Edirol PCR-300

I did a search that didn't produce much...does anyone have one, or tried one. Curious about the feel and velocity response, and the feel of the drum pads. Thanks !

Like everything else, it depends on what you want to get out of it.

I used a predecessor, the PCR-50, back in the day to control a Roland VK-8M clonewheel module. I wasn't too impressed with the action, 'specially for organ stuff, and worse yet, I broke two of them. I guess they dont much stand up to being thrown in the back of a car at two in the morning, so get a good case. The controller idea ended up being more complicated than I wanted to deal with on-the-fly, so I traded them in for a Nord Electro 73 and haven't looked back.

Again, it depends on what you want to get out of it. I suppose it'd stand up to studio work quite well.

Here's a review of the 49 key model from sound on sound:

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/aug07/articles/edirolpcr500.htm

For what it's worth, the PCR300/500/800 have the same keybed as the Roland SH-201 and VP-550.

Well, I dunno if that's true. The new PCRs do have aftertouch, while the keybed SH-201 and VP-550 do not.

My take on the keybed was that it felt very similar to the keybeds on the Juno-G, which MAY have the same keybed as the SH-201 and VP-550 (all DON'T have aftertouch).

All in all, I would say that it FELT similar to the "mid-range" keybeds on the Rolands these days, but am not sure if they are indeed the same inside - definitely NOT the Fantom quality keys on there.

Now, what I haven't had a chance to do was play the PCRs on an actual module or softsynth. I say this because in my experiences with the RD-300SX, the keybed by itself didn't feel too good however actually playing something on it felt completely different (i.e. I could be as expressive as I wanted to be, and that's what counts).

Does the new PCRs have any chance of being good? Well, I personally do not enjoy the keybeds on the Juno-Gs. I could probably play it if I had to, but would not be my first choice. My definition of a good keybed is something I can coax expressive piano licks on, and in that definition the Juno-G keyboard was definitely sub-par, passible at best. Do the new PCRs have the same keybed as the Juno-Gs? Couldn't adjusting the velocity curve help? I have no idea, but I guess it's certainly possible.

On a personal note, I'm looking forward to the keybed on the Juno-Stage. I may buy it for the keybed alone(!!!) but would Roland FINALLY allow their top keybeds on the cheaper keyboards? I've not seen this so far, certainly not on anything from Edirol, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed...

Hope this helps

Go here and click on the 'PCR-Series Interactive Tour': http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.aspx?objectid=863

"Same 49 keys as the Roland SH-201 and VP-550"

Not really something one should expect or look for in synth style keybed, let alone a 32 key controller.

The old PCR series had terrible key action, I couldn't even give mine away. Don't know about the recent ones . . .

One thing about the PCRx00 series aswell as the Juno-G, VP-550 and SH-201 is that the keys aren't as long as most pro synth actions including Rolands own that features on the V-Synth/Fantom X6/7.

I couldn't get on with these short keys for important stuff.

I've got a pcr 500 and it works well for most stuff

the little pads aren't great

overall good

I've got a pcr 500 - excellent value for money, comes with cakewalk production pack too. Easy to set up, as it is already mapped for most major sequencing software.

Not got as far as the drum pads yet - they are a bit on the small side though. Otherwise the keyboard has a good feel.

Haven't really got to grips with all the functions on the keyboard yet - but essentially is made by roland, and they have 30 yrs keyboard/ midi experience and it shows in the PCR 500. Enough said.

I did have another keyboard in the same price bracket (not going to name which one) - but it was complicated to set up, drivers were unstable for XP and it was very, very frustrating. Thankfully the PCR 500 came with comprehensive instruction manual and a quick set-up guide (with pictures for idiots like me).

My experience so far is that I am very satisfied with the purchase and would recommend you to go to a shop and get a demo.