Casio PX130 Privia Keyboard with CS67 Keyboard Stand Review

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(More customer reviews)I agree with the reviews that discuss the feel and the sound, truly remarkable for such an entry level piano, you could not possibly be disappointed. For $449 up here in Canada it included the stand and the three pedals and a fairly substantial four legged padded stool. The total package is very sturdy if you put it together properly. I have no idea where the $800+ price tag mentioned on this site comes from. I give it five stars and thank Costco for marketing it at a fantastic price, amazing value. Not a toy, not polished ebony, but a really inexpensive entry level digital piano that sounds and feels very impressive. Yes it's a Casio folks, get over it, accept the fact that they have just moved the bar to a new level.

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The Privia PX-130 features a new Tri-Sensor 88-note scaled hammer action keyboard. Casio s superior engineering has resulted in an authentic piano touch that captures every detail and nuance of your performance. This scaled hammer action provides the weight, feel and resistance without sacrificing the portability of the instrument.In addition to the superior keyboard action and piano sound, the PX-130 is the perfect instrument for music education. Featuring Casio s Duet mode, the keyboard can be split into two equal ranges, allowing student and teacher to play at the keyboard simultaneously. The PX-130 s built-in 2 track recorder and metronome allows you to practice any tempo and later listen back to what you just played. The recording features can also be used to capture moments of creativity and remember song ideas. The optional SP-32 pedal board simulates an acoustic grand piano by providing all three pedals - soft, sostenuto and damper.It s easy to connect the PX-130 to your computer with its built in USB MIDI interface. The PX-130 s 88-note weighted scaled hammer action keyboard makes it an ideal controller keyboard for using with music software applications. The USB connection also allows you to move songs to and from the computer into PX-130 s flash ROM, allowing to you save songs you ve created.Whether you re at home, church, school or on stage, the PX-130 was designed to tackle it all, making it a valuable investment. With its light weight, you can easily take the PX-130 from home, to the classroom or even to the gig and back with no worries. It connects easily to your computer via USB, and its Duet mode is perfect for student and teacher practice. The technology in the Casio PX-130 allows you to do it all.88 weighted, scaled hammer-action keys 128-note polyphony 16 tones (with layer and split) Reverb (4 types), Chorus (4 t

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MXL V67Q Stereo Condenser Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this microphone to record piano music, chamber music and choral concerts. This is a serious professional microphone at a very reasonable price. It is stereo, and requires phantom power, which right away limits the devices you record on. You basically have to use pro equipment. It comes with a 5 pin stereo XLR connector cable which is only 10 feet long, You can get longer 5 pin stereo XLR connectors from musiciansfriend, Amazon or B and H photo/video. I use a Marantz CDR-300 recorder, but you could also use a marantz 310, any digital multi-track recorder or pro-tool/mac/digidesign interface box setup. (just make sure the interface box has two XLR inputs). The advantage to using a stereo mike is that it only requires one stand and one cable, and this mike sounds fantastic. You do have to back up from whatever you are recording, because it is very sensitive. Watch your levels when you are recording. It records the entire frequency spectrum, very quiet mike, but also very sensitive, you will hear every sniff and cough. It is a neutral mic, warm enough, and doesn't have a digital "edge" to it. I'm very happy with it. The color scheme is a little loud (I call it my Notre Dame Leprechaun Bling-Bling microphone) but once you get past that, it's a serious piece of electronic recording hardware. My previous microphone was a $200 Sony ECM-957 and I've also used a Rode NT-4 (~$600) this is as good as the Rode, but at one third the price. The MXL V67Q is the same price as the Sony but much better, wider spectrum, more neutrl and quieter. You should get a shock mount (I use the MXL 57) and a good tripod (I have an On-stage tripod, the end of the tripod accepts the MXL 57 shock mount). In summary, you can't do much better than this if you are trying to record classical music in a live venue with a digital recorder that has phantom power and XLR connectors. Highly recommended. for more info, go to www.mxlmics.com.

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MXL is proud to announce the newest addition to the V67 series, the V67Q Stereo microphone. This mic is the perfect addition to the home recording or studio environment. A fixed 90 degree XY pattern delivers a spacious stereo image, but also minimizes loss when translating to mono. The width can be adjusted later with panning if desired, as the left and right signals are delivered on separate balanced XLR connectors. The open tonality of the microphone compliments close micing by capturing the natural reverb of a room, provides an easy solution for drum overheads, and fits nicely under the lid of a grand piano. Follow the link above to hear a sample of the V67Q on guitar as well as other microphone samples.

