Emu Xboard 25 25-Key MIDI Controller

No longer available at zZounds
25 Velocity Sensitive Keys. Programmable Real-Time Controllers.

The new E-MU Xboard 25 Professional USB/MIDI controller for PC and Mac offers unmatched playability, real-time control and programmability in a portable keyboard package ideal for studio and stage use. The Xboard 25 features fullsize velocity sensitive keys with aftertouch, 16 programmable real-time controllers, Xboard Control editing software, and E-MU's new Proteus X LE Desktop Sound Module with over 1000 sounds. The Xboard Control software provides an intuitive desktop interface that lets you effortlessly create custom templates for all of your favorite hardware and software instruments. The Xboards also allow you to set discrete MIDI channels for each controller and offer unrivaled real-time control and performance features, including Snap Shot that lets you send multiple program changes and controller values by pressing a single button, and Xboard Latch Mode that enables you to define a section of the keyboard as on/off triggers -- perfect for drum loops. The Xboard 25 is ultra-portable and can run on USB, battery, or AC power.

Features:
25 full-size professional keys with Aftertouch -- the Xboard 25 is a true performance controller with a high-quality synth-action key-bed

Xboard Control software lets you easily create custom setups for your favorite hardware/software instruments

Advanced studio/live performance features, like Latch Mode for triggering drum loops, Snap Shot for instantaneous program changes, and many more

16 real-time controllers that can be assigned read more to the key performance parameters of all your favorite virtual instruments

Includes Proteus X LE Desktop Sound Module (for Windows) with over 1000 presets and Ableton Live Lite 4 for E-MU (for Windows)

USB, battery or AC powered -- take your music anywhere

PC & Mac compatible - Windows XP, 2000 and Macintosh OS X drivers
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Dimensions (to top of knob): 3.12 x 9.5 x 18 in. (79 x 241 x 457 mm)

Weight: 4.9 lbs. (2.2 kg)

Knob height: 0.62 in. (16 mm)

Minimum System Requirements:
Mac: OS 10.2 or greater with native USB port

PC: Windows 2000 SP4 / Windows XP SP1 + / Vista

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 831-438-1921

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. (28 ratings)
Submitted August 4, 2008 by a customer from ericschreiber.com

"Well worth the money."

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Sound
As it's not a sound module, this question isn't really relevant. However, the keyboard does control sounds, and to me seems quite responsive in terms of velocity and after touch.
Features
The fundamental feature - the keyboard - works well indeed, and feels better (stiffer, springier) than I expected in this price range. I've only just begun using the knobs as controllers for virtual instruments, but it works quite well for that. The only extra that I might have wished for would have been some pads to use as drum controllers. I am a bit disappointed in the bundled Proteus X LE software, which I have not been able to get working. However, I didn't buy the XBoard for the software, so this is a minor issue.
Ease of Use
Hook it up and go. Configuring the controller knobs can be a touch complex.
Quality
For the price, it seems a very solid unit.
Manufacturer Support
I have not needed support, so I can't answer that question.

Musical Background:

Hobbyist

Musical Style:

Folk & Electronic
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No longer available at zZounds

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