Music-Making Products for Both Mac and PC Platforms
M-Audio, long known as an industry heavyweight in professional music technology,
today announced an aggressive initiative to bring to market an entire portfolio
of hardware and software products that enable people to make studio-quality
music on their home computers. Until now, computer-based music creation had
been relegated primarily to professional applications, with limited consumer
options that were largely cost-prohibitive. And even those who could afford
the equipment were often stymied by the complexity of the equipment itself.
But with today's news from M-Audio, making music with a computer is now more
affordable and easier than ever -- even for non-musicians.
"Recording music on a computer isn't just a niche activity anymore. Mainstream
consumers are asking for products to help them make music," said Ben Bajarin,
analyst at Creative Strategies. "M-Audio is unique in that it offers a
complete portfolio of easy-to-use products that make it simple for people to
record CD-quality music, at affordable prices that make it an attractive option
for just about anyone."
While separate links in the music creation chain are currently available through
an array of different vendors, M-Audio is the first to offer such a comprehensive
solution, taking the guesswork out of computer-based music creation. Whether
a consumer is looking for an input device such as a keyboard or microphone,
or a recording interface, or an output device such as a set of high-quality
reference monitors, M-Audio offers it all. This eliminates the frustration experienced
by consumers who were previously left to piece together their own solutions
using products from multiple vendors, with no guarantee that the end product
would work.
Growing Opportunity in the Consumer Market
In much the same way the professional music industry became computer-centric
over the last decade, the mass consumer market is undergoing a similar metamorphosis
today. According to a recent study conducted by Russell Research, nine percent
of those surveyed regularly make music on their computers. More impressive,
however, is that 57 percent of respondents showed some interest in making music
on their computers. What this shows is a burgeoning potential market for computer-based
music creation. M-Audio's portfolio of consumer products, including those products
announced today, go a long way in reducing the cost and complexity of computer-based
music creation. With M-Audio, consumers are able to purchase an entire suite
of affordable and easy-to-use products that are designed to work together.
"It's an exciting time in the consumer market -- pop culture, entertainment,
music and technology are colliding and creating an enormous demand for products
that help the average consumer realize their musical aspirations," said
Adam Castillo, vice president of marketing at M-Audio. "The products we're
announcing today support our long-term strategy to empower everyday consumers
to explore their creative potential and make professional-quality music on their
home computers."
Product Highlights
M-Audio offers a broad portfolio of products that enable consumers to make
studio-quality music on their computers. Product highlights from today's announcement
include:
-- JamLab: Want to play guitar without the bulky amp and web of effect pedals
and cables? Then JamLab is the answer. JamLab is a USB audio interface and software
package that emulates a large amount of expensive and complex guitar equipment.
By connecting the electric guitar to the computer, JamLab allows the user to
play along with MP3s, record, and practice -- all with the convenience of using
a pair of headphones. JamLab will be available in July for a suggested retail
price of $79.
-- iControl: iControl is the first controller designed specifically for Apple's
GarageBand. GarageBand has opened the door for Mac users to dabble in music
creation, and iControl is a powerful tool that enables those users to extend
their music creation to new heights. iControl will be available in July for
a suggested retail price of $179.
-- Fast Track Studio PODcasting Edition: Catering to the recent phenomenon
that gives a voice to anyone who wants to be heard, Fast Track Studio PODcasting
Edition includes everything a consumer needs to get started -- an audio interface,
microphone and software. Fast Track Studio PODcasting Edition will be available
in September for a suggested retail price of $179.
Products to be Widely Available at Major Retailers
M-Audio understands that delivering quality consumer products is only half
the battle -- to be successful, the company sees that it needs to engage the
proper channels in order to adequately serve such a broad consumer base. To
that end, M-Audio has inked distribution deals with some of the nation's most
prominent retailers -- such as CompUSA, Fry's and Target.com.
While today's news from M-Audio is greatly significant, what's being announced
today is simply the beginning of what will be a sustained initiative by the
company to continually address the needs of consumers who want to make music
with their computers.
About M-Audio
M-Audio, a part of Avid Technology, Inc., is a leading provider of creative
tools for today's electronic musicians and audio professionals. Founded in 1988,
M-Audio now has independent offices in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, France and
Japan, as well as independent distribution in most of the rest of the world.
M-Audio's ability to parlay advanced technology into affordable products has
led the company to win some of the international audio community's highest praise
and awards. For more information about M-Audio and its portfolio of consumer
products, please visit www.m-audio.com.
(C)2005 Avid Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Product features, specifications,
system requirements and availability are subject to change without notice. All
prices are USMRP for the US and Canada only and are subject to change without
notice. Avid and M-Audio are registered trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc.
in the US and other countries. All other trademarks contained herein are the
property of their respective owners.
