CME XKEY Air 25 Key MIDI Keyboard 1 Year Later | STILL THE BEST?

[@District7Studio]

how to tell when its completed its charged the light indicators are a bit confusing

[@2112jonr]

That was a really good review. So much better when they're based on plenty of real-world experience, rather than the "me first reading off the spec-sheet" reviews, which are so common but add little of value. This was really practical, hands on, time earned advice. Thanks fella, I'll be saving up for one of these now I know they're good for long term, everyday use. Very much appreciated, liked and subscribed.🙂

[@bjamminsincebirth3494]

I love the sustain, modulation, and pitch buttons much better than the traditional wheels that most offer. That vibrato is incredible!

[@MusicTechnologist]

They really are intuitive!

[@LawrenceArnell]

I've always been worried about lag and connectivity. But you and Henny both really recommend this. I might have to get into this. Great video. 💪🏾

[@MusicTechnologist]

Zero latency issues for me boss! 👌🏽

[@dariusprinceton5302]

pro trick: you can watch series on Flixzone. Me and my gf have been using it for watching a lot of movies recently.

[@dominickmax7735]

@Darius Princeton Yup, I've been watching on flixzone} for since november myself :D

[@jaylenskyler8721]

@Darius Princeton Yup, I've been watching on flixzone} for months myself :D

[@jonuriah5274]

@Darius Princeton Yea, I've been watching on flixzone} for years myself :D

[@tommykib]

Couldn’t you set up any Bluetooth button foot switch to be a sustain..? Like a page flip switch or similar..?

[@MusicTechnologist]

Unfortunately, it has to be midi mappable, and most foot switches are not midi.

[@tommykib]

@@MusicTechnologist kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJrGq6R9hM-Hm8U

[@ahom_ahom_ahom]

Because I noticed little to no latency, I decided to give it a go. Ordered from your link. Thanks.

[@MusicTechnologist]

Right on! Happy music making! 👍🏽

[@ahom_ahom_ahom]

What's been my turn off with midi controllers is the latency. Seems like you had no, or very little latency with Bluetooth. Surprising.

[@MusicTechnologist]

Yes, the latency is very low! Just make sure you have the latency settings in your DAW low enough as well. I usually have mine at 64-128 samples when playing things live.

[@2112jonr]

Just from my own experience with CME WIDI dongles: Zero issues with latency or interference, which I was very much expecting but have never experienced. The new CME dongles are brilliant, compared with other manufacturers from 10 years ago, they are worlds apart.

[@marxthe.2651]

Are there any new small midi keyboards in 2024? Would be nice with options, this one is still quite expensive.

[@WillFalcon]

Wil this work with my laptop? MacBook Pro

[@ivanandrade5195]

How do you connect this keyboard to an iPad and to the amplifier for live performances ?

[@VadimAndreyev]

Have any alternative in 2023?

[@brucephoenix3989]

Good tech info, but I like your music man! Legit and high quality feels 🎶 BTW-got a wired 25 at swap meet for 30 bucks! Didn’t make noise on its own, so they didn’t know it’s value! 🤷‍♂️

[@ProducersVault]

what about Latency? you forgot to include that in your video

[@Scott__C]

Hi just came across this. Are you still using this and has it held up well?

[@opusunum]

Great video! Have you figured out how to change midi channels with this?

[@MusicTechnologist]

Yes! Download the Xkey Plus app and under the Keys assign. tab, you can change the midi channel! 👍🏽

[@stefandziallas1639]

XKey is great. I have the 37 LE (With MIDI, expression and Sustain jacks via breakout cable). I can control the MIDI velocity perfectly. And I can really play with tight timing (think AKAI MPC as a music keyboard). Highly recommended.

[@MusicTechnologist]

I do really enjoy using the XKEY air! Lately though, there's been a lot of issues with it disconnecting, so I haven't been recommending it as much.

