E-MU Xboard 61

I was looking at starting a 49-key keyboard, already having 61 and looking for something more practical. I finally took it for quick access to keys cranberry is a right of knobs.
Powered by the USB bus.

UTILIZATION

These buttons (depending on the soft configuratioin) access to 16 channels on the fly. No menu, no latency, with a button dedicate to each and no + / -. This is extremely handy as a button on stage = one sound. It makes life easier.

Even better now, we can do is memorize each of these 16 locations presets 4 different channels, with different key ranges that overlap or not. And you can also configure ca live with one touch. The "sound = one button" becomes "a button = 4 layers". And it is very good.

The buttons in question are of a very beautiful blue LEDs inside. It is very clear, it does not sting the eyes and it's convenient. The menus are pretty clear, we found it. If the app that allows you manage its presets to work, it is against a little time. Not really pleasant to use, nor very fast.

I love the button. The standard adjustment is not good, it is far too sensisble but after adjustment it going. The reactivity of keys on the other hand nothing to say. impecable.

Negative point, the knobs. There are not accurate, does not look solid at all. In the end I find the limit of usable. I even plans to open the keyboard to fire them because they impede the transport.

OVERALL OPINION

Few years that I have. No intensive use contrary to what was EXPECTED. I tried many other model (edirol, m-audio, roland, korg, cme, novationt, etc. etc. etc.)

This one is a good bargain price, possesses a very good touch, quick access to channels of the most convenient, and LEDs in the buttons just as convenient.

The editor software could be better now, and the knobs are not worth much.

Surely the best quality / price ratio

UTILIZATION

The touch is very good
I tried all the keyboards in a great store of Lyon (Comebackmusic) and frankly after a lot of time the top 3 were found:
EMU Xboard
CME UF
Novation Remote (especially not LE!)

then obviously it's a bit subjective
but now that I have with me yet I do not regret:
cheaper than the Novation Remote (classic and SL)
so big that the CME UF

The config is simple when you know the trick of the MIDI controller (for a "blue" it is always difficult at the start!)

Manuel ok

I can not find it too light
and I find it very stable
the knobs are great
the keys are very good
Anyway I'm really happy (and yet I am rather "fussy")

OVERALL OPINION

Frankly for the price plus Proteus X 1.5 comes with it's almost a gift
About Proteus X: great product that deserves to be explored (sound banks come with are pretty uneven, but this sampler is a very, very high performance that takes the trouble)

What is missing is an expression pedal and maybe a few buttons (but I'm doing with the buttons on my PC)
Otherwise the rest is really excellent

A-Pitch
A dial-Modulation
MIDI-Out
-USB output
Entry-pedal (not included, but at this price ...)
-16 Programmable buttons
-16 Patches
-61 Keys with Afertouch!


UTILIZATION

The manual is ... What manual? No need, once recognized by the PC, it is very instinctive, simple. The touch is light but pleasant, as long as you are not used to playing heavy on the keys, it is perfect for a musician looking for a MIDI keyboard that responds well to velocity. The aftertouch is very good. The keyboard is lightweight but solid, no damage or malfunction is to be regretted after almost two years of use.

OVERALL OPINION

Use for 1 year and a half. I tried a few models in the same price range, but only one has convinced me.

What I like most: Its simplicity, quality, velocity, aftertouch, pitch two wheels separated.

What I like least: Lightness of the keys.

Calvier 61 master keys.
Pitch and modulation wheels to the left of the keyboard.
USB connector, MIDI out, pedal / footswitch and external power.
Display blue (3 x 7 segments).
16 knobs, 16 buttons recalls preset, 4 buttons zone on / off.
It has aftertouch.
Configuration Software E-MU Xboard Control comprehensive, its strong point.
It can be powered with an AC adapter, handy if you play only with the expanders (adapter not included).

UTILIZATION

The key is very pleasant, synth-style, soft and firm at the time. Of course it depends on the tastes you must try.
Obviously this is not a keyboard heavy. I have other brands of keyboards and much more expensive and whose keyboard is less well ...
There are some very interesting features on this keyboard that I can not find for example on the Edirol PCR:
- By pressing a switch, potentiometers pass mode volume, 1 per midi channel, very handy for mixing.
- There are 4 areas (split) keyboard, configurable and above a button on / off zone by zone and a button on / off general: very handy for cutting sound during play
- The software is very comprehensive, you can set many things: midi channel, aftertouch, Pedal, velocity etc. in each area, program change channel, velocity curves, sliders, etc. ... so on.
- You can save the setup with a clear name and is instantly recalled by pressing one of the 16 keys without having to make complicated manipulation: brilliant live, you press a button and presto, you're on the midi channels going well and everything is sent to other keyboards and sound modules, program change etc. ...
- Possibility of latch notes.
-The amendments made by the software are taken into account in real-time PCR to thwart such or must be load.

the manual is pretty clear, but it primarily uses software ...

OVERALL OPINION

Very good value for money.
Only negative point: everything is in plastic but they are almost all like that now.
The potentiometers are not graded.
The master volume does not work with my expanders, which must be too old and do not understand this command ...