Disappointed with Studiologic velocity response -- recommendations?

Thanks a lot for the reply. I'll compromise for quality keys if I have to, but it would be nice to have a mod wheel and maybe a couple control knobs as well. Something like a successor to the Yamaha KX8. I'll also be using the controller for synth work.

Hallo DGM!

I have also bought a VMK 188 plus during the summer (or actually two, the first one had some loose contact or something...). And I don't think my board have this uneven velocity action, I think it is even all over the keys. But my problem is that it is to easy to reach velocity 127 (all over the keyboard). I have tweeked the velocitycurve in Pianoteq and think it is a little bit better with this curve even if I'm not totally satisfied...

If the keys are uneven I would say that it is a guarantee problem (if it is a new keyboard) and should be fixed by Fatar...

My question is if there is a way to change the velocity so it would be harder to reach velocity 127?

Good luck!

I wish it would be that easy...

eh...

How do you change the velocity respons curve on VMK 188 plus? I havn't found that yet....

Ok!

^ That's true -- I only considered making the keyboard more sensitive for some reason.

Thanks for the reply Michael.

I give up looking for the perfect controller. I loved the Studiologic action enough that I'm just going to pick up another one in hopes that it's more even, and if it's not, that'll just be a little tiny inconvenience.

Has anyone here tried both the VMK and the SL990XP from Studiologic? Does the XP feel just as good? For $300 bucks less, minus a few knobs and faders that I'd probably only use sparingly, it's mighty tempting.

^ What do you mean by "control" exactly?

I actually have a Yamaha P95 sitting in an unopened box a couple feet away from me. Bought the thing on impulse, but now I'm having second thoughts.

I tried it in the store, and I wasn't exactly thrilled with the touch. I didn't instantly connect with it like I did the VMK-188. And it doesn't have a mod or pitch control wheel, which I love for playing synths. But I figured it was worth having an even touch across the keyboard.

Argh, decisions, decisions...

dgm,

By 'control' I mean buttons, sliders, wheels etc, so you can adjust parameters like reverb, volume, filters, program changes and more on the fly without having to use a mouse or trackpad within a program. Also, IMO, a good controller keyboard should provide at least some visual feedback.

I mentioned Casio a few replies back - well, I've got one now, and so far I'm very pleased with it.  I haven't noticed any problems with the velocity response yet, and the default setting seems appropriate - I am able to reach the entire velocity range and in a natural and even way.

It actually repeats better than I thought it did in the store, too.
Here's a little recording of me doing some forte repeating:
http://www.box.net/shared/qmqke1rc22
(the wrong notes are my fault!)

It doesn't have as much hammer inertia feel as my Kawai MP9000, but I still think it plays well and feels better than it ought to for such a lighweight portable keyboard.  I think it's wonderful.

Greg.

Agree with Jope on CME's UF80
I've had it for almost 2 years now and I like the touch and feel of the keyboard and it's velocity...
All other controllers on it can come in easy too - but indeed CME's support seems to be almost dead... they have even closed their forum...
BUt I have the UF80 and the GPP3 pedal controller and love that combi...

I own the yamaha p-85 and am fairly satisfied with the feel of the keys. Certainly better than Casios of a similar price.

I'm not sure what, if anything, distinguishes the p-95 from the p-85, but at first glance it does not appear to be much.

Anyone looking for a bargain entry-level digital can't go wrong with one of these.
Sure, it can't compete with the priciest models from Fatar or Roland, or even yamaha's flagship models.
Nevertheless, it is rock-solid of build, and has consistent velocity response across the board.

Although happy for now, I have been think of trading up eventually to a Fatar Nero, or a Kawai digital, or even a hybrid (the best of both worlds!). I am keen to find out just how good this Nero actually is.

In my experience, Kawai trumps any Yamaha model that I've tried. Even comparing low to mid-priced models. The keys respond quicker, feel lighter,  and somewhat tighter than the clavinovas, and P-series. Though not light enough to distract from the illusion of playing a real piano.

In retrospect, if I had been somehow able to try kawai at the same time as yamaha, I'm sure I would have chosen Kawai.

It's all a matter of personal preference really, I guess - do you go for Yamaha (slightly slower and Heavy feel), Kawai (as described earlier), Fatar (purportedly amazing)...or Roland?

Having only tested Roland's V-Piano when it was first unveiled, all I can say of them are  that it was a very enjoyable experience indeed.

And if any of their lower priced models live up to the impressive feel and sound, then I would thoroughly advise giving them a look as well, if within your budget.

Sorry to go on for so long. Just thought I'd add my two penneth worth, if it helps.

-ToneF

Thanks for the word of warning, Michael.

RE: software reliability

This is a detail I could easily have missed had not someone pointed it out.

When I do get around to testing it, I will ask permission to use my own pianoteq set-up, rather than a pre-installed, bug-ironed, glitch free system of their choosing.

Even then it may be hard to detect any software flaws. Especially with a sales rep hovering over my shoulder.

I shall have to dig a little deeper into what exactly can go wrong with the Nero before testing. Any inconsistencies may not become apparent unless I know what to search for.

Anyway, worth all the fuss if it really is as good as most say

I'll be sure to report my findings.

Cheers,

Tony