At the NAMM Show 2025, Grace Design revealed an upcoming modular audio interface aimed at professional and commercial recording facilities. Leaning on the company’s expertise in designing high-end A-D/D-A converters, the m701 aims to offer a high-quality solution for everything from simple ‘in the box’ systems to large hybrid studio setups.
The m701 base unit occupies a 2U rackmount chassis with a dual-redundant power supply and can be fitted with up to eight I/O modules, allowing users to configure the system to meet their specific needs. Each unit is fitted with a selection of digital connections as standard (eight ADAT, eight AES3 and two S/PDIF) with a range of optional modules offering an array of additional analogue and digital I/O options — fully loaded, the system is capable of handling 64 analogue channels and a whopping 202 digital channels.
On the analogue side of things, users are able to choose from eight-channel line-level A-D or D-A modules, as well as an option that brings together four of Grace Design’s high-quality mic preamps — the unit also boasts integrated control over the company’s m108 preamps. Digital options include DigiLink for compatibility with Avid’s HDX systems, Dante, Ravenna/AES67/ST2110, a 24-channel AES3 module, and the company will soon be introducing a 32x32 USB2 option.
The m701 can be fitted with up to eight I/O cards, allowing users to configure the system to suit their particular needs.
Configuration and operation can be carried out directly from the unit’s front panel — which also provides metering for all inputs and outputs — or remotely using GraceNet, the company’s web-based control software; the software is compatible with any web browser, and does not require users to install or update any software before it can be used. There’s a built-in 32x8 mixer that allows users to create multiple low-latency cue mixes, with artists able to control their own mixes by loading up GraceNet on their phone or tablet.
Pricing & Availability
The M701 is expected to be shipping by Spring 2025, with the base unit priced at $2995£3150 including VAT. Pricing for the modules is yet to be announced.
