M-Audio Venom Synthesizer (2011 NAMM Show Preview)

M-Audio Venom Synthesizer

It looks like the cat is out of the bag on M-Audio’s ‘wicked new sound’ – the new product that was the subject of the company’s recent Crystal Method teaser video.

The company is using the 2011 NAMM Show to make the official introduction. But, based on this ad slick, the company will be introducing the M-Audio Venom – a new 12-voice virtual analog synthesizer.

See the video, below, for a overview of the new M-Audio Venom. 

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

Features:

  • 49-note, full-size keyboard
  • 12-voice virtual analog synthesizer
  • Editor software included
  • Integrated audio interface
  • Intuitive top-panel controls

We haven’t seen an official announcement from M-Audio on the Venom yet, so these specs are preliminary.

A Budget Virus?

M-Audio’s ad copy, which describes the new synth’s sound as “infectious” and “nasty”, suggests that they’re trying to position the Venom as an Access Virus alternative. M-Audio also warns that “This product may cause a variety of symptoms, including elevated gain levels…”

Much of the initial response to the M-Audio Venom has been a collective “meh” about it being another virtual analog synthesizer. That could change quickly, though, if the M-Audio Venom actually delivers an infectious, nasty synth engine.

Let us know what you think: are you excited by new competition in the world of virtual analog synths, or were you hoping for something else from M-Audio?

Update; The Venom is available now for $500.

via AnalogIndustries, GearJunkies, Harmony Central

107 thoughts on “M-Audio Venom Synthesizer (2011 NAMM Show Preview)

  1. M-Audio/Avid don't really strike me as a synthesizer company. Did they develop the engine themselves or did they license the technology from someone?

  2. M-Audio/Avid don't really strike me as a synthesizer company. Did they develop the engine themselves or did they license the technology from someone?

  3. M-Audio/Avid don't really strike me as a synthesizer company. Did they develop the engine themselves or did they license the technology from someone?

  4. M-Audio/Avid don't really strike me as a synthesizer company. Did they develop the engine themselves or did they license the technology from someone?

  5. M-Audio/Avid don't really strike me as a synthesizer company. Did they develop the engine themselves or did they license the technology from someone?

  6. M-Audio/Avid don't really strike me as a synthesizer company. Did they develop the engine themselves or did they license the technology from someone?

  7. The more companies making hardware synths the better. I'm still hoping Behringer will start making them. Doesn't matter if they're rubbish or fantastic, it's a market that deserves to be bigger. You can buy a new guitar for £100 but not a hardware synth with a keyboard…

    Also, more keytars please!

  8. The more companies making hardware synths the better. I'm still hoping Behringer will start making them. Doesn't matter if they're rubbish or fantastic, it's a market that deserves to be bigger. You can buy a new guitar for £100 but not a hardware synth with a keyboard…

    Also, more keytars please!

  9. The more companies making hardware synths the better. I'm still hoping Behringer will start making them. Doesn't matter if they're rubbish or fantastic, it's a market that deserves to be bigger. You can buy a new guitar for £100 but not a hardware synth with a keyboard…

    Also, more keytars please!

  10. The more companies making hardware synths the better. I'm still hoping Behringer will start making them. Doesn't matter if they're rubbish or fantastic, it's a market that deserves to be bigger. You can buy a new guitar for £100 but not a hardware synth with a keyboard…

    Also, more keytars please!

  11. The more companies making hardware synths the better. I'm still hoping Behringer will start making them. Doesn't matter if they're rubbish or fantastic, it's a market that deserves to be bigger. You can buy a new guitar for £100 but not a hardware synth with a keyboard…

    Also, more keytars please!

  12. The more companies making hardware synths the better. I'm still hoping Behringer will start making them. Doesn't matter if they're rubbish or fantastic, it's a market that deserves to be bigger. You can buy a new guitar for £100 but not a hardware synth with a keyboard…

    Also, more keytars please!

  13. position it as an alternative to the acccess virus…….it is possible, but but probable? i personally never cared for warnings that are chilidish…..warning: may cause nausea and uncontrolleable streams of pink goodiness on sight….Merry X-mas!!

  14. This is a good point. The best guitar I ever owned cost me about $100 new. I found a way to get a good sound out of it.
    Some kid I know gets absolutely amazing sounds out of his KS4. I think he paid about $200 of it used. People in "the know" tell me its a crappy synth.

