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M-Audio Venom

Virtual Analog Synthesizer

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M-Audio Venom
M-Audio Venom
300.00 street price

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.

Country of origin / production: China

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Usage area
Synthesizer 
Usage Design/ Form Factor
With Keys 
Archetype
Virtual Analog (VA) 
Polyphony
Voices12
Multi Timbral Capacity4 part(s)
Tone Generator / Sound Synthesis
Technology of Sound Generation PCM
Oscillators per voice3
Sub-Oscillators per voice3
Waveform/ Spectral form (main generator): Waveform Count41
Programs/ Voices/ Timbres
Single Voice Preset512
User-defined Single Voice256
Multitimbral Preset256
Drum Kits Preset53
Filter
Digital (DCF) 
High-pass Filter (HPF) 
Low-pass Filter (LPF) 
Band-pass Filter (BPF) 
2-pole 
4-pole 
12dB 
24dB 
Envelope Generator (EG)
AHDSR 
Effects
Reverb 
Chorus 
Flanger 
Delay 
Phaser 
Distortion 
Decimator 
Insert Effects4
Master Effects2
Equalizer
Parametric 
MIDI
General MIDI (GM) 
MIDI in/ out
IN 
OUT 
Keys
Type Synth Action
Velocity Sensitivity 
Size4
Number of Keys49
Display
Color resolution Monochrome
External controllers
Sustain foot pedal 
Expression foot pedal 
Foot Controller1
Audio out
Stereo 
All voices mixed in one output 
Analogue: 1/4" (6.35mm)2
Analogue: 1/8" (3.5mm) headphones preamplified1
Audio in
RCA2
Computer Interfaces
USB USB PC Link
USB MIDI through USB
Power
Voltage 9V
Power Supply External
Case/ body
Plastic 
Color
White 
Black 
Production start2011
Production end2014
Production ended

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  • enpdf4.67Mb M-Audio Venom User Guide