Cheap MPE controllers

[george]

5 of them? Now that's expressivity My goal was to get a nice hardware device with MPE for further real-world scenario testing and of course have some fun with it to complement other mobile controllers like our KeyPad app and the Korg Nanokey Studio. I expected better quality from Korg since the AirKey is quite nice, but got a bit disappointed with the NanoKey XY pad build quality and responsiveness.

[KansasKMP]

Depending of your needs and/or budget, but maybe:

https://www.embodme.com/erae
https://roli.com/eu/experience/seaboard-m

I don't remember here, but there is a thread around with a list of all MPE controllers.

thank you

I have two Seaboard Block M (now they go by Seaboard M) and they are so fun. Get the M version because they fixed the glue separation issues of the first Gen Blocks.

[george]

I finally received the Roli Blocks M, which IMO is an overall very fun controller (thanks BONES for the recommendation) build quality and software is very good too. However, the note push-retrigger behavior is not as good as the others I'm using to test MPE like the LinnStrument 128 (but that's ~10x more expensive) I also got the Osmose CE for MPE testing. It has amazing keys, but I was a bit disappointed with faders used as pitch bend and mod wheel, as well as the rotary/clickable menu knobs (they're a bit wobbly when tweaked). The Seaboard M is getting on my wishlist too.

IMG_0380 (1).jpeg

[BONES]

I expected better quality from Korg since the AirKey is quite nice, but got a bit disappointed with the NanoKey XY pad build quality and responsiveness.

Yeah, I have a NanoKey and it is obviously built to a price. I've got one of their cheaper MIDI keyboards, too, and it's not quite as bad but still a long way off the keys on the MInilogue or Monologue.

I have two Seaboard Block M (now they go by Seaboard M) and they are so fun. Get the M version because they fixed the glue separation issues of the first Gen Blocks.

That's really good to know because mine literally feel to pieces after about 3 years. They are quite a bit cheaper now than they were, too. I always had this idea that having a Lumi Keys attached to the Seaboard Block as the perfect MIDI controller combo but it took Roli so long to release the Lumi for Australia that my Seaboard was dead before I got one. There are a few Seaboard M's on eBay but postage to Australia kills the deal. It would be cheaper to buy a new one from Roli. I think I'll probably do it when I sell my Erae Touch.

[KansasKMP]

Yeah, I bought two used, but I should have just bought two new. I saved a $50 USD, but had to work with Roli to get the S/N switched over to my name. They were very helpful and quick. As a company, Roli has been great to work with.