Summer NAMM 2008

[Ed A.]

Korg just released their NanoKey and Nano Series controllers. I'm interested in the NanoKey in particular for the portability, but I'd really like to see a new 61 note full sized synth-action controller with aftertouch . Does Korg have some new 61 note full sized keyboard controllers with aftertouch, maybe to replace the K61 or the Kontrol49, or is there another choice at NAMM 2008 that I'm overlooking (Studiologic, Yamaha)?

[Michael Blue]

E-MU and Novation both have 61-key controllers with AT (Xboard 61 and ReMOTE 61 SL).

[Ed A.]

Yeah, I should have mentioned that I tried or owned several 61 note aftertouch keyboard controllers including the E-mu Xboard, M-Audio Axiom, Edirol PCR-800, and some CME model that I can't remember. Wasn't crazy about any of them for various reasons. The ReMOTE 61 isn't bad, but all its controllers and programmable displays are overkill, IMO. I would like to see a simple 61 note synth action AT USB keyboard controller with an action like a DX7 or K5000 which I think had the best synth action keybeds out of everything I've ever played.

[Michael Blue]

Have you sold your E-MU? I have a DX7 for sale. :lol:

[Ed A.]

I sent the E-mu back to where I bought it. The funny thing is that an Xboard 49 that I was using felt much better than the Xboard 61 I had. It didn't make an annoying "thunk" when the keys bottom out. Thanks for the DX7 offer, but I was thinking maybe the fact that it's 25 years old might make for a problem with its keybed. And also that it transmits on MIDI channel 1 only and it doesn't have USB, otherwise, why not?

[Michael Blue]

LOL! More or less kidding. Odd about the Xboards...I wonder why that would have been...I've been looking at the 61, myself.

[vifitflag909]

i love the feel of my m-audio axiom 61 controller, and i know that it has aftertouch. check it out.

[Ed A.]

Odd about the Xboards...I wonder why that would have been...I've been looking at the 61, myself.

Well, I thought I'd give the Xboard 61 another shot, since my options are limited, and for whatever reason, the action on the one I just ordered is fantastic. Musician's Friend also price matched a price of $215 with shipping included.
I don't know if E-mu improved the action from when I originally tried it, or maybe I had a bad one, but the action on this new one is probably one of the best synth action keybeds I've played.

[EerieDreamZ]

I've looked around for the Nano series... is there a definitive release date for these?

[Ed A.]

October 2008, $69 for each of the three: http://www.sonicstate.com/news/shownews.cfm?newsid=6858

[ulankfan]

I need a new controller badly...been using a midiman Radium for a few years now and I just realised. I HATE IT!!!!!!!!! Feels like shit and has no velocity curves.

[OranJuice]

Well, I thought I'd give the Xboard 61 another shot, since my options are limited, and for whatever reason, the action on the one I just ordered is fantastic. Musician's Friend also price matched a price of $215 with shipping included.
I don't know if E-mu improved the action from when I originally tried it, or maybe I had a bad one, but the action on this new one is probably one of the best synth action keybeds I've played.

Hey, can you tell me where you saw it for $215 so i can price match too?

Thanks:cop:

[Ed A.]

audiomidi.com has it for $215.