Feature-packed MIDI controller with the power of Proteus X!
The E-MU Xboard 61 USB/MIDI Controller features 61 premium full-size keys with aftertouch, 16 programmable realtime control knobs, and 16 patch select/program change buttons. This keyboard synth also includes a full version of E-MU's Proteus X Version 1.5 Desktop Sound Module with over 3GB of sounds, including a custom bank of E-MU's finest performance keyboard sounds, plus the Mo'Phatt X (Hip-Hop/Dance), Planet Earth X (World), and Protean Drums X (Drums and Percussion) expansion libraries for an additional 1,500 sounds. The Xboard Control editing software provides an intuitive desktop interface that lets you effortlessly create custom templates for all of your favorite hardware and software instruments.
The Xboard 61 synth also gives you four zones per patch (each with its own key and velocity ranges), allowing you to set discrete MIDI channels for each knob and offers unrivaled realtime control and performance features, including Snap Shot that lets you send multiple program changes and controller values by pressing a single button, and Latch Mode that enables you to define a section of the keyboard as on/off triggers—perfect for drum loops. Runs on USB, battery, or AC power.
E-MU Xboard 61 USB/MIDI Controller Features:
61 full-size keys with aftertouch
4 Zones per patch
Latch Mode for triggering drum loops
Snap Shot mode
16 realtime controllers
16 patch select/program change buttons
Full version of E-MU's Proteus X Desktop Sound Module with over 3GB of sounds
Xboard Performer bank of performance keyboard sounds
Mo'Phatt X (Hip-Hop/Dance), Planet Earth X (World) and Protean Drums X (Drums and Percussion) expansion libraries
Xboard Control software
Steinberg's Cubase LE and WaveLab Lite (PC only)
USB, battery or AC powered
Get a top-notch MIDI controller plus a powerhouse software sound module! A great combo—order yours now!
A very competative keyboard, good feel, solid for the price. The trouble I had that you probably won't: a few of the weights came off the bottoms of the keys. A little super glue and we're back in business. But still!
The problem I had that you will: EMU bundles some cool software with the board, but if you run into problems (inevitable since the software is more than 3 years old, and requires lots of updates from the EMU site) they don't offer support for anything other than their XBOARD controller. That's fine, but I'd really like to use Proteus and can't. And there's no support for it, according to their support info.
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Excellent Controller!
Posted by Studio151 from Eatontown, NJ on Oct 9, 2008
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: Active Musician
Reviewer's Play Style: Rock, Blues, Alternative
The E-Mu Xboard 61 is an excellent MIDI controller. I tried the M-Audio 61, the Behringer 61 and then bought this one. This one blows the other 2 away! There are 16 assignable rotary controls and 16 button patch/program change buttons. This was especially important to me because I have several rack synths daisy chained together, so I can select different patched from different racks at the touch of a button! The M-Audio and Behringer controllers did not have as many assignable controls.
The construction of the E-Mu board is much more solid, more substantial than the competition. I found it easy to call up different voices from any rack in the chain using the MSB, LSB, patch number functions. I bought an AC adapter for it so I didn't have to rely on batteries while away from the studio. You can also power it using USB. Another nice feature that the E-Mu board has is "aftertouch". This is not available on the M-Audio 61 or the Behringer 61. Depending on your synth, this adds a whole new layer of expressiveness to your playing!
Hooking it up to my computer, it was instantly recognized and the functionality was immediately available. Seamless integration.
Edirol just came out with a nice looking 61 key controller, the PCR-800, but it's another $80-$100 more than this one. All in all, this could the best 61 key controller for the money out there! This one's a keeper!
Overall
Quality
Features
Value
A Very Good Controller
Posted by The Mokoda from Louisville, KY on Sep 23, 2008
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: Composer & Bassist
Reviewer's Play Style: Jazz-Rock, Funk
The E-MU Xboard 61 is a good choice for home recordists. Pretty much plug it in and go. One weird thing is that the driver won't load if you connect it to a different USB port than you used when you installed the driver. Otherwise, no problem there.
This board plays great, feels great and the knobs and buttons don't feel cheap. The included Proteus sounds give you a great starting point if you, like me, are a "lone wolf" composer.
I seriously doubt this controller can be beat in this price range, though some drum pads and a more detailed display would have been desirable.
My overall impression is very positive and I'd recommend this board to all but the most serious (as in making a living at it) musicians, and even they might find it a useful tool in a pinch for not a lot of scratch.
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Quality
Features
Value
it did stuff i didnt even think of wanting!
Posted by MayolaMan from Stillwater, Ok on Apr 5, 2007
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: Active Musician (9 years plus)
Reviewer's Play Style: Rock, Indie, Experamental
Alright so i got my new XBOARD probably a month ago, and out of the box i plugged it in an installed the drivers and it worked perfect...i even dropped it in the first day but no problem there. If you were looking to buy a different brand i would suggest trying this one...even if just for the wonderful keys on this baby!
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