CME VX8 - 88 Key Graded Hammer-Action, Velocity/Aftertouch

Product

When CME launched the UF Series in 2005, they re-wrote the rule book when it came to low cost MIDI controller keyboards offering unprecedented build-quality and features for the price. Now CME are proud to present their next-level series of MIDI controller keyboards, offering yet more outstanding features including a world-first for MIDI controller keyboards - motorised faders!

The CME VX Series consists of four models: VX5, VX6, VX7 and VX8 - each of which provides the same outstanding control facilities but with differing keyboard lengths (and a different keyboard action in the case of the VX8). Read on below to find out why the CME VX Series are perhaps the best MIDI controller keyboards on the market, despite their keen price...

VX Series Features Overview

• CME VX5: 49-Key Semi-Weighted, Velocity and Aftertouch sensitive
• CME VX6: 61-Key Semi-Weighted, Velocity and Aftertouch sensitive
• CME VX7: 76-Key Semi-Weighted, Velocity and Aftertouch sensitive
• CME VX8: 88-Key Graded Hammer-Action, Velocity and Aftertouch sensitive
• Seven selectable velocity curves and three fixed-velocity options
• Ten selectable aftertouch curves
• Four keyboard zones
• 9 x 60mm motorised faders
• 12 x programmable trigger pads, velocity sensitive
• 17 knobs (9 of which are endless encoders)
• Ribbon controller
• Standard pitch bend and modulation wheels
• 27 x function and number buttons
• 6 x chunky sequencer transport controls
• Standard MIDI file import and pad triggering for live performance
• Muiti-ethnic scales and selectable temperament
• Built-in high-quality USB audio and MIDI interface
• Class-compliant with Windows XP, Vista and Mac OS X
• 2 x 16 character LCD display
• 4 x MIDI output, 1 x MIDI input
• 1 x breath controller connector, compatible with Yamaha BC1 / BC3
• 2 x universal pedal connectors, fully compatible with switch and expression pedals
• 2 x mic/line inputs with gain adjustment, 1/4” phone jacks
• 2 x line outputs, 1/4” phone jacks
• 2 x headphone outputs with volume knob, 1/4” phone jacks
• Built-in 32bit CPU
• Built-in USB hub - two ports
• Multi-function expansion slot
  

Semi Weighted or Hammer Action?

The CME VX5, VX6, and VX7 feature semi-weighted synth-action keyboards. Each key features a weight inside to provide a solid, balanced feel and this results in a natural performance - it is far easier to control your playing dynamics with a semi-weighted keyboard compared with a non-weighted keybord and it is far easier to play fast passages too. Once you have used a semi-weighted keyboard for a short time, you will not want to go back to an all-plastic design.

The VX8 takes things further still with CME's top-notch graded hammer-action weighted keyboard. This emulates both the feel and response of a real grand piano action making the VX8 the ideal choice for pianists and those who want the ultimate playing experience.

To tailor the VX Series to your playing style and connected sound source, all models feature a choice of seven velocity curves plus three fixed-velocity options for when velocity sensitivity is not required. All models also feature keyboard aftertouch with a choice of 10 aftertouch curves.

4 Keyboard Zones

The VX Series keyboard can be divided into as many as four zones, and each zones's data will be sent to a different MIDI Out, so you can control and play four MIDI devices at the same time. Independant velocity ranges, octave and transpose settings and port / MIDI channel settings can be specified for each zone, and zones can be switched on or off.

Realtime Control

The CME VX Series provides an extensive array of assignable controllers for realtime tweaking, programming and performance:

Motorised Faders

A CME first - motorised faders on a MIDI controller keyboard! More commonly found on expensive digital mixing consoles and control surfaces, motorised faders are a welcome new addition to the controller keyboard world. Nine motorised faders are provided which are ideal for controlling software mixers, programming synths or for controlling drawbars on an organ emulation such as NI B4 Organ II.

A MIDI controller number, value range, MIDI channel and port assignment can be made for each fader. Since the faders are motorised, they can respond and move in accordance to incoming MIDI data, so the actual position of the faders will always match the on-screen position of a software mixer for example, and this makes working with digital audio workstations so much easier, especially when playing back automation data.

The VX Series also feature their own built-in automation sequencer. Fader movements can be recorded and played back opening up lots of possibilites for live performance. Complex automations that would be difficult to perform in real-time can also be gradually built up and performed with ease.