    I wish Behringer made a synth. I am sure it would look excatly like a Virus TI and they would call it the "infection" or something.

  15. I'm going to try and not get worked up about this until I hear it and see some specs. From what we can see it's yet another VA with not-terribly-comprehensive front-panel controls. As much as I'm all for new hardware synths, I always assumed what was so GOOD about hardware was the fact that you had a good degree of hands-on, tactile control.

    Or, to put more succinctly, Avid are going to have to make sure it sounds absolutely killer for it not to look like they're hopping on the MicroKorg bandwagon 9 years too late.

  16. I'm going to try and not get worked up about this until I hear it and see some specs. From what we can see it's yet another VA with not-terribly-comprehensive front-panel controls. As much as I'm all for new hardware synths, I always assumed what was so GOOD about hardware was the fact that you had a good degree of hands-on, tactile control.

    Or, to put more succinctly, Avid are going to have to make sure it sounds absolutely killer for it not to look like they're hopping on the MicroKorg bandwagon 9 years too late.

  17. I'm going to try and not get worked up about this until I hear it and see some specs. From what we can see it's yet another VA with not-terribly-comprehensive front-panel controls. As much as I'm all for new hardware synths, I always assumed what was so GOOD about hardware was the fact that you had a good degree of hands-on, tactile control.

    Or, to put more succinctly, Avid are going to have to make sure it sounds absolutely killer for it not to look like they're hopping on the MicroKorg bandwagon 9 years too late.

  18. I'm going to try and not get worked up about this until I hear it and see some specs. From what we can see it's yet another VA with not-terribly-comprehensive front-panel controls. As much as I'm all for new hardware synths, I always assumed what was so GOOD about hardware was the fact that you had a good degree of hands-on, tactile control.

    Or, to put more succinctly, Avid are going to have to make sure it sounds absolutely killer for it not to look like they're hopping on the MicroKorg bandwagon 9 years too late.

  19. I'm going to try and not get worked up about this until I hear it and see some specs. From what we can see it's yet another VA with not-terribly-comprehensive front-panel controls. As much as I'm all for new hardware synths, I always assumed what was so GOOD about hardware was the fact that you had a good degree of hands-on, tactile control.

    Or, to put more succinctly, Avid are going to have to make sure it sounds absolutely killer for it not to look like they're hopping on the MicroKorg bandwagon 9 years too late.

  20. I'm going to try and not get worked up about this until I hear it and see some specs. From what we can see it's yet another VA with not-terribly-comprehensive front-panel controls. As much as I'm all for new hardware synths, I always assumed what was so GOOD about hardware was the fact that you had a good degree of hands-on, tactile control.

    Or, to put more succinctly, Avid are going to have to make sure it sounds absolutely killer for it not to look like they're hopping on the MicroKorg bandwagon 9 years too late.

  21. I have a KS4. It has rubbish distortion, frustratingly limited modulation options, and a rather-too-quiet output. But it can make some stunning leads, basses and – thanks to the ring-mod and various oscillator waveforms – great SFX. It was also one of the few keyboard synths around 2001 that had good action AND aftertouch at a price that didn't require selling an appendage.

  22. I have a KS4. It has rubbish distortion, frustratingly limited modulation options, and a rather-too-quiet output. But it can make some stunning leads, basses and – thanks to the ring-mod and various oscillator waveforms – great SFX. It was also one of the few keyboard synths around 2001 that had good action AND aftertouch at a price that didn't require selling an appendage.

  23. I have a KS4. It has rubbish distortion, frustratingly limited modulation options, and a rather-too-quiet output. But it can make some stunning leads, basses and – thanks to the ring-mod and various oscillator waveforms – great SFX. It was also one of the few keyboard synths around 2001 that had good action AND aftertouch at a price that didn't require selling an appendage.

  24. I have a KS4. It has rubbish distortion, frustratingly limited modulation options, and a rather-too-quiet output. But it can make some stunning leads, basses and – thanks to the ring-mod and various oscillator waveforms – great SFX. It was also one of the few keyboard synths around 2001 that had good action AND aftertouch at a price that didn't require selling an appendage.

  25. I have a KS4. It has rubbish distortion, frustratingly limited modulation options, and a rather-too-quiet output. But it can make some stunning leads, basses and – thanks to the ring-mod and various oscillator waveforms – great SFX. It was also one of the few keyboard synths around 2001 that had good action AND aftertouch at a price that didn't require selling an appendage.

