Buzz : M-Audio, Avid

WIRED’s Michael Calore calls Keystation Mini 32 “a standout in the large crop of keyboard controllers”

Mark Williams — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 07:32:00 GMT

The iPad has turned into a platform for music makers everywhere to hone their craft. As a result, some pretty cool iPad compatible music gear hit the market in 2011. WIRED’s Michael Calore only included a select few, however, in his recent “Musical Hardware for iPad Songsmiths” feature online. So you can imagine our smiles when we saw that Michael found the Keystation Mini 32 a worthwhile addition, calling it a “standout from the latest crop of [keyboard] controllers.”

Michael got a chance to check out the Keystation Mini 32 and it seems he was convinced that good things can come in small packages. Michael points to the Keystation’s portability, mentioning its capacity to draw all the power it needs from the iPad. He ensures readers, however, that just because it can fit in a backpack does not mean the Keystation lacks features. “Most controllers have one or two octaves, but this one has two and a half, for a total of 32 keys. And yet it's still very compact.”

Michael also highlights that users of the Keystation can extend beyond your fervent pianist. “The knob and three of the buttons on the left edge are programmable, as is the key velocity, so the Keystation Mini can double as a surprisingly accurate drum machine controller.”

Thanks so much for the review, Michael. We here at Avid know iPads are the future and we are psyched to offer products like this for musicians on-the-go.

If you’re a music maker and iPad junkie don’t miss Michael’s full buyer's guide on WIRED.com here.

AIR Users Blog Picks Best Product of 2011. And it's...

Mark Williams — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:32:00 GMT

Blogger and socialite Russ Hughes has posted "My Product of 2011... What is Your's?" over on the AIR Users Blog. Looking back over a year in which music fans have been "bombarded with thousands of products," he asks, "what one thing significantly improved my workflow or the quality of my work?"

Would it be Pro Tools 10 with all it's new workflow-specific features, or something entirely different from a "host of new interfaces, plug-ins, outboard and hardware synths and drum machines"?

Lo and behold, Russ chose the M-Audio Keystation Mini 32. "I have to ask myself, what one thing has made the most difference to me? You may be surprised to know, it’s also one of the least expensive things in my studio, but now it’s the one thing I reach for all the time and I wouldn’t be without."

I find it personally interesting to note that I keep my Keystation Mini 32 about two feet from me in my studio at all times. I think Russ might be onto something here. Glad you're enjoying yours as much as I'm enjoying mine Russ. You can check out the entire post here.

Spin deems Avid’s Keystation Mini 32 a go-to holiday gift for the rockstar on your list

Mark Williams — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:07:00 GMT

Front and cetner, the Keystation Mini 32 in Spin's December Gift Guide.

David Marchese gave Avid’s Keystation Mini 32 some love in Spin’s December holiday gift guide (see #9 in the picture above). David suggests our iPad-compatible, lightweight keyboard for the future rockstar on your list. He cites how the Keystation Mini fits easily into a messenger bag, ensuring that no musician will never be left empty handed should inspiration strike. The guide did not forget to mention the functionality of the Keystation Mini pointing to its USB bus power equipment and plug-and-play functionality.

The Keystation Mini was featured front and center, atop a sidewalk-warping subwoofer and eloquently holding up what we assume to be a healthy pour of Maker’s 46 – a cinnamon-spicy bourbon that Spin also included in the guide. The guide does a great job at identifying all kinds of gifts for your music lover. David called out everything from a Def Jam Recording rap scrapbook to some Johnny Marr special-edition Ray-Ban sunglasses and we are super pumped our very own Keystation Mini made the cut.

Everyone has that music lover on their holiday gift list and finding the perfect present may be easier than you thought. Be sure to check out this awesome gift guide in the December issue of Spin along with the latest industry news on their website http://www.spin.com.

Thanks for including us David. We look forward to the Keystation Mini making its way to everyone from guitar-gods to hip-hop head-nodders this holiday season – hopefully alongside a nice glass of bourbon.

