M-Audio's Venom is their first and last hardware synthesizer. The Venom is a virtual analog machine featuring a 12-voice engine based on classic synth and drum machine samples. The palette includes not only the famous models of such brands as Moog, Roland, Arp, Oberheim, but also rare, forgotten synth representatives, the distinctive features of which were borrowed by Taiho Yamada's - M-Audio debut developer - and presented 53 drum sounds and 41 waveforms, produced by each of the three oscillators.
The Venom offers access to 512 single patches, as well as to 256 multi patches, offering both 8-bit drums and multi-layered textures, with up to four-part multitimbrality. The factory sounds focus on aggressive, dance-oriented tones, though softer patches exist.
You can simulate the sound with 3 low-frequency oscillators, amplitude modulator, arpeggiator, such effects as echo, delay, chorus and distortion, deforming the signal, making the samples of old analog synthesizers sound even grainier and more poisonous. The fragments, especially drums, bass and multi patches, initially have a peculiar, industrial sound. It should be noted that the filter (12 and 24 dB, low, high and bandpass) also has a stage of tube saturation, which represents another opportunity to work on signal distortion.
Venom has 3 envelope generators and 16 modulation routes. Multitimbrality is limited to 4 parts, for each of which you can apply one effect. The bit decimation and reduction functions are also available in the effects' section.
The instrument functions as both a synth and USB 2 audio&MIDI interface, offering waveshaping, oscillator sync, and FM capabilities. While editing requires the included PC/ Mac Vyzex software, common parameters are accessible via front panel controls.
The four-octave keyboard is velocity-sensitive but lacks aftertouch. The interface includes mic/ instrument inputs with gain controls, auxiliary inputs, and USB connectivity. However, it's limited to stereo outputs and requires external power.
The synthesis architecture includes:
- Three oscillators (first offering waveshaping and FM), allowing for octaves, intervals, and detuned sounds. 41 oscillator waves and 53 drum sounds sampled from vintage keyboards, with DSP-induced oscillator drift for retro character
- Ring modulator with external audio input capability
- Six filter types (12/24dB low/band/high-pass). Tube saturation limiting on the input for overdrive effects
- Three LFOs (two polyphonic, one global)
- Three AHDSR envelopes
- 16-slot modulation matrix
- Per-part insert effects plus two auxiliary effects. Effects include global buses (Reverb, Delay, Chorus, Flanger, Phaser) and per-part inserts (Compression, EQ, Distortion, Bit Reduction, Decimation) plus Tremolo/AutoPan via modulation
- Multi mode includes a phrase sequencer for drum patterns and synth lines with BPM-sync and tap tempo, with 256 patterns available
- The synth can process external audio through its filters, envelopes, and LFOs
- Keyboard zones can be customized with velocity ranges and controller response settings
The Vyzex editor provides comprehensive control and includes a "patch collider" for random patch generation. While it currently operates as standalone software, a VST/AU version is planned.
The audio interface handles 24-bit/44.1kHz audio, and the MIDI implementation allows both synth control and external MIDI routing. The pattern arpeggiator offers various modes, though pattern editing requires importing MIDI files through the driver.
Notable strengths include its distinctive gritty character, multitimbrality, and integrated audio/MIDI interface. Limitations include the necessity of computer editing, mediocre effects quality, and lack of 48kHz support.
At its price point, the Venom offers a unique alternative to cleaner-sounding competitors like the Novation Ultranova and Roland Gaia SH01, particularly appealing to those seeking aggressive electronic sounds.
It's a pity that this interesting instrument is discontinued and doesn’t have a successor in M-Audio products line, and the genius Taiho Yamada left hardware opting for software development (MOK Waverazor). There are several issues which could be solved (more controllers, better keys, more detailed display, fix the software bugs). That would make Venom highly competitive on the market even 10 years after its release.
