At the 2010 NAMM Show, Cakewalk introduced the A-PRO Series USB MIDI Controllers for Mac and PC.
The keyboards are:
- A-300PRO—A 32-key USB MIDI keyboard
- A-500PRO—A 49-key USB MIDI keyboard
- A-800PRO—A 61-key USB MIDI keyboard
Features:
- A superior key mechanism providing aftertouch and increased sensitivity for a wide range of expressive dynamics
- Rounded key assemblies for smooth and comfortable glissando
- Selectable velocity curves to fine tune the A-PRO to your playing style
- Roland’s FPT (Fast Processing Technology) USB driver provides ultra-low latency and ensures subtleties of performances are captured
The A-PRO series and A-500S will be available in late April, 2010. Pricing is TBA. Details below.
Eight Dynamic Pads
- Precise velocity sensitivity makes the A-PRO a formidable controller for finger drumming
- Hold function is perfect for triggering loops and sequences
Ergonomic design puts everything at your fingertips
- Ultra-bright, backlit LED display makes it easy to monitor settings, especially when on stage
- Controls and onboard settings are easily accessible and intelligently laid out
- Over 45 fully assignable controls, including knobs, sliders, and buttons
- Dedicated Transport section
- Sure-grip Pitch Bend/Modulation Stick offers expressive control of both parameters simultaneously
- Easy and streamlined connection with side panel ports
Total control
- A-300PRO Editor for Mac and PC makes it a breeze to customize the controller for use with your favorite synth or DAW
- When working in ACT (Active Controller Technology) mode, DAWs like the included SONAR LE will remap parameters automatically
- Trigger clips, video effects and transitions from your A-PRO musical performance using any video hardware with V-LINK support
- Expand playability with Sustain & Expression Pedals (available separately)
The Production Plus Pack
- Three inspiring virtual instruments for Mac & PC:
- Rapture LE
- Cakewalk Sound Center
- Studio Instruments Drums
- SONAR 8.5 LE, a special version of Cakewalk’s professional recording software for Windows
Also making its debut is the A-500S, an inexpensive 49-key USB MIDI keyboard that shares many of the same design elements as the A-PRO series keyboards. The A-500S comes with the Production Pack Plus 3 software bundle. It has three power options — USB, AC and also battery (4 x AA) — and features a 3-digit, 7-segment LED screen to easily monitor settings. Compact and portable, the A-500S is perfect for anyone making music at home or in a project studio with a computer, academic settings needing great sound at low cost, or live performances and mobile recording applications.
So basicly a Edirol PCR 3/5/800 with another name on lol. I like the original way better, take a look: http://cachepe.samedaymusic.com/media/quality,85/…
So basicly a Edirol PCR 3/5/800 with another name on lol. I like the original way better, take a look: http://cachepe.samedaymusic.com/media/quality,85/…
agreed, looks a lot like a rebranded PCR 3/5/800
Has Roland's Edirol brand been absorbed by Roland Cakewalk? This and the Edirol audio interfaces… what's next, the MA-16D series speakers? I like Roland hardware, but I hate Cakewalk (the DAW), must they sell me Cakewalk branded hardware?
Has Roland's Edirol brand been absorbed by Roland Cakewalk? This and the Edirol audio interfaces… what's next, the MA-16D series speakers? I like Roland hardware, but I hate Cakewalk (the DAW), must they sell me Cakewalk branded hardware?
yeah this controller has been out for years (edirol pcr)
haha, i just ordered my pcr-300 some days ago, since it still seemed to be a quite decent controller in this price range. though, the pads are said to be so-so on pcr series, but i will not need them that much anyway. maybe they have improved the pads on this new model, but besides that it seems almost exactly the same under a new name. would be interesting to compare them side-by-side. maybe you guys here can do that at some point.
Hey, I was about to buy the PCR 300, but I bought the A-300Pro, which it's exactly the same, just missing the fader from the PCR. I'm extremely happy. The keys feel like a real piano, the Mapping with ableton was automatically (10 secs). Awesome. The PCR had problems mapping to Ableton (before).
Also, the good thing about the A-300Pro is that is the newer version, with warranty and support. You won't get that with the PCR.
I was so keen on getting the PCR but I'm so happy with the new A-300.
Cheers
H
The Cakewalk keyboards have a USB connector, MIDI Input and Output, and Hold and Expression pedal connections. The MIDI Input and Output are a great feature. Many USB-equipped MIDI controllers intended for use with computers omit the MIDI In and Out jacks. By having the MIDI In and Out jacks, this allows you to use your old gear (like 1980s synth modules). As well, I imagine you could plug a breath controller into a MIDI solutions box and then plug this into the MIDI in, which would allow you to use a breath controller.
Finally, I find a bit of info on these controllers. I've been looking for a Midi K-C and can't get anyone to give me an opinion on the durability of any of the ones I've read about – Axiom, Novation, etc. The Roland/Cakewalk controllers look almost like they use the old XP style chasis. If the keybed is like that of the XP series, I'm in!
Anyone know, or attest to the roadworthiness of the A-Pro series?
I decide to buy the A-300 pro but I read a lot of problem to maping with ableton live, the sofware that i want to use in my macbook pro, so do you say that was ok mapping in live??
in other way i´ll have to choose some novetion keyboard with automap..
cheers
mic