All user reviews for the Fatar / Studiologic VMK-188 plus

My TR 88 began to have some small problems keys wedged and I needed a new keyboard soon.

I needed a good touch and be able to connect at least two pedals (switch).

It accepts three pedals (Attention, contrary to what the manual says, the one does not work with a continuous controller, thus able to sustain one unless you have a pedal continuously variable).

88 keys, and small control surface pitch ben + modulation)

UTILIZATION

The feel is great, it's really the point for this keyboard. I found the quality of my old RD600. That's it for the positives.

The manual is to cry with laughter, to give it, so give nothing!

The configuration is not the most intuitive, but that usually, it comes out very quickly!

To send a "program change" I feel that the designer knew that monopatch or not frequently changed sound modules. This is undrinkable!

But the most appalling is the use of pedals, there is plunged into delirium. These are my years of electronics that allowed me to understand the bug. I think they're kidding with latches Schmit or input impedance. It is imperative to connect the unused pedal to the ground and use it as the "negative polarity" (or normally closed for electricians), otherwise unwanted releases or delusional behavior of the pedal support is call.

I've never seen it and my case is not isolated. Fatar even responded to a user "Yes we know, but there is no solution!" It is unimaginable!

One band aftertouch is connected (black button) and apparently it's very common on this model.

I connected the second and tested aftertouch: I never laughed so much! It is simply unusable, except for messing around.

In short Fatar laid an evil thing over and they are not able to correct their mistakes. Shame!!

OVERALL OPINION

I've had three days and despite these setbacks is a very good keyboard. But you must watch!

It is unacceptable that Fatar has never corrected these recurring electronic problems.

If not, if you do not have aftertouch, you just want to play the piano, that your pedals are biased "negative" (the term is found in Yamaha) and you with jack "shorted" to fill the input 1, then this keyboard is a marvel.

If not, buy something else!!

If there was not this problem pedal, I would put it on the line 10, as touch is remarkable!

Contrary to many opinions: Since it is designed to be used with a sequencer software, the problem of split and adjustable velocity has no meaning (which makes sense!)

Damage / Fatar heartbreaking for not having corrected the problems that seem so simple to solve. If an experienced electronics could send us a tweak for these entries pedals, it would be after yourself, keyboard exception! If so!

It is not at all to avoid, but you have to know where you put your feet. For me, its overall score can vary from 10 to 5 according to the needs that have been

Motivated by the RQP and different opinions on the web

UTILIZATION

Heavy piano-style touch, not trained pianist so I can not say if it is hard or soft on the attack and return but it seems well balanced. It suits me very well as the piano sounds on the rhodes and clavinet.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 8 years, it still works fine. The faders on the front are ultra practices and replace a possible external controller.
To the top is sedentary, it is robust, there is a metal structure that gives an impression of great strength (like he does not flinch, even when it is a little over excited, no vibration or squeaks)
For zikos who wish to turn, think carefully because it is very heavy!

Hello,
The weighted keyboard immediately directed my choice to purchase a keyboard controller.
Potentiometers and fader have excellent answers graduation years, making movement of fluids
the control of virtual instruments. There are presets for different logiciles (including cubase). Play buttons record, fast forward and rewind. The driver installs itself in usb. the keyboard is truly excellent and a true piano touch, and low noise.
Moreover, it is beautiful.
The only drawback: The weight of the keyboard (very heavy!).
Woodbrass purchased from last year

UTILIZATION

The manual is perhaps not quite complete.
The touch keyboard is excellent.
I have not yet fully understood in the implementation with respect cubase, but I went to look.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 8 months
I love the feel of the keyboard, which is equally suited to virtual instruments that classic synth sounds.
I appreciate the regularity beuacoup knobs and faders, excellent qulaité.
Value for money without comparison.
I certainly do it again this choice.

I was looking for a new master keyboard with good feel and some control surface.
As I already own a Fatar Studio 900 amply satisfied me so far, so I chose a keyboard Fatar / Studiologic.

UTILIZATION

As expected the touch is very good. No regrets on that side.
However, apart from the touch, I find that the mail is not up to par.
Indeed, it began with an area of ​​the keyboard that was not managing the aftertouch, I did replace the product with the store. I read that in the assembly, it happened that groundwater is not connected!
In addition, the potentiometer 'VALUE' is rather capricious because it is leaps of random values. This problem was also present on the first new product.
Finally, the sustain pedal is poorly managed, because I lose a few times and release notes are audible (This is rare anyway).

I still contacted the customer service Fatar who knows the problems mentioned but no solution to provide! Replacing virtually useless and repayment impossible.

OVERALL OPINION

I kept this product for 3 years.

