Dave Smith Instruments SYNTHESIZERS

I have an Akai MPK49 that I'm happy with. I use it to play live with my
Evolver Desktop, as well as a Virus TI desktop, a Hammond organ Module,
and a Roland XV-5080. Each synth is MIDI chained and assigned to a
unique MIDI channel. I made 4 Setups, one for each synth, where each
setup has sliders mapped to various CCs and pads mapped to patch
changes.
 
Pros:
- Aftertouch
- Nice feeling keys (much better than the Mono Evolver)
- Ability to be powered by a power supply not just USB.
- Can run off USB power (but note the cons below)
- Feels sturdy
- Sliders work well, not too sticky or lose. Knobs are solid.
- Drum pads can be set to send patch changes (I have my top 12 Evolver
patches programmed in bank A). 
- Patch changes include patch and bank (MSB and LSB)
- The 12 Drum pads have 4 banks.
- The 8 sliders (and buttons I think) have 4 banks.
- It looks good (in my subjective opinion), but sometimes think it looks
big and blocky like a Fischer Price toy.
 
Cons:
- power supply (12v ?) not included
- When connected to a computer via USB, the 5 pin din MIDI ports do not
work. Therefore, can't use the editor software if the intention is to
control hardware.
- Does not support NRPN.
- Tap tempo (like anywhere else) is pointless
- Changing tempo is a pain to do
- Need hit "play" button for tempo to be transmitted (may be a good
thing)
- Couldn't get the DAW buttons to work with Sonar (though didn't try
that hard).
- Dumb UI decisions make it somewhat awkward to program in the unit
itself. Not too bad though.
- On/Off buttons do not send patch changes or notes, only CC.
- No simple way to send a patch change if you didn't already assign one
with a pad.
- Slightly awkward way to change setups - turn the knob then push it
down. No way to know if the knob was pressed and the displayed setup is
what's active. It would be better if there were - / + buttons. Could
cause trouble at a gig.
- Must remember to save the setup or you'll lose changes if you power
down or you change the setup. It became second nature to save after
every change.
 
The biggest plus for me is sending patch changes with the pads. It would
be much better if this wasn't just an afterthought since it's a little
awkward to do. Patches are 1 based in the Akai and 0 based in the
Evolver. Therefore B:15 in the Evolver would be 001/16 in the Akai. Some
older Roland products are base 8. Each patch change and controller
assignment is default to MIDI channel 1. No way to change that
universally per setup. My Evolver is set to MIDI channel 2, so every
controller assignment requires that I remember to set the channel in the
Akai.
 
-- Iain

 
________________________________

From: DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com [mailto:DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of ubiquitousblack
Sent: Thursday, April 23, 2009 11:12 AM
To: DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [DSI Synths] 49 and 61 key controllers





I'm looking for opinions of those who use 49 or 61 key controllers.

I'm searching for a controller with aftertouch and playability that will
last more than a year, posessing durability and doesn't feel like a
CME-UF series(had one, sold it, completly un-impressed with it, not
going to get into it) but not expensive like a new Studiologic
controller, asking much I know. 
Durability of the keys are more than my main concern, followed by
funcitonality as I'll be using it live and only mainly using it for
playing, not knob turning.

I'm considering:
- Edirol PCR800 (bad online reviews about durability)
- Akai MPK49
- Novation Remote SL Compact (49 or 61)
- M-Audio Axiom 61
- Yamaha KX61 (can't find any good reviews)
- or a used Kurzweil 2000 / Studiologic (since I own a K2500 and its
been rock solid for over 10 years).

Thanks in advance,
Tyler.






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