SM Pro Audio V-Machine Standalone Plugin Player Module
External hardware host for Windows plugins (VST instruments and effects). USB-Ports for copy protection dongles.
Overall User Ratings (based on 11 ratings)
Submitted April 10, 2009 by a customer from adelphia.net
"Incomplete OS leaves the user wanting more..."
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I'll hold on to it for 2 reasons, one I'm a gear packrat. I can't seem to let things go in hopes that I'll use on the next track. Two in the hopes that OS get's better (either by MFG or 3rd party). The list of supported plugins grows everyday..so this review MIGHT be revised after a few months to a year.
Sound
Sound quality is High Definition DAC. Sounds pristine and full with a great low-end response. Included plugins stink, Sampletank is a smelly fish that somehow stays above water. The included freeware plugs are just as lackluster. The key is uploading your collection of VST plugins, of which you'll find only a handful will work correctly. This is no Muse receptor. Given some software updates, it could come close, like a baby brother. Processing power is limited, and high consumption plugins will max this thing out quickly. When the CPU is maxxed, you get typical click\pop buffer zippering. Good alternative to VST freaks that like to perform live or not have to be tied down to a computer.
I downloaded a free VST vocoder and installed that absolutely is my goto Vocoder now...clear, intelligible and easy to use. The audio input will find more and more use as I get great vst effects in this thing...
Features
Lacking with the current OS. It, as a previous reviewer stated is un-finished in it's OS. Some features mentioned in description are not available yet(Syncrosoft support, auto adjustable backlight and more). Some features are helpful, such as easy continuous controller mapping. Wizard files are a pain at first, I have been able to get quite a few plugins installed though (PPG, Arturia, Lounge lizard, and more), including web-finds and my own written in Synth-edit.
Ease of Use
Not intuitive to use for most things, the software is poor at this revision, still feels beta. Direct USB transfer of plugins is awful. I rely solely on USB memory stick transfer, that is reliable. I have experience in programming and synth design, so I was able to wrap my head around this fairly quickly, but any users new to this kind of technology will get frustrated on day one. SMPro needs to create a FREE instructional DVD to get people going.
In Contrast, once you get great Plugins on this thing it's easy to use. You can plug almost any USB controller and it will recognize it imediately. CC mapping is simple and reliable. I use a M-Audio Trigger finger and have all knobs and sliders mapped to the most used functions for all my installed plugins, works great and helps with workflow.
Quality
hmmm... At first inclination I'd say no, because the clear lexar faceplate on mine had slight warpage (or glue came up). Not a MAJOR thing, but cosmetically was disheartening. However the rest of the components seem well made and a peek inside the box shows a well thoughout design. I'd have replaced the 1\8th input with a 1\4 but I understand this for space restrictions (the back of this thing is packed with input\outputs,USB and midi)
Value
Not a good value yet. It's incomplete in OS and you would probably be better off with an inexpensive laptop to run VST's natively. Would I return it? Truthfully, I tried but it was past the return policy date.
I do use it and enjoy some things I've done with it, but would be better suited in the $200-$300 category. I hope some genius software engineer makes a bootleg OS for this or SMPRO gets off ther duffs and finishes the OS so all features are present...who knows...
Manufacturer Support
I gave a 2 instead of a 1 only because I haven't had to call the AUSTRALIAN international support line. C'mon guys, 800 numbers and American tech support is a must in this market! E-mail support is archaic, as I clearly stated my concerns and assistance needed in a lengthy e-mail, and received a simple one sentense reponse, "Can you describe the problem your having in greater detail?". Dude, I just did! I have a feeling this product will have a short shelf life, and resell value will drop significantly (already down $80 since I bought). Main problems being 'rushed' OS design and poor customer service.
The Wow Factor
6 only because sex appeal can be misleading. It looks cool, sounds cool on paper, and if technically inclined, can be kinda sexxy. But much like a blind date setup by a friend, you might find that you spent a lot on an expensive dinner only to get heartburn and an 8pm drop-off. I bough solely on 'Want it' factor, as I can't afford the Muse Receptor and the Muse is too big anyways. Learned my lesson, don't buy until the reviews are out and OS is solid!!
Musical Background:
Working Professional
Musical Style:
Multi-genre. Punk, Rap, Hip-hop, alternative etc...
