Grace Design, known for their world-class microphone preamps and monitor controllers, have introduced their first fully fledged audio interface and converter: the m701.

This 2U modular system allows users to build their ideal combination of analogue and digital I/O, supporting up to 64 channels of analogue conversion and 212 digital channels. Eight vertical slots accommodate analogue line I/O or four-channel mic pre cards, while two horizontal slots accept 32×32 digital interface cards (Dante, Ravenna, HDX or USB). An optional module adds 24 more AES3 channels, and the unit also includes S/PDIF, ADAT and eight-channel AES3 as standard.

The front panel is clean and simple, dominated by a colour screen, encoder and navigation buttons. The rear panel is densely packed with the modular slots, universal IEC power inlet, Ethernet for GraceNet control, USB-A for updates, multiple digital formats and word clock. The analogue cards use D-Sub connectors, and the mic modules employ the same design as the m108/m801 MkII. Additional m108 preamps can be connected over Dante and fully controlled from the m701. Interface card options include Dante (Brooklyn 3), Ravenna/AES67 (ZMAN), Pro Tools DigiLink and USB 2.0.

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Operation & Configuration

The m701 runs on a single clock domain, so all digital inputs must share the same sample rate, and the unit does not include sample-rate conversion or onboard DSP beyond the monitoring mixer. Routing is achieved via a clear cross-point matrix accessible either on the front panel or through the browser-based GraceNet interface. Inputs and outputs can be routed individually or in blocks for faster setup.

A 32×8 low-latency monitor mixer provides cue mixes with faders, pan, solos and mute, plus stereo linking. Mix buses can be routed to any output, and QR codes allow quick access to personal mixes on mobile devices. Analogue modules include detailed options such as four A-D anti-alias filters, selectable +18/+24 dBu reference levels with trim, and six D-A reconstruction filters including hybrid and apodizing modes. Mic cards provide phantom power, polarity, ribbon mode, and gain from +2 to +69 dB. Control can be handled entirely from the front panel or via GraceNet, which mirrors the same menu structure. Configuration pages include routing, clocking, I/O settings, workflows, display, networking, system diagnostics and status. The unit automatically detects hardware changes on boot.

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Performance & Impressions

Despite its extensive modularity, the m701 is very straightforward to configure, with a clean interface that matches Grace’s established design philosophy. In practice, routing, workflow management and remote control all feel intuitive. The system performs exceptionally well in both technical measurements and day-to-day use. Latency can be as low as 0.2 ms at 48 kHz, power consumption is only 55 W and the fan runs quietly.

Measured performance is outstanding: 121.1 dB dynamic range on the A-D, 126.7 dB on the D-A, and THD+N as low as 0.0002%. These results surpass even the Prism Sound Dream ADA-128, placing the m701 among the top-ranked converters currently available. With its flexibility, extremely high audio quality and smart workflow design, the m701 easily exceeds expectations and firmly positions Grace Design as a serious competitor in the high-end modular interface market.

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Grace Design product sales information and support in Estonia:

sales@msonic.ee

+372 5399 1710