Audio Interface with MIDI controller in one?

2013/10/17 15:45:06

mettelus

Hi all,

   I have an M-Audio Ozone which is like 13-14 years old, and I really enjoy the 2-in-1 aspect of it in many ways. However, I worry for the day that it either breaks or is no longer supported (I actually felt I got lucky when M-Audio made Win7 64-bit drivers for it). I have asked music shops if there is a newer MIDI controller with an audio interface, and they always say, "No, only one or the other."

   Does anyone know if there is a comparable newer version of this nifty machine?

   Michael

2013/10/20 06:28:44

mettelus

Yikes... no responses :(

Out of curiosity, I just checked M-Audio's support page... the Ozone last driver update is at Win7 64-bit, SP1... so I am "locked" into "where I am now" based on my setup.

Edit: Just sent this message to M-Audio Tech Support:
"I have an Ozone and LOVE the ability to leave cables connected to it, turn it on (is also drives my external sound system), and record right away. The compactness, functionality, and minimum cabling to this is a massive plus for me.

I posted this on the Cakewalk forums (http://forum.cakewalk.com/FindPost/2913633 ) but will also ask you, since you make this product. Is there a "comparable" replacement for this device should it ever die?"

2013/10/20 09:13:16

lfm

Audio interface built into midi keyboard connection - is that such a big deal, really.
The flexibility of updating audio interface to higher quality and not switch keyboards seems better to me.

And if wanting better weighted keys, more faders, knobs and pads available you can switch to another midi keyboard without changing soundcard of your choice. And you can select any class compliant keyboard - meaning you don't need vendor to supply specific drivers.

If there were a high demand for this kind of integration there would be these alternatives still. I think most people prefer flexibility.

You can see what this approach with integrated audio and midi did to you - it locks you in and you have to worry about these things.

I recently ditched an old M-Audio Evolution UC33 controller - since the latest midi drivers from M-Audio did not work so well with all hosts anyway - they loose contact after a while. I go class compliant stuff all the way now.

Don't worry - there are plenty options - but more flexible ones.

2013/10/20 10:58:18

mettelus

I agree to their being options for sure, but having limited space and hating to "set up" things have made the Ozone rather handy for me. It primarily serves as the audio interface (dedicated to SONAR only), and "just happens" to have a MIDI controller built in. This versatility has been convenient. Perhaps it is simply more to what I have gotten accustomed to, as I have MIDI controllers with more keys that tend to "get in the way" and wind up back in boxes.

At the moment nothing is "required" to change, since everything melds nicely (for now). I am more gathering data for the "what when" scenario.

2013/10/20 11:24:54

Grem

I did a quick search on eBay and found several Ozone's for sale. But that's if you want to stay with what you have. Same OS and DAW.

But at some point you will need to upgrade everything. At that point I would suggest you do like lfm suggests and go with newer stuff.

At some point I will have to give up my mAudio Trigger Finger. Like you, it's had it's last updated drivers at Win7 64 SPR1. So when I upgrade my OS, I will need to get a new trigger pads/drum input.

2013/10/20 11:30:24

mettelus

LOL... so I should make the pitch NOW that X4 support Win7 64