Radium keyboard Overview

The Radium is a fully functional MIDI controller. Its touch-sensitive keys can be set to play any octave or transposed pitch, while the Radium’s pitch wheel, mod wheel and data slider with the addition of sixteen programmable rotary knobs and sliders make it the most versatile MIDI controller of its class. Its compact size and powerful controller features make it the ultimate in portable keyboard controllers.Virtually any type of MIDI controller information can be sent from the Radium to your computer, using the power and convenience of the Mac or PC computer’s USB port.Additionally, the Radium can operate as a “standalone” MIDI controller, independent of the computer.The rear panel MIDI port marked “keyboard” is used for this purpose.

Contained within the Radium is a USB MIDI interface. Simply plug the Radium into your computer’s USB port, install the included drivers and enable the MIDI interface within your music software. This combination of a versatile keyboard controller and a USB MIDI interface allows you record and control MIDI information within your music application, plus adds a MIDI output port to which you can connect a MIDI sound module or drum machine.The rear panel MIDI port marked “USB” is used for this purpose.

The Radium may be powered by one of two sources: an external power supply or “parasitically” from the voltage it receives from the USB port. For the most consistent performance, we recommend using a power supply, even when using the Radium with your computer’s USB port.To power from the USB port only, plug the Radium directly into the computer’s USB port, not a powered USB hub. When using the Radium in standalone mode, a power supply must be used. When using an external power supply (optional), it is important to use only a supply with the proper 9vDC, 500ma rating. This may be purchased locally or through M-Audio.

On a PC: You must be running Windows 98 or higher to properly use the Radium. Windows NT is not supported. Also, your motherboard must support USB 1.1. It is possible for a motherboard to support USB and yet not have the physical port connectors installed. A simple USB back panel extender can be purchased at a computer supply store and can be installed easily to provide USB port connectors.

On an Apple Computer: Your Mac must support USB with the built-in ports. The USB ports on the iMac or PowerMac G3/G4 will work just fine. A Mac OS that supports USB will also be required.We recommend MacOS 9.2.2 or higher. We cannot guarantee performance of device when using non-Apple USB ports.

IMPORTANT: For MacOS 9, an OMS MIDI driver is provided. You MUST have a sequencer program that supports OMS, and have OMS properly installed in order to use the Radium.

RAD-050503 specifications

The M-Audio RAD-050503 is a powerful audio interface designed for musicians, producers, and sound engineers seeking high-quality recording and playback capabilities. This device is particularly notable for its versatility and high-performance features, making it an excellent choice for both home studios and professional environments.

One of the standout characteristics of the RAD-050503 is its exceptional audio quality, offering high-resolution audio capture at sample rates up to 192 kHz. This level of fidelity ensures that recordings are true to the original sound, preserving the nuances and subtleties of each instrument or voice. The device supports both 24-bit and 32-bit audio formats, providing flexibility for various recording requirements.

Equipped with multiple input options, the RAD-050503 includes XLR/TRS combo jacks that cater to microphones, guitars, and line-level sources. This flexibility makes it easy to connect different recording instruments without needing additional interfaces. The device also features phantom power, enabling the use of condenser microphones, which are essential for capturing high-quality vocal tracks.

For monitoring, the RAD-050503 provides high-output headphone outputs and balanced TRS main outputs. This ensures that users can achieve accurate sound representation during recording sessions, allowing for real-time monitoring without latency issues. The built-in zero-latency monitoring feature further enhances the recording experience by allowing musicians to hear their inputs directly through their headphones without delay.

In terms of connectivity, the RAD-050503 is USB-powered, providing a straightforward plug-and-play setup with minimal fuss. It is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems, making it accessible for a wide range of users. The interface is also equipped with MIDI I/O ports, allowing for seamless integration with MIDI devices, synthesizers, and controllers.

The rugged, compact design of the RAD-050503 makes it highly portable, making it suitable for musicians on the go. Users can easily transport it to live gigs or collaborate in different studio environments. The unit's thoughtful layout, featuring easy-to-use knobs and indicators, allows for intuitive operation, catering to both novice and experienced users alike.

In summary, the M-Audio RAD-050503 audio interface combines top-notch audio performance, versatile connectivity options, and user-friendly design, making it an excellent choice for anyone serious about recording and producing high-quality music.