Akai MX73

I found this unit very easy to use once I read the manual.

I like the the fact that there are three midi outputs.
I have found this unit to be invaluable in the studio, the action works nice for me, and the assignable sliders have come in very handy.

Perhaps verlocity response is a little limited, but no problems for writing techno.

Never a problem on the road.

At this price, I was stoked to get all the functionality that has been bundled into this unit. Has to be one of the best controllers you can get in this price range (second-hand)
I use it to control computer based midi sequencing, and the sliders for automation in sequencer and rebirth. The unit slots into my studio setup (mainly old roland gear) quite nicely.

Easy editing of presets, through LCD display. There are 99 presets which can hold 4 splits each with different midi channels, controller assignments etc. Manual is vague, I've had a difficult time trying to find an volume pedal that will work with it.

Good MIDI controller, having 4 sliders + pedals is excellent. Action is quite heavy.

Difficult to play lightly, not much difference between hammering the keys and touching them softly, but this can sometimes be an advantage

Never broken down...the "Tune Request" button crashes my computer though.

Its a cheap, reliable companion to a good sound module or sampler. Probably not so good with sound modules that use 'Performances' ie very specific multi-timbral setups such as Roland or Alesis. Also pitch bend is vertical, not joystick type :(

It's a pretty basic device, so not much to do. Editing happens on backlit 1-line LCD. Most annoying feature is having to hold down a paramater button while changing its value. Key numbers etc are set from the keyboard which is nice.

Keyboard is very light action, but lots of keys (73). No after touch, but oodles of other controllers: 4 panel sliders and buttons, and rear inputs for 4 continuous and 4 switch inputs, plus hold and prog up pedals.. In addition there is a dedicated volume controller, and the usual pair of controller wheels.

No sounds, being only a controller. Expressiveness - my biggest problem! It has 10 different velocity curves, but they all top out too early, making it really hard to play softly (and I'm not a heavy handed player!) Lack of aftertouch is another big problem.

Never had any trouble. It had some wierd 2-pin mains connector, so I replaced it with a normal 3-pin one.

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Brilliant value for all those keys, superb opportunity to do all sorts of weird MIDI stuff with those controllers. Velocity problem and lack of aftertouch mean it's just gone up for sale...