The MCR-8 is a multi purpose MIDI controller that can be used as a GM Editor and a MIDI Mixer; when used in the GM Editor mode most of the important XG standard parameters can be changes in realtime.

The MCR-8 is, in terms of style and dimensions, also highly compatibele with the CBX-K1XG; is has the same colour, depth and hight and 11 inch wide.

The standard XG sounds included in the CBX-K1XG, which are already a good reason for purchasing this keyboard, really gets a third dimension when used with a decent realtime MIDI controller unit.

I purchased the CBX-K1XG for about 315 euro years ago and MCR-8 for about 360 euro.

If you can buy either of these units for a reasonable price it is definitely worth the investment; not just for the good quality, but also for real fun.

Although other people mention using a phat boy controller or similar, with a bit of manual consulting and key pressing you can asign any XG controller such as filter cut of to the assignable wheel. Hours of fun if you've got the time.

sincerely,

nico