The ESI U86 XT is an audio interface that communicates to your Mac or Windows computer over USB. A total of eight inputs and six outputs are provided at any one time. Analog connections can be made through the preamp, which can handle microphone and Hi-Z sources, or by means of the line jacks on the rear panel. Condenser microphones can be powered via onboard +48V phantom power.

In total, there are eight line inputs and six line outputs, alongside two 1/4" main outputs. There you'll also find S/PDIF I/O over RCA, as well as a USB port and MIDI I/O for 16-channels of MIDI in and out.

The interface is capable of processing audio at resolutions and sample rates up to 24-bit / 96 kHz, doing so at high speeds and low latencies, thanks to drivers based on EWDM and DirectWIRE technology with support for Windows and Mac operating systems alike. A headphone output on the front of the U86 XT can be used for private listening. Included with the U86 XT are a DC power supply, a license for Deckadance LE software, a DAW in the form of Bitwig 8-Track, and a license of inTone 2 ESI Edition from Audified.