Behringer UMX25 25-Key MIDI Controller

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zZounds Gear Experts Say...
With 25 velocity sensitive keys, includes UCA202 USB Audio Interface and Ableton Live Lite 4 software.

Introducing the Studio in the Box from Behringer

The U-Control UMX25 is an ultra-compact master keyboard packed with superlatives: it features 25 full-size, velocity-sensitive keys, 10 programmable MIDI controllers plus 8 user-set buttons. But we'll give you even more: 50 virtual instruments that allow you to rock straight out of the box. Hit the keys of a grand piano or take off with breathtaking synths, sound samplers, etc. Download more free instruments from the dedicated download area. Plug and play your software instruments or MP3 tracks and run them straight into your sound system with the included USB/audio interface. Or simply record your stereo tracks on your Windows or Mac PC. Compose and record with Ableton Live Lite 4 Behringer Edition. It's the perfect solution that allows you to compose, record and remix your musical ideas. Jam with sounds or phrases and record your song on the fly.

This is the ultimate Studio in the Box to play, jam, record, mix and even lift off - at an unbelievable price. But before you start, make sure you'll fill your fridge and pay your electricity bill. You might not leave your bedroom anymore.

Features
Unleash your creativity and play 50 virtual instruments and synthesizers, take off with an unlimited number of sound creations.

Velocity-sensitive USB/MIDI keyboard featuring 25 full-size keys and unbeatable programming versatility, real-time control and playability

USB/audio interface to connect your instruments and mixer, etc. to read more your computer for recording and playback

Powerful DAW software Ableton Live Lite 4 BEHRINGER Edition included

Plug and play with Mac OS X and Windows XP

8 real-time rotary controls plus 10 assignable switches

Freely assign MIDI control changes to the modulation wheel, volume fader and pedal port for ultimate flexibility

Full 128 tone range via the octave shift function with multi-purpose LED status indication

Separate MIDI Out allows controlling external samplers, synths and other equipment

Runs via USB bus, batteries or a power adapter (not included)

High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life

Conceived and designed by BEHRINGER Germany
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For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Web: https://www.behringer.com/service.html

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars. (8 ratings)
Submitted January 9, 2008 by a customer from yahoo.com

"Decent value for your money."

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Hopefully this controller will last me for a long time. However, if I had to replace it I might try an M-Audio Oxygen. The enigma software that comes with the Oxygen is what seems most interesting to me about that keyboard.

Sound
No sound (it's a midi controller. However, the included freeware (also available on the net if you want to hunt it all down) is OK.

Features
This is the weak point of this product. There is no LED to indicate patches, groups and stuff. It reminds me of old electronic devices from years past. Come to think of it even my old Casio keyboards had LEDS. Also, an interface for the PC to store and load presets would be a great feature for people who like to tweak their synths and stuff a lot. I have a Behringer V-Amp with this feature. How come not this product? It does have all the basic features, 1 or 2 octaves up or down, personalizing knobs and buttons, etc. I was surprised that even with batteries you need a power adapter to use the midi out cable instead of the USB. USB cable and this weird USB to audio-out cable are included as is a cutback version of Ableton Live (never used it, I'm happy with my old Logic 5.1) and the aforementioned freeware.

Ease of Use
It is pretty much plug and play. The included ASIO drivers seem to work well and were easy to install. The setting of knobs and buttons is also pretty darn simple. No read more complaints there. The instructions are pretty light and I'm pretty sure I have found a couple of mistakes already but not bad in general compared to what I have seen for other products.

Quality
I can't talk about durability cuz I have only had it for a couple of days. The feel of the keys is pretty nice. I was surprised when I tried it next to a M-Audio Axiom 25. The Axiom was a little better but not much. For me the feel of the keys is just fine. The adjustable action of the keys is nice too. However, even at its most sensitive setting it is still a little stiffer than I would like.

Value
Pretty good bang for the buck, especially for the feel of the keys.

Manufacturer Support
Don't know. Haven't had any issues (yet).

The Wow Factor
It's a little boring without the LED lights and it's all black on silver.

Musical Background:
hobbyist

Musical Style:
pop/rock/lo-fi/garage
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12 of 12 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
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