From bruce@ashbysolutions.com Wed Oct 19 19:04:36 2005
Subject:Re: Why Doepfer

Hi Norm,

Another keyboard to consider is the CME UF8 (88-key weighted) or UF7 (76-key semi-weighted). It has a good collection of knobs and switches, but only two zones. (At least, at the current time. The OS can be updated, and a number of owners have requested more zones. Who knows?)

I have info on my site, if you are interested.

Regards,

-BW

--
Bruce Wahler
AshbySolutions.com™ http://music.ashbysolutions.com
978.386.7389 voice/fax
bruce@ashbysolutions.com

At 05:33 PM 10/19/2005 -0700, you wrote:
>Thanks Bruce. I trust your reports. My guy (Lionel) at Petosa Music here in Seattle just told me the same thing. Not everyone likes the keyboard but good stuff for the price. He also has a Muse Receptor in stock now and is getting to know it so I will demo this combination soon. Thanks guys!
>Norm
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: Bruce Wahler
>To: CloneWheel@yahoogroups.com
>Sent: 10/19/2005 4:05:42 PM
>Subject: Re: [CWSG] Why Doepfer
>
>Hi Bob (et al),
>
>You're very welcome, even if I didn't know I was pointing you toward the Doepfer keyboard. ;-)
>
>I just noticed that AudioMIDI.com is listing the LMK2+ and LMK4+ as "discontinued" -- is this so?
>
>Some general comments to the group: As I recall, Bob's MIDI setup was very ambitious; probably more complex than many list members need. For those who don't need eight zones, you might want to consider the M-Audio Keystation 88 Pro. I've had one now for over a year and I really like it.
>
>Pros/Features:
>
>- Four zones
>- 88 weighted keys with 9 velocity curves (not programmable)
>- Nine programmable sliders with drawbar mode
>- 24 programmable knobs
>- 22 programmable buttons
>- inputs for volume/expression pedal + 2 sustain pedals
>- each knob/switch/etc. can be programmed to almost any CC on any channel
>- USB or AC adapter powered
>- Nice big display
>- 10 setup memories
>- Under $500 street (I paid $425 for mine on sale at GC)
>
>Cons:
>
>- Keyboard doesn't quite feel like a grand piano -- it feels like a '68 Fender Rhodes, complete with the bounce on release
>- Black keys are shorter than a standard grand piano key
>- No aftertouch
>- Needs a case
>
>For my needs, four zones is plenty -- often 1-2 more than I need -- and the lack of aftertouch is a minor thing. (I programmed one of the knobs to send aftertouch messages, so I can still use the function, just not in the intended manner. People badmouth the key action: it's an acquired taste, but quite useable, IMHO. I've also hear a lot of QC issues bantered about: uneven key height, flaky action, etc. I've seen none of that on mine.
>
>Is it the "end-all" master keyboard? No. For <$500(USD), though, it's a great keyboard. Lots of programmability, and the large collection of knobs allows me to dedicate some of them to each sound source. I don't know about others, but I like to pre-queue my sounds, so I often turn knobs on the NEXT sound module, so it will be ready when I call it up. It doesn't have 128 memories like the Doepfer, but it can call up all 128 MIDI programs, and will do so on all active zones at once. I use it with a Virus C and two QSRs, and interleave them by creating blank programs when I only want one module. That way, I leave all of my modules active at all times.
>
>Regards,
>
>-BW
>
>--
>Bruce Wahler
>Design Consultant
>Ashby Solutions™ http://consult.ashbysolutions.com
>978.386.7389 voice/fax
>bruce@ashbysolutions.com
>
>At 10:00 AM 10/19/2005 -0700, you wrote:
>>Norm,
>>Sorry on the delay in answering this question...I just now read it!
>>I bought the Doepfer mainly because it handled so many zones, presets and options within each zone/preset. This all started when I was looking for a way to change all mine and the bands midi controlled modules/keyboards/effects/lights/etc. with a single push of a button. I found it to be a royal pain just to switch the patches for each device between songs. It was almost taking as long as the song! At first all I could find were PC based seq. programs like Cakewalk and Digital performer but those were a total overkill for me, as I did not want "a band in a box" or any seq. music, just a way to quickly switch patches. Bruce Walher (sp?) from this group who sells Midi Solutions devices to many of us is the one who gave me the idea (without even know it...thanks Bruce!) I was picking his brain one day on how to control all this stuff and he was giving me some work arounds with Midi Solutions' products. He mentioned that what I really needed was a "controller" that had enough zones
t
>o
>> control all the devices. Being new to the whole world of Midi it didn't register that a controller can be a keyboard...I was thinking of a PC or some other piece of hardware! Duh!
>>I surfed for a long time looking at all the controllers and none of them had enough zones and horse power to do what I wanted. I stumbled on the Doepfer site by someone's post about the D3m waterfall style keyboard model (which I also own and is a very nice organ controller) and when I was looking at that board on the Doepfer web site I seen the LMK4+.
>>The fact that it's light, built into it's own case and has a great feel are all extras!
>>Bob
>>
>>Hi Bob and all,
>>So I checked the archives regarding other controllers, StudioLogic, M-Audio, etc. and it seems the Doepfer is heads above the competition and is probably the way to go, right? Obviously you did your research before buying. Tell us more why you chose Doepfer. Thanks,
>>Norm
>>
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