Korg K61P 61-Key USB MIDI Controller

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Combines powerful controller functions with 24 onboard keyboard sounds, bridging computer music and stand-alone performance needs.

The K61P combines powerful controller functions with 24 onboard keyboard sounds, bridging computer music and stand-alone performance needs.

The sophisticated onboard sound engine includes a high-quality stereo piano that has been carefully sampled to capture all the richness and detail of a grand piano's character. Five additional acoustic pianos are also included, as well as 5 electric pianos, 2 harpsichords, 3 jazz organs, 3 church organs, clavinet, vibraphone, choir and 2 string sounds. Stretch tuning for the pianos, Werckmeister temperament for the organs, and Kirnberger temperament for the harpsichords increase the sounds' authenticity. Chorus and Reverb effects are also included for processing the internal sounds.

As with other K-series models, the K61P features four velocity curves, including a fixed velocity setting for organ and analog synthesizer sounds. Key Transpose and Octave Shift features provide access to a wide note range. Modulation and pitch wheels facilitate real-time control and expressive playing. Stereo outputs and a headphone jack allow the K61P to be played as a stand-alone keyboard and are perfect for teaching, home practice and live performance.

A variety of assignable performance controllers are provided in a logical layout, including two knobs, two switches, a slider and a footswitch jack. They can manipulate numerous functions, allowing powerful hands-on hardware access to virtually any software instrument parameter.

Korg's proprietary ClickPoint read more controller can function in one of two modes: as an X/Y joystick (with Hold function), or as a single-button mouse for computer control. Users can assign separate MIDI control messages to be sent by the X-axis (left/right) and Y-axis (forward/back) for intuitive control over 2 simultaneous parameters.

Like other K-series models, the K61P comes bundled with Korg's M1 Le software synthesizer, a complete software version of the classic M1 Music Workstation. As a bonus, K-series users can upgrade at a special "Preferred Owner" price to the Korg Legacy Collection -- Digital Edition, which comprises a significantly enhanced version of the M1 software synthesizer, the Wavestation v1.6 software synthesizer and the MDE-X v1.2 multi-effect plug-in.

Mac and Windows editor software is included, making it easy to create, edit, and manage "scenes" on a computer. Template scenes for popular music production programs and software synthesizers are provided as well. Also included are free demo versions of popular software titles: the Korg Legacy Collection, Live 5 by Ableton, Lounge Lizard EP-3, Ultra Analog VA-1, String Studio VS-1 from Applied Acoustic Systems, and Reason 3.0 by Propellerhead.

The K61P can be powered via a USB connection to a computer or via an optional AC adapter.
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For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 631-390-6800
Web: https://www.korgusa.com/support

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. (20 ratings)
Submitted November 17, 2007 by a customer from iperbole.bologna.it

"Good master keyboard with sounds and little weight."

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Good sounds for this price, very little weight.
Sound
I think you can use it as a digital piano replacement during rehearsals (it is exactly what I'm doing). I also own a Yamaha P-90 and a Korg M1, the sounds comparison is the following: Piano sounds are better than M1 pianos but obvioulsy worse than P90's. I think you could also use piano sounds during live performances and probably most of the people (not musicians) would not notice the difference with a digital piano. Organ and strings sounds are ok, they are at least at the same quality levels of the two other keyboards. I rarely use the other sounds.
Features
Accessories include the PC drivers and the M1le software emulation. Anyway the most useful feature of this keyboard is the weight (3kg), you can carry it wherever you want wthout any efforts.
Ease of Use
Very easy to use, anyway you always need the manual pages to remember the hidden functions (transpose, tuning, etc.).
Value
I have not found other keyboards with the same characteristics and price (master keyboard with usable sounds below 300 euros).
The Wow Factor
It looks very simple but it is nice.

Musical Background:

Hobbyist

Musical Style:

Acoustic, Pop
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