Product: Edirol PCR-800
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted
12/13/2007
at
05:49am
by
Ad
Ease of Use
:
10
This is a very nice master keyboard with plenty of possibilities to send controller messages and Sysex message. I use the enclosed software (PCR-editor) to edit all buttons and sliders, and that software is very easy and straightforward to use. The manual, which both describes the software as well as the master keyboard, is very well done, and very clear.
Features
:
10
This master keyboard has everything I was looking for, and even a bit more: It has 9 sliders, with which you can use as drwabars to control B3-type sounds: I do have a Kurwzeil K2500R rack version, and now can control the KB3 sounds on that, as well as others!.
It has 16 programmable (on/off) buttons, that can trigger drum notes, samples, send CC messages, sysex messages, or send commands to control your software! All tested and works great. Apparenently the control of Sysex is rare in this price-class. I have send Sysex messages to the Kurzweil K2500R and this works and is handy!
Furthermore, the keyboard has 9 rotary knobs for continuous data (reverb, volume, expression etc) fully free programmable, and work ok!
There are a few buttons more, and in total you have 50 buttons/sliders to control, so lot's of options
Especially handy I find that you can assign the expression/volume pedal to other functions as well: I use it to send modulation messages on my synth: cool!
The PCR's have 10 memory locations to save complete setups. Switching between them is easily done.
A very nice feature I find is also the MIDI MERGE option: a MIDI IN signal can be merged with the PCR-800 an together go to the MIDI-OUT. I use it on to have my Roland G1000 on the MIDI IN, merge with the PCR 800, and send what I want to trigger the Kurwzeul K2500R connected to the MIDI out.
I use the PCR-800 mostly in a setup without a PC, so I need an external power cable (which you have to buy in addition for some 20 Euro/Dollar)
Expressiveness/Sounds
:
8
This is a masterkeyboard, so no sounds
The keyboard plays nicely. Keys are relatively small, but still well playable with my big hands (I am 190cm, so not a small person).
Obviously in this price range you cannot expect a top keyboard, but the keys do not make irritating sounds - are quiet enough-, play well. And have aftertouch!
Reliability
:
8
Until now, I can depend on it
Customer Support
:
9
I have no experience with Edirol/Roland support on this keyboard, but their website are updates for the editor and drivers.
In the past I had always very good experiences with Roland support
Overall Rating
:
10
It is definitely worth the price; I would buy it again, and can warmly recommend it!. It has incredible functionality: 50 control buttons/sliders, midi-merge, aftertouch, drawbar control, software control, and an ok keyboard for this price class.
Compared to other master keyboards in the price-range until 500 Euro, this is extremely good value!
What I wish it would have more: While sending a 'note' command on a specific midi-channe with a button-press (which the PCR-800 can do), it would be nice to also be able to send a Program change. But obviously with two button definitions you'll get there as well.
