Roland Launches $299 GO:Mixer Studio With 12 Inputs and 24-bit/192 kHz Audio

Q: With 12 inputs and DSP for $299, does Roland's new mixer sacrifice core audio quality for its impressive feature list?

No. On the available evidence, Roland has not traded away core audio quality to hit $299; it has prioritized workflow and portability while keeping the audio spec solid for its target users. The strongest case is in the fundamentals. The GO:Mixer Studio records at up to 24-bit/192 kHz, includes two XLR mic/line inputs with 48V phantom power and high-gain preamps, and adds onboard DSP for EQ, compression and reverb. Those are not signs of a stripped-down audio path. More broadly, experienced engineers often note that in today’s interface market, sound quality differences between competent units are smaller than differences in features, latency, reliability and ease of use. The trade-offs are real, but they are targeted rather than fundamental. At the maximum 192 kHz setting, the unit drops from 12 inputs/6 outputs to 8 inputs/4 outputs, and Line Out EQ is disabled at 96 kHz and above. Some commentary also suggests the built-in reverb is more functional than premium. That means the headline feature set is not fully available at the highest resolution. Still, for the use cases Roland is aiming at—video, streaming, podcasting and mobile music production—48 kHz is the normal working format, and at that setting users keep the full channel count and feature set. In that context, the GO:Mixer Studio looks less like a quality compromise and more like a practical, well-judged balance of audio performance, mobility and speed.

3 articles · Updated · Forbes · Jun 21

$299 buys Roland’s new GO:Mixer Studio, a 440g mobile interface that is available now and targets creators, podcasters and musicians working away from a desk.
12 inputs and 6 outputs let it handle multi-source recording in a paperback-sized unit, with two XLR mic inputs, a guitar/bass jack, stereo line inputs and TRRS audio for phones or backing tracks.
24-bit/192 kHz capture and internal 32-bit floating-point processing are paired with onboard EQ, compression and reverb, plus 16 scene memories and companion iOS, macOS and Windows software.
192 kHz mode cuts capacity to 8 inputs and 4 outputs, and Line Out EQ is disabled at 96 kHz and above, though Roland says full features remain available at standard 48 kHz video settings.
USB bus, power-bank and AC-adapter support underline Roland’s pitch: studio-style multichannel production in a field-ready device small enough for a gig bag.