Edirol PCR-M1

This little midi keyboard controller was being advertised for several months before anyone on the net atually had stock.

I received a notfication from americanmusical.com that they had finally gotten some in, around xmas, so I ordered one from them.

Selling price for this unit was 199.95...you can expect to pay the very same for it just about anywhere.

The small size (I have very limited desk-space),the control-surface-like features, and the USB port simplicity are what attracted me to it.



This is a great little keyboard.

It has a very nice snappy feel to the keys, and looks to be very well-made.

It has a total of 27 assignable controllers (8 double-duty knobs, 6 buttons, and 2 pedal ports), as well as 15 user-assignable memories to hold various midi control maps, so you can remote control certain features of your favorite software sequencer or virtual instrument (it comes with control maps for Sonar Cubase, GS, and XG already loaded...there is also a default control map(GM2) in a memory that cannot be altered.

Still more Control maps (Roland-Edirol calls them "memory sets") are available at Edirol's website.

What I particularly like about this unit is the fact that it can be completely powered via the USB port(no wall-wart power supply to contend with).

There is a conventional midi I/O port on the back, but, since the USB cable can carry midi messages to the software, using midi cables is not even necessary in some situations...like playing virtual instruments.

Pitch bend and modulation are initiated by separate controls...this is also a plus.

I haven't found anything I don't like...not yet, anyway...well...maybe Roland could print a more lengthy explanation of how to use the "bulk dump" feature to upload new pre-existing midi control maps to the keyboard's memory.

The construction quality is excellent...just what you'd expect from a product designed and manufactured by Roland.

For the non-keyboard playing computer-music composer looking for something reasonably priced to manipulate virtual instruments this is really a great little bang-for-the-buck device.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

(Originally written by Vador/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
Size, weight, brand.

It's the he ideal tool for songwriting when you're not in your studio.

UTILIZATION

Because of its thickness, the keyboard provides a special playing feel but you'll quickly get used to it.

Everything is easy to understand.

OVERALL OPINION

Avoid this keyboard.

It didn't take long for the keys to start causing problems. Some keys don't respond anymore unless you hammer on them, so only half the notes you play are audible!

I brought it back to the store and they tried to repair it but it was impossible so I received a new one. Two years later I had the same problem but the device had no warranty anymore.

Now it's useless.

EDIROL = 0 (regarding this keyboard)

-I made more on the laptop everywhere including in the collection's outdoor sofa and so thin and lightweight keyboard need silent> on the knees in the bag ... My barbone Shuttle is reserved for recording and mixing.
The shift key, which doubles the number of controllers.
The key-transposition allows the use of octave transpose keys.
-The MIDI controller for my wind.
The catch-pedals.

UTILIZATION

Trs enjoyable but not touching fun. C seen on the thickness. While laying the ides, but I have my prcis be 4 octaves. In addition, a default that makes me do the colr is most acute is too sensitive, almost always strong. I am not alone with this concern and has ruined the picture. Edirol not cool. This is set by a trs used to search for ides.
Easy to configure. Maps in automatic and come j'espre Reason to Live. The knobs are great enjoyable. J'aime bcp. The shift key and double parameter.
The pitch bend is gradual as the modulation: the change in pressure sensitive. C a pleasant surprise since it is not the case on a pcr. C not easy to use beginners but it is a big plus.
6 for the do not cool, I put 8 otherwise.

Edit: By drilling a lot of egg on both the key and the strumming ..... rde and it reduces the problem: )))))) I spend 8 to a parcque and also touch is not bad. Ca se rode in brief. I put the cot without 9 "honing" not marked on the box.

OVERALL OPINION

Perfect for my mobile use and everywhere at home. The laptop on a chair, the pcr m1 on the knees and off you go! It fits perfectly in my bag Techair (pure look, protection super efficient air-injected) and c perfect move.
It has everything we need. Except the default key already cit foutage a bit from left. all the same. With a touch closer to a traditional keyboard would have been perfect or near me.
So you see the test, if you will touch and there is no button or zarrebi it bother you, well it will do you go for a pure composition of alli.

On paper, with Reason AC looked good.

UTILIZATION

Bof ...
The key problem is quite recurrent: 2 keys often sink when pressed (ie, no touch). Bad luck is the "the", so obviously when you strum AC is ugly, the key is quite a long time coming ... ok this is not a piano but still!

OVERALL OPINION

I keep it because I use it and it helps out so well, especially that apart from certain keys it works fine with my MBP 13 '.
Velocity needs work and some notes with the mouse, well ...

Expensive for what it is.
I do not do it again this election, but it's a shame because otherwise it's a good product.