CME VX-8

88 keys weighted action velocity sensitivity, poly aftertouch...loads of features!

But the bigger question is....what percentage of features actually work properly and consistently?

If you ask around, the answer is grim.

Plenty of different types of controllers. They did this the right way.

Lots of options for in out.

The firmware is absolutely horrible. I had to return one unit to Sweetwater that arrived DOA. The installation of the firmware is cumbersome and complex. Be careful as it is easy to make the unit worthless when upgrading the firmware.

Read the other reviews below on the CME VX8. I can't agree more on what has been said.

I have had a project studio from the 1970s working with the classic synthesizers and have maintained a studio since that time. I currently use 9 outboard synthesizers and dozens of software synthesizers. I have used Evolution M-Audio controllers in the past.

I highly suggest staying away from anything in the VX series, and perhaps even CME based on the issues, many unresolved that have been mentioned in the CME forum.

Updates take years and now that the VX series is discontinued there probably will be no more updates. Users are left with major bugs, features that simply don't work, and ZERO technical support unless you can get it from your dealer. Even Sweetwater who should be ashamed for carrying CME can't offer much more because the problems are with the firmware.

You can't update the firmware with Vista. Be very careful using Windows XP or it could turn into a paperweight unless it's under warranty.

It's sad to mention all this because it is a beautiful unit, very solid and heavy, and very good hammer action. But CME is a fairly new company and they lack programming skills and customer support.

I will be extremely amazed if CME is still in existence by the end of 2010.

Firmware update is difficult at best, creates a brick at worst.
i have to flash my firmware daily to get it working.
Loses my user preset.
Manual is hard to read, lost in translation.
Action is great.
Logic/ Mackie Control hard to program for newbies.

88 Keys
Graded Hammer Action
Velocity Sensitivity with Aftertouch
Aluminum Casing

I *was* (it is now broken) using it for playing samples though Tascam's Gigastudio 3 and Cakewalk's Sonar 6 Producer Addition.

Be warned, this keyboard weights 70 pounds or more!! It is too heavy and awkward for one person to carry alone.

9 Knobs
9 Encoders
9 Faders
12 Drum pads
SEQ controls
Numeric input and jog wheel
Pitch bend wheel
Modulation wheel
Ribbon Control

1 MIDI in
4 MIDI outs
2 line ins
2 line outs
2 headphone outs
breath control
USB to computer connection
2 USB hubs
Power adapter input

Octave up/down and transpose
Expansion bay

Okay, long story short, the VX8 is a marvelous disaster. Plain and simple. I've spent a lot of waisted hours trying to get this keyboard to work. This hasn't been the case for everyone; however, quite a few people have experienced problems.

In my situation I had to return my VX8 TWICE due to a faulty firmware upgrade which "bricked" the entire $1000 keyboard. It is now a very pretty red brick, or at least a 70 pound paper weight.

THE GOOD:
-Grand hammer action has always worked excellent for me

-Aluminum casing speaks of "durable," and is extremely classy

-I've had no problems with sticking keys or buttons (though some people have had serious problems with this).

-The VX offers more velocity curves and options for an 88 key keyboard controller than any other competitor in their price range (I've heard of...) with the exception of Studiologic. I would recommend you buy a Studiologic over a CME, you'll have MUCH less trouble.

-Few other competitor's keyboards have aftertouch sensitivity

-You can find patient people to help you with your questions on their online forums

-New updates come out regularly (BUT BEWARE!! see below)

THE BAD:
-Manual is very vague and written from China. Many of the character's are in Chinese and the English phrasing is poorly done.

-Many people have experienced problems with sticking keys which also make loud clicking noises. For some people the power button sticks. For other people, the jog wheel rubs against the casing.

-Motorized faders do not respond to software DAWs (this may have been fixed recently)

-Limited compatibility (did not work well in Sonar, Pro Tools, or Logic. This may be fixed in the future.)

-The updating software, the "VX Brain," is currently incompatible with Windows Vista and MacOS.

-Audio interface uses Windows XP drivers instead of ASIO drivers. Therefore there is an audio latency of around 400 milliseconds. (unacceptable for professional use.)

-Many misspellings and mis-phrasing in poorly done documentation and VX Brain software. The word "OCTAVE" they spell "OCTACE," the word "working" is spelled "workiings."

-Perhaps worst of all: THERE IS A HIGH RISK THAT THE FIRMWARE UPDATE WILL RENDER YOUR VX USELESS. This is what many call a "bricked" piece of equipment. Basically, it becomes totally useless if the update goes bad, then you have to return it. Either that or you're out $1000 and a lot of your own time. Mine did this and I had to return it twice. The second time was one too many times for me. I'm going to try a Fatar keyboard next and hopefully, they do things better.

-CME is a "new," slightly immature company. Instead of admitting failures, they explain them away and say "it works fine for me."

CME is a growing company and they're struggling with issues of globalization. Their products and their documentation are "magnificent disasters." Their product manuals are especially bad, making this product frustration to learn how to use. There may be some hope for the VX series yet... but buying one is a huge risk.