M-Audio
M-Audio, a brand of inMusic Brands, manufactures USB audio interfaces, MIDI keyboard controllers, studio monitors, and microphones for beginner to professional musicians, producers, and podcasters, distributing globally through dealers, distributors, and direct e-commerce.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1988
- HeadquartersHardwick, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What M-Audio does
M-Audio is a brand of inMusic Brands, Inc., producing USB audio/MIDI interfaces, MIDI keyboard controllers, studio reference monitors, and microphones for music producers, musicians, podcasters, and content creators ranging from entry-level to professional. The product line is anchored by the M-Track series of audio interfaces (featuring Crystal preamps with 55dB gain and 24-bit/192kHz resolution), the Oxygen MKV keyboard controllers in 25/49/61-key variants with Smart Chord and Smart Scale technologies, the Hammer 88 Pro hammer-action controller, the Forty Series monitors, the M100 condenser microphone, and the M-Game gaming sub-brand. Every hardware unit ships with $1,200+ in bundled software — including Ableton Live Lite, MPC Beats, AIR Music Tech virtual instruments, Antares AutoTune, BFD Player, and Splice samples — delivered through the inMusic Software Center registration portal.
The company operates a horizontal go-to-market targeting beginner through professional segments through three parallel motions: a global authorized dealer and distributor network across North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia; direct e-commerce via inmusicstore.com; and an artist ambassador program featuring producers and musicians such as Tony Visconti, John Carpenter, Gordon Raphael, and Neil Davidge to drive top-of-funnel credibility. Revenue is generated primarily through one-time hardware sales, augmented by revenue-share arrangements with bundled software partners including time-limited subscriptions to Splice, Antares AutoTune, and Reason+. M-Audio is wholly owned by inMusic Brands, Inc., a privately held diversified audio conglomerate based in Cumberland, Rhode Island, which also owns Akai Professional, Alesis, Numark, Denon DJ, Rane, and AIR Music Technology, enabling shared software development, cross-brand bundling, and consolidated global distribution.
M-Audio firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- M-Audio
- Legal name
- inMusic Brands, Inc.
- Website
- https://m-audio.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1988
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- M-Audio, a brand of inMusic Brands, manufactures USB audio interfaces, MIDI keyboard controllers, studio monitors, and microphones for beginner to professional musicians, producers, and podcasters, distributing globally through dealers, distributors, and direct e-commerce.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
M-Audio industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Pro Audio & Music Production Hardware
- NAICS
- Musical Instrument Manufacturing (339992), Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (334310)
- SIC
- Musical Instruments (3931), Household Audio & Video Equipment (3651)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Music Production Hardware (Synthesizers, Drum Machines, Samplers, MIDI Controllers) (MPAIAJAE)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Music Education Hardware (Practice Tools, Metronomes, Tuners, Lab Systems) (MPAIAJAJ)
Keywords
Where M-Audio is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Hardwick
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
M-Audio business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Others
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales: M-Audio generates primary revenue through sales of USB audio/MIDI interfaces, keyboard controllers, reference monitors, and microphones targeting musicians, producers, podcasters, and content creators from beginner to professional levels.
- Bundled Software: Hardware products include bundled software packages valued at $1,200+ including DAWs (Ableton Live Lite, MPC Beats), virtual instruments (Hybrid 3, Mini Grand, AIR Xpand!2), effects plugins, and sample libraries. Software activation managed through iLok or inMusic Software Center.
- Software Subscriptions: Bundled software includes time-limited subscriptions to third-party services including Antares AutoTune (2-month access), Splice (2-month subscription), and Reason+ (6-month subscription with Producer Pack).
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | M-Track Duo HD Producer Pack - $200 all-in-one podcast bundle |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | M-Track Duo HD standalone audio interface |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Oxygen Series (MKV) keyboard controllers - 25/49/61 keys |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels4 records
M-Audio product offering
Product offeringCore offering
M-Audio designs, manufactures, and sells music production hardware — including USB audio/MIDI interfaces (M-Track series), MIDI keyboard controllers (Oxygen MKV 25/49/61-key, Hammer 88 Pro), reference monitors (Forty Series), and condenser microphones (M100) — bundled with professional production software (Ableton Live Lite, MPC Beats, AIR Music Tech instruments, Antares AutoTune, BFD Player, Splice). The company also operates the M-Game sub-brand for gaming and streaming audio. Distribution combines global authorized dealers, regional distributors, and inMusic's own e-commerce storefront.