  26. I have a KS4. It has rubbish distortion, frustratingly limited modulation options, and a rather-too-quiet output. But it can make some stunning leads, basses and – thanks to the ring-mod and various oscillator waveforms – great SFX. It was also one of the few keyboard synths around 2001 that had good action AND aftertouch at a price that didn't require selling an appendage.

  27. I have to agree about the knobs. I can’t imagine that adding more knobs really bumbs the cost up that much. I can buy a diy knob kit for $20-$50. Much less for a big company. Do these synthmakers think that we don’t like dedicated controls? I’m sure it’s a good synth, I’m just tired of menus(even when they’re done right).

  28. I'm for more hardware, also. I love the power and flexibility of soft synths, but I also dig the tangible instrument-ness (not a word) of a hardware piece that has certain quirks and limitations. We've had the same sub-$1000 options for years – it's nice to see Novation and M-Audio trying to do some cool stuff with boards.

  29. I'm for more hardware, also. I love the power and flexibility of soft synths, but I also dig the tangible instrument-ness (not a word) of a hardware piece that has certain quirks and limitations. We've had the same sub-$1000 options for years – it's nice to see Novation and M-Audio trying to do some cool stuff with boards.

  30. I'm for more hardware, also. I love the power and flexibility of soft synths, but I also dig the tangible instrument-ness (not a word) of a hardware piece that has certain quirks and limitations. We've had the same sub-$1000 options for years – it's nice to see Novation and M-Audio trying to do some cool stuff with boards.

  31. I'm for more hardware, also. I love the power and flexibility of soft synths, but I also dig the tangible instrument-ness (not a word) of a hardware piece that has certain quirks and limitations. We've had the same sub-$1000 options for years – it's nice to see Novation and M-Audio trying to do some cool stuff with boards.

  32. I'm for more hardware, also. I love the power and flexibility of soft synths, but I also dig the tangible instrument-ness (not a word) of a hardware piece that has certain quirks and limitations. We've had the same sub-$1000 options for years – it's nice to see Novation and M-Audio trying to do some cool stuff with boards.

  33. I'm for more hardware, also. I love the power and flexibility of soft synths, but I also dig the tangible instrument-ness (not a word) of a hardware piece that has certain quirks and limitations. We've had the same sub-$1000 options for years – it's nice to see Novation and M-Audio trying to do some cool stuff with boards.

  34. What pisses me off is the Crystal Method video saying this is "something truly original; really different."

    I see nothing unique about this at all, yet. It looks like a Blofeld. [shrug]

  35. Fuck you VA! We don't need you anymore! We've got tiny powerful laptops and Ableton Live with LOTS of VSTs and real analogue synth that doing all the rest. Why do i need that shit with crappy keyboard and thin sounds?

  36. Fuck you VA! We don't need you anymore! We've got tiny powerful laptops and Ableton Live with LOTS of VSTs and real analogue synth that doing all the rest. Why do i need that shit with crappy keyboard and thin sounds?

  37. Fuck you VA! We don't need you anymore! We've got tiny powerful laptops and Ableton Live with LOTS of VSTs and real analogue synth that doing all the rest. Why do i need that shit with crappy keyboard and thin sounds?

  38. Fuck you VA! We don't need you anymore! We've got tiny powerful laptops and Ableton Live with LOTS of VSTs and real analogue synth that doing all the rest. Why do i need that shit with crappy keyboard and thin sounds?

  39. Fuck you VA! We don't need you anymore! We've got tiny powerful laptops and Ableton Live with LOTS of VSTs and real analogue synth that doing all the rest. Why do i need that shit with crappy keyboard and thin sounds?

  40. Fuck you VA! We don't need you anymore! We've got tiny powerful laptops and Ableton Live with LOTS of VSTs and real analogue synth that doing all the rest. Why do i need that shit with crappy keyboard and thin sounds?

  41. Any new synth is a good thing, nobody should comment on the sound as we havent heard it yet. Who knows maybe the VA sound engine is realy good with fat ocs and smooth filters, maybe some good interpolation between values. Give me synth without stepping and some nice step sequencers and arp section and i might get it.

  42. Virus isnt the competition, its Radias, microkorg, Novation, Blofeld, etc etc The M-Audio brand stinks worse than Skoda so it'll have to be something special even to rate a 'meh'.

