EXS 24 Logic Sampler Users Group

Hi,

On Feb 25, 2004, at 7:31 PM, someone wrote,
  > Subject: compact keyboard controllers
  >
  > Hi everyone,
  > I need a very small keyboard controller....usb.. for a gig in Europe.
  > Space and weight are really tight.   I'm trying to get by just taking
  > my laptop and the controller....Even trying to leave the mt4 at home.
  > The Edirol PCR 30 has my interest right now.  It is a little large 
but
  > at the same time I"m wondering if 32 keys is enough.  The size and
  > weight of the 25 key models is more attractive. Is it so easy to 
octave
  > shift (in performance) that the no of keys isn't really an issue?  I
  > don't think I want to mess with mini keys and I need velocity
  > sensitivity.   Does anyone have any experience using these things 
with
  > Logic and the EXS?  I'd appreciate the input.  Thanks a bunch in
  > advance.

Of the small USB keyboard controllers, I liked the Edirol PCR-30 the 
best.  It seems to have the best feel (to me).  Having said that, I 
ended up buying the Oxygen-8.  Not because it was the nicest, but 
because it was cheap (it was about $100 cheaper) and Midiman makes a 
backpack that will fit the Oxygen-8 plus a Powerbook as well as a bunch 
of other things (like my FW drive and iPod).  It probably has the worst 
feel - the keys feel spongey and the velocity tracking isn't very 
accurate (but that could be due to the crappy keyboard itself).  On the 
positive side, I don't have any problems with the drivers in Panther 
(or in Jaguar or even OS9) and it gets the job done and does pretty 
much everything that I need it to.

I use it simply to key in parts.  Anything that requires that my played 
in feel is accurate and I jump to a better keyboard controller.  This 
thing works great though for sequencing when I'm not in my studio and 
I've got some time to spare.  Switching octaves on the fly is pretty 
easy.  However, the buttons aren't exactly built like a tank.  I've had 
them double press even though I only pressed them once so you may need 
to be careful with it.

Evolution makes a comparable keyboard for roughly the same amount of 
money.  It feels a bit better but I don't have much experience with it. 
  The Edirol one has a nice feel and, I believe it even has aftertouch 
on the keys (big bonus IMHO but you would have to check that out to be 
sure - my memory may be fuzzy).

HTH,
Fernstudio


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