M-Audio VENOM: Possibly my favorite synth ever! And yep those knobs have been changed.

[@cheapmusicgear]

I bought one in great condition last year for $180. I genuinely believe this synthesizer will have its day at some point in the future. It’s full of very unique, specific, and intriguing sounds. It can be very frustrating and tedious to engage with this synth though. However, I think it’s insanely underrated, and I believe music producers and songwriters will begin recognize its potential at some point in the near future.

[@gearfacts]

ABSOLUTELY AGREE. I literally wouldn't have changed a word in that comment ! :)

[@jnorten]

It's criminally underrated when you figure Juno's go for at least 10 times that

[@MartinBaldock]

Bought one, sold it to fund something else, but missed it's quirkiness, so bought another. It certainly is unique, and in the UK would cost no more than £120 used. Great to have in the studio.

[@davidb_bitsbobs]

That's useful to know! I've just discovered the Venom thanks to following Gearfacts and I see it's closer to £200 on Ebay. Given it dropped to $200 when new, and was £120 two years ago, £200 seems a bit rich. I'll keep an eye out in 2024 for a more sensible price. I hope you've still got yours in your studio Martin! Cheers for the comment.

[@MartinBaldock]

@@davidb_bitsbobs I still have it😎

[@Najvrtson]

Hi! Your video caused that I bought one. What a powerful and strange machine! Thank you for the inspiration!

[@gearfacts]

I agree, it’s a little-known masterpiece!

[@kimthompson5871]

Seen these , never actually played one . Sounds good . After seeing your Yamaha 480 video I’m happy to say I finally found mine I’d put in storage . This one sounds like one I’d love to add to my collection .

[@gearfacts]

Yep do it. It’s a cow to operate but the presets alone are worth the investment

[@Disisions]

Bought one today, but I haven’t tried downloading the software to my Mac. Hope it works🤞

[@kcat80]

saw the title, immediate upvote even without watching the video. love the synth, the only thing I don't like is that I still haven't figured out where to use it but that's more my lack of imagination lol. very unique synth! :)

[@gearfacts]

100% can relate to that :)

[@EBTheOriginalMaster]

Good showcase of this synth.

[@matthewelder4000]

I used mine until it fried so many people hated this synth but I found a lot of uses out of this

[@wighttoan]

Missed a chance getting one of these in mint condition, with the box, and even a t-shirt for $360cad. I think I'm going to get one off ebay, gift for my next birthday.

[@kcat80]

holy crap! I want that t-shirt haha!

[@markmalcolmdunthorne-holme7653]

A few weeks back I picked one of these up in a thrift shop for €20, I had no Idea what I was getting and it wasn't until I got it home and connected it to my amp that I realized that this thing had some serious kick. Most of the presets are not to my taste and it took a while for me to find the stuff I was looking for and since then this thing has grown on me more and more. It's quirky and buggy but it has great low end grunt and good solid sounds. It's a keeper for me.

[@gearfacts]

20 euros- amazing!

[@DiegoSynth]

Yes, most of the presets are useless; I don't know what the makers were thinking about. Still, it's a wonderful machine, plenty of things that you can do and very capable. Can't understand what happened with the presets and the lack of categorization. On the lower numbers you usually find basses and useless sounds, somewhere in the middle leads, maybe later pads and at the end useless noises. But honestly speaking it's all a randomness. Among 9 bad rhythms you may find 1 that is good. But the power of it is that you can create your very own one. Same with arpeggios, and that's amazing!

[@Annunaki_0517]

That is how to buy gear. Find good stuff for dirt cheap and pounce.

[@a.mandelli4602]

Keyboard cat... Is back! Awesome Synth and Awesome Review.... Thank You for sharing...

[@gearfacts]

Glad you liked it! Not sure if the cat did or not...

[@a.mandelli4602]

@@gearfacts Cat needs some training, yet... But is so adorable!

[@gearfacts]

@@a.mandelli4602 Yeah I want her to do better jumps

[@Annunaki_0517]

When Sweetwater was blowing out their stock of Venoms, my sales rep called me and said “buy this, I can get you a new one for $240”. So I pulled the trigger and it was fun for a bit, but it’s been under my bed for about 5 years now. I’ve got to dig it out and give it another shot. I recall that there is a software editor that makes it a bit easier to create sounds, but I don’t know if it’s still available on the website.

[@gearfacts]

There is indeed software for it called Vyzex. I found it could do everything except actually save a patch to the keyboard - a pretty crucial problem!