  43. Virus isnt the competition, its Radias, microkorg, Novation, Blofeld, etc etc The M-Audio brand stinks worse than Skoda so it'll have to be something special even to rate a 'meh'.

  44. Virus isnt the competition, its Radias, microkorg, Novation, Blofeld, etc etc The M-Audio brand stinks worse than Skoda so it'll have to be something special even to rate a 'meh'.

  45. Virus isnt the competition, its Radias, microkorg, Novation, Blofeld, etc etc The M-Audio brand stinks worse than Skoda so it'll have to be something special even to rate a 'meh'.

  46. Virus isnt the competition, its Radias, microkorg, Novation, Blofeld, etc etc The M-Audio brand stinks worse than Skoda so it'll have to be something special even to rate a 'meh'.

  47. Virus isnt the competition, its Radias, microkorg, Novation, Blofeld, etc etc The M-Audio brand stinks worse than Skoda so it'll have to be something special even to rate a 'meh'.

  48. It looks like the keys are the same ones they used on the Axiom and Keystation series… semi-weighted piano-style-but-not-really. I hate those keys. I tried to get used to them but they feel so funky, even after a couple of weeks. They're trying to please everyone while pleasing no one. Pianists will hate them because they're not fully-weighted, synthesists will hate them because of the awkward action.

  49. It looks like the keys are the same ones they used on the Axiom and Keystation series… semi-weighted piano-style-but-not-really. I hate those keys. I tried to get used to them but they feel so funky, even after a couple of weeks. They're trying to please everyone while pleasing no one. Pianists will hate them because they're not fully-weighted, synthesists will hate them because of the awkward action.

  50. It looks like the keys are the same ones they used on the Axiom and Keystation series… semi-weighted piano-style-but-not-really. I hate those keys. I tried to get used to them but they feel so funky, even after a couple of weeks. They're trying to please everyone while pleasing no one. Pianists will hate them because they're not fully-weighted, synthesists will hate them because of the awkward action.

  51. It looks like the keys are the same ones they used on the Axiom and Keystation series… semi-weighted piano-style-but-not-really. I hate those keys. I tried to get used to them but they feel so funky, even after a couple of weeks. They're trying to please everyone while pleasing no one. Pianists will hate them because they're not fully-weighted, synthesists will hate them because of the awkward action.

  52. It looks like the keys are the same ones they used on the Axiom and Keystation series… semi-weighted piano-style-but-not-really. I hate those keys. I tried to get used to them but they feel so funky, even after a couple of weeks. They're trying to please everyone while pleasing no one. Pianists will hate them because they're not fully-weighted, synthesists will hate them because of the awkward action.

  53. It looks like the keys are the same ones they used on the Axiom and Keystation series… semi-weighted piano-style-but-not-really. I hate those keys. I tried to get used to them but they feel so funky, even after a couple of weeks. They're trying to please everyone while pleasing no one. Pianists will hate them because they're not fully-weighted, synthesists will hate them because of the awkward action.

  54. Are you for real? Are you dissing this, or VAs in general? Because I'm pretty sure you would be using VAs in Ableton. I could be wrong though.
    Why are people getting so angry about something they don't have to buy. Pretend it doesn't exist then.
    However, I remain optomistic and hope it's awesome (But I'm not foolish or idiotic enough to form an opinion before we know anything about this thing). I'm a big hardware fan though.

    Also, do you think the bit about "High track count" suggests multitimbrality? I hope so, that's a big selling point for me.

  55. Are you for real? Are you dissing this, or VAs in general? Because I'm pretty sure you would be using VAs in Ableton. I could be wrong though.
    Why are people getting so angry about something they don't have to buy. Pretend it doesn't exist then.
    However, I remain optomistic and hope it's awesome (But I'm not foolish or idiotic enough to form an opinion before we know anything about this thing). I'm a big hardware fan though.

    Also, do you think the bit about "High track count" suggests multitimbrality? I hope so, that's a big selling point for me.

  56. Are you for real? Are you dissing this, or VAs in general? Because I'm pretty sure you would be using VAs in Ableton. I could be wrong though.
    Why are people getting so angry about something they don't have to buy. Pretend it doesn't exist then.
    However, I remain optomistic and hope it's awesome (But I'm not foolish or idiotic enough to form an opinion before we know anything about this thing). I'm a big hardware fan though.

