CME UF80

I have long considered the study of 88 key master keyboard at a reasonable price, with of course the best possible quality.
Compared to the keyboards trademarks Studiologic (VMK188 + TMK88 +) or M-Audio (Keystation Pro 88) to stay in the same price range, the CME that wins hands down.
Eight assignable knobs and nine sliders of course, one of six key pad sequencer (rec, stop, play, FFW, RWD, back to top) plus a list of all shortcuts directly on the keyboard.
Very good finish all metal (which makes a keyboard difficult to transport heavy 25 kg), high quality buttons (rotation with small notches which is great practice) and faders (not too soft like other brands! ).

For the connection is simple: USB, MIDI Out, WIDI (noon without fil_génial!), Breath Controller, pedal A & B and DC Power In (normal!). Free slot to install an expansion card.

I'm not 10/10 because it is regrettable the red LED display is a little vintage ...

UTILIZATION

The feel of this keyboard is what motivated me most to buy it (in addition to price, quality ...). I tried to touch the brands mentioned above, zero.
Despite what we read here and there on a touching way, I find it very, very correct (I took piano lessons for 9 years, I recognize at least a good touch bad) .
I have no problem in velocity (as quoted by repeatchorus) over different curves are available (10 to be precise) but the default is not the best. There was also a choice of 7 aftertouch curves (sensitive!). We are given the choice between time for the 12 ethnic music.

U-Control mode is very practical (when found by the software), it was in fact no adjustments to be made for a particular knob is directly recognized by the software.
Suits my style of game: pop, rhythmic jazz / blues, classical ...
It is a professional keyboard with weighted hammer and aftertouch effect (do not be afraid of the word "effect") is really good (it's not a piano either, let's be clear!).

The general configuration is fairly simple, just put them 10 minutes to understand how it works.

The selection of patches is ultra-fast and simple with a knob coupled with validation (to avoid unpleasant manipulations!). For channels is another manipulation, simple as well.

French manual, 50-page comprehensive and understandable.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it since early January, and I am fully satisfied
Most of touch, the overall quality of the product (made in china but French specifications), all metal-finishing robust appearance, the number of controllers, WIDI (no problem, the system is at the point!), The just plug and play, Ctrl-U ...
The -: very cheap display red LED (on the top model VX8, there is a real LCD screen and motorized knobs ...), and weight makes it difficult to transport but we must davoir why we take ( onstage or at home ...).
I tried Studiologic models and M-Audio, obviously, UF is well above 80 (all niveaux_le MAUDIO plastoc really!).
Very good quality / price € 590 bought in stores.
After two short months to use it, I think I'll put a little more for the VX8 (with audio), but UF 80 is fine. I did not know the brand CME, I recommend!

I play keyboards on synthesizers for over 20 years and piano for 10 years. It is natural that I started looking for my home studio with a keyboard that allows me to recall the feeling of touch on the piano own. Some additional selection criteria are added such as the inclusion of a control surface for my other expendeurs of transport buttons for my Cubase sequencer, all staying within a reasonable budget.

My choice is worn fairly quickly on the model CME UF80 which in addition to my needs me offers some additional benefits very interesting. From my point of view, the key is its ability to host additional expansion cards. I personally fell for the use-audio card that provides analog modeling synthesizers including the famous minimoog. I get back to you soon but if you have any questions on the subject, it is with pleasure that I answer on my blog.

Concerning the quality of the keyboard, I want to emphasize that it is a robustness with an aluminum frame, even if the sides are plastic, however. The drawback is its weight directly, it weighs at least 25 kilos, so be careful if you intend this keyboard for the stage ...

The technical release notes based on a mechanical hammer similar to the piano. Even if the hit is nice, it does not, however, that of my Yamaha U1 piano. For me, the hit is enough, very dynamic, but I think it will be enough for the purists who rabattront towards models weighted keyboard featuring touches of wood bill.

UTILIZATION

The use as a master keyboard in a hardware is just enough. The keyboard has a midi output unique, does not offer a single point of split (possibility of making notes on two different midi channels from a central button of the keyboard), a single layer (same as the split but this time over the whole keyboard). Also, the control surface does not send MIDI System Exclusive type, only messages of "change control" and NRPN. Therefore, I think it is intended for use for ordering computer music plugins for example.

In addition, the keyboard does not have MIDI format Din which can be annoying when you want to control the expansion card in the machine from an external keyboard. About me, I was a joy to play with the keyboard minimax my Korg M1 and although this is not possible without using an intermediate computer, blah ...

Since we are in sorrow, I will add that the sending program change messages is not very flexible because it is first necessary to specify the number with a knob and then press the "enter" to send the command be two actions. I would have preferred to find a button incremental +1, -1 compared to the number of current program as proposed in all of my hardware keyboards.

OVERALL OPINION

Finally, this keyboard is really interesting and offers a lot compared to the competition for a very tight budget. In addition, I find it really look like, I invite you to view some pictures on my profile to make your own opinion. A remake, I think I would wear my choice on the VX80 model of the same brand that offers some additional features very interesting.

Optional cards available in January 2009:
CME UF DP-1 piano / strings expansion board
WALDORF NANO SYNTH
USE AUDIO PLUGIATOR ASX BOARD