Product overview
M-Audio is a music technology company offering a portfolio of audio production hardware and software. The product lineup centers on USB audio/MIDI interfaces (M-Track series including Solo, Duo, Duo HD, and 2X2M C-Series) and keyboard controllers (Oxygen MKV series in 25/49/61-key variants, Hammer 88 Pro, Keystation series). Additional offerings include reference monitors (Forty Series), microphones (M100), and the gaming-focused M-Game sub-brand. All hardware products include bundled software packages featuring DAWs (Ableton Live Lite, MPC Beats), virtual instruments (AIR Hybrid 3, Mini Grand, Velvet), effects plugins, and sample libraries. Products are distributed through inMusic Brands, Inc.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- M-Game: A product line focused on gaming audio products, accessible via m-game.com
Products and services
- M-Track Duo HD 2-in/2-out USB-C audio interface for Mac, PC, iOS, and Android, delivering 24-bit/192kHz professional audio resolution with Crystal preamps providing 55dB of clean gain. Targets musicians, podcasters, and content creators needing class-compliant plug-and-play recording.
- M-Track Duo HD Producer Pack All-in-one $200 bundle pairing the M-Track Duo HD interface with the M100 condenser microphone, XLR cable, mic stand mount, zipper bag, and HDH41 headphones, plus a $1,200+ software suite including Ableton Live Lite, MPC Beats, Antares AutoTune (2-month), HeadRush ReValver, AIR plugins, BFD Player, and 2-month Splice subscription. Aimed at podcasters and producer beginners who want a turnkey recording setup.
- Oxygen 25 (MKV) 25-key USB MIDI keyboard controller with 8 velocity-sensitive trigger pads, arpeggiator, Smart Chord and Smart Scale technology, DAW auto-mapping, and assignable knobs and fader. Targets producers and beat makers who want portable tactile control over DAWs and virtual instruments.
- Oxygen 49 (MKV) 49-key USB MIDI keyboard controller with 8 velocity-sensitive trigger pads, 9 assignable faders, arpeggiator, Smart Chord and Smart Scale technology, and DAW auto-mapping for controlling virtual instruments, mixers, and plugins.
- Oxygen 61 (MKV) 61-key USB MIDI keyboard controller with 9 assignable faders, 8 assignable knobs, full arpeggiator controls (Type, Octave, Gate, Swing), Smart Chord and Smart Scale, and comprehensive DAW auto-mapping for studio and stage use.
- Hammer 88 Pro Professional 88-key hammer-action keyboard and pad controller for hands-on software control, sequencing, and performance. Class-compliant and USB-powered with MIDI DIN output for external sound modules. Bundled with Pro Tools | First, MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, and AIR virtual instruments including Hybrid 3, Velvet, and Mini Grand.
- Forty Series Reference Monitors Studio reference monitor lineup (Forty Series) designed for accurate audio mixing, mastering, and playback in project and home studios. Sold through M-Audio's monitors category page.
- M100 Condenser Microphone Condenser microphone for vocal and instrument recording, sold individually and as part of the M-Track Duo HD Producer Pack bundle for podcasters and recording artists.
- M-Game Gaming Audio Products Dedicated gaming and streaming audio product line under the M-Audio brand, marketed through m-game.com. Targets gamers and live streamers needing in-game audio capture and streaming-friendly interfaces.
Quantifiable outcome
- 55dB Crystal preamp gain for clear, detailed audio capture
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use M-Audio
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
M-Audio technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration9 records
Feature7 records
M-Audio partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- AbletoncoreAbleton Live Lite is included as a bundled DAW with all M-Audio audio interfaces and keyboard controllers, allowing customers immediate access to professional music production software.
- Akai Professional (MPC)coreMPC Beats DAW and MPC sample expansion packs are included with all M-Audio products. The companies share common ownership under inMusic Brands.
