Review MIDI keyboard Acorn Masterkey 61. Where to buy it?

I decided to compose a review with this MIDI Controller as it seems few people like going folks have written one. I’m likely to explain unique here therefore I hope you bear aided by the long review.First of all of the, this is a MIDI that is excellent Controller. It is not a keyboard (it is not an electronic piano so it does not seem on its own), and. Then try to find another thing, because this MIDI Controller has springtime keys, maybe not weighted or semi-weighted people (one of the a few reasons it really is under $100) if you are a good pianist. Nevertheless, it is playable that is TOTALLY it feels good on the touch, the tips have the proper size, etc. really if you’re a great pianist do not be in this site in the first place…The first thing you may notice is the fact that, based on what you’re used to, you kinda have to "hammer" the tips to have high velocities. You shall also realize that in the Alesis Q49 though, and also within the M-Audio Keystudio, therefore it is in contrast to you have a much better option than this. You shouldn’t get disappointed for this, there are actually two solutions:
1.- After two times of playing you will get accustomed it and don’t even value it any longer. I guarantee you that 100%.
2.- Frequently the Audio computer software you’re making use of (from now on: DAW computer software, DAW = Digital Audio Workstation) has settings for the sensitiveness together with minimum and velocity that is optimum. This enables one to modify the "velocity curve" so you can make the controller more sensitive.
The Masterkey is USB driven, which is a feature that is great. You do not need an power that is external for it. The pitch fold and modulation wheels are stiff enough to keep in place and do not send information that are undesirable nevertheless feel good on the touch. All knobs and slides are configurable to whatever MIDI CC control you want. That’s also an attribute that is excellent will not get in other keyboards.Another good thing his controller has is the display, that I like very much. So it’s really portable along with it you’ll fine-tune any knob to obtain an exact value to send to your pc, and it is one thing I do not see in other USB MIDI Controllers under $100.The Masterkey 61 is quite light. The built does not feel like low priced plastic at all. Some reviewers have specified that the tips are not exactly even, and it might be so in virtually any keyboard under $500, however in this controller that is MIDI particular if they are not quite also some keys might be higher for under 2/64". You WON’T notice it.This MIDI Controller does not require drivers and some people think this might be bad as it will likely be obsolete one and won’t be acquiesced by your OS later on day. They can’t become more wrong. This might be thought to be a generic controller that is MIDI Windows, Linux and OSX, and maybe several other OSes too. It shall always be identified by any OS in the foreseeable future as it’s 100% generic. But in decade in the event that you buy a MIDI Controller that needs a driver together with business that produced it stops making drivers for this, exactly what will you are doing with it? Contemplate it: being as generic unit that is MIDI possible is truly good.It additionally comes with Studio One Artist DAW computer software. Its decent you understand you can find better choices out there.The following sections pertains to any USB keyboard nowadays.
LATENCY
This keyboard is USB 2.0. USB 2.0 doesn’t have high latency!. Do you really genuinely believe that the MIDI Specification from very nearly three decades ago has reduced latency than USB 2.0?If you hit a key and it appears like a second subsequent (or even worse) then you definitely have trouble with your setup it is quite simple to fix:(This just pertains to Windows though, I’m yes in other OSes is even easier)
USING A DAW SOFTWARE:
In your DAW software ALWAYS select the ASIO driver. ASIO (Audio Stream Input/Output) is a latency that is real-time/low for recording and playback. You WILL have latency, and A LOT.This means you must go to Audio Settings and choose the ASIO driver you’ve got set up since the Output Audio Device by using your "Primary Driver" or the conventional "Windows Audio", "Speakers", etc. settings. If the noise card is inexpensive (like a built-in card that is noise you will not have an ASIO driver from the manufacturer. Don’t worry: install the driver that is ASIO4ALLGoogle that) and you are set.As an example I have actually a Sound Blaster X-Fi Platinum and I just have to choose the Creative ASIO driver and that’s it.Also make sure to set the ASIO Buffer Latency in 12 ms or less. It too low you’ll hear cracking sounds originating from your speakers in the event that you set. Just reduce it sufficient to latency result in the unnoticeable. By meaning its impossible to have zero latency, but such a thing under 12 ms is unnoticeable by 95% of this people.
USING A MIDI-OUT DEVICE
Let’s say you do not wish to compose a song but simply jam. It really is tedious to own an software that is very big FL Studio exposed just because you want to hit some keys and fool around. Just what exactly will be a "lighter" way to simply play while having some fun?when you have MIDI-OUT hardware in your setup and wish to play some sounds from it I recommend you to download "VMPK – Virtual MIDI Piano Keyboard" (Bing that, it’s available Source) and instantly visit MIDI Connections and select "Enable MIDI input" and "Enable MIDI Thru on MIDI Output", and of program choose your Masterkey 49 once the MIDI Input and your MIDI Output device.If you don’t have MIDI-OUT Hardware your only option will soon be "Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth" and you’ll have latency with that basically bad MIDI Software Synth that Microsoft made. Don’t worry and do not feel depressed: Download "CoolSoft VirtualMIDISynth" (Google that), which is a latency that is low Software Synth that can use the Soundfont Banking institutions the Creative laboratories product does. Make every effort to reduce the "additional output buffer" on it and you should have quite low latency.
SUMMARY
to sum up that is a MIDI that is fantastic Controller just $79.99, that’s why I’m offering it 5 movie stars. Its unjust to give 3 stars because, for example, the keys are not weighted like a $499 piano that is digital. It is a very great item for its value and I really suggest you receive this even although you haven’t been aware of Acorn before.

I purchased this Controller to utilize with Cubase 5 and Reason. Into my studio create although i did my research(obsessively), i ended up being nevertheless just a little sceptical that because it comes with no motorists i may have a problem linking it. Fortunately i didn’t. I have always been using Windows 7 Professional 64 bit. I installed no nagging issue, and had been ready to go along with it within 5-7 minutes. The playability and feel is not bad. I are finding that with Controllers the greater amount of you spend, generally the better the feel. So if you’re prepared to spend more, you could somewhat find controllers with better touch response. I cannot comment on build quality as i’ve only had it a months which are few but i look after my stuff, so if there is a challenge it will not be down seriously to neglect. It vessels with some oem sequencer computer software, and a standard usb cable.

Other Features Include

61 note, velocity sensitive, synth-style keyboard
– Pitch bend and modulation wheels (MIDI assignable)
– 1 assignable MIDI fader
– 4 assignable MIDI knobs for realtime control
– 3-character red LED segment display
– 1 sustain foot switch input jack, type-sensing (foot switch not included)
– Quick-toggle between real-time functions Octave, Transpose, Program Change and MIDI Channel
– Advanced MIDI functions
– USB class-compliant. No motorist needed

Overall i would state good cost for a significant product…..If you are after an affordable 61 key controller, this might be worth a look…..