Mix Magazine reviews Avid’s Fast Track C600 Audio Interface

Mark Williams — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:25:00 GMT

“The company has taken its time and gotten it right.”

Brandon Hickey at Mix Magazine checked out Avid’s new Fast Track C600 and gave it a detailed and glowing review. He was impressed with the makeover and took his time savoring the new look – and was pleasantly surprised by the complex workflows the new interface and monitor controller could handle with ease.

The revamped design of the unit was the first thing to catch Brandon's eye, as he pointed out the its large volume control, generous space between knobs and buttons, innovative monitoring controls, and large 8-segment LED input meters. With its new desktop-style orientation and it's simple, uncluttered layout, he found the new design to incorporate an incredible amount of functionality in a small, compact, refined format.

Brandon was also quick to point out the improved software mixer ("where the C600 really raises the bar,") quality mic-pre's ("impressive amount of detail and clarity for a product in the this class,") and a monitor management system capable of delivering three separate monitor mixes or providing full 5.1 control ("most exciting, in my opinion.") He gave Avid their dues on the new product, suggesting their focus on customer feedback was the catalyst in creating a fantastic solution.

Overall, Brandon had some pretty great things to say about Avid’s latest audio interface:

“The Fast Track series’ overall cosmetic design has gotten a complete overhaul…ergonomically this is a refreshing alternative.”

“…with all the flexible routing options, a greater variety of professional workflows can be managed in a very comfortable way.”

“Great design, good amount of I/O, pleasing sonic quality and a useful new monitoring section.”

“Playing the features-per-price game is always a balance of tradeoffs, and it seems like M-Audio is at it again, finding the perfect recipe of bang for the buck.”

So after all the anticipation surrounding the possibility of a new fleet of M Audio USB interface, did Avid stand up to the hype? As far as Brandon is concerned, “…the company has taken its time and gotten it right.”

A shout out to Brandon for taking the time to review the product and for all the kind words. Check out the full review here and keep up on the latest professional audio and music production news on Mix Online.

Avid’s M-Audio Venom wins MacLife Editor’s Choice

Mark Williams — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:21:00 GMT

“Warm fuzzy sounds at warm fuzzy prices” – that’s how MacLife’s Roberto Baldwin describes the Venom – warm and fuzzy enough to receive a five star MacLife rating and the prestigious Editor’s Choice award.

After spending some time reviewing Avid’s M-Audio Venom, Roberto found its size, price and functionality to hit the mark. “The M-Audio Venom is an awesome piece of machinery,” he said, “[it] brings all the sounds and control of the analog world into our digital future without sacrificing sound quality.”

Roberto was keen on the Venom’s audio range that takes users from a light, barely audible sound to deep, crunchy lows all with the turn of a knob. He was also impressed by the compatibility and user friendliness of the product and its software, which allows users to quickly locate patches and attach the synthesizer to their Macs. “For anyone who’s ever played an analog synth, the Venom is instantly understandable,” says Roberto, “[and] buttons make navigation a snap.”

So how did the Venom get a MacLife rating of “awesome”? Most likely due to its ability to provide a professional analog-synthesizer sound at a fraction of the price. Well that’s what Roberto tells us anyway – and we think that’s awesome too.

You can read the full review here and follow Roberto on twitter at @strngwys.

Avid introduces new ultra-portable M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 Keyboard Controller

Mark Williams — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 05:13:00 GMT

Avid is extremely proud to annouce the launch of the M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 - an ultra-portable 32-note, USB bus-powered keyboard controller designed for musicians on the go. Small enough to fit in a backpack, the Keystation Mini 32 delivers unmatched playability in its class, with features including:

- 32 low-profile mini-keys, enabling musicians to play two-handed parts

- Highly musical velocity curves, including one specifically for drum programming, allowing keyboard sensitivity customization to individual playing styles

- 4 assignable controls, including a knob, providing real-time control of DAW and virtual instrument functions

- USB bus-powered, plug-and-play connectivity including iPad compatibility (iPad Camera Connection Kit required; check specific apps to verify MIDI support)

In the video below, Avid's Brian Carter takes us on a tour of the unit's features and shows how easy it is to create music on the go with just the Keystation Mini 32, an iPad, and Garageband. With best-in-class feel, pitch bend controls, and selectable velocity curves, the new Keystation Mini 32 takes mobile music production to a whole new level.