I loved the quality of touch. Fatar has always provided great branded keyboards, and waited a few years before starting his own keyboard. At the time I bought the Studio 900, which offered the best price / quality ratio.
Having a good reputation, keyboards masters FATAR / Studiologic prices are now above average.
In my choice, not the reputation prompted me to go try other keyboards.

But I was really disappointed electronics account the small problems I had and not an isolated case. I know Studiologic now has several product lines. Before making the choice Studiologic, I will try the product.
This explains a down note.

Keyboard 88-key hammer.
Manufacturing quality seems OK. At first it's solid (mtal relatively pais).
2 midi out
3 between pedals
a lot of assignable CONTRL (buttons, sliders, rotary)
USB port
powered via USB, otherwise provided external power supply 9 v
1 "pedals" low-end

UTILIZATION

The big positive is the keyboard. Trs good close enough to touch a piano. if the configuration of the Controller is relatively simple. So I put 8 points despite ngatifs lists below, it is true that do not relate to the essential.
Manual level is when even a little lightweight. In addition, it seems that the manual is not day because we never talk about USB and the photos do not even watch!
Another ngatif: Internet support does not exist. Dj must find the right site (looks abandoned fatar.net => go fatar.com), and then, no faq, no driver, no contact ...
I had a problem to run it with the USB: it is a conflict at the drivers: I post the solution in the forums

OVERALL OPINION

Reu today.

What is the particular feature you like best:
touch

the least?
Impossible to operate the South via USB. Well, as it is not carrying a small keyboard, even when it is not death, but nerva ...

Exprience with, you will do again this choice? ...
Yes, given the quality of touch and good value qualitprix trs (<600) in Germany.

I am a dj SL880 owner of more than 10 years beginning be tired. As he never lach I turned to the VMK-188 more to stay in the continuity and functionality of the CONTRL it offers.

UTILIZATION

Trs enjoyable touch. Much milder than the SL880. It approaches the touch of a piano study. Cot config, the advantage is bnficier of sliders, knobs and other knobs. I have not had time to really get into the heart of the matter but it is clear that to provide more home-studio. For I am against the bus from the SL880: I lose the 4 split zones useful if you want to live to avoid taking the head with the management of the key range expanders. As for the manual Retailer least you can not. Not at all clear and trs trslger ... One who is the site of Studiologic is just more complete.

OVERALL OPINION

I reu Monday (bought 453 Euros Musik Produktiv) and tried last night live. With so little time learning, I have not had time to me aproprier and operate 100% but it is much more enjoyable to play than the SL880. So I come back to the touch, which causes no fatigue, even APRS 2 hours and a few solo and that is for me the big thing about this keyboard. The particular feature I like least is the lack of split mode. Report qualitprix excellent. I do it again this choice.

Driving for years with my old D10 computer music, I wanted to go to a master keyboard with a touch of quality, after reading different forum, + VMK188 seemed a good compromise. I preferred it to other models including Fatar aftertouch and the navigation keys to parameterized usual sequencers. The robustness of the keyboard seemed a plus.

The price (<500 € per match) made the purchase attractive compared to Yamaha / Roland

UTILIZATION

In use, I would make the following comments:

- Touch:
* Is very nice and close to a piano a bit "tough." A pianist friend confirms this feeling, with a slight reservation on the precision (simultaneity of notes during a PP Agreement for example). For me, it's really a strong point.
* I had problems with the velocity of at least one key which has necessitated the exchange of keys. (See topic here https://forums.audiofanzine.com/index 2Cpage%%% 2C2% 2C210188% 2Cidtopic 2Cidsearch% 2C0% 2Cidcat 2C5003.html% ( https://forums.audiofanzine.com/index%2Cpage%2C2%2Cidtopic%2C210188%2Cidsearch%2C0%2Cidcat%2C5003.html ) ). The second key is received on the other hand relatively homogeneous

- Aftertouch:
* Cable unplugged initially, after repair it works without problem. Note that this is a mono aftertouch (a value for the entire keyboard). Its accuracy seems weak and therefore its use into a joke. But I did not know to look for other keyboards

- USB:
No problem on XP Home SP3

- Manual, documentation:
Really the bare minimum. So, I chose my sustain pedal a bit random (VFP 2 / 15 [temporarily closed] opposite behavior presets initial setup then start over again, but fast and easy). Besides this pedal indicators 1 / 2 jack on the reverse of the keyboard ...

- The transport section does not work directly under cubase 4, cubase preset under the same, so it must have to do some programming, I still have not resolved this issue.

OVERALL OPINION

- Problems of the first exemplary qualities seem to make the purchase a bit random; better to choose a willing seller.

- It is really a delight to play on this keyboard after my old D10

- Once the problems of bad luck thrown, it seems a good value for money. But quality is a bit random scandalous nonetheless a product of that amount.

Nevertheless, I think I would do if the choice had to start again.