M-Audio has begun shipping its new M-Audio Ozone ($399.99): an all-in-one keyboard, MIDI control surface, mic preamp, USB audio interface and USB MIDI interface. Designed primarily for mobile or desktop use where size and/or weight are an issue, Ozone provides a complete personal mobile studio from input to output when combined with a computer running software like Propellerhead’s Reason or Ableton’s Live.
Ozone has a 25-note keyboard with full-size keys, as well as familiar pitch and modulation wheels, and eight control knobs that can be assigned to any MIDI parameters in the user’s software and hardware rig. In addition to being a MIDI interface for USB computers, Ozone also incorporates the functionality of an audio interface via a USB cable.
Its 24-bit/96kHz audio section is similar to other M-Audio USB audio interfaces. Audio inputs include an XLR microphone input with built-in preamp and phantom power; a balanced 1/4-inch TRS input for guitar, bass and other instruments; and unbalanced 1/4-inch stereo aux inputs for stereo line-level sound sources such as drum machines, synthesizers and CD players, which can be routed to the computer or directly to M-Audio Ozone’s audio outputs. The unit also provides for zero-latency direct monitoring of inputs. Unbalanced 1/4-inch outputs route audio from the computer to an external mixer or directly to powered speakers. Ozone also offers a 1/4-inch TRS stereo headphone jack for personal monitoring during a session.
For more, visit www.m-audio.com.
