CME UF8 USB 88 Key MIDI Controller Review

[TheEltestosteron]

i own this keyboad. TO make it short: I'm not satisfied and don't recommend it to anybody. Short story: If you want to buy a decent 88 Hammer action master keyboard go for the AKAI MPK 88 which I will do as soon as I sell this piece of china poo (emphasis on poo, not china). Anybody interested - btw?

[TheEltestosteron]

Ok. Some few of the keys hang sometimes. not that they would generate a note, but they don't return to their original position and remain 3mm below that. Which looks quite ugly and disturbing. The USB driver is a farce, doesn't work with WIn7 64bit, so I use the MIDI out which is plugged to my sound card break out box. The manufacturers web is virtually unreachable. There are templates for cubase 2,3 but I don't get it to run in Cubase 6.

But hey - you get 30Kg of metal...

[omarphi215]

I have auf6 and was ready to toss it out of the window...I couldn't get any support from the CME website which for some reason wouldn't show on my mac but the site would show on any pc...all that has been fixed..i was able to download drivers and I have no issue with my board...i must mention that I have not yet tried to assign knobs and sliders and when i tried to set up my transport controls, i couldn't get the play to work in logic...i think i am going to connect via midi only not usb

[batvalj]

no x64 support. it's a shame

[TheMereMortal]

Do they make a 49 keyboard with aftertouch?

[omarphi215]

@TheMereMortal yes, I have one that i may just sell or trade if you are in the philadelphia area

[MrKeyflo]

If you want to get it to work on MAC, dont use USB, get a audio interface with midi connectors....Plug the CME into a wall and plug the midi out of the CME to the Midi in of the interfact.

[bigfrancradio]

how do i midi the uf7 to protools m powered 8 windows vista

[bigfrancradio]

how do i midi the uf7 to protools m powered 8

[killanator21]

you guys are saying no 64 bit drivers. Will it work with osx lion then, since lion dropped 32bit support? running logic studio and main stage

[Idsz]

@killanator21 As of now I haven't gotten it to work even in leopard or snow leopard. Still trying to work it out but buyer beware

[gossie67]

hey what is that ofr software i make my beats whit fl studio and mm17 and i buy this key the 60

[Idsz]

Did anyone get the UF8 to work with OSX 10.5.8 or higher, including the control knobs? Playing seems to work fine though Logic records two signals everytime I press a key

[killanator21]

at about 4:40 when you are showing off the pedal there seems to be a lot of latency. is that just the audio desyncing from the video or is the keyboard actually that much latency?

[ThePlayboymommy]

I have this keyboard for sale for 350. or the best offer must go ASAP

[2b1nChrist]

I have this keyboard and it's alright. I am not happy about no 64 bit drivers and I can only use it through the midi port and not the usb. With that said, a lot of the features they brag about can not be used on Win 7 64 as no drivers are written for it. Even though the say they will never write 64 bit drivers, they may change there minds when no one is buying their products due to their position on 64 bit support. If any one knows of a good hammer action 88 key w/64 bit drivers, please post.

[tevsmithfanpage]

@2b1nChrist i'm having the same problem, how did you ultimately end up getting it to work with windows 7 64? I'm a bit stuck

[davdcl499]

@2b1nChrist Besides the technical difficulties with this board, are the keys any good on this keyboard?

[motu828mk2]

No win7 64 bits drivers and there will never be is what the company told me after email exchanges... See how serious they are...???

very very bad...

[Idsz]

@motu828mk2 You actually got an email response from them?

[motu828mk2]

@Idsz yes.

They even told me there were un official drivers elsewhere and I could have a look at them.

They sent me links...

yeah! of course none worked confortably..

[lookslikeharry2]

:33 :D

[Ghost18370]

Hello! What's software do you use in this video?

[casioPX500L]

CME looks and sounds to be a great instrument. mybe they will produce lighting key pianos soon.

[scott93257]

@casioPX500L

doubtful..

[89naturegirl]

:)

[89naturegirl]

Shut Up N' Play Yer Synth!!!!!

[89naturegirl]

Too much talk...not enough play!!!!!!!!!!

[Idsz]

Did you get the controller to work with Logic?

[uwiththehair]

What soft ware is he using What software is good i don't care if its free or not as long as it's not extremely expensive.

[omarphi215]

DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE I CAN DOWNLOAD THE DRIVER FOR THE UF6 FOR MAC OSX? the CME site is down, and I don't know where else i can find one.

