If you want a piano that you can carry around easily in your backpack and play it anywhere without it sounding like a kids piano, Xkey Portable Musical Keyboards from CME is what you should consider. The CME Xkey is the world’s only portable piano (definitely among the lightest), and seems to be the answer to the next generation mobile music’s demand. Its so small, you can pay it during your breaks (in office or in the car). You can even play it while lying on the bed.
Highlights
- 25 and 37 full-sized keys (black keys are bit narrower)
- Weighs only 600g (lighter than most original iPads)
- Pressure-sensitive keys with polyphonic aftertouch
- Supports 128-step MIDI velocity scale
- Easily connects to devices using Plug N Play technology
CME Xkey keyboards are currently available in 2 models – 25-keys and 37 keys. Both these models easily fit into a backpack. The keyboards can be customized further using the Xkey Plus software (which can be downloaded free).
[easyazon_link identifier=”B00MI42IME” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]CME Xkey 25-Key on Amazon[/easyazon_link] | [easyazon_link identifier=”B00TDZPGKC” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]CME Xkey 37-Key on Amazon[/easyazon_link]
CME Xkey Keyboards: Review
MIDI keyboards and controllers have change the face of music production, and I bet the music industry wouldn’t be where it was today, without these gear.
However, most of the MIDI keyboards available today take up valuable space on studio worktops, so music producers are always looking for something that is more compact and more mobile, allowing them to create music on the fly.
And the ones that are portable offer fewer features and functions.
The CME Xkey keyboards could be a solution to these problems. They are definitely among the thinnest and lightest MIDI keyboards available on the market.
CME Xkey: Demo / Video Review
Xkey 25-Key Portable Musical Keyboard
The Xkey 25-Key Portable Musical Keyboard, a USB midi keyboard that is designed for mobile music creation, studio recording, and even for live performances.
You can take it around with you anywhere you wish, your living room, your studio or your friends place etc. In a sense it is a true companion that you can take anywhere. Even design wise, the CME Xkey is chic and elegant with keys that are sensitive to touch and feel. It is the next generation piano coupled with good features, in the world of music (who will want to buy a desktop when we have a PC tablet available?)
[easyazon_link identifier=”B00MI42IME” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]
Buy CME Xkey controller on Amazon[/easyazon_link]
Features / Technical Specs
Here are the main features of Xkey 25-Key Portable Musical Keyboard:
- lightweight, cased in an aluminum frame, sturdy, easily fits into a backpack
- 25-standard-size keys, the keys have professional velocity sensitivity ,polyphonic after touch, pitch ben and high resolution, easy to change octaves.
- Can hook it up to your iPad, Android, tablet/ phone, Microsoft Surface Pro, Mac and PC thanks to the USB MIDI port.
CME Xkey 37-key Mobile Keyboard Controller
The CME Xkey 37-key Mobile Keyboard Controller is thinner than an iPad, yet it provides you with proper 37 full-sized keys. Comes with an advanced sensor that can detect a full 128 levels of velocity sensitivity plus polyphonic aftertouch. Its light, yet feels great to play.
The 25 key is available for half the price of this one, but the 37-key keyboard includes more connection features. You can attach a sustain pedal to this model, and more importantly you can play this one with both hands (because it has more keys), and therefore you can compose over the entire grand staff, if that’s important to you.
Visitor try their hands on the CME Xkey 37 during Musikmesse 2014
Pros & cons
- Pros: Excellent portability, Velocity sensitive keys, Sustain button for prolonging/shortening the sounds
- Cons: Not compatible with Android devices, Doesn’t look very sturdy
Buying Links
- CME Xkey 25-Key: [easyazon_link identifier=”B00MI42IME” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]Buy on Amazon[/easyazon_link] | Buy on Musiciansfriend | Buy on Walmart
- CME Xkey 37-Key: [easyazon_link identifier=”B00TDZPGKC” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]Buy on Amazon[/easyazon_link] | Buy on Musiciansfriend
Checkout more midi controllers here.
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
Leave a Reply