Emu Xboard or M-Audio Keystation (ES) controller keyboard?

[Roman Empire]

Dear All,

I'm looking into buying one of these two keyboards, but not sure which one to choose.

I'm looking for something that in the quality of keys will replace my dear old Roland U-20, which had semi-weighted keys.
And that's the case also with the M-Audio, but alot of reviews are telling that it's velocity response is not really acting in a desired way, whereas with the EMU, the thing reviews really emphasize is how great it is to play.
It has got no semi-weighted keys however, but then I'm wondering HOW semi-weighted the U-20 keys actually were.

I'd like to have your feedback on this, or if anyone's got suggestions for other keybards in the € 200 price range.

I should add that I'll need at least 61 keys (5 octaves), but I just need a slider or two, plus pitch bend and vibrato.
The EMU does come with alot of knobs, and of course they can be great to have, but not a must for me.

Your opinions please!

[ephrem]

..i got a Xboard61 for a couple of months now, and altough i am no expert or have a frame of reference, i thoroughly enjoy playing it. The feel of the thing is a sturdy one, but you don't want it to toss around bringing it to a gig for instance. It looks pretty enough, with the grey front and blue leds and all the knobs, sliders and wheels suffice in quality, so all in all, it's good quality for money, IMO...

[Roman Empire]

Hi there!

Thanks for your inputs!

Anybody else?

[Roman Empire]

*bump*

[Ian B]

XBoard 49 here, and I'll just echo what ephrem said about the XB61. Don't expect the greatest contoller in the world in feel and features, tho' it does a good job for the price imo.

[Roman Empire]

XBoard 49 here, and I'll just echo what ephrem said about the XB61. Don't expect the greatest contoller in the world in feel and features, tho' it does a good job for the price imo.

Hi Ian,

Thanks!

How do you like the keys on it? If possible, what would you compare their quality to?

[Ian B]

XBoard 49 here, and I'll just echo what ephrem said about the XB61. Don't expect the greatest contoller in the world in feel and features, tho' it does a good job for the price imo.

Hi Ian,

Thanks!

How do you like the keys on it? If possible, what would you compare their quality to?

They keys seem fine to me, tho' I've little to compare it to tbh. It's already lasted longer (6 months) than the Edirol PCR-50 I had previously.

'EDIT'

Part of the reason I bought it was the bundled software > Proteus LE plus Planet Fat, Protean Drums and Planet Earth cds. Unlike some other users, I've had no problems installing/using these, but they're not up to much imo.

[Robot5]

I've also been looking at the EMU controllers. I'll let you know if I find any decent reviews.

Rob

[ew]

I've had a XBoard 61 for seven months; I like it. I much prefer the keyboard feel to that of the Axiom or other M-Audio boards; the M-Audio stuff seemed even more lightweight and the pitch/mod wheel felt cheap on them.

It's the one E-Mu/Creative product I'd recommend to anybody. 'nuff said...

ew