M-Audio

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.

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

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

• Audio interfaces
• MIDI controllers
• Music production hardware
• Studio reference monitors
• USB audio devices

Headquarters

HQ city

Hardwick

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core 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

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AbletoncoreTechnology or IntegrationAbleton 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)coreTechnology or IntegrationMPC Beats DAW and MPC sample expansion packs are included with all M-Audio products. The companies share common ownership under inMusic Brands.
• AIR Music TechnologycoreTechnology or IntegrationAIR 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.
• MelodicsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMelodics desktop app with over 60 free lessons and 40 exclusive lessons for M-Audio keyboard controller owners to improve playing skills.
• SkooveminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOnline 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

Broad 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

• Xx.com/M_Audio_
• Facebookfacebook.com/maudioconnection
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/m-audio

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about M-Audio