SM Pro Audio V-Machine Standalone Plugin Player Module

Feature:
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.

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...

Desirability:
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!!

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...

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.

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.

Overall:
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.

Feature:
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.

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.

Desirability:
It's very sexy to run the plugins I have live from this little box.

Sound:
Very similar sound to my synth, tested against access virus

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.

Support:
Absolutly the best.

Overall:
as long as plugins are compatible I would use this box