[bossanova3000]

thanks

[Fantasma25]

Where did you get that mouse pad?

[Bidd46]

hi will the keyboard work with usb connection with windows 7 pro addition?? thanks

[majorrusk]

@Bidd46 yes. but you'll need to find drivers at CME website.

[ShotecMusic]

@majorrusk There are no drivers for UF and Windows 7

[beganovic11]

@ShotecMusic i just buy one , and i have windows 7 x) so i cant use this keyboard or :O ?

[ShotecMusic]

@beganovic11 There is unofficial driver for Vista but it should work on 7 aswell but only on 32bit.

[harrym2457]

when i go up octaves on my uf6 it plays the original key aswell as the one changed in the octive so two keys play in one press? also i dont think the play controls work in cubase :(

[harrym2457]

hello, i have cubase 5 and a Yamaha psr-330 keyboard. im having no luck at all with it, my computer wont pick up the keyboard for some reason. how do you get all the sounds to work with it?

[scrawfrd02]

Does this feel anything like a fantom g8? i used fruity loops and komplete 5. i just sold my semi weighted digital grand.. i want weighted keys and not sure what to buy.. even though keys are weighted, does the vsti plugins pickup on the weight.. i guess the velocity curve? i used truepianos vsti alot too.

[Beemerboy324]

The video and audio are wildly out of sync but good review. I didn't know about this machine. Can you control EZ Drummer or Addictive Drums sounds with it?

[connordrew]

Hi,

I just purchased this exact keyboard 2 wks ago. I have the keyboard connected to my laptop via the USB cable. The only problem I have is finding a program that emulates the sounds you have on your video. I'm currently using Fruity Loops and I can get a piano sound but I can't figure out how to get the many different sounds on here. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[LostBlossom]

@connordrew

You should learn how to use the various software synthesizers in FL Studio (Fruity Loops) to get such sounds. There's propably lots of tutorials for FL Studio and for programming software synths here in Youtube.

[connordrew]

@LostBlossom

Thank you for your reply.

Fruity Loops looks quite complexed for me at this time so I'll need to persevere. I'm happy with the piano sound at the moment. Thanks for your help.

[djphatd]

@connordrew I recommend getting Reason. I upgraded from FL studio to Reason years ago. Reason has awesome synth sounds, you can basically create any sound you want. There are also tons of preset sounds which sound great.

[alanwarrick]

Chris,

I listened to your video on the CME 8 and I enjoyed it.

[ninjahimself]

hey bud, what synth software are you using? i already have a midi controller (that i hate) i dont play everything fortissimo, and presto. i found this video from "hammer action" and am interested in this controller

[curszondax]

@ninjahimself

if piano sounds or samples are very important to you then you definitely will need some sort of hammer action controller for more realistic playing feel. i'm using the cme uf8 88 controller with Synthogy Ivory - Grand Pianos vst. overall it's a good controller for the money. do bear in mind that the weight of keys in hammer action controllers for keyboard players are "a matter of taste". it's also good to try out a few types before you buy.

[ThaJSpraya]

Hamered Key Action or True Touch semi weighted (axiom pro)

HYper control auto maps the knobs with axiom pro

but is the key station pro , CME UF8 , or Axiom Pro the Best ?

[johnzzy552]

hey can you use this keyboard with pro tools?

[ThaJSpraya]

@johnzzy552 yes

[G1gaherz]

MIDI keyboard is like a synth, but without "brains", it doesn't produce any sound, but is used to control software.

[jazzmatik]

What is the difference between a MIDI keybaord, synthesizer, and a digital stage piano?

What are the best 88-weighted MIDI keyboards?

[curszondax]

hi jazzmatik. your question on what are the best 88-weighted MIDI keyboards?

that's a tricky question. it does depend on two main things. the piano feel your after and controller features you need. there are 3 types of piano feel, Hammer-action, Graded hammer action and Progressive hammer action. Progressive hammer action simulates the feel of a full concert grand piano and are the most expensive controllers.

[StreamOfMetal]

@curszondax Hi dude, what can u tell me about the "IVORY FEEL" of Roland Fantom G? I know its not even like a piano...but its good for me...

[curszondax]

@StreamOfMetal

hi there. i had a go on a Fantom G. there great music work stations. the G8 is the 88 weighted key version. it does have a feel that i quite liked when i tried it. but it is a matter of taste. if your not into weighted keyboards then synth style keys of the Fantom G are fine.