17 Knobs:

A total of 17 knobs - 8 potentiometers and 9 endless encoders - are provided. These are excellent for tweaking and programming synth sounds in real-time or for controlling pan pots on a software mixer for example. As per the motorised faders, a MIDI controller number, value range, MIDI channel and port assignment can be made for each knob.

Trigger Pads

12 Trigger Pads can be found just above the keyboard and these are ideal for programming drum and percussion parts into a MIDI sequencer or for triggering samples and sound effects. The pads are velocity-sensitive with an adjustable velocity curve and may be assigned to any MIDI note or MIDI controller with a velocity range and destination MIDI channel and port assignment. The pads can also be used to trigger Standard MIDI Files that can be imported via USB from the CME VX Brain software running on a computer.

Ribbon Controller

A Ribbon Controller is conveniently located to the left of the keyboard and sends controller data when pressure is applied. The transmitted value depends on the position along the ribbon controller that you press, so by sliding your finger along the ribbon a variety of effects can be created.

The ribbon controller is excellent for special effects or for emulating the slides of acoustic instruments such as brass or stringed instruments and is great at injecting life into an an otherwise sterile performance. A MIDI controller number, value range, MIDI channel and port assignment can all be made for the ribbon controller.

Keyboard Aftertouch

What do you do when both hands are tied up playing the keyboard but you still want to inject expression into a performance? Aftertouch is the answer! By pushing down harder once a key has been played, control data can be transmitted. It is most commonly used to introduce vibrato, raise the filter-cutoff point or introduce pitch-bend, but many other possibilities exist depending on your sound source. A choice of 10 aftertouch curves is available.

Breath Controller Input

Just as with aftertouch, a breath controller (not included) plugged into the VX Series provides an ideal way of introducing real-time modulation of sounds without losing a hand. Adding vibrato to a flute sound would be one example of it's use - the harder you blow, the greater the intensity. The breath controller input will work with breath controllers such as the Yamaha BC-1 and BC-3. A MIDI controller number, value range, MIDI channel and port assignment can all be made.

Transport Controls

The chunky transport controls provide instant control over your sequencer without the need to reach for the mouse. Six controls are provided.

Sustain Pedal and Expression Pedal Connections

Two foot pedal inputs are provided - both a switch-type pedal and an expression pedal may be connected (not included). A switch-type pedal would commonly be used as a sustain pedal (eg: to emulate the damper pedal on a piano) and an expression pedal could be used to control volume, or the filter cutoff level of a synthesizer or even a wah-wah effect for example. A MIDI controller number, value range, MIDI channel and port assignment can be made for each pedal.

Pitch Bend and Modulation Wheels

Standard pitch bend and modulation wheels can be found to the left of the keyboard and these, like the other controllers on the VX Series are assignable with an adjustable value range and destination MIDI channel and port assignment.

Function Shortcut Buttons

8 assignable shortcut buttons are provided and may be assigned either a MIDI controller number, MIDI note or MIDI program change. They could for example be used to switch functions on or off (such as portamento on a synthesizer) or for transmitting specific program change messages to change sounds during live performance.

Built-in USB Audio and MIDI Interface

A high-quality built-in USB audio and MIDI interface means additional interfaces are not required when the VX5, VX6, VX7 and VX8 are connected to a computer. Two Mic/Line Inputs (with input gain adjustment), two line outputs, two headphone outputs (with volume control), 1 MIDI input and 4 MIDI outputs are provided.

A USB hub is also built into the VX Series which means you will have more free USB ports after connecting a CME VX Series keyboard to your computer - not less! CME's U-CTRL function can also be found on the VX Series which makes setting up control of popular music software easy. The VX Series are class-compliant with Windows XP, Vista and Mac OS X, so you do not need to install a driver.

Muiti-Ethnic Scales and Selectable Temperament

The CME VX Series allows you to play music in a wide selection of multi-ethnic scales from around the world. There is a choice of 41 scales detailed within the user manual. The VX Series keyboards are also not just limited to equal temperament as you may select from 13 different musical temperaments to play in.

CME Quality

The CME VX5, VX6, VX7 and VX8 feature CME's renowned build-quality and this extends to the keyboard and controls - not just the chassis! This makes them idealy suited for both live use and professional studios.

CME - Always One Step Ahead!

The CME VX Series provide great keyboard actions, great build-quality, an astounding array of realtime controls and a unique combination of well-thought-out features. The good news continues however as you will find that the CME VX5, VX6, VX7 and VX8 are available at a highly competitive price!

Features

Specifications