[@stefandziallas1639]

@@MusicTechnologist I only use the 37 LE USB cable version. It also has a breakout cable included for Sustain, Expression and 5-pin MIDI. My favorite keyboard. BTW I’m a player and I know all the other keyboards from mini keys to 88 Fatar wood.

[@BreathEmpowerment]

​@@MusicTechnologiststill having disconnection issues? How regular is it and will it be fixed for a good while after reconnecting? I would be using Android and Windows. Barely any seem to support Android ☹️

[@laurentsauvagnac]

Hello thanx for the great video. As I’m worried that I’ll get latency due to my old 2012 MacBook Pro, I was wondering if you can use it as well as a wired usb keyboard controler ? Thx

[@coversongsonkeyboards]

Wow So much information! in just a few minutes,thanks for share.

[@bjamminsincebirth3494]

Yeah I love it. I have the 37 air key version.

[@MusicTechnologist]

Yeah, kind of starting to feel like I should’ve gotten the bigger one! haha

[@Astrologye]

Ok thanks that worked great.

[@bjamminsincebirth3494]

@@MusicTechnologist Personally I want the Arturia Keylab 49 that has the drum pads, faders, and semi weighted keys. For now though I’m making do with the 37

[@gabbishlee5105]

I don’t have a midi controller yet but I really want to get the Hammer 88 which I think is M-audio - yup just checked it’s m audio. Mainly because it has weighted keys- it’s huge though of course. Question what brand and model is your bigger midi keyboard back there?

[@MusicTechnologist]

It's the Alesis Recital Pro ➡️ amzn.to/30OxIOG. It's pretty big too, but it has speakers, the keys feel great, and it's cheaper than the hammer88.

[@IamMlbb]

We're do I buy this I m from india

[@SenselInc]

Hey Jahrell. 👋 XKEY Air is great, but given that you're into portability and sensitivity, you might also really dig the Morph. It's also super expressive and supports MPE

[@MusicTechnologist]

Hey Sensel! I’ve heard a lot of good things about the morph! I actually tried to reach out to you guys a couple weeks ago. I’d definitely be open to giving the Morph a go! Maybe we can collaborate. You can DM me on Twitter/Instagram @jahrellamani, or feel free to drop some contact info, and I’ll reach out. 👍🏽

[@TheRealKingMidas]

This didn’t age well Sensel

[@SenselInc]

@@TheRealKingMidas True

[@danielregner8550]

Well organized video!

[@MusicTechnologist]

Thanks Daniel! 👍🏽

[@Astrologye]

it won't connect ot Logic Pro on my Mac

[@MusicTechnologist]

You’ve got to connect it through Audio Midi Setup on your Mac before it will work in Logic Pro. ➡️ support.apple.com/guide/audio-midi-setup/set-up-bluetooth-midi-devices-ams33f013765/mac

[@dafingaz]

I use the irig Keys IO in the bed. Or the OG Yamaha Motif with a Bluetooth to MIDI adapter in the studio.

[@MusicTechnologist]

Nice! 👌🏽 Next on my list to try is the Sensel Morph!

[@dafingaz]

@@MusicTechnologist Heard great things about that! Dope!

[@thephilosopher5799]

I think the black keys aren’t raised enough for piano players which can be annoying.

[@MusicTechnologist]

That’s a fair observation. The black keys are raised higher than the white keys though.

[@sadhuandrei9461]

nice! I’m hesitating between this and the Lumi Keys and it drives me bananas cause people either compare like everything else on the market EXCEPT the Lumi Keys or others do a review of just the Lumi Keys but don’t compare it to anything else. If someone is willing to make a video on how Lumi Keys compare to other wireless midi controllers it would be very cool

[@Ericessmusic]

What did you choose? I'm at the exact same crossroad 😁

[@jonathankeith6186]

I'm about to purchase one in a couple of weeks.👍😎

[@MusicTechnologist]

Nice! My affiliate link is in the video description if you want your purchase to help out the channel! ✊🏽Costs you nothing extra. 👍🏽

[@savoirfaire8979]

*This or Akai LPK25 Wireless?*

[@MusicTechnologist]

Really boils down to your needs. Akai has sustain pedal support, which XKEY does not. XKEY is much more compact, but has near-full sized keys, which the Akai does not.

