SNAMM06: CME launch U-Key Mobiltone Controller Keyboard

US An ultra-slim controller keyboard for performance, practice and production 16/07/06

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CME, based in China and distributed in the US by Yamaha Corporation of America have announced the U-key a new controller keyboard designed to fill the gap for those needing a MIDI controller for their software and a built-in tone generator. Athan Billias, Director of Marketing for Technology Products at Yamaha, told us, â€œLike all CME products, the U-key has very unique features. There are three modes â€“ one for interactive MIDI file playback, one for practicing your musical skills and one for controlling professional music production software. Its feature set is great not just for music production on the go, but itâ€™s also particularly well suited for the education market.â€�
Here's how, in their own words, CME describe their new product...
U-Key uses 49 ultra-thin full action semi-weighted keys, making the unit compact while maintaining the feel of standard keyboards. Its built-in sound module features 64-note polyphony and is great for sketching out songs on the road with your laptop or for the education market where there is often a need for a hardware tone generator for simple music tutorial applications. In addition to a headphone output, the U-Key has an internal amplifier and speaker, eliminating the need for external speakers.
U-Key comes with professionally programmed PadStyleÂ® MIDI songs and patterns in many styles and can import any MIDI file into Flash ROM for interactive playback. The U-keyâ€™s interactive MIDI file playback allows triggering of MIDI files via pads and controlling the volumes of different channels via the knobs. It brings a completely new level of interactivity to MIDI file playback.
U-Key also includes a unique Game Mode, which provides a fun way to learn and test musical skills. This mode allows users to practice scales and keyboard skills with instant feedback from the unitâ€™s internal processor.
Controlling professional DAW music software is easy with a unique feature called U-CTRL. By activating the U-CTRL button, the U-Key automatically maps more than 20 controller types, including a joystick, trigger pads, encoders, and pedals to your recording software. A user can edit and save their controller settings as templates and store them in the unitâ€™s internal memory. U-Key ships with a plug and play USB MIDI driver for Windows XP / MAC OSX, and it can be powered via USB or external power adapter.