    Also, do you think the bit about "High track count" suggests multitimbrality? I hope so, that's a big selling point for me.

  57. Are you for real? Are you dissing this, or VAs in general? Because I'm pretty sure you would be using VAs in Ableton. I could be wrong though.
    Why are people getting so angry about something they don't have to buy. Pretend it doesn't exist then.
    However, I remain optomistic and hope it's awesome (But I'm not foolish or idiotic enough to form an opinion before we know anything about this thing). I'm a big hardware fan though.

    Also, do you think the bit about "High track count" suggests multitimbrality? I hope so, that's a big selling point for me.

  58. Are you for real? Are you dissing this, or VAs in general? Because I'm pretty sure you would be using VAs in Ableton. I could be wrong though.
    Why are people getting so angry about something they don't have to buy. Pretend it doesn't exist then.
    However, I remain optomistic and hope it's awesome (But I'm not foolish or idiotic enough to form an opinion before we know anything about this thing). I'm a big hardware fan though.

    Also, do you think the bit about "High track count" suggests multitimbrality? I hope so, that's a big selling point for me.

  59. Are you for real? Are you dissing this, or VAs in general? Because I'm pretty sure you would be using VAs in Ableton. I could be wrong though.
    Why are people getting so angry about something they don't have to buy. Pretend it doesn't exist then.
    However, I remain optomistic and hope it's awesome (But I'm not foolish or idiotic enough to form an opinion before we know anything about this thing). I'm a big hardware fan though.

    Also, do you think the bit about "High track count" suggests multitimbrality? I hope so, that's a big selling point for me.

  60. Here's what I read elsewhere: Apparently it will use Avid's "Heat" technology (from Pro Tools) to make it sound warmer and analog. It WILL be multitimbral and it will also have drums (I think they'll be sampled). Sounds nice to me!

  61. Here's what I read elsewhere: Apparently it will use Avid's "Heat" technology (from Pro Tools) to make it sound warmer and analog. It WILL be multitimbral and it will also have drums (I think they'll be sampled). Sounds nice to me!

  62. Here's what I read elsewhere: Apparently it will use Avid's "Heat" technology (from Pro Tools) to make it sound warmer and analog. It WILL be multitimbral and it will also have drums (I think they'll be sampled). Sounds nice to me!

  63. Here's what I read elsewhere: Apparently it will use Avid's "Heat" technology (from Pro Tools) to make it sound warmer and analog. It WILL be multitimbral and it will also have drums (I think they'll be sampled). Sounds nice to me!

  64. Here's what I read elsewhere: Apparently it will use Avid's "Heat" technology (from Pro Tools) to make it sound warmer and analog. It WILL be multitimbral and it will also have drums (I think they'll be sampled). Sounds nice to me!

  65. Here's what I read elsewhere: Apparently it will use Avid's "Heat" technology (from Pro Tools) to make it sound warmer and analog. It WILL be multitimbral and it will also have drums (I think they'll be sampled). Sounds nice to me!

  66. It's not just you. It does look a lot like the longboard. My god, that thing is so boring looking <yawn> it makes me want to .. want to…zzZzZzzz…..

    … oh excuse me, what was I saying?

  67. It's not just you. It does look a lot like the longboard. My god, that thing is so boring looking <yawn> it makes me want to .. want to…zzZzZzzz…..

    … oh excuse me, what was I saying?

  68. It's not just you. It does look a lot like the longboard. My god, that thing is so boring looking <yawn> it makes me want to .. want to…zzZzZzzz…..

    … oh excuse me, what was I saying?

  69. It's not just you. It does look a lot like the longboard. My god, that thing is so boring looking <yawn> it makes me want to .. want to…zzZzZzzz…..

    … oh excuse me, what was I saying?

  70. It's not just you. It does look a lot like the longboard. My god, that thing is so boring looking <yawn> it makes me want to .. want to…zzZzZzzz…..

    … oh excuse me, what was I saying?

  71. It's not just you. It does look a lot like the longboard. My god, that thing is so boring looking <yawn> it makes me want to .. want to…zzZzZzzz…..

    … oh excuse me, what was I saying?