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Submitted March 21, 2012 by Eoin K
"SM Pro V-Machine"
When you get this machine first you will be literally tearing your hair out trying to make plugins work properly or at all!! First let me say, it says on the website - not all plugins are guaranteed to work on the V-Machine. Should be the opposite - not many plugins will work successfully on the V-Machine. Oh yeah there's plenty of freebies that are advertised on the site. They work but if you have native instrument Komplete, forget it...
Okay, as I said testing plugins on this machine is a nightmare but also a joy when the find the working plugins. Sampletank, GSI VB3 and All the G-Force plugins work great. There is also a Classic Keys Collection available from SM Pro with some of those plugins included. You have infinite banks and patches available. Only limitation is the 1GHz CPU. If you are planning to multilayer sounds, forget it...
V-Machine is well built, small and rugged. No problem to throw into a backpack. The L/R outputs can be boosted to +15bd. The USB connecting instantly discovered my midi keyboard and flash drive. Beware some keyboards require specific drivers to operate. If you are buying a USB midi board for V-machine, I recommend M-Audio or Roland. The stereo input jack is also very handy as you can connected an iPod to jam along or use as an FX processor. IK Multimedia Amplitube works great...
There is an included software called VFX. Have to say it is awful!! Endless crashing for no logical reason! Unfortunately this is the only way to convert stuff for your V-Machine. You can sync or save to USB stick. I have tried both Mac and PC versions. Pretty much the same. But generally after you save your sounds, they work fine on the V-Machine...
To conclude, this is nowhere close to the Muse Receptor but also nowhere close in price. I purchased this little box in thomann for less than €200. Initially just wanted to use it as a sample player than found after spending some time that there are quality plugins that work. I recommend purchasing this box and the classic keys collection. You may have a headache at the beginning but give it some time and you'll be surprised what it can do...
Musical Background:
Keyboard player for over 20 years
Musical Style:
Bit of everything
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Submitted February 20, 2009 by a customer from hotmail.com
SM Pro Audio V-Machine Customer Review
I am very DISSATISFIED with this V MACHINE.
Dont buy it. This is an unfinished product.
Latest firmware (20090130) still is not able to save changes after turnin device off. Only basic VSTi work due to the need of “wizard files” that have to be edited to work on your personal computer.
Spent too many hours trying to make it work properly but still not able to use it in live gigs. Sampletank software included will never definetly work on the V MACHINE.
I will send it back to the shop.
DONT BUY THIS PIECE OF SCRAP
Sound
I am very DISSATISFIED with this V MACHINE.
Dont buy it. This is an unfinished product.
Latest firmware (20090130) still is not able to save changes after turnin device off. Only basic VSTi work due to the need of “wizard files” that have to be edited to work on your personal computer.
Spent too many hours trying to make it work properly but still not able to use it in live gigs. Sampletank software included will never definetly work on the V MACHINE.
I will send it back to the shop.
DONT BUY THIS PIECE OF SCRAP
Features
Quality
Manufacturer Support
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Submitted October 2, 2009
"Don't do it!"
Save your money...buy lottery tickets.
Sound
Plays only freebie plugs.
Features
Great idea! Terrible execution!!
Ease of Use
The V-machine does not work as advertised. I have a masters degree in computers
and technology, have worked with numerous computer music packages dating back to
the early days of midi, so I know what I am doing. This product is simply not
ready for the market place.
I have purchased and tried loading and working with IK products ranging from
Philharmonik to the full version of Sampletank, which are listed on the V-machine
site as supported. Basic Sampletank is included as a plugin! yet the listed
products are a hassle at best, and definitely not practical for real-time use.
There should be a warning against purchase if the interested individual doesn't
have a programming background. I will be surprised if there isn't a class action
suit against the manufacturer.
Quality
see above
Value
600 bucks buys better looking paper weights
The Wow Factor
You can have it
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Submitted April 19, 2009
"Great little box for live synths and sample playback"
as long as plugins are compatible I would use this box
Sound
Very similar sound to my synth, tested against access virus
Features
I use it to play back samples with sample lord and for effects using it live, the new software is much easier to use and the support was great.
Ease of Use
At first it was hard to get my head around installing windows software on a MAC but once I did it a couple of times it is very simple if you are happy with the plugins which have wizards or free ones. Actualy using the machine was very simple and feels very solid.
Quality
Hardware is no issue at all, actually amazingly small and light, the software is getting better all the time.
Value
good value, especially if you consider that nothing else out there is the same.
Manufacturer Support
Absolutly the best.
The Wow Factor
It's very sexy to run the plugins I have live from this little box.
Musical Background:
active musician
Musical Style:
techno and alternative
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