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Probably writing this the wrong way around but having finally got my hands on a Q-Keyboard for some Quality time after owning a Micro-Q for 2-months I thought I`d add my 2-Pennyworth from this angle..
Well the first thing I noticed on this new Blue example is that Q`s now have Micro-Q knobs (You know, the black ones with the clear inserts which protrude through to form handy grip ridges), unfortunately the big red knob has gone "MicroQ" too, it seems smaller and the indent is now a raised pimple.. The contruction of this machine surpasses anything out there including the Virus-KB!, it really IS built like a tank and shames a lot of vintage realogs too!, it`s only a shame that they didn`t keep the big round pushbuttons, massive dial and squared knobs of the MW-XT and earlier. The Keyboard action is good with excellent aftertouch response but the black notes are a little clacky when you get heavy handed. Also why did they opt for a "Ghetto Blaster" falls-out-8-shape type mains lead instead of the sturdy IEC standard -- well we ought to be thankful that the PSU is inboard!
From a Micro-Q perspective, I have to report that in single mode they sound exactly the same apart from obvious patch differences due to the filter router / longer delays / Xphorm, which bides well for the well-priced Micro-Q. in Multimode of course on the Q there are more FX available so that FX2 isn`t shared, good news. The whole thing sounds MASSIVE even without FX and ANALOG EVEN! so long as you keep well away from the resonance control which is responsible for it`s "digital" sound, I happen to LIKE this, it makes it different, though an Analog resonance model wouldn`t go amiss.
Editing is beautiful with that panel once you`ve worked out what is in the menu system and what isn`t, though believe it or not, the MOD-MATRIX is far easier on the Micro-Q because once it`s editing line is dialed up, you get 4-extra knobs to work with instead of just the 2 under the screen on the Q/Qrack, also bank shifting in single mode is done by holding down a button and pressing another in the sequencer section whereas on the Micro you just turn the right knob under the screen (more intuitive IMO). It is also a REAL shame that Waldorf decided to move away from their standard MIDI CC assignment as the Q-Kbd would make a world beating Pulse / MW / MWII editor, a real sad move on W`s part..
Bugs are getting fewer and fewer. there are still sequencer bugs which cause all sorts of weird things to happen (OS 2.17) such as patch 1 mysteriously becoming being edited with no sound and name, button-2 in the seq selector occasionally becoming disfunctional for ANY duty (as if the switch had failed but it hadn`t, switching off and on again brough it back to life), the 'number of steps' bug etc.
Everyone knows that this machine is STILL in development and buys one knowing this, The Micro is more polished (no reversed outputs bug for a start) and I`m glad because the Mico is gonna be the Machine (with the XT) which will pay the wages and allow programmers to continue work on the Q.. Features are getting added all the time, and with the new Virus-B OS4 as competition, they`d better get beavering away hard at it!.
Well as a summary, the Q-Kbd is a beautifully built, wonderful sounding instrument which I don`t personally class as a "VA", the OSC models are IMO the state of the art, the filter needs work if it is to have a VA tag (fot those who care), bugs present are being addressed as are the Micro-Q patch dump to Q and otehr issues - the big question is that IS IT worth the extra over the Micro - well if you live in Europe the answer is YES, these things cost about £1300 in Germany (£300 more than the Qrack and £700 more than the Micro) and the extra knobbage, keys, FX, Card slot, functions etc ARE worth that difference if you can stretch to it though where this leaves the £1000 Qrack is for individuals to decide when they make their choice.
Now if only Waldorf would see sense and match it`s CC numbers with those of the PULSE/MW! to in effect give us a "free" Waldorf editor in the bargain..
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