M-Audio Unveils Ozone "All-in-One" Mobile Workstation
 January 16, 2003
M-Audio has announced the new Ozone--an all-in-one keyboard, MIDI control surface, mic preamp, USB audio interface and USB MIDI interface that's no bigger than a laptop. Designed primarily for mobile or desktop use where size and/or weight are an issue, Ozone provides a complete personal mobile studio from input to output when combined with a computer.
Ozone adds audio capabilities to the form factor of M-Audio's popular Oxygen8 MIDI controller to deliver the first creative tool of its kind. Like the Oxygen8, Ozone has a 25-note keyboard with full-sized keys. It also has the familiar pitch and modulation wheels, along with eight control knobs that can be assigned to any MIDI parameters in the user's software and hardware rig. In addition to being a MIDI interface for USB computers, Ozone also incorporates the functionality of an audio interface--all via a simple USB cable. Ozone's design eliminates clutter and mobility hassles by placing most outboard gear in a single compact unit.
Ozone's 24-bit/96kHz audio section incorporates the same technology found in M-Audio's USB audio interfaces such as the USB Duo, USB Quattro and USB Audiophile. Audio inputs include an XLR microphone input with built-in preamp and phantom power, a balanced 1/4" TRS input for guitar, bass and other instruments, and unbalanced 1/4" stereo aux inputs for stereo line level sound sources such as drum machines, synthesizers and CD players, and can be routed to the computer or directly to the Ozone's audio outputs. The unit also provides for zero-latency direct monitoring of inputs, making overdubs a breeze. Unbalanced 1/4" outputs route audio from the computer to an external mixer or directly to powered speakers. Ozone also provides a 1/4" TRS stereo headphone jack for personal monitoring during a session.
Ozone also employs the same simple, elegant user interface popularized by the rest of M-Audio's keyboard line. The keys have a second layer of functions, allowing users to program MIDI control information directly from the black and whites. It's as simple as pressing the MIDI/Select button, pressing the note on the keyboard bearing the label corresponding to the target parameter, then using the Data Entry slider to select the value (or entering numeric values by pressing the keys labeled with numbers). Ozone's MIDI implementation includes two separate MIDI Outs for sending data to external gear--one from the keyboard and one from the computer.
"We're extremely excited about the release of Ozone," says Adam Castillo, Marketing Director at M-Audio. "The Oxygen8 has already been highly successful for the MIDI side of the equation. Now, the Ozone combined with a laptop computer and software like Reason and Live truly embodies the dream of the self-contained personal mobile studio."
Ozone's compact form factor fits in M-Audio's optional Oxygen Tank ($39.99 MSRP)--a padded ballistic nylon backpack specifically designed to carry an Ozone or Oxygen8 laptop computer--or Studio Pack ($89.99 MSRP), designed to carry an Ozone or Oxygen8, laptop and a variety of accessories that round out the complete personal mobile studio. Ozone is also small enough to fit into a 19" rack space.
Ozone is expected to ship in mid-February with an MSRP of $399.99.
For more information, visit their web site at www.midiman.net. | 