[@wighttoan]

One is on the way to me from Austria. Paid too much thanks to shipping to Canada. But I've wanted one for a while now. I was watching videos on old E-Mu gear and came across the Halo Synth. It looks like M-audio painted a Halo white and ripped out some of the controls. Have you ever owned any of the 90's E-mu groove boxes or rack mounts like the Mo Phatt, Carnival, Command Station?

[@gearfacts]

I have literally never owned an E-mu product I'm sorry to say!

[@arpsyntharts5968]

An extremely underrated synth with uniqe sounds, excellent steering and very creative rhythms...

[@gearfacts]

Couldn't agree more! Few people have said that.

[@arpsyntharts5968]

@@gearfacts yes, I often like things most poeple don't - I decide for myself...

[@gearfacts]

Absolutely, and the older I get the more my tastes are diverging from the mainstream! @@arpsyntharts5968

[@Annunaki_0517]

When Sweetwater was blowing out their stock of Venoms, my sales rep called me and said “buy this, I can get you a new one for $240”. So I pulled the trigger and it was fun for a bit, but it’s been under my bed for about 5 years now. I’ve got to dig it out and give it another shot. I recall that there is a software editor that makes it a bit easier to create sounds, but I don’t know if it’s still available on the website.

[@makers1958]

I’ve got one of these; tell me, how many owners are willing to report yellowed keys? It seems to be pretty common...

[@gearfacts]

I looooove yellowed keys! This one is starting to show signs.

[@makers1958]

@@gearfacts I kept mine under one of those black stretch covers most of the time; but just a few months without the cover: yellowed keys!

[@gearfacts]

Yep I believe it’s common with this board.

[@MIDERA]

Maybe I missed it - but I don't know how you could describe this without mentioning the fact that it's almost completely devoid of editing capabilities without a PC. In other words, to do anything useful, a PC is required. The Achilles heel for sure. Some good sounds, it is a deep synth. If it had a bunch of knobs and was completely editable, it would've been a dream synth... as such, it's pretty useless, especially when it becomes inaccessible to the editor.

[@gearfacts]

Wellll, to be fair there are a few editing capabilities built into it. Several effects, some dynamic control and f course the filters. I agree though, you can do a lot more when it's attached to a PC. I think it is extremely useful, but certainly it's not for everyone :)

[@leewightman8619]

Nice looking synth I thought ma audio just made midi controllers ..but this synths is nice

[@gearfacts]

Yep I love it. It deserves much more discussion that it ever got on its day

[@tobytoxd]

Funny video! Have the Venom and it's an awesome synth. What's the name, bank, number of the pad starting at 4:32 and 5:27 please? So chill!

[@gearfacts]

My Venom is packed away at the moment, waiting for a permanent place to be set up. So I can't check those patches right not but they are two of my favorites! I remember the first one was a SINGLE patch, and it had a split keyboard setup. All I can suggest is going through one-by-one to find it - it will be an enjoyable search, this synth is full of beautiful surprises :)

[@tobytoxd]

@@gearfacts Yeah, I might just do exactly that! :)

[@Gemylon]

Hi, I am about to get hold of a Venom (very cheap), and I was wondering if there are any software/firmware options out there to make this connect to a new Mac ? If not I guess it should be possible to use midi to play the sounds through my existing masterkeyboard ?

[@gearfacts]

Yep I'd just use USB and the standard midi interfaces. Bit tricky to set up though, and the manual isn't very helpful.

[@burntumber]

I was trying to use Venom as a midi controller for a couple of desktop modules (Blofeld, DX200) The manual says to do the usual midi out to midi in, plus rca cable from the aux on the Venom to the out on a desktop module. I get no results when I try this. I tried different midi cables, tried those cables with other gear, they're fine. Then I tried to go midi out from the DX200 to midi in, in the Venom to see if it would sequence. Nothing happened that time either. Is there something I'm missing?

[@gearfacts]

Nope I got similar outcomes ...have never solved it :(

[@burntumber]

@@gearfacts I figured it out. Hit the Edit button and the G# with "MIDI OUT" above until the screen says "KEY" give it a shot.

[@gearfacts]

@@burntumber Ah nice! Yes I think I read about the more-or-less hidden functions in the keys a few years ago

[@blkonblkenabledred854]

Moki jumping over the keyboard gave me a laugh, is this a groove box with a keyboard, or an effects box with a keyboard, or a cat toy =)

[@jnorten]

This is a great demo of the power of the underrated Venom!. I recognize some presets, but some original sounds too?

