http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7zCMmEiCKQ

This is the official video introduction to the M-Audio Venom, introduced last week at the 2011 NAMM Show.

The video features testimonials from veteran synthheads The Crystal Method, Mark Mothersbaugh, and James Dewees – but the segments featuring the synths designer, Taiho Yamada, are probable the most interesting.

The M-Audio Venom synthesizer is designed to combine the character of analog synths with modern digital processing, to deliver an ‘aggressive’ sound. Venom offers 12-voice polyphony, three oscillators per voice, ring mod, tube-style saturation, six resonant filter types, on-board effects, and a built-in Pro Tools M-Powered compatible interface.

Venom Synthesizer Features:

• the warmth of vintage keyboards combined with modern digital processing – aggressive new sound
• 512 single-sound patches and 256 layered patches – start playing right out of the box
• intuitive real-time performance controls plus software editor – endless sound design possibilities
• 49-key, full-size, synth-action keyboard – great playability
• Pro Tools compatible USB audio/MIDI interface – ready for the stage and studio

The M-Audio Venom is available now with a street price of $500. Details below.

Full Features

• 49-key, full-size, synth-action keyboard
• 12-voice polyphony, each voice including:
• 3 oscillators with 41 waveforms and 53 drum sounds sampled from vintage analog synths, FM digital synths, and drum machines
• pulse-width modulation, sync, FM, and ring modulation
• resonant multimode filter with tube saturation limiting
  • 12 dB/octave (2-pole) low pass
  • 12 dB/octave (2-pole) band pass
  • 12 dB/octave (2-pole) high pass
  • 24 dB/octave (4-pole) low pass
  • 24 dB/octave (4-pole) band pass
  • 24 dB/octave (4-pole) high pass
• 3 LFOs with selectable sample-and-hold
• 3 AHDSR envelopes
• 4-part multitimbral operation with independent MIDI-syncable phrase sequencers
• 512 onboard Single patches
• 256 onboard Multi (layered) patches
• 2 global bus effects
• Reverb, Delay, Chorus, Flanger, Phaser
• 1 insert effect per multitimbral part (4 total)
• Compression, EQ, Distortion, Bit Reduction, Decimation
• Tremolo, and AutoPan effects
• classic arpeggiator with up, down, and alternating patterns
• tap-tempo and manual BPM control from top panel
• built-in USB 2.0 audio/MIDI interface (USB 1.1 backward compatible)
• 2 x 2 24-bit, 44.1 kHz (CD audio quality) operation
• mic, instrument, and stereo line level inputs route to DAW
• synth sounds route to DAW
• DAW audio output mixes into main outputs
• stereo main audio outputs (1/4” TS)
• stereo headphone output (1/4” TRS)
• master volume knob; instrument and mic gain knobs
• MIDI In and MIDI Out (5-pin DIN)
• large custom LCD
• 4 rotary encoders and 1 button for matrix-assignable performance control and editing
• dual-function octave up/down and transpose controls
• assignable pitch bend and modulation wheels
• sustain (1/4” TS) and expression (1/4” TRS) pedal inputs
• included Vyzex Venom software editor
• arrange sounds into banks, rename patches, and save backups
• patch collider feature mashes up multiple patches to create new hybrid sounds
• 16-cell modulation matrix offers comprehensive routing configurations.

Compatibility

• MME, ASIO, Core Audio/Core MIDI
• Pro Tools M-Powered 8 and higher
• Minimum System Requirements
• PC
  • Windows® XP (SP3)* or Windows Vista 32/64
  • 1.8 GHz multi-core processor (Intel or AMD)
  • 5400 RPM hard drive
  • DVD-ROM drive
• Mac
  • Mac OS X 10.5.5
  • 1.8 GHz multi-core processor**
  • 5400 RPM hard drive
  • DVD-ROM drive
• Vyzex Venom Editor/Librarian (PC)
  • Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7
  • P4 equivalent processor
  • 32-bit color graphics
  • 1024 x 800 or larger display
• Vyzex Venom Editor/Librarian (Mac)
  • Mac OS X 10.4, 10.5, or 10.6
  • PowerPC G5 or Intel processor
  • 1024 x 800 or larger display

Package Contents

• Venom synthesizer
• Printed quick start guide
• CD containing Vyzex Venom software editor, audio control panel, software drivers, installer/uninstaller, user guide, and other documentation
• USB cable
• Power supply