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M-AUDIO Keystation 88 Full Size 88-Note Keyboard ( Windows PC / Mac ) Review

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(More customer reviews)this is the best 88 key controller I've used for all-around features in the sub$1000USD market. they keys aren't wobbly or cheap as another reviewer suggests, they feel like just about any other weighted synthesizer keyboard. velocity control can be tweaked to use different velocity curves, and the knobs, buttons, sliders, etc can all be assigned to custom midi messages. the editor software is not simple to use for a beginner, but allows alot of flexibility. I cannot comment on it's usb functionality as I have it connected to a midi timepiece.
I use this as my main controller in my "Budget" 20k studio. works great for just about everything that it's intended to do.

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M-Audio's Keystation Pro 88 is an 88-key hammer-action USB powered MIDI controller with features that make it the most comprehensive and competitive product of it's kind. The response of the professional action has been fine-tuned to satisfy the most demanding players, and 4 zones accommodate up to 4 layers or splits per patch. The stunning complement of MIDI-assignable controllers includes 9 faders, 24 rotary controllers and 22 buttons?and pitch wheel, modulation wheel, sustain pedal and controller pedals are all fully assignable as well. 10 memory locations store all controller settings, and the included Enigma editor provides unlimited storage. All this power weighs in at approximately 47 lbs., making it the perfect centerpiece for both studio and stage. 88 Keys9 Assignable Faders24 Assignable Rotary Dials22 Assignable Buttons1 MIDI OUT socket1 MIDI IN socket1 USB socket1 DC Power Supply Socket9 Function Buttons4 Zone/Group Buttons1 Zone/Group select button2 Octave shift Buttons12-Key Data Entry PadCustom LCD DisplayPitch-bend WheelModulation Wheel2 Sustain pedal sockets1 Volume Control Socket WARRANTY 1 year parts and labor.

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Casio CS-65 Privia Keyboard Stand for Casio PX-110, PX-120, PX-310 and PX-320 Review

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(More customer reviews)I picked up a Casio PX-200 a few months ago but found myself not using it as much because I did not have a stand which was secure enough to hold the piano in place. The original plan was to use a small table but that idea went out the window once I received my Casio PX-200 and realized how wide the piano was. So I decided I should purchase a stand. I first decided I would purchase an X style stand but my wife and I have an infant who likes to touch everything in the house and knock things over so I was worried this would not be safe for my child. I did not want to pay so much money for a stand but in the end, I decided better safe than sorry so I saved up money and finally picked up the Casio CS-65 stand. Boy and I sure glad I did.
My Casio PX-200 has two covers on each side which comes off easily by simply removing a couple of screws on each side and pull off the covers. Once you do this, you simply then mount it the each side of the stand and put the screws back on so that it secure. The instructions were easy to follow. After I finished putting the stand together, I brought my son into the office and we let him go at it. He could not knock it down. It was pretty secure, even with him leaning against it. He enjoys playing the piano all the time now. My digital piano looks great with this stand and I am not worried about my son getting hurt.
Pros:
-Secure
-Makes the digital keyboard look fancyCons:
-Since the piano is screwed to each side of the stands, this means your digital piano is no longer portable. If you plan on travling with your digital piano, this is not the stand for you.
-Much more expensive than an X stand
Overall, I would highly recommend this if you have a compatible digital piano from Casio. I wish Casio did not charge so much for this stand but I don't regret my purchase at call.


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The Casio CS65 Privia Digital Piano Stand has a high quality dark wood appearance and matches your PX110, PX120, PX310, or PX320 perfectly. The sturdy CS65 ensures a genuinely stylish appearance.

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Yamaha PSRE213 Portable Keyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)It really does not look like a professional keyboard but it could be a beautiful present for a beginner. Got it for [...] so its well worth the money. I would recommend the starter kit that comes separate for [...] more. It includes a headphone,footswitch,an adapter and a DVD.

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The perfect beginner keyboard, the Yamaha PSR-E213 with Portable Grand stereo piano and the Yamaha Education Suite also features 'Listen and Learn' function for learning songs, and is General MIDI (GM), and XGlite compatible. In addition, the PSR-E213 is an unbelievable bargain as a full-size MIDI controller.

