Edirol PCRM30 32-Key USB MIDI Controller

No longer available at zZounds
Newly developed keyboard mechanism. More comfortable reactions in the new keys. Switchable MIDI interface.

The PCR-M30 is a revised version of the popular PCR-30 MIDI Keyboard Controller. Like the PCR-30, the PCR-M30 offers direct connection to the computer through USB, 32-Keys, 27 assignable MIDI controllers, a software editor, MIDI input and output, and both sustain and expression pedal connections. Some advancement the PCR-M30 has made over the PCR-30 includes the addition of velocity curves, switchable MIDI interface, and a new key-action found on Roland's higher-end synths. The PCR-M30's key-action has been refined to produce even less mechanical noise than its predecessor and offer a consistent, playable feel. The keys themselves are slightly more rounded to keep your fingers from tripping over the keys during quick glissandi. The Pitchbend/Modulation has a new rubber coating for easier grip.

Features:
Newly developed keyboard mechanism comfort to MI keyboards for musicians

High quality improved keyboard assembly -- ultra-low mechanical noise

12 velocity curve selections for delicate musical nuance

More comfortable reactions in the new keys

Switchable MIDI Interface

Cool, black (titanium dark gray) body color

As a real musical instrument, not as a computer peripheral

32 Velocity-sensitive keys

High Quality Keyboard Mechanism

12 Velocity Curves and Fixed Velocity Mode

27 Fully-assignable Controls: 8 Knobs, 8 Sliders, 9 Switches, and 2 Pedal Ports

Rubber-coated Pitch Bend/Modulation Lever

1 GM2 and 15 User Memory Set read more LocationsFPT Low-latency MIDI Transmission

PCR Editor Software

USB Powered or AC Adaptor (Included)

MIDI IN/OUT Ports

Sustain and Expression Pedal Ports

V-LINK

High Quality Mechanism for the Serious Player
With a newly designed key mechanism -- taken from Roland's 30 years of synthesizer development -- players can control a wide dynamic range with incredible subtlety. The re-designed key assemblies have a rounded shape for better reaction to the player's touch and more comfortable glissando, plus changes have been made to reduce the already low mechanical noise of the PCR-80 and eliminate vertical shake on the key strokes. The newly developed pitch bend and modulation design offers you easier and more expressive control. All these features add up to a keyboard that even the most discerning player can appreciate.

Comprehensive Connectivity for Maximizing Player's Performance
Connect everything with one USB cable. Since the power is supplied from the computer, no AC adaptor is needed. The same USB connection provides MIDI IN and OUT ports that allow the keyboard to function as a MIDI interface to other external MIDI devices. It addition to this, all the information from keys and controllers can be sent through the MIDI OUT port so that you can control both software and external MIDI devices at the same time (MIDI Interface mode = OFF). With the interface mode turned on, the PCR-M80/M50/M30 can control multiple applications at the same time. Control your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) and software synthesizer at the same time. The MIDI processing in the PCRM80/ M50/M30 is compatible with FPT (Fast Processing Technology). This technology doesn't depend on music application you are using. It provides stable, high speed, low latency, and low jitter MIDI transmission.

27 Individual Fully-assignable Controllers
The PCR-M80/M50/M30 provides you with 8 knobs, 8 sliders, 9 buttons, and 2 pedal ports. These controllers can be assigned to any MIDI message, Control Change (CC), RPN, NRPN, System Exclusive and more. You get to choose what parameters to control in your MIDI hardware and software to create the perfect playing environment.

12 Selectable Velocity Curve Combinations
Pick from 12 velocity curves to precisely match your playing style. As the PCRM80/M50/M30 has 4 different velocity curves and 3 kinds of sensitivity (Light, Medium, and Heavy), the player can find the combination that perfectly suits them and can produce the precise MIDI performance and programming of a true professional. In addition a Fixed Velocity Mode is provided where the PCR-M80/M50/M30 always outputs a fixed velocity (from 1 to 127) providing practical input for drum and percussion programming in step recording.