[@gearfacts]

Ahh well this is where it gets frustrating. I tried using the Vyzex software which was ok to use but it simply would not save the sounds to the keyboard. Everything lost as soon as I disconnected. I never found the solution to that. I also made a tutorial video about editing sounds on the bard itself, but it wasn't a very fruitful session and the video ended being a bit embarrassing!

[@TheSnowLeopard]

This is another synth that seems to be difficult to find in Australia for a decent price...

[@BarbieChaite]

I've bought one and I've found the owner's manual but I don't understand what is "multi mode, multi pattern" so for the moment I just use the single mode

[@gearfacts]

Multi mode just layers four sounds

[@BarbieChaite]

ok thanks@@gearfacts

[@Ambientnauts]

What size are the replacement knobs like yours has?

[@gearfacts]

I think they're about 24mm

[@LeukeGast]

Super!

[@doordedeur]

The Venom is a clever synth: is has sampled waveforms of famous synths and builds that into VA. Much simpler technique than recreating the actual circuits with software, but very effective. Sadly the Venom is very unreliable and therefore the price got dropped to just 199 euros in Europe.

[@kenzieprice6745]

Neat trivia I didn't know, even though I own one. Door De Deur comes through again!

[@totigerus]

Story about the knob swapping? Also, where did you buy them from? You got me wanting to do the same now lol

[@Lordxfx]

I just got one. Such a funny machine. Where did you buy those knobs? They keys on mine are so yellow.. It needs some love. I do think it's capable of producing mean basses and other sounds.

[@gearfacts]

Ahh the knobs, well spotted! I made a separate video all about that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ona0hKSMd9Z6kMU

[@deydododontdedoh.5672]

Got one, a dirty little beast!

[@gearfacts]

My favorite ever! Just got a second one in case the first one dies.

[@deydododontdedoh.5672]

@@gearfacts Yeah good idea 👍 not had a play on mine for a while, under cover so keys not yellow but scared to switch the thing on incase it dies on me. heard many say they are unreliable. hope not! 😱

[@gearfacts]

@@deydododontdedoh.5672 Yeah their failure rate seems to be pretty mediocre :/

[@saneneweyes6189]

@@gearfacts I've had one for years and it has yet to fail on me. I have it in a midi daisy chain with some arturia and behringer synths (start of my chain is my akai force and the end of my chain is the korg volca FM). I've had the editor work on various Win OSs. Currently I have a late 2013 imac (with all of the specs on it maxed out so it still stands toe to toe with current gens, it just is too old for Big Sur now- only Catalina as of now) I'm running my data and editor on, just so it's separate from my PC laptop running my Scarlett 18i20 (Which I forgot, is also in my midi chain before my force). I've gigged with it a couple of times. It's taken some hard falls over the years but it still has been a work horse for me. Aside from the discolored keys, it -appears- minty. I think the low c is getting a little sticky when pressed, but I'm trying to control it strictly through USB and midi, so it can spend its twilight years physically mostly undisturbed, while I continue to make it squelch and squawk.

[@elmaletinmagico9994]

last week I bought a venom. I am very happy with it. it is cheap and powerful. I have been using edisyn to control it. do you know this software ?. can you make a video about it? I love your knobs! 🤣

[@gearfacts]

Edisyn - no I haven't tried it, but I'll certainly have a look - Is it freeware?

[@elmaletinmagico9994]

@@gearfacts yes, its freeware. It's made on Java and it works on linux, osx and windows.

[@gearfacts]

@@elmaletinmagico9994 Just found it ...I see it's not the typical download/install thing. Will have to work this out because I'm keen to try it. Vyzex worked for me but I just couldn't save anything to the keyboard, which is a big several people have encountered.

[@elmaletinmagico9994]

@@gearfacts with edisyn you can save patches and there is support for a lot of synths. Its a good tool.

[@gearfacts]

@@elmaletinmagico9994 It does indeed look great - how do you install it though? I can't find a simple download

[@DavidPhillipCat]

It's adorable to see cat join the keyboard. It reminds me of the cat I have jumps on my keyboard all the time and I was wondering how many cats do you currently have and have had?

[@gearfacts]

Moki is my fourth cat, after about 6 years of not having any pets. I’d like to get a matching dog :)

[@Fcpuru95]

Crazy transitions

[@gearfacts]

One of my favourite features of this synth :)

[@charizmawolf6490]

Does yours have a delayed start the lowest note? When I play the lowest note on my keyboard there is a slight delay before unit makes sound. No matter the patch. I dont think a dirty contact strip would cause this..

