Best Midiplus X-8 III Alternatives

Based on 11 reviews

This is my first feature rich midi controller that has weighted keys. The keys are very nice to play. The DAW controls are so useful. I still have to remember to use them sometimes. I keep finding myself reaching over to the mouse out of habit and then I catch myself and realise I don't need to move. Also, one amazing feature of this beast is that it works off USB power. I never thought a device with so many lights and features could work solely off USB power. Really excited about using it live with the laptop stand.

Based on 7 reviews

I was splitted between VPC1 and PK88 but in the end I preffered the last. Not only for the price, but I mostly liked the concept that after more than 20 years of continous production is about to perfection. If VPC1 would have Kawai GF grand action (instead of RM3-II) maybe I would vote vice versa. But being put into a position to choose between two compromises I voted for the Doepfer. The look is striking, housing made of 7mm plywood which is relatively lightweight and solid. Total weight is exactly 20 kilos, most of it being the keybed itself. The all thing is extremely compact and heavy, at the limit to which a man can carry it. Concerning the keyboard I can compare it with the former Fatar TP/10MDS (which I have it into my Korg EC510) and Roland Ivory feel G (in A88) and S (FP-80)...

Based on 1 reviews

I understand Hans Zimmer uses this controller keyboard in his studios. Though is is probably more elegantly built into his furniture. The keyboard inside is a Fatar and I believe it has three different resistance levels in the low mid and high ranges. I used to have a Nord Piano 88 purely for the way the keybaord responded to touch but I never use the piano sounds. I only wnated it because it felt right under the fingers. Eventually I found out that the Doepfer LMK4+ had nearly the same keybed and so took the plunge. Really very happy with it replacing my Nord Piano as a controller. The keybed is better because of the three-way split on the keyboard rather than two for the Nord Piano, from what I understand. Also it doesn't have that grindy crunch when pressing down the keys on cheaper...

Based on 1 reviews

I found the overall keyboard to be improved over the MK2 version. My MK2 had a few clunky keys from playing over time. My only rant is over the NI software which is unstable, plugins library links often get broken. The latest Komplete Kontrol at the time of writing this review is quite a downgrade from the older version. I used to be able to access the list of presets from an instrument quite easily whilst being within that particular instrument. The favorite list is now only accessible from the instrument selection page, which makes going from one preset to another quite cumbersome and time wasting.

Based on 14 reviews

The keyboard is very good, keys are well weighted, nice action. I don't have regular access to a concert grand but I suspect that the response in an instrument with an authentic double escapement costing 30 times the price of this may be a little faster for playing the repeated notes in Ravel's Alborada. The Kawai certainly plays well enough for the likes of Chopin etudes, Bach 48, etc., standard reperoire, and with a good virtual piano software it's an excellent combination for recording and daily practice. If you're taking it on the road you'll need two people to move it, carefully; it would be a shame to mess up the nice black powder coat.

Based on 11 reviews

I bought this mainly on the basis of Nick Magnus's review in Sound on Sound (November 2017), and I'm very pleased with it. If you're looking for something with a good[1] action for a reasonable price - and you don't need lots of bells and whistles - I think it's a great choice. [1] ...rather than "superb"; read on. It's definitely five stars for quality: it's _very_ well made, as others have noted; the standard of construction seems extremely high. I've only had it for a week - so time will tell - but I expect it to last for a long time. I love the appearance. I think the simplicity is very elegant, and I like the way the pitch and modulation wheel glow red (it's a slightly muted effect, but it looks quite striking in late night sessions). I deducted a point for...

Based on 20 reviews

I love playing and composing music on a quality hammer-action keyboard. Therefore, when choosing a midi keyboard, I considered options based on Fatar keybed. The keyboard is made of a very high quality, all keys have the same elasticity when pressed and there is no horizontal backlash, as, for example, in the Korg keyboards. The faders have excellent rotational viscosity, which helps in smoother adjustments. Well, a huge advantage is in the hardware and software native support for NI libraries. I got a great tool and a great positive experience!

Based on 44 reviews

I bought this primarily for home studio use and for the occasional gig to pair with my Nord Electro 5D. It's a relatively light 88 key weighted controller with an uncluttered layout with a bright, clear colour screen. It's unusual because it has very few programmable controls - so there are no faders or programmable knobs and switches. What you get instead are 3 joysticks - more on this later. It has excellent MIDI and USB connectivity and features 4 connections for foot pedals. The instrument was very well packed and came with a manual on CD, a PS-100 sustain pedal and a universal power adapter with plug attachments for various countries. The SL88 has a clean uncluttered design with a metal chassis, plastic end cheeks and looks great. The keybed is the Fatar TP/100LR with aftertouch...

Based on 12 reviews

I've had this keyboard for a couple of months, I bought it after loads of extensive research, and although I could have bought some of the cheaper Hammer action keyboards for a similar price, I decided on this semi-weighted key bed. I am very happy with this. I think that the velocity response is excellent, so once you're used to it you can still get realistic feeling results on piano sounds. however the keys are still pretty springy. The real winners of this keyboard are the build, it is very sturdy, but also pretty compact. most of the time I just mount it on my desk. The software that comes with it is amazing, analoguelab is a tool everyone should have for sure! And finally, if you manage to configure the DAW control settings this is a feature that I appreciate because it's handy,...

Based on 18 reviews

I want to start learning piano and after months of research, this was the best option I found for this price range. Pros: - I've never used an accoustic piano so I can't compare and get into technical details but I can say it is a quality material, the keys feel great. - 88 keys - A lot of features - Great price Cons: In terms of functionality of the item I have no complaints. These are a few small problems that I had... - The USB cable is very short, I had to buy a USB extension cable. - I can't connect it to my iPad. I bought an "apple connection kit" only for this purpose but it won't work. The piano lights turn on but there is no sign of it in the iPad. - Had some difficulties setting it up on PC and a delay problem with a few programs like Synthesia, but with Bitwig...