M-Audio announced late Wednesday the Black Box, its desktop creative tool for guitarists that combines amp modeling, beat-synced effects, guitar/mic preamps and drum tracks with an audio interface for computer-based recording.
The Black Box (see photo below) can be used in either standalone mode or hosted via most popular music software. It features realistic emulations of 12 guitar amps, including Fender Bassman, Fender Deluxe, Fender Twin, Vox AC-30, Marshall JTM-45, Marshall Plexi, Marshall JCM-2000, Hiwatt DR-103, Soldano SLO-100, Mesa Boogie Maverick, Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier and Bogner Uberschall.
The desktop unit also delivers 100 drum patterns in a variety of styles, incorporates a palette of 43 effects, and also serves as a USB audio interface to sync drums and effects to sequenced tracks.
The Black Box ships with 100 factory presets as well as 100 user program locations are also provided. It also features an integral guitar tuner and includes a mic stand adapter. A Kensington lock slot is built in for security. Power comes from an included 9V AC power supply.
The Black Box is shipping in March at US$329.95 and is compatible with any 500MHz G3/G4-based Mac with Mac OS X 10.3.7, 512MB RAM, and a USB connection.
The M-Audio Black Box.