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Alesis Fusion 8HD 88-Note Keyboard Workstation Review

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(More customer reviews)I personally like the keyboard action a lot though it may be light for some people...its not as spongy-light as a Korg Karma but its not as heavily weighted as a Kurzweil SP76. Velocity, release velocity and mono aftertouch are standard.
Some people have been asking how I like the Fusion's Piano and, more specifically, how it stacks up against the Korg and Yamaha offerings...
Well, It kind of depends on what you like personally.
Let me explain; the Piano on my Motif Rack was a brittle piece of crap to my ears. The piano on the Fusion is a lot more realistic. Personal taste varies on piano sounds quite a bit though - I've got an old Baldwin Acrosonic Spinet in the studio that I love!
I needed at least one "workstation" type keybord with realistic instrument sounds like piano, clav and strings in my studio. I started with a Korg Karma but its sounds were overhyped plus it had the absolute worst keyboard I have ever felt. Later I traded it out for a Yamaha Motif rack - besides its too-bright sound it had awful MIDI timing slop...I sold it to help fund the Fusion.
Through my ADAM monitors, the Fusion has a nicely flat, unhyped sound. In my opinion, the Fusion's patches sit in a mix a little nicer than Korg and Yamaha - I didn't have to compress and EQ them to get them to "play nice".
I'm playing the Fusion along with a Serge Modular, Nord Modular, Yamaha VL-1, E-mu Planet Earth, Waldorf MicrowaveXT and a DSI Polyevolver Keyboard and I tell you, the Fusion can certainly hold its own, even with a disparate bunch of "weird guys". LOL! It really has a unique voice of its own thats different enough to be a very welcome addition :)
The unique sound engines in the Fusion are just a blast to program and I love their sound...that's where I think it really shines, though Its obviously no slouch as a sampler either - now I can finally trash my old S2000.
It seems fairly solid. I'm not planning on gigging with it - if I was, I would certainly buy a decent case, but I would do that for any synth I planned on transporting ;) I haven't had any lockups or software crashes yet...I've been digging pretty hard and deep into the beast since I got it and it seems very reliable so far. This is a much more mature OS version though...If you're looking into a Fusion, make sure the most recent OS is loaded - some of the earlier ones were very buggy.

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The Alesis Fusion 8HD Integrated Keyboard Workstation's ease of use makes it easy to handle your most demanding production tasks - almost effortlessly. Four types of synthesis and a built-in 24-bit sampler make your music easier to manage and produce. Save and load programs from the on-board 40GB hard drive -- or from the removable Compact Flash memory card. Onboard effects processing is powerful, and easy to control with the fully assignable buttons and 360knobs. Fully programmable arpeggiator, easy importing & converting of files & internal storage make this the keyboard no studio or workstation should be without. Multi-channel input and output options in both analog and digital (S/PDIF and ADAT Lightpipe) 96 mixes (ROM and HD) 13 filter types Effects -20 Reverbs, 10 Chorus, 50 Insert Effects, 4 Band EQ 24-bit Analog and Digital Conversion (64x oversampling A/D; 128x oversampling D/A)512 samples per multisample 16-bit sampling depth; 44.1 kHz sampling frequencies Sample formats -Alesis format; Fusion Converter Software-PC/Mac (Imports. wav, aif, Akai S-1000/3000/5000 Samples/Program data and Soundfonts) Sampling sources -Analog input L/R, Stereo output (resampling) 64MB onboard memory; optional expansion to 192MB Sampling Time -11 - 53 w/onboard memory; 37 - 15 w/full expansion memory Arpeggiater with 490 presets & unlimited user expansion, plus phrase and drum machine playbackSequence format -SMF Type 1 Pitch bend & modulation wheelsAssignable trigger buttons (4), switches (2) Backlit LCD External Storage -Compact Flash Type I and Type II (Flash and Microdrives) Power Consumption -50 W Connectors -Stereo main & aux L/R out, headphone out, S/PDIF out, Coax/Optical out, ADAT out, MIDI in/out/thru, sustain pedal, footswitch, expression pedal, USB (to host), external HDD (SATA), HD recording inputs 1-8 Dimensions -51.5 x 14 x 5 (130.8 x 35.6 x 12.7 cm)

