M-Audio, a subsidiary of the legendary Avid, has in more recent years become just as famous for its range of synths and keyboard controllers as it is for audio interfaces, monitors and affordable pro audio gear.
A huge number of aspiring producers have cut their teeth using the M-Audio Fast Track recording interface – fielding a mic and guitar input and using the USB connection to create studio-quality audio with anything from Garageband to Pro Tools. The Keystation, meanwhile, is another production solution at an affordable price, a 61-note velocity sensitive keyboard controller and a simple setup that nonetheless allows you to use the keys and modulation/pitch wheels with MIDI audio effortlessly. Rounding out a convenient studio trinity are the Studiophile monitors, giving even the smallest bedroom or project studio crystal clear sound.
That’s not to say that more ambitious projects aren’t covered though - the likes of the Profire 26x26 I/O Firewire interface giving more room for a producer to manoeuvre and offering up high quality components to deliver fast, Octane-preamp-backed audio.
The Axiom range of controller keyboards has turned heads too, with superb options of faders and encoders married up to a player’s design of keyboard for MIDI and plug-in control that’s easily editable and customisable. Oxygen controllers have also faired well, with clever DirectLink mapping that allows you to fire up any DAW or plug-in and get hands-on without leaving your keys.
Meanwhile, M-Audio’s Venom synth was an unexpected entry into the market, blending sublime analogue emulation and crisp digital tones all within a typically easy-to-use interface. Perfect for the studio and with enough live control options to be gigged, it was a gem we hadn’t seen coming. It rounds out a product range that DV247 has long been proud to carry.