PCR Editor software and Downloadable Memory Sets (Control Maps) on the web
The PCR series keyboards work with all major music applications, and are equipped with user memory locations to store up to 15 different control maps. PCR Editor software for use with the Edirol PCR Keyboard Series is included. The PCR Editor allows for extensive and convenient control of the PCR keyboards from a PC or Mac. The PCR Editor is designed to assist in creating control maps for the PCR and allow users to quickly and easily make assignments to any of the 27 assignable controls. This powerful software also allows the user to copy system exclusive messages for the PCR into a sequence so the controls can be mapped or changed during a sequence. In addition to offering easy implementation of different MIDI messages, the PCR Editor also allows the user to specify minimum and maximum values for each control. Supports Win98/Me/2000/XP, Mac OS X & Mac OS 9.x.
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Keyboard:
32 Velocity Sensitive Keys
Controller
Memory Button
MIDI Channel Button
Program Change Button
Edit Button
V-LINK Button
Octave Shift Button (+/-)
Transpose Button
Assignable Button (B1--6, L1--3)
Bender/Modulation Lever
Assignable Rotary Volume (R1--8)
Assignable Slider (S1--8)
Assignable Pedal (P1--2)

Memory Set:
Preset: 1 (GM2)
User: 15

Display: 7 segments, 3 characters (LED), Power Indicator

Rear Panel: Power Switch (USB BUS/OFF/DC IN)

Connectors:
Hold Pedal Jack
Expression Pedal Jack
MIDI Jacks (IN/OUT)
USB Jack (B type)
DC IN Jack

Power Supply: DC 9 V (AC Adaptor) or USB Bus Powered

Current Draw:
300 mA (AC Adaptor)
300 mA (USB Bus Power)

Dimensions: 600 (W) x 232 (D) x 86.5 (H) mm, 23-5/8 (W) x 9-3/16 (D) x 3-7/16 (H) inches

Weight: 2.4 kg / 5 lbs. 5 oz. (excluding AC adaptor)

System Requirements Macintosh
Operating System: MacOS 9.x, and OS X

Computer: USB ready Apple Macintosh

CPU/clock: PowerPC G3/233 MHz or higher

Memory (RAM): 64 MB or more

OMS 2.3.3 or later. FreeMIDI 1.35 or later*

For MacOS 8.5, 8.6, 9.x. Plug and play on MacOS X.

System Requirements Windows
Operating System: Microsoft Windows Me/98/98SE/2000/XP

Computer: Windows compatible equipped with a USB* port

CPU/clock: CPU/clock: Intel Pentium Cerelon or Intel compatible Processor/600 MHz or higher

Memory (RAM): 64 MB or more

USB Chipset: Intel's USB chipset is recommended

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 800-380-2580

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. (16 ratings)
Submitted June 24, 2006 by a customer from gmail.com

"If you need a portable, lightweight quality keyboard with plenty of knobs, get this."

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
The reason I bought this was because my space is very limited. I will replace this with a bigger keyboard one day, but I won't sell it. I have used this for about 12 months and I'm very pleased with it. If you have the space, it would be a better idea to get the 49 or 61 key version of this one. Mine is rock solid and works like a charm =)
Sound
Doesn't make sound, but always works perfectly with Reason
Features
I haven't got into the more advanced features, but the stuff I use now is good. 8 knobs and 8 faders is perfect if you want to control Reason's mixer or whatever you'd like to. It also has pitch bend and modulation like any other midi keyboard. I also think the buttons are assignable, but I haven't tried that yet.
Ease of Use
I plugged it in, installed the stuff on the cd, selected it from Reason's midi device list. I was able to do stuff right away with ease.
Quality
I have owned this about a year and there hasn't been a single problem with it.
Value
You get a lot of stuff for a very good price. Sonar LE is also included.
Manufacturer Support
Haven't needed it, so that's a 10/10 =)
The Wow Factor
I don't like the feel of the keys, but that's probably the only complaint I can think of. I haven't tried other MIDI controllers this size, but I guess it's among the best.

Musical Background:

Bedroom producer or whatever you'd like to call it

Musical Style:

Electronica, Breakbeat, Trance
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