesting. In fact, I think this is the unit's biggest feature. Off the top of my head, I can think of things like letting a loop play in your DAW, recording the filtered, swirling sounds, and then picking out the best parts, or applying those swirls to already recorded vocals or instruments. There seem to be many more interesting ways to use it.
Oh, and by the way, I saw a photo in a related article where it was built into a guitarist's footboard. Even though it's an audio interface.
It can't self-oscillate
Well, obviously. It is an audio interface, after all. You wouldn't want to blow your speakers. This is understandable.
External control
It has MIDI IN/OUT, and it seems it can be controlled externally via MIDI CC. Since it's not a plugin, it's a shame you can't automate it directly from your DAW. It's a hassle to go through the trouble of connecting it via MIDI. I hope it becomes a plugin in a future update.
Anyway, it's fun!
But I don't see many user reports. I'll say it again, but I'm glad I bought it because I feel like it might disappear from the market before I know it. KORG really does release these kinds of strange instruments. (I unconsciously wrote 'instrument' instead of 'piece of gear.' Even though it's an audio interface. That's just how you are, KORG.)