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Casio WK-1630 76-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)My wife and I debated on which 76-Note keyboard to buy: Casio WK-1630 or Yamaha PSR-GX76AD. The price range for both products is very close.
At the beginning, we kind of lean on the Yamaha for the following reasons:
-Yamaha GX76 has 5 songs, 6 tracks memory while Casio WK1630 only has 2 songs, 6 tracks memory.
-Yamaha has one hundred built-in songs while Casio has twenty something songs.
-Yamaha has education book come with it while Casio has none.
-Yamaha has four local stores in town for services while Casio has none.
After testing both products in several stores, we finally settled for the Casio WK1630 for the following reasons: Casio WK1630 has a better volume control and the sound quality seems to be a little better than the Yamaha GX76. Since my wife is not a beginner, she doesn't care about the education book. She only cares the quality of the music and the audible level of the music. She wants loud PoP music. Yamaha can't produce loud enough music even we turned the volume to the max. We tried the volume features on several stores to make the comparison. The conclusion is Casio produces music louder at the max volume with acceptable sound quality while Yahama couldn't produce loud music at the max volume. That help us made up our mind.
So if you are a beginner and don't care about the loudness of the music, Yamaha seems to be better.
If you are not a beginner and want a loud PoP music, you may consider the Casio WK1630.

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The Casio WK-1630 has 76 touch-sensitive keys, 32-note polyphony, programmable rhythm patterns, expanded digital effects, a modulation wheel, and separate line-out and headphone jacks. With 232 tones, a split and layer function, 132 rhythm patterns, and a two-song, six-track memory, this keyboard provides a full set of features for the beginner and intermediate keyboard player.
A backlit LCD window displays selections and status of tone, rhythm, mixer, and keyboard functions. The mixer allows control over each MIDI channel and accompaniment part you choose. Other controls include pitch bend and modulation wheels, along with transpose and tuning.
This keyboard operates on D batteries or an included AC adapter.

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Casio CTK810 Keyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)Casio CTK810 Keyboard
This is a fine solid keyboard if you are looking to learn a couple of songs and have a good sound. Even if you want to get a keyboard for your kids, as well as a good item for amusement. It is equipped with several voices, functions, and a teaching method. It is Touch Sensitive, so you can express yourself fully and it has USB connectivity that other brand's similar models lack.
It's an excellent option for your first keyboard.

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The Casio CTK-810 has an Advanced HL Sound Source that generates true piano sound and is Touch Sensitive like a piano, the harder you strike a key the louder and brighter the sound.This allows for more expressive playing. It now adds USB for added value, as you can now connect it to a computer, opening up a world of digital music possibility! Touch Sensitive with Dual Wave Form Processing General MIDI capable 61 Full-Size keys 32-Note Polyphony Advanced HL Sound Chip, (also found in our workstations) Stereo speaker system Advanced 3-step lesson system 500 Tones, 120 Rhythms, 50 Songs Digital Effects Backlit LCD Display 2-song Memory Front Microphone Input and Volume for Sing Along-Key Control Interactive Grading system with Voice and Display Assignable Pedal Jack and USB For Data Expansion, CD ROM Included Warranty: One year parts and labor.

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Casio WK210 76-Key Digital Keyboard Workstation (Standard) Review

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(More customer reviews)First of all, this comes with a lot to start with. A Songbook, a power cord, and a stand for your sheet music. It has a huge bank filled with all sorts of sounds and songs, and also has many other features as well, including a sampler, which works perfectly. The USB MIDI feature works PERFECTLY, and while it doesn't come with a USB cord, they are very cheep to get. I use this with FL studio and it works very well, even the keys are touch sensitive, and the sensitivity works in FL studio. I love this product.

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The keyboard 76 dynamic touch keys.The loudspeaker system features 2x2.5W for an impressive and balanced sound.

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Casio LK94TV 61-Lighted Key Keyboard with TV Output Review

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(More customer reviews)If you've ever wanted to learn to play a keyboard, this is the unit to buy. I have wanted one for 10 years and finally decided to get one and I don't regret it a bit.
This instrument is excellent for the beginner as well as the advanced player. It has so many features, it would be hard to list them all. Even if you don't want to play it yourself, you can have it play any of the 100 self contained songs by itself! And if you want to learn, the lighted keys and the "voice" help will get you playing in no time. I had it only a few hours and I was playing several songs. Not bad for a beginner, huh?
This keyboard is larger than normal. Playing it from a table top or coffee table will kill your back. Spend a few extra dollars and get the stand. You back will thank you. You'll find that you'll spend endless hours playing with it. If you don't want to disturb others, you may also want to get a set of head phones. A word of caution. The plug is 1/4", not the normal 3mm you have for CD players. You can get an adapter at Radio Shack.
So take the plunge. Oh, by the way, this is not only for the kids. You'll enjoy it just as much. I'm 56 years young!


