Connectivity Unleashes PlayAUDIO2U: The Ultimate All-In-One Audio & MIDI Interface for Touring Professionals
Live performance rigs are becoming more complex every year, and reliability is no longer optional—it’s mission-critical. With the launch of PlayAUDIO2U, iConnectivity raises the bar once again, delivering a first-of-its-kind all-in-one audio and MIDI interface designed specifically for modern touring, playback, and live performance environments.
Built around iConnectivity’s legendary redundancy and rock-solid MIDI expertise, PlayAUDIO2U is a true tour-ready powerhouse, combining high-resolution audio, deep MIDI control, networked connectivity, and intuitive front-panel operation into a rugged 2U rack-mount chassis.
A Comprehensive Audio & MIDI Solution for Live Performance
At its core, the PlayAUDIO2U is designed to simplify and safeguard computer-based live rigs. It seamlessly integrates:
- Audio inputs and outputs
- Advanced MIDI routing and control
- Redundant computer switching
- RTP MIDI networking for venue-wide setups
All of this is housed in a single, road-ready interface that allows performers and engineers to play back tracks, run virtual instruments, process live inputs, and manage MIDI across the entire stage—without compromising reliability.
With automatic and manual computer switching modes, PlayAUDIO2U ensures lightning-fast transitions between redundant performance computers, keeping shows running even if a system failure occurs.
24 Reinforced XLR Outputs Built for the Road
One of the standout features of PlayAUDIO2U is its 24 balanced, reinforced XLR outputs, making it ideal for large-scale touring productions, playback rigs, and complex monitor or FOH routing.
These outputs are engineered with live performance in mind and include integrated +48V phantom power protection, helping protect the interface from accidental phantom power being sent from consoles or stage boxes—a real-world problem on touring stages.
"While best practice is always to disable phantom power on inputs if not required, this added layer of protection offers valuable peace of mind in fast-paced live environments."
Audio Inputs Designed for Stage Performance
PlayAUDIO2U doesn’t just excel on the output side—it also delivers professional-grade audio inputs tailored for live use.
Key Input Features:
- 4 XLR / ¼” TRS combo input
- 4 pristine, ultra-low-noise mic preamps
- 48V phantom power for condenser microphones
- Wide dynamic range with silence when idle
These inputs are ideal for capturing vocals, instruments, and talkback microphones with clarity and precision, ensuring clean signal flow with no unwanted coloration or noise. Audio can be routed instantly to redundant performance computers, allowing seamless processing and failover during live shows.
The PlayAUDIO2U Display: Your Live Performance Command Center
The large OLED front-panel display transforms PlayAUDIO2U into a true live performance command center.
At a glance, you can monitor:
- Audio levels
- MIDI activity
- Computer connection status
- System warnings and errors
Instant alerts notify you of computer failures or signal issues, allowing engineers to respond immediately. Combined with intuitive rotary encoders and buttons, setup and troubleshooting are faster and easier—often without needing a connected computer.
A MIDI Powerhouse: Built by the Leaders in MIDI Connectivity
iConnectivity has long been recognized as an industry leader in MIDI routing, and PlayAUDIO2U is a MIDI miracle worker.
Unmatched MIDI Connectivity:
- 4 USB MIDI host ports for class-compliant controllers and modules
- 2× MIDI DIN inputs and 2× MIDI DIN outputs
- Dual Ethernet RTP MIDI ports providing up to 22 networked MIDI connections
- 2 USB-C ports for connected computers
PlayAUDIO2U acts as a central MIDI hub, allowing performers, operators, and engineers to manage MIDI across the entire stage and venue.
Advanced MIDI Processing & Control
- With iConnectivity’s powerful MIDI engine, users can:
- Route MIDI exactly where it’s needed—and nowhere else
- Send program changes selectively
- Automatically send “All Notes Off” if a computer fails (no more stuck notes)
- Filter unwanted CC messages
- Use MIDI Learn to assign external controllers to interface functions
Add in the 4 user-assignable front-panel buttons and dual control footswitch jacks, and PlayAUDIO2U becomes an incredibly flexible control surface for your live show.
Key Features at a Glance:
- 24 balanced panel-reinforced XLR outputs
- 4 XLR / ¼” TRS combo analog inputs
- 4 ultra-low-noise mic preamps with 48V phantom power
- Phantom power protection on outputs
- 1× ¼” TRS stereo headphone output with dedicated control
- 4× USB MIDI host ports
- 2× MIDI DIN inputs / 2× MIDI DIN outputs
- Dual Ethernet RTP MIDI ports (up to 22 MIDI connections)
- High-resolution audio up to 24-bit / 96kHz
- Automatic & manual redundant computer switching
- Front-panel buttons and rotary encoders for software-less control
- User-assignable buttons and footswitch jacks
- Large OLED display for real-time system monitoring
- Built-in universal power supply (100–240V IEC)
- Tour-ready 2U rack-mount chassis
Final Thoughts: Built for the Demands of Touring
With PlayAUDIO2U, iConnectivity delivers a truly next-generation live performance interface. It’s powerful, flexible, and purpose-built for professionals who demand absolute reliability on stage.
Whether you’re a playback engineer, touring musician, musical director, or production tech, PlayAUDIO2U gives you total control over audio, MIDI, and redundancy—without compromise.
👉 Now available from Thomann for £2,385 / $2,690 (Affiliate Link)
👉 Learn more directly from iConnectivity
