Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)For those times that you don't want the 88-key weighted, the rack of modules and the Mackie mixer, but just want to run a couple bass lines into Reason, it's great to have a little USB keyboard. M-Audio has upped the ante with a nest of programmable control knobs, a strong headphone amp, and a built-in sound card (2x44.1 kHtz in), with even a phantom-powered XLR for a (single) mic.
This is one of those tools that makes us old guys say "In my day...." Technically, I can go into the theater now with just this and the laptop, and be able to record, overdub, sequence, and play back the stuff I'm working on.
Installation was a breeze, EWQLSO recognized it easily, as did Reason, and everything hooked up quickly and intuitively.
But there are a few odd bobbles that make me want to save up for Version 2.0 First off, it's not USB powered. Better add the wall-wart and an extension cord to your gig bag (so much for composing on that flight from LA...!) USB limitations also mean although you can get the (single..!) mic input to 96 kHtz, you can't sample stereo at that rate. The touted "zero latency" simple means there's a switch for direct monitoring of the aux audio inputs. And the forest of control knobs do not remember settings after a power-down; there is no way to create a user patch of control knob assignments.
Lastly (and I do not want to be too harsh on this useful and practical keyboard), the touch is...bizarre. You know how light and plasticy Yamaha keyboards feel? This is plasticy but heavy, as heavy as a grand piano (but of course with none of the bounce). It is physically tiring to play! It is also a deep, yet soft keyboard. Forget sequencing a lilting penny-whistle on this thing -- it's more like pushing a melody through thick mud. Also, despite the copious mention of aftertouch, this is not an aftertouch keyboard. You'll have to assign that CC to one of the controllers.
In short, this is still a great gig-bag tool, and since it takes up so little desk space I'll never have to cross the room just to try that little melody that's running through my head. But it is not going to make me give up on having a real controller, with more than two octaves -- and a decent feel.
Click Here to see more reviews about: M-Audio Ozone USB Audio / MIDI Workstation
The M-Audio Ozone combines a MIDI controller and audio interface with microphone and instrument preamps. This will turn your computer into a virtual music production studio. You can use the product in conjunction with a USB-equipped PC or Macintosh computer (with appropriate music software) to enter a full range of MIDI note and controller information, as well as record and play back your voice, guitar, or external sound modules. You can use the built-in audio outputs to monitor playback of loops, soft synth tracks, and recorded audio. Other features include: twenty-five keys, eight assignable MIDI controller knobs, zero-latency direct monitoring and stereo output on quarter inch TS jacks. The unit will fit into a nineteen inch rack.
What's in the Box Mobile workstation, one standard USB cable, PC and Mac driver disk, power adaptor, owner's manual and ninety day warranty.
Click here for more information about M-Audio Ozone USB Audio / MIDI Workstation
0 comments:
Post a Comment