- AIR Music TechnologycoreAIR virtual instruments (Hybrid 3, Mini Grand, Xpand!2, Essential Keyboards, Bassline, OPx-4, Tubesynth) and AIR Creative FX Collection are bundled with M-Audio products. Both brands are under inMusic Brands.
- MelodicsminorMelodics desktop app with over 60 free lessons and 40 exclusive lessons for M-Audio keyboard controller owners to improve playing skills.
- SkooveminorOnline piano learning platform with adaptive courses included for M-Audio keyboard owners to develop piano skills.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
M-Audio competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Roland: Diversified incumbent in keyboards, synthesizers, and music production hardware. Roland's broader product portfolio and brand legacy compete with M-Audio across multiple categories including MIDI controllers and audio interfaces.
- Alesis: Sister brand under inMusic Brands offering keyboards, drum pads, audio interfaces, and monitors. Alesis competes in adjacent price tiers and shares corporate R&D and distribution infrastructure.
- Universal Audio: Broader incumbent in audio interfaces and studio production, with stronger professional positioning and Apollo series. Universal Audio competes at higher price tiers than M-Audio but overlaps in monitor and interface categories.
- Akai Professional: Sister brand under inMusic Brands producing MIDI controllers (MPK series), MPC hardware, and production software. Closely aligned with M-Audio's product portfolio but with stronger beat-making positioning.
Direct peers
- Arturia: Direct competitor in MIDI keyboard controllers (KeyLab, MiniLab series), synthesizers, and music production software. Arturia competes with M-Audio's Oxygen series across beginner-to-professional tiers.
- PreSonus: Direct competitor in USB audio interfaces, MIDI controllers, and bundled DAW offerings (Studio One). PreSonus offers similar product breadth targeting home studio and prosumer customers.
- Native Instruments: Direct competitor in MIDI keyboard controllers (Komplete Kontrol series), music production software, and audio interfaces. Native Instruments shares M-Audio's combined hardware-plus-software ecosystem strategy and is a bundled software partner of M-Audio.
- Focusrite: Direct competitor in USB audio interfaces (Scarlett series) and audio production hardware. Focusrite competes head-to-head with M-Audio's M-Track line across beginner and prosumer segments with comparable feature sets and price points.
- Behringer: Direct competitor in budget audio interfaces, synthesizers, and MIDI controllers. Behringer's aggressive pricing strategy pressures margins across M-Audio's entry-level product lines.
Emerging players
- Steinberg: Yamaha-owned music software and hardware company offering Cubase DAW, MIDI controllers, and audio interfaces. Steinberg's DAW partnership with M-Audio (auto-mapping) coexists with hardware competition in select categories.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
M-Audio social profiles
Digital presenceM-Audio financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
M-Audio leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
M-Audio funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
M-Audio M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about M-Audio
What does M-Audio do?
M-Audio designs, manufactures, and sells music production hardware — including USB audio/MIDI interfaces (M-Track series), MIDI keyboard controllers (Oxygen MKV 25/49/61-key, Hammer 88 Pro), reference monitors (Forty Series), and condenser microphones (M100) — bundled with professional production software (Ableton Live Lite, MPC Beats, AIR Music Tech instruments, Antares AutoTune, BFD Player, Splice). The company also operates the M-Game sub-brand for gaming and streaming audio. Distribution combines global authorized dealers, regional distributors, and inMusic's own e-commerce storefront.
Is M-Audio a public or private company?
M-Audio is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was M-Audio founded?
M-Audio was founded in 1988. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is M-Audio based?
M-Audio is headquartered in Hardwick, United States, in the North America region.
How does M-Audio make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are bundled Software and software Subscriptions.
Who are M-Audio's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Roland, Alesis, Universal Audio and Akai Professional. Direct peers are Arturia, PreSonus, Native Instruments, Focusrite and Behringer. Steinberg is listed as an emerging player.
Does M-Audio have an API?
No public API is recorded for M-Audio.
What industry is M-Audio in?
M-Audio's product category is Pro Audio & Music Production Hardware. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAIAJAE, Music Production Hardware (Synthesizers, Drum Machines, Samplers, MIDI Controllers), with a secondary code of MPAIAJAJ, Music Education Hardware (Practice Tools, Metronomes, Tuners, Lab Systems). Its NAICS code is 339992 and its SIC code is 3931.