Dark Matter Audio DMA-1 Could Actually Be A Game Changer

Dark Matter Audio

When Dark Matter Audio first hyped its new DMA-1 as the “first product specifically designed to work in a 21st century environment”, we were skeptical.  Can an audio interface really be a “game-changer”.

Now that they have officially announced the Dark Matter Audio DMA-1, though, we getting seriously interested in this thing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ug-9Wz2E_vo

The DMA-1 is basically designed to be the iPad of audio interfaces.

It’s a software-powered audio interface with a touch-screen interface. Because it’s software-powered, the DMA-1 can be a guitar effects processor, a multi-FX processor, a digital multitrack recorder, MP3/4 player, MIDI interface, a 5.1 digital mixing desk and whatever else developers imagine.

According to Dark Matter Audio, you’ll be able to wirelessly download applications to make DMA1 into a drum machine, sampler, loop recorder, digital patchbay, video tutorial device, chord and scale matcher, database of transcribed music, lyric organizer or a composition sketch tool.

But unlike iPhones or iPads, DMA1 is built from the ground up for music making.

Main features:

  • 7-inch Touchscreen
  • Studio Quality Processing
  • Wi-Fi and Ethernet
  • 3 x USB, 2 x Analogue and 2 x SPDIF connections
  • HDMI support
  • 5.1 Surround Sound Mixer
  • 4 Channel Architecture
  • Battery and Mains powered
  • Open Developer Community

Think that a “smart audio hub” could actually be a “game-changer”? Check it out and let us know what you think!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0uL4q4sOtY

Paradigm Shift

While the DMA-1’s technology looks pretty interesting, Dark Matter Audio’s marketing is pretty over-the-top.

Here’s what they have to say about it:

DMA1 is the ultimate studio and performance tool, right there at your fingertips.

Dark Matter Audio CEO Jon Stuart said: “with DMA1 we’ve endeavoured to create a paradigm shift in the world of audio production and performance. DMA1 is the future of audio and music production precisely because it can be any future that a musician or producer could want.

“This is a very exciting time for us, and for music production generally, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the team for their ceaseless toil (bar the occasional spot of skiing) to make DMA1 the revolutionary product that it is.”

Alan Greensall, Dark Matter Audio CBDO, said: “in my 35 years in this industry I have only ever come across revolutionary products like this two or three times. This industry is in need of the next big shake up, and we are dead set on making sure its Dark Matter Audio leading the way.”

We’d like to see a little more show and less telling on this, but the specs do have us intrigued……

32 thoughts on “Dark Matter Audio DMA-1 Could Actually Be A Game Changer”

  1. Sorry, but why would you make a device, at this point, that is essentially an iPad2, but in a thicker, bulkier case? Why not develop an enclosure, like the Alesis Studio Dock, along with some really great apps that take full advantage of the new iPad? I'm sure not going to plunk down more than $100 for something like this at any point after I buy an iPad and all the accessories, then have to purchase yet another company's proprietary apps, learn those, and hope they're compatible with all my other gear, or that I can even share files.

    Just seems like too little, too late. Waste of their money, in my opinion.

  11. I'm pretty sure, that iPad don't run half of thisstuff that this does though…which stops iPad being a real game changer for me(love it though, of course). Lets see some synths next, and I might get interested.

  12. It seems to use SHARC processor(s) "what they use in UAD, line6 , access virus etc.." , so maybe it's got a bit more up it's sleeve than the iPad (hopefully)..

  13. You guys kill me.

    If it had been an iPad app there would be a ship load of "O, dear, it's an iPad. What a steaming pile of fetid doodoo." style postings.

    But it isn't an iPad, so instead we get the "O, dear, it isn't an iPad. What a steaming pile of fetid doodoo." style postings.

  18. This is a company who wish they made the iPad, but don't. We will see a lot of products like this, but none of them will be able to keep up with the progress and availability of the iPad. The game changed way before these guys showed up! The smart thing for companies like this to do is put their software out on the iPad. The days of proprietary hardware for every little thing are gone.

  19. Sounds like someone is being paid commission by Apple!! iPad doesn't run half this stuff, great to see entrepreneurs breaking through with innovative designs.

  27. Honestly I think this is a great Idea, All you guys so far have just proven how ignorant you truly are, Its a open source product meaning you can develop your own effects,sounds, ect on your own. But that might be to much work for all of you seeing that if apple doesn't make it for you , you just do with out, DMA <3

  28. Jebus, the ability of companies to completely miss the mark never ceases to amaze..

    Instead of a comprehensive iPad dock that combines the iODock and iConnectMIDI into one super audio and MIDI hub, we get the Zune. lol.

    This thing will be off the market within 12 months time.

  29. Ok guys, the point of the device is that it has proper processing for Audio, yes it's bulkier than an ipad because it has all the connectivity built in (so no docking stations etc.) it also is running the latest Sharc processor with Analog Devices 24 bit 192khz Codecs and Preamps (the stuff that 500,000$ mixing desks etc. use). I will happily admit that the interface isnt as good as the ipad mostly because its about the sound quality. The sharc we are using has hardware acceleration for IIR FIR and FFT's it's blindingly good at audio manipulation, and the audio quality is astounding. Take into account of trying to achieve this with other options and it offers by far the cheapest way of producing studio sound and connectivity (in a portably battery powered device).

  30. Another valid point is that we are not trying to compete with the wonderful interface of the iPad which now has exposed Midi (accross wifi, network etc.) so there should be no problem using the iPad to control the DMA1. To put things in perspective our distortion needs around 70+mFlops to run (as it done properly using filters and convolution) so we can run over 10 of these on DMA1 and None on an iPad.

  32. It is pretty obvious that the people leaving replies such as the one DEL left…do not know/understand the difference between a ‘high end’ device built solely for musicians that incorporates multiple proper types of connectivity options and high resolution audio signal processing (among other things) and a consumer grade ‘multimedia’ device.

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