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The Casio LK-94TV Keyboard was designed to make it possible for anyone to play a keyboard, right out of the box. Casio was the first company to introduce a lighted keyboard and the LK-94TV offers something new: TV connectivity. The TV connection for the keyboard can be used for lesson displays, feedback for its fully-animated interactive lesson scoring, and for displaying Karaoke sing along lyrics (video cable included). The LK-94TV also provides 24-note polyphony and 264 tones for creative expression. Additional songs for the LK-94TV are available via the Song Expansion feature, and with a Smart Media slot, new songs can be stored on Smart Media Cards.

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Musedo Pendulum Metronome, Transparent Review

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(More customer reviews)This metronone works really well. We needed a time keeping device that we could see working rather than the automatic types that just produce sound. It has helped to visualize the beat happening as opposed to the inexpensive ticker devices. Going back to an old device worked better.
The clear case is attractive and adds a modern touch.

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Musedo is a leader in making compact, reliable tuners and metronomes that are incredibly accurate, easy to use and have a remarkably affordable price.

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Yamaha PSR-E413 61-Key Digital Keyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)The PSR-E413 is Yamaha's next addition to their portable keyboard line. It was designed with the new musician in mind, and includes numerous learning tools (the Yamaha Education Suite being the most prominently featured) and "cheater" features (Yamaha Performance Assistance Technology let's you hit the wrong key and still sound correct). Unlike many other beginner level keyboards, however, the PSR-E413 has numerous features that will allow new musicians to grow into semi-professionals without having to buy a new instrument - 504 voices (instruments the keyboard can sound like), 100 arpeggio types, 165 preset styles, 30 preset songs, a pitch-bending wheel, and 5 song/6 track recording. Other common features such as "touch sense" (the keys can sound louder or softer depending on how hard they are pressed), a USB port, sustaining pedal port, and a headphone/output port are also present.
What all of that boils down to is simply this: the E413 is fun to play and sounds great. The price is generally within the acceptable realm for beginners, and the features make it something even those at a semi-professional level would like to play (though, in all honesty, most professionals are going to want a less portable 76+ key unit). After going to numerous music stores and online sources, this model ended up being the best fit for my budget and needs - I highly recommend it.
I have two complaints with the PSR-E413 as packaged. The first is that the music stand (which easily slides into two slots on the top-back of the unit) is made of cheap plastic, and looks like it will break easily. The second is that a number of additional items are needed to fully enjoy this instrument. The first thing you'll need is a plug-in power adapter (I was shocked that the keyboard didn't come with one) unless you want to spend hundreds of dollars on batteries. Next, you'll probably want a keyboard stand (a decent folding one costs anywhere from $20 - $60). An AB-type USB cable is necessary to connect the instrument to your computer and fully realize its potential. After that, a dust cover and case might also interest you. Finally, headphones and a foot switch/pedal should be considered, especially if you like being creative and don't live alone. Yamaha offers a few of these items in a special set called the Survival Kit B (it includes the power adapter, foot switch, headphones, and an extended warranty), but I don't recommend it, as the headphones and pedal it contains are of inferior quality.
Note: This model replaced the PSR-E403 as of May 2008. The two are extremely similar, with the E413 containing a few upgrades (165 vs. 155 styles; 100 arpeggio functions vs 50; etc..). The feel and most of the features of the two, however, are almost the same.

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The Yamaha PSRE413 61 Key Digital Keyboard expands the capabilities of one of Yamaha's most popular PSR lines. The PSRE413 includes features for every playing level such as the Yamaha portable grand and Yamaha education suite. An on-board arpeggiator includes 100 different patterns along with 20 different arpeggio voices. A full set of real-time controls gives you easy access to all of the capabilities of the PSRE413. A USB port is also included so you can download songs for learning from the internet. If you want to write your own songs, the PSRE413 also features a 6-track sequencer so you can layer your own tracks.

