KVR Audio

BONES · Post by **BONES** » Tue Nov 26, 2024 2:22 am

This thing has been around for several years now and I am surprised it doesn't get more attention here. I've wanted one since they were released but Roli wouldn't sell them here in Australia, as they hadn't got around to getting regulatory approval. That has now changed so I was able to buy one last week, with a $50 discount and free shipping for Black Friday. To my surprise, it shipped locally, so they must have a new distributor here, although I haven't seen any Roli products in a music shop for years.

Anyway, I'm really impressed with it. It is great to play, with both velocity and polyphonic aftertouch. Like the Korg Minilogue and Monologue, the keys are quite long so that, even though they are narrower than my KeyStep's, playing feels much less cramped.

Below you can see how tiny it is and how well it fits into my teeny-weeny studio set-up. I've attached one of my Lightpad M's and a Control Block to it, to give it more functionality and, so far, I am loving it! In fact, I am loving it so much, I ordered a second one yesterday while they are still discounted. I only need one in the studio but having two on stage will be really handy.

LUMI.jpg

If you want any more info, I've posted a review. If there's anything I didn't cover there, just ask and I'll make up some bullshit answer, in true KVR form.

P.S. I am amazed at how much improved the camera in my phone is after a software update. A year ago this pic would have been dark and grainy.

BONES · Post by **BONES** » Wed Nov 27, 2024 11:20 pm

Am I seriously the only person on KVR who has a Lumi Keys? WTF is wrong with you people?

poonna · Post by **poonna** » Thu Nov 28, 2024 1:36 am

I have two. Got them for polyphonic aftertouch. Overall, I’m glad to have them, but, as the key travel is shallow, the aftertouch response is a bit hard to control.

BONES · Post by **BONES** » Thu Nov 28, 2024 6:41 am

Aftertouch has nothing to do with the key travel, it's what happens after it reaches the bottom. It's pressure that triggers it not the movement of the key. My first one arrived in a coupe of days, the second is taking its sweet time about it.

poonna · Post by **poonna** » Thu Nov 28, 2024 8:37 am

BONES wrote: Thu Nov 28, 2024 6:41 am Aftertouch has nothing to do with the key travel, it's what happens after it reaches the bottom. It's pressure that triggers it not the movement of the key. My first one arrived in a coupe of days, the second is taking its sweet time about it.

I guess it's partly my (lack of) skill, but shallow key travel makes it easier (for me) to unintentionally release keys as well. When I exert more force on some fingers for aftertouch, other fingers tend to relax a bit and accidentally release keys. The relaxed fingers are also unstable because of me not wishing to release, so it results in fluttering of the notes (rapid off and on and off and on). I may just have to practice more with it, but I think deeper key travel might also help.

BONES · Post by **BONES** » Thu Nov 28, 2024 9:51 pm

That's why you practice, my friend. Not that I have ever found a practical use for polyphonic aftertouch. It's way too subtle to make a difference to anything in a mix.

BONES · Post by **BONES** » Mon Dec 02, 2024 10:56 pm

I am still surprised at the lack of interest in these things. Of the 7 mini-key MIDI controllers I own, this one is easily the best. Is it the price that puts people off? For what it is, I think it's worth every penny.

poonna · Post by **poonna** » Tue Dec 03, 2024 3:59 am

I guess it’s the price, and probably also the fact that they originally tried to market it as practice tools rather than professional equipment. I’m glad I bought them though.

BONES · Post by **BONES** » Tue Dec 03, 2024 10:46 am

Are people unable to see the potential for their needs until the marketing dept decides to market specifically to them? Really?

PieBerger · Post by **PieBerger** » Tue Dec 03, 2024 1:50 pm

BONES wrote: Wed Nov 27, 2024 11:20 pm Am I seriously the only person on KVR who has a Lumi Keys? WTF is wrong with you people?

Obviously no one is buying them to spite you specifically

BONES · Post by **BONES** » Tue Dec 03, 2024 11:38 pm

I know you probably think you're special enough that people might do that to you but I can assure I am not.

Echoes in the Attic · Post by **Echoes in the Attic** » Wed Dec 04, 2024 4:09 am

How do the white keys feel compared to the black keys these days? I bought an early version and the feel was terrible, so I returned it. Very stiff black keys, much looser white keys.

BONES · Post by **BONES** » Wed Dec 04, 2024 4:29 am

They feel about the same to me, not firm but not loose either. I think the weight is just about right.

Uncle E · Post by **Uncle E** » Wed Dec 04, 2024 6:29 am

If anyone in the US is interested in it, you can often find them on Goodwill's site for next to nothing.

rasmusklump · Post by **rasmusklump** » Wed Dec 04, 2024 9:35 am

BONES wrote: Wed Nov 27, 2024 11:20 pm Am I seriously the only person on KVR who has a Lumi Keys? WTF is wrong with you people?

Wtf is wrong with people that think they are the center of the world and everyone must share their opinions?

Roli Lumi Keys (Now Called "Piano M")