[StreamOfMetal]

@curszondax Yeah I have a Fantom G, but I wanted another opinion haha. The keys are really weighted, much more tan a normal piano...but I suppose it´s for durability...

[MistakeProductions]

so you can't plug this into an amp or anything?

just to the computer?

[rokinrandy]

The Software is Steinbergs "Hypersonic 2". It's real easy on the cpu and already mapped to work with some controllers. The only vsti for guys that still use pentium 4 2 gig cpu,with xp lol. Of course I'm learning. I'm more of a guitarist...My faders from the Cme act like they all turn each other up and down some times and my master volume is vol channel one for some reason. My master volume controls nothing. It's a bit backwards..Guess I have some reading to do

[rokinrandy]

I just learned more..The "hypersonic 2" actually is pre mapped out to work with the cme ..I had 3 sounds linked together in "Hypersonic 2" to work off of one fader. and it was A real quick ad easy option.The Cme and Hyper keeps getting better and better as I learn..I'm slowly steering away from all the other vsti's..Highly! highly! recommended No matter what kind of music you like

[maqster]

quick question, anyone happen to know, or be able to indetify the software used in this demo? - thnx :)

[chandin69]

is it good build quality?

cause i read the user manual and it has spelling mistakes lol

[agbengip]

Hey JimmyMcCombs, guess what? It's just a controller. There are no sounds in it. It's interfaced to a computer via MIDI.

[gavintrill]

NICE KEY BOARD

[jimmymccombs]

COOL NICE VIDEO  LIKE THE SOUND

[Shotec1]

I have this keyboard a it's amazing.

[danxl5]

So does this come with Midi out standard? Minus the expansion board?

[Jon3Blaz3]

Does this keyboard have firewire? and is usb midi the same as it?

[lamarrero]

I recently bought a UF7 with no documentation. I am new to midi controllers and do not understand clearly how to connect it to a sound source. Help, please.

Thanks

[silencefreedom]

One of the best keyboard I have ever used. The keys is more better than Yamaha DX7 a lot.

[WirSindRocker]

you can not compare these two keyboards..

the dx is a synthesizer

the cme is a controller

the dx has normal keys

the cme has hammer-keys

[OZilla612]

how about u give me ur dx7 so u can get the uf8 it's way better eh?

[SnuffyT]

Of all the keyboards I've played, the DX7 has my favorite action. Anybody know a controller with a similar feel to the DX7? I want something that I can get the velocity up to 127...

[dcnutter]

Definitely a great controller. I'm happy with my M-Audio Axiom 61 though. I don't really need the full weighted keys but they are great.

Nice video!

[jabrill123]

how dose i cost

[Shotec1]

awsome keyboard

[frogscar]

discontinued :(

[BlueTopica]

How are the keys on this compared to the Keystation 88 Pro? I've heard that the latter feels sort of awkward for some reason, but I've not tried either one myself. Any input you guys?

[onyx1310]

Personally i would avoid the keystation. Yes they have a terrible feel!

[Ureallydontknow]

m-audio is a bit of a disappointment in the weighted keys but everything else is solid. lots of features with zones and groups. you call them splits and banks.

[airdog77]

is this controller available only in US?

[Maneby]

I just bought it in Sweden (but with 5 octaves), got it cheap as there is a new edition :)

[KOSMAJAC92]

Can somebody help me ? I want to buy an 88 (synthesizer) key midi controller,but just with 88 synthesizer key(nothing deep like piano keys,not hammer action,synth)well i think you understood me xD ...help pls

[sahirdonsocomeon]

Try M audio they have others like the sono...!

[danxl5]

Yesh but the Sono is around 550$cnd

I can get a UF7 for 300$ and the UF series has more functions.

[36TRecords]

For my studio, I got a CME UF6 (Non-Hammer Action). A great place to grab one is on eBay (as this model has been discontinued). I was also looking at M-Audio, Edirol (Roland), Korg, etc. It was new, & it works great. However; CME help-line is the worst I've dealt with, it only has MIDI Out, & doesn't work with Windows Vista. I had to hunt for a rare Driver file, then it was Gold. I would give it a rating of around 7.8/10.

Respects,

DJ MARCUS Van STEUR

3:6:T RECORDS Inc. [CDN,US,UK,NL]

[Lburnard]

You can get any of the currect Creative Labs Sound Blaster X-Fi range cards, you can run them in 'Music Creation' mode they are ASIO and you can run almost 1ms latency but it depends on your CPU and the program and VSTi's your using as well.

