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.

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.

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.

Good workmanship. Seems pretty solid.

Yes, definitely.

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.

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.

Hobbyist

Ecclectic

no sound, It's a midi keyboard

The modulation and pitch bender in the same wheel, good for fast effects.

Mapping is laborious if the software doesn't admit ACT.

there is a 4 mm wide furrow under the sliders would be safe with some plastic or fabric to avoid dust or liquid penetration.

30 years, guitars, keyboard, midi things

Experimental, sound designer, noiser.

Pretty quiet, keys are not too clacky. Of course, it's not supposed to make any sound at all!

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.

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.

Good solid plastic. Good fit and finish. Shouldn't break unless you drop it a long way.

Good value for money, probably a little cheaper than most comparable controllers.

Haven't dealt with Roland

Looks better with the Roland logo than the old Cakewalk logo! And more pro looking design than the old Edirol PCRs that spawned this.