Feature-wise, the UMX49 is a contender, with a 49-key velocity sensitive keyboard, USB 2.0 audio interface with 24-bit resolution, and bundled software goodies including Ableton Live Lite 4 and a slew of software synths. With all of these items covered at a price point well under 200 bucks, it almost seems too good to be true, so let’s take a closer look.
Getting Started
The packaging says the UMX is “The Ultimate Studio in a Box: USB/MIDI Controller Keyboard with USB/Audio Interface.” It’s easy to assume this means the audio interface is integrated into the controller. In fact, digging into the box reveals two hardware items: the USB 1.1 keyboard controller and a separate USB 2.0 audio box. There are two ways of looking at the situation. The first is to see it as an asset, since you can take only the audio interface to a gig or session and use it without the keyboard. A big plus is that the audio interface is unbelievably tiny. On the other hand, since there are two pieces of USB hardware, the UMX requires two ports for full functionality. If you’re on a laptop using one of the numerous DAWs or soft synths that employ a dongle for copy protection, this means you also need to tote a USB hub. For some buyers, this could be an inconvenience. That said, both units are class-compliant, meaning there are no drivers to install. Just plug in the gear and go.
MIDI Control
Like many USB controllers, the UMX49 has the usual complement of eight knobs and eight assignable buttons, along with a fader, octave shift buttons, and pitch and mod wheels. Conspicuously absent is any sort of display, which means that reconfiguring the controller assignments for each knob requires a trip to the manual and a saint’s patience — it’s all done with special key presses. If you’re using a DAW like Ableton Live or Propellerhead Reason, this won’t be a huge issue, since you can configure the software to match the UMX49. However, if your software isn’t so flexible, you could find yourself in a world of hurt. This is compounded by the fact that not only does the UMX not include software to assist with user configuration, but there are no presets, either. Depending on your expectations, this will either be a sensible corner to cut or a total deal-breaker.
Audio Interface
The UCA200 interface is a remarkable little box that’s perfect for older Apple iBook G4 users, since that laptop didn’t have integrated audio inputs. Supported sampling rates are the usual 32/44.1/48kHz variety and 24-bit resolution. While its RCA audio jacks make it perfect for integrating soft synths or computer processing into a DJ rig, you’ll need 1/4" adapters and a mic preamp to record instruments and mics. In my tests, the UCA worked nicely with Live, Logic, and Reason; sounded great; and produced no unpleasant surprises.
Bundled Software
The UMX49 comes with a free copy of Ableton Live Lite 4, which is a great way to get started in the world of MIDI and audio sequencing. Also included are over 40 software synths for Windows XP, and six Mac OS X soft synths. It should be said that these plug-ins are readily available on the web as freeware or shareware, so the value here is having them all in one place.
Conclusions
The UMX package is a striking bargain and covers all the essential bases. Though more advanced users will probably want to save their pennies for something more full-featured, students and beginners will find that it certainly packs a lot into one purchase, and is a great way to enter the world of making music on their computers.