[Shadow432643]

great demo !!! :)

[kizm0]

You need a good soundcard and ASIO drivers for it. (Since I use it) I recommend the Audigy soundcard series, most are very cheap and my ORIGINAL audigy 1 (5 years old) has 2.0ms latency on my PC. I don't think any other pc specs change anything.

[GRACEtoHOPE]

When using a such controller to software, how do you eliminate or significantly reduce the sound delay between the time keys are pressed to when it actually produces teh sound?? Is it better to use a rack mount synth or does it actually have to do with teh sound card hardware? pc RAM/speed etc????

[skyhawk77]

It's down to what drivers you use. You adjust what you call the latencyl level of the driver. ASIO Drivers are recommended as they have a lower latency. ( IE the delay between pressing a note and hearing a sound). Soundcards dictate the quality of signals 24 Bit / 96 Khz, features such as the number of outputs and inputs and the type of inputs and outputs such as S/PDIF, MIDI ect.

[skyhawk77]

The processor (CPU) is very imporrtant if you wish to run lots of softsynths and effects or audio tracks ( audio tracks are much less CPU intensive to process). A rackmount synth can contain sounds like a keyboard so you could be recording either sound or midi into your software that will allow you to.

[Asagai1971]

Great Review!

[majezzy]

i wanted to know can u use a keyboard that have midi interfaces but it not a Controller on a music program or software or would it work at all ?

[MmhGanja]

not sure what u are asking for.. but any midi keyboard can be used with any computer software that has midi.. like reason, cubase, fruity, reaper etc..

u can only use midi keyboard if u have a computer to connect it to..

[askaninjafan]

for midi controllers, do u have to have it connected to a computer in order for it to work. becuase im looking for something portable. and i dont have a laptop

[shipiboconibo]

Yeah, any keyboads that say 'controller' will not make their own sound. Check out some of the smaller synths from Korg.

[askaninjafan]

thanks

[cholote313]

how do i connect my piano to comp musing midi

[PerispereRecords]

if you have a midi keyboard you can buy a midi-usb interface. mine cost me like 80 dollars (australian money)

well worth it though

[PharrellShaymar]

just go on currency on google and it should have a currency converter

[jamez123123]

your very good at these :)

its brilliant,

do you use logic pro 8 atall ?

i think you should if you dont!

with all your brilliant plug ins and this it would be great with EXS24 and all there stuff. logic looks really nice 2.

why did they discontinue this?

'cause its good!

Thanks again

[RockinRoel]

Hi. I am a student and I want to learn to play the piano (classical education). Now, I can't place a full-size piano (and probably can't afford) in my room, and I must be able to play with headphones on, so I don't disturb others. So, I figure I need a keyboard. I'd also like to use that same keyboard as a MIDI controller. However, I'm concerned that the hammers & the computer-generated sound aren't authentic enough. Is this a big issue?

[bartoszenka]

for classical music I use galaxy II (computer program) together with cme UF80, which is an excellent solution - the sound is incredible, like in Vienna concert hall!

[sexparty2]

good review,bad product

[Shikyo2]

Sorry pal, two people disagreed with you without saying anything at all, so you must be wrong.

[sergiomcfly]

very good review. thanks. i just purchased one from americanmusical 66 keys

[Gradius0]

Actually is 49, 61, 76 and 88, there is NO 66 keys.

[sergiomcfly]

Sorry my bad. you're wright.

[yungflashyfly]

Actually when you're spelling ''wright'' its ''right'' with an ''R''

[sergiomcfly]

Sorry my bad. YOU'RE RIGHT !

hehehhee

[Fagleboo]

Is there any difference in the feeling of the keys on the new upgrade modell (uf80)?

[turvalux]

Thanks!!..Great review. Today i ordered UF-70. Can't wait.

[Fagleboo]

Can you use it with out a computer and use the sounds from another synth that has midi in out?

[thebiggmatt]

one question: has the CME UF5 keyboard the same features of this UF8? thanks

[floridamusiccompany]

yes just less keys.

regards Chris

[butthead06]

hi there. I am planning to buy a midi keyboard to controll fruity loops etc. i consider axiom 49 and cme uf5. they basically have the same functions, except for the axiom having the 8 triggerpads. which one would u recommend.

thx alot

[sisterbrothers]

A midi only keyboard, very nice. I only just bought a midi cable for my ancient Casio! And the results are amazing - what my computer can do, I mean. I'd like to upgrade to a more advanced keyboard and this looks the ticket.