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Akai Pro MPK88 Hammer Action USB Midi Controller Review

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(More customer reviews)A lot of reviewer here on Amazon, and also on Guitar Center and YouTube seem to think the action is heavy and loud. I have now owned and used 5 full size (88-key) pianos to use with sequencing on my PC and this is the best one yet. I got the MPK88 because of all the controls it offered. I use it with Reason 4.0 and it works perfectly!
I'll quickly compare it to my past pianos:
1) Technics (now Phillips) electric piano - felt great, sounded great, but not many built in sounds and no MIDI controls except for the keys themselves, and MIDI playback was always at 100% velocity (so it was super loud when playing MIDI into the Piano. I got rid of this to get my...
2) KORG Triton Extreme - AWESOME keyboard/workstation. My hope was to do all my sequencing and sampling on this keyboard without a PC, but after discovering Reason 4, I just used it as a MIDI controller. It was only a step up from the Technics piano in that it had the pitch bend and mod wheels. The "transport controls" (stop, play, record, etc) didn't map to MIDI out data, so I couldn't sync those buttons to Reason. The knobs would map out okay, but there were only 4! The Triton was a $2500 board new, and it felt as good as the Technics to me. Since I wasn't using all the bells and whistles of the KORG, I sold it and downgraded to an...
3) M-Audio Pro Keys 88 - Advertised as a "stage piano" that thing is solid, but not really all that great for the built in sounds. As a MIDI controller it offered about as much as the KORG except the knobs and sliders were not mapable. The keys themselves were hard to play in that it took a lot of pressure to get them moving, then they collapsed down the rest of the key stroke. The velocity readings were always high because of this (one had to play hard to get to play evenly). I could change it to a different velocity curve, but then everything would simply be scaled down and the notes I wanted to be high velocity wouldn't be. In other words, the keyboard lacked dynamic contrast. This problem moved me to my spare "gig board"...the
4) Casio CDP100 - It has built in speakers and standard MIDI out (like the Technics), but with shorter keystroke (and less pressure needed) than the KORG and M-Audio boards. This allowed me to have expressive playing (smooth playing) without having to play hard. The problem here is that the velocity readings were all so low! Even when I did play hard, they rarely went above 75%. Finally, i was fed up. I wanted a ton of MIDI controls with accurate playing and no concern for built in sounds. This led me to the
5) Akai MPK88 - Now that I've gone through all the other boards, I can say it feels somewhere between the KORG and the M-Audio. It's heavier than what I remember the KORG being and it does a bit of that key-collapsing feel of the M-Audio, but it reads the full range of velocity as I expect them to be read! I can play soft and loud passages, and they all show up as intended. That's the most important part to me. The board could be improved by taking out some of the initial force needed to press a key, but still, it deserves a much higher rating than it's been getting for a MIDI controller.

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The Akai Professional MPK88 is a professional performance keyboard controller with MPC production controls. The MPK88 draws on the design of the popular MPK49, the first keyboard ever to features MPC pads. This first-of-its-kind keyboard is ideal for performance, starting with a premium, fully weighted, hammer-action keyboard, adding MPC pads, Q-Link controls, and a selection of MPC technologies. The MPK88 is born for the stage and is equally at home in the studio.CREATIVE INPUTMPK88 features an 88-key keyboard and 16 genuine MPC pads. The hammer-action keyboard is fully weighted and features aftertouch for expressive melodic control. The MPC pads are pressure and velocity-sensitive to capture every nuance of your creative concepts. The pads can access four banks of sounds, so you have 64 samples at your fingertips with the touch of a button.The MPK88 places dedicated transport controls within your reach for easy control of some of the most important tracking and editing controls. The MPK88 has modulation and pitch-bend wheels for expressive musicality, and two assignable footswitch inputs enable you to connect an expression pedal or other continuous controller and a footswitch for momentary controls like patch change or start/stop.
MPK88 Key Features
88-keyfully weighted, hammer-action keyboard with aftertouch for expressivemelodic creativity 16genuine MPC pads with pressure and velocity sensitivity MPCpads access four banks each for instant access to 64 samples Controlup to 72 software parameters with 24 assignable Q-Link knobs, buttons, andfaders KeySplit enables two different sounds from the same keyboard MPCNote Repeat, MPC Swing, and arpeggiator aid in creative process Transportcontrols for use with sequencers and DAWs MPCFull Level, MPC 16-Level, Tap Tempo, and Time Division assist with tempoand dynamics MIDI output over USB, bus powered, class compliant: plug and play with one USBcable Comeswith Ableton Live Lite Akai Edition software Workswith virtually all MIDI recording,sequencing, and performance software