  72. Maudio products are underengineered american imitation crap. They try to imitate japanese build quality but fails and then try to imitate european sound and then again fails. Forgive me americans, but when you criticize Chinese brand CME, please have a good look at yourselves: Alesis, M-audio, lol.
    Even the latest Maudio midi controller (Oxygen V2) has so sharp edges on the keys that it really hurts my fingers everytime i play on it. I had to use sandpaper to smoothen it.

    Japanese (Yamaha, Roland) know how to build a good keyboard and Japanese/European brands like Korg, Access know how to make good sounds.

    NOvation (British) is somewhere in between, quality isn't the best but definitely not the worst!

  73. Maudio products are underengineered american imitation crap. They try to imitate japanese build quality but fails and then try to imitate european sound and then again fails. Forgive me americans, but when you criticize Chinese brand CME, please have a good look at yourselves: Alesis, M-audio, lol.
    Even the latest Maudio midi controller (Oxygen V2) has so sharp edges on the keys that it really hurts my fingers everytime i play on it. I had to use sandpaper to smoothen it.

    Japanese (Yamaha, Roland) know how to build a good keyboard and Japanese/European brands like Korg, Access know how to make good sounds.

    NOvation (British) is somewhere in between, quality isn't the best but definitely not the worst!

  74. Maudio products are underengineered american imitation crap. They try to imitate japanese build quality but fails and then try to imitate european sound and then again fails. Forgive me americans, but when you criticize Chinese brand CME, please have a good look at yourselves: Alesis, M-audio, lol.
    Even the latest Maudio midi controller (Oxygen V2) has so sharp edges on the keys that it really hurts my fingers everytime i play on it. I had to use sandpaper to smoothen it.

    Japanese (Yamaha, Roland) know how to build a good keyboard and Japanese/European brands like Korg, Access know how to make good sounds.

    NOvation (British) is somewhere in between, quality isn't the best but definitely not the worst!

  75. Maudio products are underengineered american imitation crap. They try to imitate japanese build quality but fails and then try to imitate european sound and then again fails. Forgive me americans, but when you criticize Chinese brand CME, please have a good look at yourselves: Alesis, M-audio, lol.
    Even the latest Maudio midi controller (Oxygen V2) has so sharp edges on the keys that it really hurts my fingers everytime i play on it. I had to use sandpaper to smoothen it.

    Japanese (Yamaha, Roland) know how to build a good keyboard and Japanese/European brands like Korg, Access know how to make good sounds.

    NOvation (British) is somewhere in between, quality isn't the best but definitely not the worst!

  76. Maudio products are underengineered american imitation crap. They try to imitate japanese build quality but fails and then try to imitate european sound and then again fails. Forgive me americans, but when you criticize Chinese brand CME, please have a good look at yourselves: Alesis, M-audio, lol.
    Even the latest Maudio midi controller (Oxygen V2) has so sharp edges on the keys that it really hurts my fingers everytime i play on it. I had to use sandpaper to smoothen it.

    Japanese (Yamaha, Roland) know how to build a good keyboard and Japanese/European brands like Korg, Access know how to make good sounds.

    NOvation (British) is somewhere in between, quality isn't the best but definitely not the worst!

  77. Maudio products are underengineered american imitation crap. They try to imitate japanese build quality but fails and then try to imitate european sound and then again fails. Forgive me americans, but when you criticize Chinese brand CME, please have a good look at yourselves: Alesis, M-audio, lol.
    Even the latest Maudio midi controller (Oxygen V2) has so sharp edges on the keys that it really hurts my fingers everytime i play on it. I had to use sandpaper to smoothen it.

    Japanese (Yamaha, Roland) know how to build a good keyboard and Japanese/European brands like Korg, Access know how to make good sounds.

    NOvation (British) is somewhere in between, quality isn't the best but definitely not the worst!

  78. Please I am not saying American products are all junk…america makes a lot of fine products like apple, pro tools (Avid) but M-audio is to america like what behringer is to germany. under engineered budget crap. I am still wondering why Avid bought M-audio…kinda like Benz merging with Chrysler back then.

  79. yes m-audio has produced some bad products, but i got a chane to hear the demo of this thing, im not jumping on the band wagon but this thing makes sounds ive never heard(btw m-audio one of ur own is a mole lol!!) keys arent that great im hoping they change that caz thats the only flaw this thing has, now if they drop the weighted keys on this look out!!!!

    1. why has it made sounds you've never heard? is it using crickets for oscillators or something? does it have a fart velocity control?