Find out more about the Keystation Mini 32, and find a local dealer here.

High School Students Talk Pro Tools at Seventh Annual GRAMMY Camp®

Mark Williams — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 22:30:00 GMT

Producer Mike Elizondo and recording artists Nick Jonas and Greyson Chance speak at the 2011 GRAMMY Camp in Los Angeles

At this year’s seventh annual GRAMMY Camp®—the GRAMMY Foundation’s signature music industry camp for high school students—Avid had the chance to catch up with students participating in the audio engineering and electronic music production courses. Campers Giovanni Quattrochi and Kyleel Rolle weighed in on their use of Pro Tools, and how the DAW enables them to mix and record new projects. “We’re working with Pro Tools 9 and it’s been an awesome experience, as we get to collaborate with other teens who love music,” said Rolle. “I’ve always known Pro Tools is the standard professional program used in big-time studios, and having the chance to learn the same software that pros work with has been great.”

GRAMMY Camp students (left to right) Giovanni Quattrochi and Kyleel Rolle

During the camp’s Guest Professional Day, GRAMMY®-winning and –nominated professionals taught in classrooms— which are outfitted with Pro Tools 9, Axiom keyboards and Mbox interfaces— and spoke about their personal experiences, as well as best practices for landing a job in the music industry. “Stay true to your music and keep an open mind to all opportunities that come your way,” said multi-platinum Producer Mike Elizondo. “You might not know where your songs will go when you first get started on a project, but stay creative and always be proud of your final track,” added Artist Nick Jonas.

Based on our experiences at GRAMMY Camp, it’s become clear to us that the future of the music industry is no doubt on the right track. Interested in attending GRAMMY Camp 2012 or know a high school student who might be? Applications for can be accessed at grammyintheschools.com.

NAMM Video Spectacular - If You Shoot It, They Will Come

Mark Williams — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 08:35:00 GMT

I know that I was busy for every standing moment at the NAMM show this last January, but our video crew went all out crazy this year. Those guys got eight days worth of work done in four days, and produced eighteen videos. I swear at one point they were shoving plates of food underneath closed, locked doors and we could just hear ravenous eating and flying edits going on inside. So now that the doors have been unlocked and our brave video crew have retunred to their more human-like states (those guys are super-human on a bad day,) may I present the plehora of video coverage they captured and produced this year. From Avid product managers and specialists, to incredible producers and songwriters, to a whole slate of professional partners who talk with us about what it means to be developing products in a Pro Tools 9 world, may I present the Videos of the 2011 NAMM Show. Take it away boys!

Producer Thom Monahan (Vetiver, Devendra Banhart, Beachwood Sparks, Brightblack Morning Light) cut his teeth working with an LE system on some of the most highly regarded albums in the west coast indie pantheon, and he talks here with Avid's Sean Halley about his past, present and future.

Recording artist, author, and synth powerhouse Francis Preve talks with Avid's Sean Halley about the new Venom synth and what it takes to stay on top of his game.

Morgan Page picked up his fifth GRAMMY nomination this year with a Best Remixed Recording nod for his flip on "Fantasy" by Nadia Alistops. Here he talks about the gear that gotten him to where he's at and what he doing to take it to the next level.

And multi-GRAMMY awarn nominee Mischke stopped by to talk about his career with Avid's Tony Cariddi, and relates the over-the-top performace he's experienced with HD Native on a particualrly huge remix session.

Also, check out videos from Avid's Product Managers and Specialists about the flat out amazing new products they rolled out at NAMM this year, including our own synth guru Taiho Yamada talking about the debut of the M-Audio Venom Synth (declared "110% meat" by the AIR User Blog), Greg Chin dishing about the big news that is Torq 2.0, the dashing Ray Tantzen talking about the powerful new Mboxes, and JC Haydon talking about the SOS Award winning Artist Series controllers.