[@chasehuff7857]

I liked this video and subscribed to your channel, thank you for all of the exposure you're giving to the M-Audio Venom! I just got one based on your reviews, but am having some troubles loading some presets onto it. For whatever reason, the Vyzex software seems to only recognize "sglbnk.SQB" files, although I've got numerous presets from people that are ".SQS" and ."SQL" files... the software doesn't even register their existence in my folders! Any idea on how to combat this issue? Thanks!

[@gearfacts]

I got similar result to you and gave up. In the comments I think someone suggested a different software package that I've been meaning to try. But right now I've got nothing to suggest sorry :/

[@kanan5467]

support from the Philippines!

[@gearfacts]

Thanks Kanan, I actually visited your country many years ago. Amazing!

[@memeu]

this synth was a mistake in my rig it was trying to be like massive.vst but it wasn't as capable as it should be to morph dead form developed zombie synth

[@gearfacts]

Indeed, yes that was a big, big problem for me too

[@pianokeyjoe]

I have had several of these and still have one that works. The knobs on yours are not original obviously. The Venom is known for being failure prone but at least it can be had very cheap and has 512 sounds which are virtual analog with multitimbrel operation and 12 note polyphonic which is an impressive feat for virtual analog. It has a computer USB audio/midi interface which I did not really know about until I bought my latest unit that actually fully works. It is worth the money but make sure the power supply is the right polarity, voltage and AMPS!! Because it will flicker off and fail with any PSU that is too weak.

[@gearfacts]

Yeah I've found it to be fussy with power adapters. The connection is a very precise size, too.

[@lyfordrome]

@@gearfacts I am looking to replace the knobs as well - do you still have the link to which ones you bought? PS - love the channel!

[@gearfacts]

@@lyfordrome Glad you like the channel! As for the knobs, if you are in Australia you can get the larger ones from a shop called Jaycar. I guess electronics stores all over the world have similar things, maybe an even better range. The smaller knobs on the left come from several older Yamaha keyboards, mainly the DJX. I keep all my old knobs from everything that breaks or dies, you never know when you might need them!

[@BarbieChaite]

you put the microkorg knobs onto it ^^

[@gearfacts]

Similar, yep. Got them from an electronics store.

[@boimesa8190]

who's doing the singing inbetween the songs??

[@gearfacts]

That's Sylvii, she has her own channel

[@boimesa8190]

@@gearfacts link?

[@johnduffy7108]

Minted and a tidy piece of Kit buddy..

[@ilovekeyboards7830]

Gearfacts can you please buy a Roland e 70

[@ChromosomeSyndicate]

why did you change the knobs ?

[@gearfacts]

Because I have better taste than the people who designed it :)

[@ChromosomeSyndicate]

@@gearfacts loool . good you like them i find it fit not with the Venoms design

[@jackpoker1327]

my first and favourite synth. But It broke the first time I have take it out of home. mine have lost 6 random notes spreaded on the whole keyboard, and the matter is not the keys, but the whole motherboard, as they told me in service. not repairable. I can't watch your video, too painful for me ;(

[@gearfacts]

Awful experience you've had there!

[@dankeet6751]

@@gearfacts UPD: I have bought a new one and it works perfectly! xD

[@lf4227]

Moki is the best kitty

[@gearfacts]

I'll pass your comment on to her :)

[@ilovekeyboards7830]

Gearfacts I think you should lat your cat play the keyboard

[@bloodyhell6378]

I want to like it but the fact that you are forced to use their Vyzex software to do some real programming kind of puts me off (said the guy who uses Edisyn and Ctrlr to program and control most of his gear. Yes, I'm a hypocrite, sue me)

[@gearfacts]

Mate I think it's a fair point. The operating system is terrible on the keyboard and in Vyzex, and if it wasn't for the sublime presets in the Venom I'd probably write it off as a lemon.

[@ChromosomeSyndicate]

the second minus on the Venom for me is when you start the synth up he always start at preset one and there is no setting for holding the last one when you start it up .

[@montazownianr1]

One of the ugliest looking synth, just like unfinished product, dreadful keyboard, but unique sounds, very aggressive I like it.

[@gearfacts]

Agreed!

[@pyrotek45]

its a glorified preset machine. if you don't have access to all the synth parameters that's all it is.

[@gearfacts]

Ahhh c'mon, give it some credit! :)