  80. I prefer enough good sounding polyphony for each finger, than vain singletimbral and weak sounding 24 polyphony(who needs twenty singletimbral polyphony Novation?).

    New VA's are always welcome. Can't wait to hear how it sounds. Especially after Novations simplified mistake of Ultranova. X-Station was awesome product, with its remarkable controllers and nice little superfast engine and enjoyable and classy keys. I use it with everything! X-Y -pad affects sound too. Why not making X-Station 2 AND saving the legendary status of Nova for something more meaningful? You know, the interface was always Novations best part.

  81. To answer all the complaints about Axiom-like keys/action, if you look closely at the picture it has synth action keys not plastic piano style ones.

  82. There is a lot of skepticism -and rightly. so many new products cloning each other and underwhelming. I'm really hoping that the Ultranova is PRO-sounding – unlike the alesis/akai/korg/roland CRAP. The Virus snow (which the Venom looks like but with keys) is just like a hard piece of software -no personal connection there.

    I want something COOL to come out. Elektron is the shit. I think they should do an emulated sidstation with keys and more controls. I think Native Inst. should do a hardware reaktor synth like the nord modular.

    enough underpowered toys.

  83. Not that I'm made of money and have more than I can spend but I dared myself to roll the dice on this synth and placed the order almost blindly. It's on its way as we speak so I guess I'll find out soon enough if my gamble is worth it or just a momentary lapse of reason.

  84. I just got the Venom. I have bought and sold just about every single synth to come out over the last 25 years. I am a certified synth nerd. But after the advent of softsynths, I got over having so much hardware and instead enjoyed the simplicity and new found airiness in my studio. But while I'm not an insufferable analog versus digital and analog modeling versus true analog zealot, I have learned that there are obvious sonic differences between analog and softsynth, but also differences between softsynths themselves, whether it's better programming, or better design, some pieces of software just sound more like, well, hardware. So I keep coming back to new pieces of hardware that offer modern convenience but still pack a sonic punch.

    While many modern modeling synths sound good enough, they usually lack depth or a ballzy sound to be blunt. I'm sure you can think of several that leave you wanting more. In this arena, the Venom does stand out in that it has a much more aggressive sound, but I think it has more to do with the UNBELIEVABLY good programming from their sound designers and patchmakers than their high quality components and math going on under the hood.

    I highly recommend going to listen to one and playing through all the patches. Working in TV, I often need that "Juno" sound or that "Moog" sound, or that Oberheim pad sound, and plenty of instruments can do it, but somehow, the Venom has all the right patches, the playable ones, not just the tired, oh yeah, that's a moog bass sound. It's been a long long time since I was so inspired by a set of patches. They really did their homework and obviously consulted some great artists. This is the type of thing I would expect Eric Persing (of Spectrasonics fame) to have come up with. And the modulation on most every preset makes the often straight forward patch go berzerk.

    If you've already got a super analog modeling synth like virus or novation or korg, there are certainly new textures and sonics to be found here. The keyboard feels nice and tight, and the audio interface is a bonus, so for less than $500, it's a must have in my (lengthy) opinion.

  85. I picked a Venom up for $250 used, I think the guy got it 2nd hand and decided not to play synth anymore as he threw in a stand. At this price i'm pleased. I have some analog mono and poly synths, super basstation, pulse+, x0xb0x, fr-777, korg lopy 800, 6 trak, mks-50, mks-7, and i'm not really concerned with it sounding absolutely analog. The Venom has a different sound, it "sounds fat" like a recording of a fat analog with fx. But side by side forget it, this is not to say it sounds bad it's just not analog. I'm used to matrix programing from the pulse+ so that's not to bad, but the editor is required for real programing. I feel this is a box like the nord g2 which needs the computer to program sounds, but works as a stand alone. I have the g2 and got rid of a waldorf Q because the sounds were close enough I only needed 1 of them. The Venom is now my only rompler, I've had the rm1x and the quasimidi 309 prior and would say the Venom sounds much better than these. More importantly it sounds different than my other gear, its light and portable, the audio in/out and midi interface make it a sort of workstation light. I'm waiting for the release of the updated VST editor. The free editor is still in the works and the pattern section is blocked out for "future expansion", if there are good sequencer functions and/or programmable arpeggiators added I'll likely hang on to it. If not it goes to Ebay. A good 1st synth for sure, but there are good finds to be had 2nd hand for the same price.

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