I went shopping yesterday for a small controller..to use with my laptop and VST's..

I wanted a USB powered unit with the best key feel available..

My choices came down to Novation LaunchKey, Novation Impulse, M-Audio Axiom Air and Arturia KeyLab61..

My requirements were 61 keys, aftertouch if possible and the best keys...I also wanted the full array of assignable controller buttons, sliders, rotaries, and pads..

I quickly ruled out the lessor M-Audio models, and also the Alesis models, same with Samson and Akai (keys)..

My final 3 were the Impulse, KeyLab61, and the A800 PRO..all 3 were quality units..reviews made me lean towards the A800 and Roland's track record...

My plan is to use the A800 and Laptop at the CrabTrap gig...easy to set up and get through the crowds..Since I rarely play styles with the band...no arranger is needed..( Band has the BK5 on hand too)..

If the BK9 becomes a reality for me...the A800 will be up for sale....or sit in the studio ...

How's the action, Fran? Same as the BK-5 or better?

Exactly the same..

I have used it. Quite "plasticky" and light. About on par with all the other 61 note controllers.

Dennis, I find it better than most..I was actually surprised to find it better than the Novation model...and the Akai was disappointing too..

The slight undersize is more irritating than the action..

YMMV Fran as is the case with all things. Personal perception is the key (no pun!)

I thought the Akai was about the same as the 800 tbh. All these 61 note controllers are built ONLY to a price point and use the cheapest components possible, you know that already. I wouldn't use any of them to actually play live. If it is only for studio work, then any of them will suffice.

But as with anything, one can adapt to something. If I had no choice, the Roland would be the one I would go for.

The one I have my eye on though is the A88

D

Not impressed if it's the BK-5 action. Yes, it's a step up from those horrible PSR actions (played an S950... hated it!), but it's still sub-par for me.

If Roland had some G70 actions left over, an updated, modern A70 controller would be worth every penny!

I am SO happy the BK-9's action is quite decent. It would have been an awful decision whether to keep it or not if it had have had a 76 version of the BK-5 action.

My current axe (the A70) I re-built it from two units, one I had that was going dodgy on me, and another s/h one that had fully operational PCBs and sliders/buttons but an almost disintegrated casing.

Plus I added a new set of keypad contacts

Got a really nice unit now. And the keybed is the G70 one. Those slightly convex keys are so nice to play, and it is a feature not seen on any other keybed, and I have played a LOT!!

Dennis

As far as I am concerned, there has never been a better plastic key action made. There are some nice wooden ones, but for plastic, this is the perfect balance of shape, weight and spring force.

And I've played almost everything ever made!