Avid Launches New Mbox, M-Audio MobilePre, Oxygen Keyboard

Avid continued its blitz of new product releases this week. Most significant is the introduction of the next generation Mbox, joined by a new version of the M-Audio MobilePre, as well as the weighted Oxygen 88 keyboard controller.

Avid released the redesigned Mbox

The Pro Tools Mbox family is now in its third generation. For portable recording, mixing and production with Mac and PC, users can choose between the Pro tools Mbox Pro ($899), Mbox ($679), and Mbox Mini ($399). New features of the Mbox include:

— Redesigned hardware — The Mbox has been redesigned from the ground up, and according to Avid delivers best-in-class audio quality. New workflow enhancements include a professional-grade soft clip limiter that improves overall audio quality by letting users capture hotter signals while recording; and a multi-function button allowing Pro Tools Mbox and Pro Tools Mbox Pro users to control software parameters without using the computer mouse or keyboard.

— Greater flexibility for composing with Pro Tools LE or DAW of choice – the Mbox now has seamless support for Pro Tools LE (of course!), Ableton Live, Apple Logic, Fruity Loops, Steinberg Cubase, and more, ensuring greater session compatibility. New drivers include ASIO, Core Audio, WDM, MME and multi-client drivers.

Mini and Mbox ship this month, while Mbox Pro will be available in Q4.

Next, the second-generation M-Audio MobilePre ($179) has been released. For Mac or PC, it allows easy recording for guitar, vocals, keyboards and more directly into the computer.

Next-gen MobilePre

Lastly, Avid also rolled out the M-Audio Oxygen 88 ($749.95). A USB MIDI controller keyboard, it features:

— DirectLink technology — Automatically maps keyboard controls to common mixer and virtual instrument parameters, giving users hands-on control over the mix and music, without complicated set up or user configuration required. DirectLink works with several DAWs including Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Apple Logic Pro and Steinberg Cubase.

— 88-note hammer-action keyboard.

— 32 assignable buttons, knobs and faders — For greater control over virtual instrument and DAW parameters. Dedicated Track up/down buttons allow focus on the creative flow of recording and mixing music, intended to minimize back and forth between the QWERTY keyboard and MIDI controller.

Last but not least, the hammer-action Oxygen 88

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