CME UF70 76-Key Controller
No longer available at zZounds
Built-in wireless MIDI interface. World’s first master keyboard with multi-function expansion board.
Overview
CME UF70 76-Key Controller
New Functions
Built-in duplex wireless MIDI interface with error correction function
USB plug-and-play MIDI interface
Firmware upgrade for addition of new functions via USB
Redesigned panel function provides more convenient control
Many note-key shortcut functions added
User template save functions added
MIDI-in added to expansion slot
All control components (including aftertouch) can be assigned to any controller or channel.
Scales and tuning adjustment
Increased velocity curves
Adjustable aftertouch curve
Increased continuous controller data density
U-CTRL functions added
New Functions
Built-in duplex wireless MIDI interface with error correction function
USB plug-and-play MIDI interface
Firmware upgrade for addition of new functions via USB
Redesigned panel function provides more convenient control
Many note-key shortcut functions added
User template save functions added
MIDI-in added to expansion slot
All control components (including aftertouch) can be assigned to any controller or channel.
Scales and tuning adjustment
Increased velocity curves
Adjustable aftertouch curve
Increased continuous controller data density
U-CTRL functions added
Specs
76-key semi-weighted action keyboard with aftertouch (UF70)
Built-in duplex wireless MIDI interface
Over 20 user template, non-volatile memories
Pitch bend and modulation wheels
8 assignable control knobs, preset functions including Cutoff / Resonance / Attack / Release / PAN / Reverb / Chorus / Variation
9 assignable control faders, preset functions including volume for 1-16 channels and master volume, and drawbar for organ sounds.
LED data display, control button including program, transpose, octave, channel, keyboard split.
6 assignable shortcut knobs
6 sequencer remote buttons, including REC, PLAY, STOP, FAST REWIND, REWIND AND RETURN TO START, etc.
Panel page and layer button, data adjustment knobs.
1 MIDI-out port
Adapter port 9V 1500mA, power switch
Breath controller port
Sustain pedal and volume pedal jacks
USB MIDI port, Class-compliant for Win XP and Mac OS X, Power can be supplied via USB
Support and tested with most professional audio/MIDI sequencers
U-CTRL mode
Optional firewire expansion board
Dimensions (W x D x H) UF70: 1232 x 348 x 113 mm
Weight: 11.8 kg
WIDI-XU Wireless MIDI Interface Specification
USB class compliant for Win XP and Mac OS X, supporting hot plug. No driver needed
The working band is 2.4GHz ISM
USB <--> RF transmission mode.
Duplex wireless MIDI data transfer.
Manual switching for one-to-multi communication (auto finding and selecting).
Low power consumption, high speed, powerful error correction with automatic notes-off and on-line detection.
Maximum wireless transfer distance is 80m(262 feet) without obstacle.
64 radio channels for MIDI data transfer, with manual or automatic radio channel setting mode.
When connected to computer via USB, this product will be automatically recognized as the “USB Audio Device”, fully support MIDI data stream, compatible with Cakewalk, Sonar, Cubase etc.
Automatic searching, manual or automatic channel setting and other system function can be controlled by the special MIDI SysEx command from USB.
Powered and upgrade program via USB.
Indicator for signal and power.
USB plug x 1, plug-and-play to computer’s USB port.
Dimensions (WxDxH): 1232 x 348 x 113 mm, 49.28 x 13.92 x 4.52 in.
Weight: 11.8 kg
NOTE: New UF v2.0 firmware available at CME's online site, adds the following features:
Adds Pro Tools modes in U-CTRL function.
Adjusts the MIDI Route.
Optimises the keyboard's velocity sensitivity.
Opimises the keyboard's operating and display manner
Rectifies the bank number error when sending the tone data
Stabilises the pitch bend transferring data.
Fixes known bugs and errors
Built-in duplex wireless MIDI interface
Over 20 user template, non-volatile memories
Pitch bend and modulation wheels
8 assignable control knobs, preset functions including Cutoff / Resonance / Attack / Release / PAN / Reverb / Chorus / Variation
9 assignable control faders, preset functions including volume for 1-16 channels and master volume, and drawbar for organ sounds.
LED data display, control button including program, transpose, octave, channel, keyboard split.
6 assignable shortcut knobs
6 sequencer remote buttons, including REC, PLAY, STOP, FAST REWIND, REWIND AND RETURN TO START, etc.
Panel page and layer button, data adjustment knobs.
1 MIDI-out port
Adapter port 9V 1500mA, power switch
Breath controller port
Sustain pedal and volume pedal jacks
USB MIDI port, Class-compliant for Win XP and Mac OS X, Power can be supplied via USB
Support and tested with most professional audio/MIDI sequencers
U-CTRL mode
Optional firewire expansion board
Dimensions (W x D x H) UF70: 1232 x 348 x 113 mm
Weight: 11.8 kg
WIDI-XU Wireless MIDI Interface Specification
USB class compliant for Win XP and Mac OS X, supporting hot plug. No driver needed
The working band is 2.4GHz ISM
USB <--> RF transmission mode.