[@mitchbattles2139]

Great video. I am currently using the AkaiAPK Mini MK3. I really like it but it can be a bit cumbersome when it comes to connecting it to my 12.9 IPad Pro. I am strongly considering the Xkey Air25 but for $200.00 that’s kind of steep. For $50.00 more I can go out and purchase the M-Audio Oxygen 25. Tell me if you were me . What would you do. because that Midi controller looks nice but is it really worth it for someone who just starting out in the music production and is in the market for a large “full size key” midis controller.

[@MusicTechnologist]

From what I’ve found, the M-Audio Oxygen 25 is actually much cheaper, coming in at around $129. I’ve never used it, but it looks like the feel of the keys wouldn’t be great even though they are full size. For me, the xkey air has been great, but like I said in the video, if you’re in need of a sustain pedal port or lots of buttons/knobs, you may want to look elsewhere. Personally, I’d take the Xkey air over the Akai MPK mini or the M-Audio Oxygen 25 any day.

[@mitchbattles2139]

@@MusicTechnologist how does the keys feel on Air 25. To me it looks like it doesn’t have very my travel. I have never seen one in person. Just in these KZbin videos.

[@MusicTechnologist]

@@mitchbattles2139 The keys feel really nice to me! They’re definitely different than regular keys though. They do have less travel and they are a bit “clicky” like typing keyboards, but somehow very satisfying! Hard to describe without just feeling it in person.

[@javonscottraw]

You can also turn it into a keytar which I think is epic

[@MusicTechnologist]

epic indeed! unfortunately, the clips are hard to find these days.

[@reoscorpio]

i've watched a lot of your videos, and i even subscribed. Since we have some of the same weapons of choice: Beatmaker 3 and the CME Xkey Air, i have a question with an issue i really need to solve. & i'll add, i have the XKey 25 (wired) that i bought years ago (maybe more than 5), and i just got the XKey Air 37 Bluetooth.. & my problem is.. when i'm playing on both.. every time i go past the first Octave.. the XKey disconnects. I don't know why. So then i have to come out of Beatmaker 3, and log back in.. and then its good, i can play again.. until i try to hit a key passed the Middle C going into the 2nd Octave.. Thats weird. & i know its not right.. Why have a 2 and 3 Octave Keyboard if it can only play one Octave.. Please help if you can. I want to go back to play with both hands Lol

[@RadOpsTV]

Did you ever find a solution or still having this issue? I also have beatmaker three and I’m considering buying this Bluetooth keyboard but now I’m worried about this issue.

[@reoscorpio]

@@RadOpsTV No, i don't remember getting that resolved at the time i wrote this comment (it says "2 years ago").. BUT, i'm on a kind of staycation in another country.. and i just pulled out the 37 Xkey yesterday to practice some scales and chords.. so when i saw your question.. luckily the XKey 37 was right in my face.. & so is my iPad. So i hooked the 37 XKey up, straight with the wired cable (not via bluetooth).. and that problem is NOT happening in Beatmaker 3 anymore. Maybe there was an update since then that solved the issue.. But it was happening on both my Xkey 25 and 37.. & it's not happening now. i also do beats on Native Instruments Maschine. So if something like this issue gave me a headache, then i just moved over to option 1 (the Maschine). i have since bought a folding MIDI Keyboard i use a lot that has 49 keys (i love it because it takes up less space in my travel bag. It also has NO Latency issues, when connected by Bluetooth.. That one is called "MIDIPLUS Vboard 49 Folding MIDI Keyboard Controller".. it is the EXACT Same Keyboard Controller as the Blackstar Carry On: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqGpeXSahNuVgtE It has a different Brand name, but its the exact same. i'm in Asia right now, and i see the chinese put different brand names on a lot of things.).. But the XKey is dope.. you just have to get acquainted with the feel of the flatter keys (the width of the keys is different, but size wise the keys are closer to piano keys)... if you're just using it as a controller to play out MIDI stuff, then i think you'll be good to go.. Your question made me do some stuff to hook up a beat.. So, there you go