And yeah. That's not even close to being it. There's more. Our guys caught up with folks representing Avid's parters who make the utilities and plug-ins Pro Tools enginners depend on every day. Find out what's new in this slew of interviews with folks including Nathan Eames of Sonnox, Lev Perry with Universal Audio, Chris Estes of Endless Analog, Colin McDowell of Mc DSP, Niklas Odelholm with Softube, and Ken Bogdanowicz of SoundToyz. We also had a conversation with David Sears, Sr. Dir. of the Grammy Foundation who taked about the educational outreach his foundation is comitted to, as well as Hillel Resner, TEC Foundation President, and founder of the TEC Award.

And just like that. NAMM was over. I don't know how the video crew did it. But I'm thankful I'm on their side. If I had to face those guys in a showdlown they'd shoot me, transcode me, edit me, and have me on YouTube beofre I could say "cut."

Avid drops Torq 2.0, breaks into new markets with Venom, and more at the 2011 NAMM Show

Mark Williams — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 15:28:00 GMT

Greetings from the 2011 NAMM show! We are so excited to continue building on the momentum Avid has generated since AES in November, and we aren’t wasting any time in delivering new innovative products. This week we’re announcing live performance and recording solutions that will take us into new markets, including an aggressive jump back into the DJ space.

The new tools—which include the M-Audio® Venom® virtual analog synthesizer, Torq® 2.0 DJ software, the Eleven® Rack Expansion Pack and new Mbox® family options—deliver innovative, professional features and flexible, open workflows so artists can create distinctive and compelling audio, in the studio or on stage. Overall, these new solutions have been designed to empower musicians to elevate their sound in a bold way. Here’s a quick snapshot of the goods:

Venom (now available for $599)
- M-Audio Venom synthesizer delivers an aggressive take on the emulation of classic analog synthesis. And we do mean aggressive. Downright rude, actually. With an emphasis on grit and grime, Venom is voiced for today's music production.
- Extensive sound design capabilities, along with a full-sized 49-note keyboard and ergonomic design, deliver an incredible amount of power with infinite possibilities for sound creation.

Torq 2.0 (available in February for $249.99)
- This DJ software offers an open platform for creative performance and production. Use M-Audio's Xponent or Connectiv or any third party DJ controller with Torq 2.0.
- Four virtual decks with EQ, level control, headphone cueing and crossfade Traq Morph™ technology
- Check out the free 30-Day demo today!

Eleven Rack Expansion Pack (available in March for $99)
- Expanded guitar amp emulation add on for Eleven Rack offers new guitar and bass amp effects emulations, along with speaker-cone break-up and a new dynamic stereo delay.
- Channel strip style compressor and parametric EQ have been added for vocal chain processing on any signal.

MBox recording solutions - standalone and bundled with Pro Tools 9 (available in March pricing starts at $399 for the standalone hardware, or $699.99 for the bundles)
- For the first time ever, Mboxes will be offered without Pro Tools. With improved driver support and all new preamps and conversion, the completely redesigned Mbox is a superior front end for any DAW and now can be purchased by itself at a lower price for dedicated users of other DAWs who are looking for the best-in-class front end for their system.
- The new bundles: Pro Tools + Mbox Pro, Pro Tools + Mbox and Pro Tools + Mbox Mini—give musicians and engineers the ability to turn their Mac or PC into a portable recording, mixing and production studio using the industry’s most popular DAW for an Avid-advantaged workflow

Keep an eye on Avid Buzz for more news and updates from the NAMM show floor!

M-Audio AV-30’s earn top marks from Associated Content

Mark Williams — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 05:19:00 GMT

Jeff Gedgaud of associatedconent.com has posted a review of M-Audio’s Studiophile AV-30 speakers from Avid and they earned an impressive 91/100 score. Jeff takes the time to explain the installation process and describes how they can be used for computer or multimedia monitoring. He reports that the AV-30’s compliment his home theater set-up especially well, and praises the monitor’s accuracy while watching Blu-ray movies with their super-high fidelity sound.

A great review for a great pair of multimedia monitors.