The Bitwig Connect 4/12 is a versatile desktop audio USB-C interface that provides four inputs and twelve outputs, along with CV (control voltage) I/O and MIDI capabilities. It also sports some cool monitor and DAW control features, not to mention a special Bitwig Mode that sets it apart when used with the Bitwig Studio [Tape Op #138] DAW.
The Connect 4/12 has a hefty metal chassis with a relatively modest desktop footprint. There are transport and monitor controls, plus six mode buttons to alter the behavior of the large, weighted 360° touch-sensitive dial. The dial feels very premium and precise, allowing you to tweak everything from input gain to volume levels for two sets of monitors and headphones. A ring of 32 RGB LEDs around the dial helps you keep track of parameter values and automation data. On the back panel, power is supplied via a single USB-C port, which also serves as the connection to your computer or a class-compliant device (more on this later). You've also got a dedicated TRS headphone out, 3.5 mm MIDI I/O, six 1/4-inch TRS balanced line outputs, one balanced 1/4-inch TRS line input (which can also be a hi-Z instrument input), and one XLR combo jack that can serve as a high-gain microphone preamp with phantom power, or an additional line/instrument input.
The Connect 4/12’s top-facing panel is extremely user-friendly, providing instant visual feedback with clear input and output meters. An interesting and somewhat unique touch is that there are six 3.5 mm TS mini jack ports on the top of the panel, which are DC-coupled. This allows for either an additional two inputs and four outputs of audio I/O or the use of them for CV. I tested the CV outputs with my modular synth rig, and they work really well as a "bridge" between my DAW and analog modular synth gear. Since the Connect is a class-compliant device, I was also able to test it with my Apple iPad Pro and a super fun mixer app called AUM, which worked immediately without any issues. Using this flexible solution, I was able to quickly patch up a rig that had MIDI sequences coming from my iPad Pro into my modular synth rack, and I could even set up an analog effects send to some external pedals using the additional two inputs on the front face of the Connect!