Velocity-sensitive keys. 45 assignable controls: knobs, sliders, buttons, transport & more. 8 Dynamic Pads. Includes the Production Plus Pack software.
"A-800PRO is a well crafted, useful and versatile Product, but could use better integration with its obviously intended target So" submitted January 30, 2011
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Sound:
This really does not apply because this keyboard produces no sound. It is a MIDI Controller keyboard only. The action is a tad better than my other keyboards. It is not GHA, but I knew that.
Feature:
Since I own the Roland-Cakewalk Sonar Software, I had thought that this keyboard would be more ready to go with the Controller Assignments. It appears that End-User-dinkering is still necessary just to get it to basically talk to the Sonar Software. Oh well. Otherwise the A-800PRO seems to have any kind of Assignment possibilities that you could hope for.
Ease of Use:
The Manual could have been more developed. In the beginning, I was confused by the A-800PRO Editor which is a separate stand alone Software Application and the Sonar Interface which communicates with the A-800PRO. The similar-yet-different confusion factor stumped me for a while until I realized that they were two separate things. I have yet to use the power features, but computer-MIDI-telemetry has never been an easy go for anyone or any company. The basics stuff, which is what I HAVE used, works OK.
Quality:
Good workmanship. Seems pretty solid.
Value:
Yes, definitely.
Manufacturer Support:
I have not dealt with Roland on this Product, but my experience has been that they are pretty much unreachable & uncaring. Cakewalk has, however, a completely different CS standard and I have always been promplty & cordially dealt with. I am not sure yet exactly who handles the issues on the A-800PRO.
The Wow Factor:
This Keyboard Controller was purchased because it served the function of being an outboard controlling interface for the Sonar Software. It has yet to prove that function. At this time I cannot say, for lack of time to fully operationalize it. As I said before, I thought that it would be more fully functional out of the box. For instance, the "Forward, Rewind, End, Start" Transport Controls do NOT seem to be recognized by Sonar yet, though the Keyboard Controller MIDI basic Note Number, Velocity Messages are OK. The Sliders also seem to require tweaking to get Sonar to respond the way you think it should, though they have standard assignments on the A-800PRO.
Overall:
I hope to be using this Controller for some time. My previous one, the Midiman USB Keystation 49 has held up for about 8 years, though now one of the Midiman's Keys, the low D2, always sends out a max-velocity message no matter what the striking velocity of the key actually was.
5 of 5 people
(100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Sound:
Pretty quiet, keys are not too clacky. Of course, it's not supposed to make any sound at all!
Feature:
No power supply included, but you don't usually need one with USB connection. The control surface works great with Logic. Keybed quality is very good for the price.
Ease of Use:
Manual is fair, setup pretty easy. It's a complex beast but the decently sized LCD helps. No getting around some setup issues with generic controllers I guess.
Quality:
Good solid plastic. Good fit and finish. Shouldn't break unless you drop it a long way.
Value:
Good value for money, probably a little cheaper than most comparable controllers.
Manufacturer Support:
Haven't dealt with Roland
The Wow Factor:
Looks better with the Roland logo than the old Cakewalk logo! And more pro looking design than the old Edirol PCRs that spawned this.
Overall:
Very satisfied. Don't think I could do better without spending more money.
4 of 4 people
(100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?
Questions? Our gear experts can help!
800-zZoundsOpen_Monday!
Mention Reference
Number
MFV-9DCY When You Call.
Toll Free En Español: 800-460-7976 m-f 9AM to
5PM EST
Follow zZounds on:
Customize Search Results for Your Location
A temporary customer reference number is assigned to each customer only while they are shopping on zZounds.com. If you call our customer service department for assistance, this number makes it easier for us to answer any questions you have about products, services or purchases.
A temporary customer reference number is assigned to each customer only while they are shopping on zZounds.com. If you call our customer service department for assistance, this number makes it easier for us to answer any questions you have about products, services or purchases.
enlarge