SoftStep Foot Controller Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This thing is amazing! It's is a huge step beyond what has been available 'til now (FCB-1010, etc).
The Max5 based software still a little buggy (as of Jan-2011, V.1.03) and could be better, and hopefully will be soon if the quality of the pedal is any indication.

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The Keith McMillen Softstep USB MIDI Foot Controller represents a huge leap forward in footpedal controllers. Together with the included KeyWorx software (Windows and Mac), it allows you to add feet-on control of your MIDI keyboard, effects units, music software or anything that can be controlled via MIDI or OSC. Its a dream come true for musicians and DJs who could benefit from an extra set of hands, as well as not so obvious applications like video effects, computer gaming, robotics and pyrotechnics.Popular software titles like Pro Tools, Abelton Live, Amplitube, Logic and MainStage as well as hardware from Avid (Eleven Rack), Line 6 (POD) can all be controlled by the SoftStep.The Keith McMillen SoftStep is portable and, while its build is rugged and spill-proof, is extremely compact and lightweight. At just 1.3 lbs and 1 tall when lying flat, it gets its power via the USB connection making it easy to pack up and hit the road. Together with the included KeyWorx software youll be able to set up commands for each of the SoftSteps 11 multi-touch key surfaces. You can select programs, bring a browser window forward, scroll through folders and open documents, control the cursor, send out keystrokes and mouse clicks, zoom in and out, control volume and more! A 4-character LED display, 10 dual-color key LEDs, and EL under-glow give you performance feedback thats easy to read even on dimly lit stages. * About the optional Keith McMillen SoftStep MIDI Expander:The SoftStep MIDI Expander enables you to use the SoftStep USB MIDI Foot Controller to control your MIDI world. The MIDI expander provides a MIDI In and a MIDI Out that shows up on your computer as SoftStep MIDI Port 2. The SoftStep MIDI Expander is easy to set up and use. Just program your SoftStep with our easy-to-use control mapping software, plug in your MIDI rig, and you're ready to send and receive data to external MIDI hardware. The SoftStep MIDI Expander is needed to use the SoftStep without your com...

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Akai MPK 49 Controller Keyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)First of all, the pads DO suck. MPC's are known for their pads so you'd think Akai would at least be able to put the same type of pad/contact design on their MPK line. Instead they put a bunch of pads with no play that feel like buttons and make the keyboard housing vibrate when you pound them. On top of that they placed the contacts so far away it's damn near impossible to get 127 velocity on the pads without going Full Level. Even my LPD8 feels better than this thing. And even though they look like the MPC1000 pads, the 1000 pads are twice as thick as the ones here. I would have loved for them to have put the 1000 pads on this. At least then I'd be able to play back a chopped loop without feeling like I'm dialing a phone number.
The best part of the controller is the control surface. The transport keys, knobs, and sliders feel great. The LCD screen looks great.
Something unique about the controller is that it has built in MIDI settings that mimic classic MPC functions (16 level, MPC swing, note repeat). Too bad the pads keep you from fully enjoying these features.
The keys are decent but slightly noisy because they vibrate on release. The controller is also one of the few 49 key controllers out there with aftertouch. I prefer the lever-like feel of the Axiom when it comes to using aftertouch but the keys here are not a dealbreaker.
There's also a simple arpeggiator you can use. It's fairly simple in that there are only 5 settings you can use to separate notes in a chord. If you've used a more sophisticated arp (like the one on a Yamaha KX8), you'll be disappointed though.
The MPK is a good controller but Akai could have done way better than this. If you're using this for the keys and control surface it's a decent investment. But if you're thinking of buying this for the pads so you can drum and play back chopped loops, get an MPD instead.

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More than just a USB/MIDI controller, the Akai MPK49 USB/MIDI Controller Keyboard helps you maximize your musical ideas on-stage or in the studio. It combines a high-quality, 49-key, semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch and 12 genuine MPC drum pads. It also offers 48 total accessible pads via 4 pad banks, and you can control up to 72 different parameters via 24 assignable Q-Link knobs, faders, and buttons as well as optional footswitches.

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Moog Music MF102 Moogerfooger Ring Modulator Pedal Review

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(More customer reviews)Got the pedal, and it is amazing. Five stars for the pedal, worth every dime. The time it took to ship it wasn't amazing, but I guess you get what you pay for. I purchased the pedal on December 24th, and received it on January 4th. It was boxed well, and is a sturdy pedal. Definitely the best pedal I have ever purchased. I have thus far ran it through a couple of different amplifiers, a Roland FP-3, a MIDI laptop setup, a 1975 Rhodes, and an electric violin and all of them were really fun to play with. I would definitely recommend the pedal but if you want it quickly, pay for the faster shipping.

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Yamaha YPG-235 76-Key Portable Grand Piano Premium Pack Review

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(More customer reviews)I received this keyboard on 2/2/11. As always, I was impressed with how quickly I received my order from Amazon.com. However, within minutes of setting up the keyboard, I noticed that two keys on the right side of the keyboard didn't work. One key simply didn't work AT ALL, and one key seemed to have a short and would only play after pressing it like 3 or 4 times in a row. Amazon is making it easy to return/exchange this keyboard, so I'm hopeful that the replacement is decent. However, after this experience and reading other reviews online of this exact problem, I am very concerned about the build quality of this keyboard, despite having heard good things over the years about Yamaha.
I'll update this review after I receive the replacement in a week or so. Hopefully I won't have to switch to another brand, but Casio maybe the next one I look at (need to keep this purchase affordable).
UPDATE: I received a replacement keyboard in record time: less than 2 days! I was at first bummed that I wouldn't be able to test the new keyboard over the weekend, but Amazon got the replacement out immediately and it was here early Friday afternoon (I had only submitted the return early Wednesday evening). Amazon did create some confusion, however, by on the one hand telling me that UPS would be picking up the defective keyboard from my house, and then e-mailing me a label and instructions for dropping the keyboard off at a local UPS center. Then UPS added to the confusion when I called to confirm the pick-up at my house: they said that one hadn't been arranged. So then I bring the keyboard to a UPS center, and then find a UPS pick-up attempt label on my door. Whatever...I got the defective keyboard to UPS and back to Amazon.
As for the keyboard: it sounds great. I've only just begun to play around with it, but the keys feel good, and the variety of quality sounds is incredible. I'll be combining this keyboard with Ableton Live Intro to create music. I spent several hours after receiving the keyboard testing the keys (I was concerned after the defective unit) and checking out the various functions. I haven't even scratched the surface yet, but I am giving the keyboard a decent rating. I'll report back if my opinion changes over time.
The headphones that were included with this package deal are ABSOLUTE GARBAGE. It's not worth my time to return them, especially since I already went through the hassle of returning the entire first keyboard package. The right channel of the headphones didn't work AT ALL right out of the package. These no-name, god-awful headphones are already in the trash. I ordered the package to get the power adapter and the stand anyway, so it's not a big lose. Still, you don't like to feel ripped off in any way.
The stand that came with this package is quite sturdy. It certainly isn't anything fancy, but it was easy to put together and it seems strong enough to last years.

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