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M-Audio Ozone USB Audio / MIDI Workstationby M-Audio
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Features
- Only 4lbs--fits in Studio Pack, Oxygen Tank or 19 rack
- Built-in 2 x 2 24-bit/96kHz audio interface
- Inputs for mic, instrument and stereo aux
- Stereo and headphone outs, zero-latency monitoring
- 25 full-sized keys w/ 8 MIDI-assignable knobs
Product Description
Your laptop changed the way you live and now new mobile tools can change the way you make music. That?s why M-Audio designed the revolutionary new Ozone - an all-in-one keyboard, MIDI control surface, mic preamp, USB audio interface and USB MIDI interface that?s no bigger than a laptop. Combined with your computer and software like Reason and Live, Ozone provides a complete personal mobile studio from input to output. Built-in 16-channel USB MIDI interface25-note keyboard with full-sized keysEight assignable MIDI controller knobsPitch and mod wheelsSustain pedal jackTwo MIDI outs (one from computer, one from Ozone) Built-in 2 x 2 24-bit/96kHz audio interfaceStereo out ( 1/4? TRS)Mic input (XLR) with built-in preamp and phantom powerInstrument in (balanced 1/4? TRS)Stereo aux in ( 1/4? TRS)Stereo headphone outDirect monitor switch for zero-latency monitoring Size: 16.5 x 9.35 x 3 inches Weight: 4lb.PC: Windows 98/Me/2000/XPMac: OS 9.1 and higher, or OS 10.1 and higher; OMS under OS 9 (included)Reviews
Great concept, some bobbles in executionFor 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.
