EGO SYS NeON

PC (win xp sp2) Neon Drivers version 1.1
No presets - is only a usb/midi controller + basic audio io over USB 1.1.(Corrected: 14 presets for midi configuration).
Manual is very basic, but complete.
Changing CC assignements is easily done via the numeric pad keys.
LCD information is restricted to 3 digits (just enough....). The red LCD at least is very readable in all light conditions.

Has 14 memories for midi CC's configuration of 8 knobs, 8 vertical rotaries (like large mouse-wheels) 3 wheels (1 pitch bend type , 2 modulation type).1 iluminated switch jack to change between two sets of midi assignements (for the 8 knobs and Vert. rotaries).
Also has sustain pedal input jack.

Overall good set of midi control. The vertical rotaries, however, make changing mixer levels on my DAW way too slow (bad design decision, faders would be much more appropriate). I tend to configure those as midi buttons, and they became much more workable this way.
Audio: 16/24 bit 44.1 khz
Audio I/O: All jacks 1/4" non-balanced
1 Mic input with software switchable added gain
1 Guitar input
2 Line inputs (adjustable gain via software, without metering)
2 Line outputs

Keyboard: synth action type, normal size keys with solid feel, deep travel, very good quality overall (much better than Novation SL controller I've tested recently). No aftertouch, responds well to velocity (not excellent, but OK). No release velocity transmitted over MIDI. Transmits zero velocity as a substitute for MIDI Note OFF message, works OK with all my software.

Audio interface quality: I've got no real experience with audio interfaces but it is on the same level with my Audigy 2 ZS Platinum soundblaster, but with the much more practical side of recording at 44.1 khz (so there is no need to downsample for compatibility with other DAW software / CD recording etc).

IMPORTANT ISSUE WITH USB AUDIO I/O: first time using the audio I/O of the Neon I had all sort of clicks/pops + generally horrible sound quality when trying to select low latency values in my DAW (Cakewalk Project5 v2.5) and standalone softsynths. I was using a regular usb connection on my desktop PC (P5 with Asus motherboard). After searching the rather poor ESI-Neon forum I discovered that other people had the same problems. One person solved them by installing a dedicated usb PCI board. Other person solved by updating mboard bios. After I installed a dedicated usb PCI board the sound was OK with no pops /clicks/extraneous noise. This problem is quite common as usb provided by motherboard is normally low quality and services different simultaneous equipment (mouse, ext. hardisk, pen drive etc.)
Now I'm runnin at 11ms latency in Project5 with reasonable sound quality (to achieve the same quality with the Soundblaster Audigy ZS
PCI system I have to pick 40ms latency...).


As mentioned, keyboard action is surprisingly good. Knobs also have a good, solid feeling, and are rubberized.
The vertical rotaries (mouse wheel type) have a pronounced stteped movement that is OK for precise adjustments, and as I use them basically as midi "buttons" they adaptd well to this role (should have been sliders, really).
Numerical and aux functions pad keys however are very "plastic" and "clicky".
Pitch-bend wheel and modulation type wheels are OK, with solid feel.

Overall, it is a solid piece of gear. I will try to use the "plastic" key pads carefully however.

VERY basic internet site. However, I did solved my audio problem after searching the users forum.

I bought this keyboard just to have a simple, INEXPENSIVE, way to play my plugins and control synth parameters in real time (much more fun twisting filters cuttof with real knobs!). Also I wanted a simple I/O audio interface so I can use it with a laptop.

I have to say that it does both jobs real well for me. When I need more octaves, at home, I just connect my Yamaha P90 electronic piano
(or old timer Kawai K4 synth, 61 keys) to the midi IN and then I can use both keyboards at the same time (the Neon acts as USB Midi interface). Just perfect. After buying the Neon I've never returned to my former setup (kawai K4 as controller + Audigy ZS sound I/O). Makes for a much more compact setup and is way more productive.
I think that IF I do produce some musically interesting stuff in the future I will shop around for a better quality audio interface (USB or Firewire).

Really good points: Great keys action/feeling + solid knobs/wheels

Not so good: numerical keypad works OK but feels "plastic".

Audio I/O: basic needs covered, just average (consumer) quality.

Watch out for: USB audio I/O. You REALLY need a dedicated USB PCI daughter board (unless you have a really good/ way above average motherboard USB system). I think this is valid for ALL usb audio interfaces...

If it was stollen, I would be rather pissed (specially for the keys/ knobs, very difficult to find the same quality on this price range)as I have now a simple/inexpensive solution for my music hobby. I would look around for something similar, not necessarily the Neon (it would depend on price really).

I'll just add a couple of comments on my previous review. After some months of use I'm still not enthusiastic about the interfase, and found the manual of VERY little help...

I found another problem I didn't adress in my previous review, and certainly not a minor one: while you do have two distinct MIDI outs (one USB, one 5 pin DIN standard), they don't work together. This means that, if you like to work sequencing with this device alone, you have to get another MIDI interfase in order to play along with the recorded MIDI. I don't understand why this MIDI out cant work as a simple MIDI thru sending the info received via MIDI in thru to, say, a sound module, while you are playing or recording another track. It doesn't make sense at all, and I barely see the point of having a MIDI in at all.
Still think that it's feature packed,but this is really annoying...

Even adjusting an offset for velocities, it's still hard to get high velocities without breaking your fingers...
As for sounds, suffice to say finally I'm not using it for audio, because I don't want to risk making a good take and having to reproduce it later in a studio: I'd rather go to the studio for starters and not bother recording at home if I won't get good audio quality. I'll save and get an M-Box and that's it.

Not difficult once you get past the crappy manual.

This is a simple 25 key MIDI controller, with 8 encoders, 2 wheels, 8 knobs and 16 buttons for controlling almost any MIDI parameter you like.
The 25 keys are plasticky synth type, but full size and with a good action.
Connection to PC is done via USB, and it's a Mac and PC monster.You get MIDI IN/OUT (alternatively you can use either the standard MIDI out or the USB MIDI out, but not both).
Audio inputs: line in or guitar/Hi-Z in and Mic in.
I rate this 10 because it HAS all the features, I'll ellaborate on why it's almost useless...

It has no sounds of its own, so this is blank.

You can power it via USB or an external power supply. It's well constructed, so I would take it as a controller onstage. Since I didn't do it yet, I won't rate it, but I think it should be reliable.

they don't even answer you a mail, they have a forum where they basically say nothing. Worthless.

If it gets stolen I'll go and buy the real thing:M-Audio. Period.
Audio is worthless, so I should rate the thing as 0-Worthless, but as a controller it does work (albeit with some minor problems), so I'll rate it with a 3. Should it work as advertised, it would earn a 10, but S/N ratio sucks, it makes all kinds of noises it's true Plug'n'pray...
Unfortunately, I should say avoid it.