Duplex wireless MIDI data transfer.
Manual switching for one-to-multi communication (auto finding and selecting).
Low power consumption, high speed, powerful error correction with automatic notes-off and on-line detection.
Maximum wireless transfer distance is 80m(262 feet) without obstacle.
64 radio channels for MIDI data transfer, with manual or automatic radio channel setting mode.
When connected to computer via USB, this product will be automatically recognized as the “USB Audio Device”, fully support MIDI data stream, compatible with Cakewalk, Sonar, Cubase etc.
Automatic searching, manual or automatic channel setting and other system function can be controlled by the special MIDI SysEx command from USB.
Powered and upgrade program via USB.
Indicator for signal and power.
USB plug x 1, plug-and-play to computer’s USB port.
Dimensions (WxDxH): 1232 x 348 x 113 mm, 49.28 x 13.92 x 4.52 in.
Weight: 11.8 kg
NOTE: New UF v2.0 firmware available at CME's online site, adds the following features:
Adds Pro Tools modes in U-CTRL function.
Adjusts the MIDI Route.
Optimises the keyboard's velocity sensitivity.
Opimises the keyboard's operating and display manner
Rectifies the bank number error when sending the tone data
Stabilises the pitch bend transferring data.
Fixes known bugs and errors
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
(2 ratings)
Submitted September 15, 2008 by a customer from hotmail.com
"Good controller, but with some caveats"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Check the firmware version if you buy it, and if it's not 1.0.7. get the upgrade to fix the slider issue. If you have a MAC, forget it, they even told me the MAC version isn't available yet, just PC. Go with something else.
It's a good action for a semi weighted board and to find any controller with aftertouch at this price is hard - but I would suggest you try it first and see if it is to your liking. With the proper firmware it seems to work fine (for me so far) and I love the feel and expression from it, but make sure the features will be enough too (read what I said about toggle functions, I have other boards that can bridge that).
Features
A 76 key controller keyboard with aftertouch in this price range honestly should say enough, but it has a lot more too - overall it is hard to beat at this price point. So why not a higher score? 1. There's no way to do toggle type MIDI control functions (like 0=off, 127=on) on the dedicated function keys. I have other keyboards I can program with control changes like that if I need so its not too much of a deal breaker for me, but to many it might seem like an obvious ommision for a controller keyboard (and it is) so I wanted to mention it. They can be programmed to send note on/off messages (so you can use them as pads to trigger sounds, albeit fixed to 127 velocity, if you want proper pads from CME range go up to the VX controller keyboards) or program changes. They work fine in this regard.… read more 2. You are limited to a single layer or single split mode, you can't freely assign multiple areas. Not a big problem for what I'm using it for, but it's no replacement for a Roland A70! That said, you have eight fully assignable slider controls and 8 fully assignable rotary controls - that's hard to find on any controller, let alone at this price. Only thing that annoys me is the rotary (pot) cotrols ALL have centre dimples, like they are pan-pots, it's a noticable jump if you use them for real time control, personally I would prefer if they only had that on a couple, or even not at all.
Ease of Use
Providing you understand MIDI and things like channels, controllers, program #'s etc. it's a peice of cake (and by definition one would assume anyone buying such a device would). The manual definately could be better mind - it's very to the point on how to do something, but doesn't explain why you might want to, which goes back to, it assumes you know what you are getting again!
Quality
8 - but with caveats (so please read before you buy).... From a pure mechanical perspective, it seems solid enough. I'm told CME have made keyboard mechanisms for Yamaha too at time (don't qoute me on it, but it does "feel" similar to keyboards on the MOTIF range) but that is one area where this board really come into its own. I really enjoy playing on this, it has a wonderful feel and is very expressive both in velocity and aftertouch, honestly better than my top end Roland keyboards which feel somewhat spongy and loose in comparison. It's a true pleasure to play, the only minor downside being couple keys have a slightly harsh plastic edge to them that if you play close to the front edge of the white notes was irritating at first, though I don't really notice them now. Sure no substitute to a proper weighted keyboard if that is what you are after, but for a semi-weighted it's really not bad at all. Now the downside.....the firmware that drives this thing.... CME seem to have some major issues when it comes to software QA, the version (1.0.6) that came with this keyboard has bugs in it that are inexcusible (but fixable, just so you read on). Example, the sliders/knobs MIDI values move to the 50's then jump to 85, back to 1, then to 60 onwards.....seriously!). Move them fast with some effects you wouldn't notice, but on some things (volume/expression) trust me it's bad.....and inexcusible. For me as an electronics/software engineer that sort of issue really makes me wonder about CME, I almost sent the board back because it renders all those real time controllers close to useless...good news is there is a solution.... Basically you need to contact support at CME and they will send you the links to firmware version 1.0.7 and the software that lets you update it via USB (and note it only works on a PC, they have no MAC version to date so far as I know, but check with them) - it will fix the problems. I haven't found any major issues with it yet. But it's annoying for sure, if it wasn't for the keyboard action this would have gone back, I just took the time to look for a solution. How durable it is time will tell, but the keyboard itself seems solid enough and I've had no issues from that standpoint. Whether I would use it for live performance, not sure quite yet, I'll tell you when I've had it 6 months, though it hasn't had any issues from a playability standpoint yet (no stuck/missing notes etc.)!
