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Feature:
A 76 key controller keyboard with aftertouch in this price range honestly should say enough, but it has a lot more too - overall it is hard to beat at this price point.
So why not a higher score?
1. There's no way to do toggle type MIDI control functions (like 0=off, 127=on) on the dedicated function keys. I have other keyboards I can program with control changes like that if I need so its not too much of a deal breaker for me, but to many it might seem like an obvious ommision for a controller keyboard (and it is) so I wanted to mention it. They can be programmed to send note on/off messages (so you can use them as pads to trigger sounds, albeit fixed to 127 velocity, if you want proper pads from CME range go up to the VX controller keyboards) or program changes. They work fine in this regard.
2. You are limited to a single layer or single split mode, you can't freely assign multiple areas. Not a big problem for what I'm using it for, but it's no replacement for a Roland A70!
That said, you have eight fully assignable slider controls and 8 fully assignable rotary controls - that's hard to find on any controller, let alone at this price. Only thing that annoys me is the rotary (pot) cotrols ALL have centre dimples, like they are pan-pots, it's a noticable jump if you use them for real time control, personally I would prefer if they only had that on a couple, or even not at all.
Ease of Use:
Providing you understand MIDI and things like channels, controllers, program #'s etc. it's a peice of cake (and by definition one would assume anyone buying such a device would). The manual definately could be better mind - it's very to the point on how to do something, but doesn't explain why you might want to, which goes back to, it assumes you know what you are getting again!
Quality:
8 - but with caveats (so please read before you buy)....
From a pure mechanical perspective, it seems solid enough. I'm told CME have made keyboard mechanisms for Yamaha too at time (don't qoute me on it, but it does "feel" similar to keyboards on the MOTIF range) but that is one area where this board really come into its own. I really enjoy playing on this, it has a wonderful feel and is very expressive both in velocity and aftertouch, honestly better than my top end Roland keyboards which feel somewhat spongy and loose in comparison. It's a true pleasure to play, the only minor downside being couple keys have a slightly harsh plastic edge to them that if you play close to the front edge of the white notes was irritating at first, though I don't really notice them now. Sure no substitute to a proper weighted keyboard if that is what you are after, but for a semi-weighted it's really not bad at all.
Now the downside.....the firmware that drives this thing....
CME seem to have some major issues when it comes to software QA, the version (1.0.6) that came with this keyboard has bugs in it that are inexcusible (but fixable, just so you read on). Example, the sliders/knobs MIDI values move to the 50's then jump to 85, back to 1, then to 60 onwards.....seriously!). Move them fast with some effects you wouldn't notice, but on some things (volume/expression) trust me it's bad.....and inexcusible. For me as an electronics/software engineer that sort of issue really makes me wonder about CME, I almost sent the board back because it renders all those real time controllers close to useless...good news is there is a solution....
Basically you need to contact support at CME and they will send you the links to firmware version 1.0.7 and the software that lets you update it via USB (and note it only works on a PC, they have no MAC version to date so far as I know, but check with them) - it will fix the problems. I haven't found any major issues with it yet. But it's annoying for sure, if it wasn't for the keyboard action this would have gone back, I just took the time to look for a solution.
How durable it is time will tell, but the keyboard itself seems solid enough and I've had no issues from that standpoint. Whether I would use it for live performance, not sure quite yet, I'll tell you when I've had it 6 months, though it hasn't had any issues from a playability standpoint yet (no stuck/missing notes etc.)!
Value:
Get past the firmware issues and I think this is great value, there isn't much in the 76 key semi-weighted market.
Manufacturer Support:
Support helped me with the firmware issue within 48 hours and told me where to download the latest one (it's not directly availbable on their website at the time of writing) so I can't complain too much.
The Wow Factor:
For me it's just a practical and affordable addition to my setup, can't say it just jumps out and says "buy me". That said it does have a somewhat straight edged no nonsense 80's look to it that is kind of appealing (but not in a sexual way, I prefer to not get involved with any of my music gear that way, plus the wife would get jealous LOL).
Overall:
Check the firmware version if you buy it, and if it's not 1.0.7. get the upgrade to fix the slider issue. If you have a MAC, forget it, they even told me the MAC version isn't available yet, just PC. Go with something else.
It's a good action for a semi weighted board and to find any controller with aftertouch at this price is hard - but I would suggest you try it first and see if it is to your liking. With the proper firmware it seems to work fine (for me so far) and I love the feel and expression from it, but make sure the features will be enough too (read what I said about toggle functions, I have other boards that can bridge that).
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