From deke@dekethegeek.com Fri Jan 31 13:33:01 2003
Subject:new (cheap) midi controller keyboard for B4 and others

Just to alert everyone, Studiologic has a new controller out called the CMK-161. It doesn't have any controller knobs, and has synth type keys, but it has an elongated back end (for a computer keyboard and mouse I guess). The reason this is cool is that if you want a double manual setup for a clone rig this will probably hold your clone on top of it, or your upper manual controller (for us B4 geeks). This means you don't have to have a two tier keyboard stand for a double manual rig.

link here: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=030130150607004037213002920501/search/g=rec/s=computer/detail/base_id/103738

Musiciansfriend is selling them for $99.99, and expect to receive them in a couple of weeks. I called Studiologic's support line to get the specs on it since MF doesn't have them, and the product is too new to have a manual online. The support guy transferred me to the product manager who answered my questions, and when I told him I was interested in one since they were $99 on MF, he offered to ship me one for $89. I accepted... LOL! The only catch is that it has to be to a business address for them to be able to ship it.

The features are pretty basic... pitch bend and mod wheels, transpose, program change, etc. but no aftertouch (no biggie for me). And it blends nicely (I hope) with the Evolution MK-361C I use for the upper manual, since they are both silver.

Call it a cheap toy, but for $89 it would be hard to beat. If you want one, they are in stock at Studiologic, just call them at 1-800-431-6699, or locally (Garden City, NY) at 516-794-1888

Deke The Geek