Value
Get past the firmware issues and I think this is great value, there isn't much in the 76 key semi-weighted market.
Manufacturer Support
Support helped me with the firmware issue within 48 hours and told me where to download the latest one (it's not directly availbable on their website at the time of writing) so I can't complain too much.
The Wow Factor
For me it's just a practical and affordable addition to my setup, can't say it just jumps out and says "buy me". That said it does have a somewhat straight edged no nonsense 80's look to it that is kind of appealing (but not in a sexual way, I prefer to not get involved with any of my music gear that way, plus the wife would get jealous LOL).
Musical Style:
Many from classical to alternative to techno read less
Features
A 76 key controller keyboard with aftertouch in this price range honestly should say enough, but it has a lot more too - overall it is hard to beat at this price point. So why not a higher score? 1. There's no way to do toggle type MIDI control functions (like 0=off, 127=on) on the dedicated function keys. I have other keyboards I can program with control changes like that if I need so its not too much of a deal breaker for me, but to many it might seem like an obvious ommision for a controller keyboard (and it is) so I wanted to mention it. They can be programmed to send note on/off messages (so you can use them as pads to trigger sounds, albeit fixed to 127 velocity, if you want proper pads from CME range go up to the VX controller keyboards) or program changes. They work fine in this regard.… read more 2. You are limited to a single layer or single split mode, you can't freely assign multiple areas. Not a big problem for what I'm using it for, but it's no replacement for a Roland A70! That said, you have eight fully assignable slider controls and 8 fully assignable rotary controls - that's hard to find on any controller, let alone at this price. Only thing that annoys me is the rotary (pot) cotrols ALL have centre dimples, like they are pan-pots, it's a noticable jump if you use them for real time control, personally I would prefer if they only had that on a couple, or even not at all.
Ease of Use
Providing you understand MIDI and things like channels, controllers, program #'s etc. it's a peice of cake (and by definition one would assume anyone buying such a device would). The manual definately could be better mind - it's very to the point on how to do something, but doesn't explain why you might want to, which goes back to, it assumes you know what you are getting again!
Quality
8 - but with caveats (so please read before you buy).... From a pure mechanical perspective, it seems solid enough. I'm told CME have made keyboard mechanisms for Yamaha too at time (don't qoute me on it, but it does "feel" similar to keyboards on the MOTIF range) but that is one area where this board really come into its own. I really enjoy playing on this, it has a wonderful feel and is very expressive both in velocity and aftertouch, honestly better than my top end Roland keyboards which feel somewhat spongy and loose in comparison. It's a true pleasure to play, the only minor downside being couple keys have a slightly harsh plastic edge to them that if you play close to the front edge of the white notes was irritating at first, though I don't really notice them now. Sure no substitute to a proper weighted keyboard if that is what you are after, but for a semi-weighted it's really not bad at all. Now the downside.....the firmware that drives this thing.... CME seem to have some major issues when it comes to software QA, the version (1.0.6) that came with this keyboard has bugs in it that are inexcusible (but fixable, just so you read on). Example, the sliders/knobs MIDI values move to the 50's then jump to 85, back to 1, then to 60 onwards.....seriously!). Move them fast with some effects you wouldn't notice, but on some things (volume/expression) trust me it's bad.....and inexcusible. For me as an electronics/software engineer that sort of issue really makes me wonder about CME, I almost sent the board back because it renders all those real time controllers close to useless...good news is there is a solution.... Basically you need to contact support at CME and they will send you the links to firmware version 1.0.7 and the software that lets you update it via USB (and note it only works on a PC, they have no MAC version to date so far as I know, but check with them) - it will fix the problems. I haven't found any major issues with it yet. But it's annoying for sure, if it wasn't for the keyboard action this would have gone back, I just took the time to look for a solution. How durable it is time will tell, but the keyboard itself seems solid enough and I've had no issues from that standpoint. Whether I would use it for live performance, not sure quite yet, I'll tell you when I've had it 6 months, though it hasn't had any issues from a playability standpoint yet (no stuck/missing notes etc.)!
Value
Get past the firmware issues and I think this is great value, there isn't much in the 76 key semi-weighted market.
Manufacturer Support
Support helped me with the firmware issue within 48 hours and told me where to download the latest one (it's not directly availbable on their website at the time of writing) so I can't complain too much.
The Wow Factor
For me it's just a practical and affordable addition to my setup, can't say it just jumps out and says "buy me". That said it does have a somewhat straight edged no nonsense 80's look to it that is kind of appealing (but not in a sexual way, I prefer to not get involved with any of my music gear that way, plus the wife would get jealous LOL).
Musical Style:
Many from classical to alternative to techno read less
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