Product: Fatar StudioLogic SL-880 Controller
Price Paid: US $800
Submitted
08/09/1998
at
04:11pm
by
Chris Falk
Email: broohd at maine<dot>rr<dot>com
Ease of Use
:
10
This is my first 88-Key controller and I LOVE it! I use Cakewalk ProAudio 7, and it is a breeze to hook up, mostly because it is just a controller. There are no patches to worry about.
Features
:
7
This action is the best I have seen. I have had the keys for nearly a year now, and I would recommend it! It feels just like my Yamaha Conservatory grand. One problem though - it is a bit heavy, and not good for glissando (i.e. - organ stuff). It has four zones, each VERY EASILY customized with velocity, shape, midi channel, patch. The only problem I have with it is its lack of expression support. The only pedals you may use are sustain and volume. It has pitch/mod wheels, and controls my rig great! I give a 7 only because there are no onboard sounds.
Expressiveness/Sounds
:
8
There are no onboard sounds/effects/etc. The velocity/aftertouch is okay. Personally, I don't think it is sensitive enough. You can edit the velocity sensitivity for each zone, but it doesn't go far enough. Sure, if you play harder it is louder, but it is harder to play soft. A volume pedal is a must-have.
Reliability
:
10
It is definitely reliable. Not a single problem in an entire year so far. It has held up well. I transport it to every single gig, and use it with my PC at home.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
I have not had to contact FATAR.
Overall Rating
:
8
If I had to go around again, I would buy something more along the lines of a PC88mx or XP80. Here is why: I use a Kurzweil MicroPiano, and an Alesis NanoPiano as sound modules. They sound great (i'll save that for another review), and I have each on a different zone. It is just plain annoying to change zones rather than hit a patch change button. It is WONDERFUL for use solely as a controller for a studio or something, but I would prefer other products for gigging.
Product: Fatar StudioLogic SL-880 Controller
Price Paid: US $1300
Submitted
06/02/1998
at
10:38am
by
B.J.UALLAS
Ease of Use
:
8
Cakewalk Pro DOS
Features
:
10
28 not polyphony, I think No effects - just a controller No expansion possible Has 4 programmable zones, channel aftertouch and of course, is velocity sensitive No on-board sequencer
Expressiveness/Sounds
:
10
NO internal sounds VERY VERY responsive - the weighted hammer-action is MARVELLOUS I wish my piano felt as good!! (no, I don't work for the company!)
Reliability
:
10
has been very reliable so far would NOT use it as a gigging instrument - it's too valuable in my studio I use a 1989 Casio CZ-1 as a controller and a Yamaha PSR 410 in the church where I play
Customer Support
:
10
VERY GOOD tech support - even before I bought it!
Overall Rating
:
9
Worth what I paid - I'd buy another - the action is fantastic and I am a trained pianist I had a Yamaha KX-88 for a while - this is amazingly a better-feeling unit (although not as programmable - but the KX-88 is SO OPAQUE that I'd dare ANYONE to try!!!!!!)