[@RadOpsTV]

@@reoscorpio thanks bro! I am getting the Xkey 25 for my travels it’s perfect. I found an post where they explain that in beatmaker 3 you must toggle Off input or output devices and it will solve the issue. Others commented that it works with no problems! $225 plus tax tough, it’s certainly an investment. And now that I’m going to into music production, I got the Motu M2 interface for my guitar and record player. Then i made an impulse buy: a Niche NVM2 “this is noise” mini midi controller for travel. It’s really cool it’s my mini drum pad with knobs. I’m using everything with an iPad Pro. So beatmaker 3 was another investment. Getting $ heavy for what I originally planned. But it’s the most travel friendly semi-professional keyboard I would say. I was in between the Korg microkey2 or this one. But I think I will make the investment, what do you suggest? I still need to also buy the shure SM57 for another $100 to record my guitar amplifier. I’m getting close to $600 total investment. Best of luck in china! I’m in Texas.

[@reoscorpio]

@@RadOpsTV i just pulled the plug on the XKey 37, and ran it via Bluetooth with Beatmaker 3.. and that worked good too (Wireless). Motu is a great brand.. i had one of their interfaces many years ago (i think it was the Motu M2). The Xkey 25 is cool (getting the one with Bluetooth would be a good deal. When i got it it didn't have Bluetooth. But my 37 does). i even practice with it some times with no sound, just to give my fingers something to do.. but when i'm doing music ideas i need more than 2 octaves then the XKey 25.. I'm not in china.. i'm in the Philippines (having more fun Lol)

[@Astrologye]

Ok thanks that worked 👍🏾

[@MusicTechnologist]

No problem!

[@spellerlittlewing]

Can I use this with any software wither mpe

[@MusicTechnologist]

The XKEY Air does not have MPE, so if you use it with an MPE app, it will still function, but without the added depth of MPE.

[@Ailanto]

The functional (and aesthetic) design of those controllers is great. But the company should fix the noise and looseness of the keys. That's crappy!

[@butcharmstrong9645]

Interesting review and I think I'm going to pick one up from Reverb. But I also have to say brother you are really cute. WOOF!

[@hamerray]

Too bad they don’t have a minikey size, I might consider getting one.

[@MusicTechnologist]

That's so interesting! One of the main reasons I like this one is the larger keys

[@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

$200?!?! WTF I could just get a sensel for $50 more and get MPE!

[@MusicTechnologist]

That’s fair, but not everyone wants the silicone feel when playing on a controller. Also, getting the Sensel Morph for $250 only gets you one overlay.

[@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

@@MusicTechnologist LOL... Fair as well. But, to that point, how many overlays are in the Roli product stack?

[@MusicTechnologist]

@@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios Roli doesn’t use overlays.

[@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

@@MusicTechnologist That was my point. :-)

[@BrianQuesta]

i cant stand this thing. i think i prefer something with more range (more keys) if youre gonna get something this small you should get something with a few pads on it.

[@MusicTechnologist]

You can certainly go with something with additional pads and knobs, but the aim with the XKEY Air is to give near-full sized keys in a thin & light package. I don't know of anything else this size & weight with near-full sized keys.

[@jonathankeith6186]

The Sensel Morph.

[@SenselInc]

Thanks Jonathan! Appreciate you 🙏

[@MusicTechnologist]

@Sensel Would love to check it out and give my honest thoughts to the community! Thanks Jonathan, for the suggestion!

[@alcyonemusica]

Connectivity problems Terrible keyboard almost impossible to connect with any computer.

[@liamcannon6405]

first comment 😎

[@MusicTechnologist]

🎉