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Steinway Virtual Concert Grand Standard Version Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The only thing that beats this product is actually sitting at a recently tuned quality grand in a nice room.
I got so excited by this sample set that I bought a 3 pedal controller so I can feel even more like I'm playing an actual piano.
I only wish this had been available in the late 1970's when I got a big loan for a Yamaha cp70 electric piano before going on the road (and also hurting my back!)
There are other very good similar products but I really think this is top of the current heap.
The only thing I'm not sure about is whether there is an upgrade path from the standard version that I bought (16 bit with 2 mic perspectives) to the Pro version (24 bit with 5 mic perspectives).

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Software. With CD-ROM. 6.7x10.75 inches. 98 pages. Published by Garritan.
The Steinway concert grand piano chosen for the sample set is among Steinway's finest Model Ds - newly voiced, regulated, and meticulously tuned by a master Steinway technician. Recording was done in one of the finest venues in the world, the Troy Music Hall. The Standard Version includes only the under-the-lid perspective and 16 GB of sounds. Cross-platform.

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Yamaha DGX300 Electronic Keyboard Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Considering the price of this keyboard, it is of very good quality. It sounds 80% like a real piano and feels 70% like the real one (the keys are still a little too light). And like many have reviewed this keyboard, I also feel the sound is not "loud" enough. I have to turn the volumn close to max in order to have a decent volumn with or without headphone (btw, if you turn off the touch function then the keyboard will be louder but it will be mono-tone). However, it is still a wonderful keyboard in this price range. I am glad that I got it. If you don't mind spending a bit more money (~$500), the Casio 88-key ones sounds and feels better than the Yamaha ones.

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YAMAHA DGX-300, 76 key educational keyboard with 3.5 floppy disk

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Matrix MR-800 Quartz Metronome Review

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(More customer reviews)This metronome is a great product but needs a volume control. The knocks and chimes keep perfect time, but are at full volume. There is no way to reduce the volume in situations that require it. If not for the lack of this feature I'd give it a 5.

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The MR800 LED display simulates the swinging motion of a traditional pendulum - especially helpful for students. In addition you can select multiple beat settings with an accent for the downbeat, both visually (green LED) and audibly (chime sound).

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Modartt PIANOTEQ 3 Virtual Instrument Software Review

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(More customer reviews)Although there are sampled pianos that can compete very well with Pianoteq, this is the way of the future. Modartt is upgrading this piano and it just keeps getting better. Wonderful sound and coupled with a quality controller it is very pleasant to play.

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After two years of intensive research in several fields — acoustic models, electro-acoustic models, algorithms — MODARTT created the long-awaited and much-improved version 3 of PIANOTEQ.New acoustic modelOne of the most exciting features in version 3 is the new acoustic model which simulates the sound radiation of the soundboard and the cabinet. Developed in close cooperation with demanding musicians, it brings stunning realism, clarity, and brilliance. This new acoustic model allows you to place up to 5 microphones anywhere around the piano in an additional illustrative interface. A mixer is available for combining the mics into 5 output channels, with the possibility to adjust separately level and delay.PIANOTEQ 3 offers full control of the sound source and unlimited possibilities to choose the color of the piano sound, similar to what professional audio engineers do when recording. The resulting experience is simply an amazing audio immersion. In binaural mode, for headphone usage, a head model is used for simulating the sound heard by a person located where the head is placed in the interface. The head can be rotated in any direction and even its size can be changed.New-to-the-series grand pianosThanks to MODARTT's research, they were able to build two beautiful new instruments, each with its own personality. The Grand C3 has a warm and colored sound, suitable for classical, romantic, or lyrical music. The Grand M3 has an attack and presence that will better suit jazz and rock music. Different perspectives are provided with each instrument: player, recording (4 mics in the C3 solo recording), close mic, binaural, etc. These are only a few of the many perspectives that you can create yourself by choosing your own recording settings: mics placement and mixing. Thus, any musician or producer should find the piano sound they need.The virtual piano factoryWhen building those two instruments, MODARTT took their inspiration from the very best acoustic piano

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