[BLechuga]

Because if the controller has a MIDI IN and a MIDI OUT, you can send the MIDI signal to a software through the MIDI OUT, then send it to the controller back again through the MIDI in, and record theaudio (not MIDI) directly to a computer with the audio output. It is basically using the software as the brain of the keyboard and still record in audio form.

[thrillastilla]

I'm lost, if the keyboard itself doesn't have sound, why do they have an expansion board with audio outputs?

[ddonpocho]

I have a small apartment, and need a keyboard for my daughter's beginning piano lessons. The weighted keyboard seems ideal. Is this a good standalone piano keyboard?

[DarkShroom]

this is a midi controller, i don't think this is the one

[Dulac91]

I have the same keyboard

GREAT

[TheGreatOctober]

Great man! I got the UF7 midi controller. But I want to ask you a question if you don't mind. How come when I play the UF7 for some reason it sounds like the tone is a half note shifted. The C is not where it suppose to be on the piano. Is this cause I use a computer program on the laptop called Sample Tank 2.5 but I don't have a Sound module. Is this something programmable or is this how it suppose to be on the UF7? Please help , and don't mind my stupidity, am kinda new to midi things

[nonikita]

I just bought UF5, 2 hours ago, gonna test it now. Just to ask, can I change the sound type, sometimes, I don't want it to sound like a real piano, I just want it to be like, when I press a key (no mather how hard) to play that sound.

[djyogas]

hi... i bouht yesterday a cme uf 6 now waiting 4 package .. it is good controller or is something better with this price?

thanks

[crusthor]

man.. what softwere u use for this sounds?

very good..

=)

[DTRemcoG]

He uses Steinberg's HyperSonic 2

[jamez123123]

ahh i've been looking around, and in england it seems there Discontinued! thats a shame

so CME Bitstream 3X looks like my next best bet, could i still record using the Tascam midi interface and use this for a controller like Record,play, and the faders so i can control the program

thanks again

James

[Higgins2001]

theyre discontinued from production because the new model has come out, the UF80

this goes for the entire range. the UF5, UF6, and UF7 have all been replaced by the UF50, UF60, and UF70

[beefdlo]

:(

black>silver

[jamez123123]

hello

i'm using logic studio 8 and Soundtrack 2,

i've been looking for a digital mixer for the faders but looks like this does the job and more!! so would this work? for controlling soundtrack or something, is it just a simple plug in usb install a driver and configure the settings and your off ?

if you need to install something would this work on a external hard drive, anyway so bassicaly i'm after something just like this!

thanks

James

[coma46]

I have just got the UF60 and its being such a bad boy! It's not doing anything at all, started to get upset lol! Please help, what software you recomend using it with? All i have is cubase about it. help help help

[benw1477]

Ive got a cme uf7, and im using nuendo 3, however the knob functions dont work, even though I downloaded the patch from the cme website, im wondering weather its the software, whatr software are you using? Can you get it for pc?

[tfingal]

where can I find this board? Everywhere I look, I cannot find it

[floridamusiccompany]

right here from floridamusicco dot com

or follow the link on the right under were it says "about this video"

[technoreaper]

I'm planing on getting the 25 key axiom, but is there a better midi controller i should get.

Oh and good job on your reviews

[jayjsmooth]

nice review man

[rpc9943]

this keyboard looks absolutely awesome, I am not really a good keyboardist yet but plan on it ;) I'm wondering does the hammer action affect someone who was perhaps using an edirol pcr50 which has ... well bad action, maybe similar to an organ?

Also is the cheapest deal the link you posted?

[floridamusiccompany]

you will certainly notice the added weight in the keys but it will tone up those finger muscles so can only help.

as for the price give the sales guys a call and see if there up for some haggling.

regards Chris

[noakwesterberg]

I'm getting the UF5, thanks for the inspiration!

[pianokid100]

thats going on my "to get " list after a new computer

[DrumMasterT]

My mate has this and like every NI app you can think of and the MacBook Pro! Amazing setup and amazing keyboard! I lived using the sliders as the stops on the organ through NI!

[anon69]

Is this the model from 2005, as opposed to the UF80 from this year?

[openebiz]

Yep. The UF80 has a silver finish.