Wanted: master keyboard with release velocity

[robgxmn]

The Hydrasynth Deluxe sends Release Velocity. The Explorer does too, but I'm guessing 3 octaves won't suit for a master controller. Note that the regular Hydrasynth does not support release Velocity, and that all models are semi-weighted, which may be a deal breaker.

https://www.ashunsoundmachines.com/hydrasynth-deluxe

I don't own one myself, but really liked my demo of both the Explorer and Desktop.

[elena2]

Yep but those are NOT master controllers, those are synths
Yeah it almost seems easier to find synths which are more performing as MC than fully featured MC nowadays... but as I said, why should one spend 2x or 3x if he is just using vst ? It is a definite overkill !!

Anyway it now turns out that the Viscount k4 and k5 can still be purchased "on demand". Great news. I already ruled out the k5 since it mounts a Fatar TP100 LR (imho a very poor and hard to play action). So I shall manage to try the k4 (Fatar 40 L) and if I am satisfied by the touch I will get it.

[robgxmn]

Yep but those are NOT master controllers, those are synths

True, as are both the K4 and K5, though those are limited to piano modeling. From what I could find, the prices are similar, too

The Hydrasynth Deluxe certainly does have fewer controls, and is only 76 keys. Plus I'm not sure what the keybed is, just that I personally liked the feel. Any of these could certainly also be a deal breaker for your needs. I hope you get something you love!

[elena2]

Yep but those are NOT master controllers, those are synths

True, as are both the K4 and K5, though those are limited to piano modeling. From what I could find, the prices are similar, too

Not quite k4 and k5 are just controllers, while the k4 EX and k5 EX have the PM soundboard.
Personally I watched some youtube video about the sound engine just out of curiosity (being personally quite expert and enthusiast with PM) but I remained quite deluded. But in any event I, as one who works in studio, since the so welcome advent of vst stopped using any hardware sound engine since 2003. I mean, I still prefer sample based solutions for piano, but my impression is that eg. Pianoteq sounds much better. As I said I never tested it personally and my judgement may be superficial so I apologize

[robgxmn]

Yep but those are NOT master controllers, those are synths

True, as are both the K4 and K5, though those are limited to piano modeling. From what I could find, the prices are similar, too

Not quite k4 and k5 are just controllers, while the k4 EX and k5 EX have the PM soundboard.

Ah, thanks for pointing that out! Agreed about Pianoteq, it sounds amazing, and has some great add-ons, especially the historical instruments. Hope to get it myself one day, but for now I use the pianos included in Komplete, as I already own that.

[elena2]

Btw, CME master keyboards in particular the VS and UF series seem good and fully featured ones, supporting both AT and RV despite cheaper than the Viscount models. I have no idea of how good is the touch though. Even these aren't very easy to find it seems...

[rod_zero]

weighted controllers are not as good as digital pianos by kawai, roland and casio. I would add a touché for modwheel/pitch and pressure along a digital piano