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CME

Description

The CME Xkey 37 is an ideal product for a lot of different kinds of musicians. It can serve as a controller in a home studio, but when it’s time to take it on the road, its functionality relative to its portability is what establishes its appeal.

It features critical control elements like pitch bend, modulation, sustain and (a must for 37-key controllers) an octave up and down switch. Pitch bend has traditionally been the challenge in smaller, portable controllers, and the CME XKey 37 solves that by assigning the function to a pair of Up and Down buttons rather than wheels or a joystick, which would violate the XKey 37’s incredibly low profile. All of the control functions work beautifully. It is simple to use, and is recognized by all DAWs without using any drivers.

The XKey 37’s action is likewise an achievement in portable controller design. The amount of key travel is minuscule, which is critical to its being able to maintain its signature low profile. And yet, it has a broad level of velocity discernment once you adjust your playing a little bit to its scale. You can play with remarkable and surprising levels of expressiveness on the XKey 37.
CME Xkey 37-Key Mobile USB Keyboard Controller
CME Xkey 37-Key Mobile USB Keyboard Controller
CME Xkey 37-Key Mobile USB Keyboard Controller

Features

  • Low profile 37-key controller
  • Effective velocity sensitivity
  • Polyphonic aftertouch
  • Sustain and expression inputs

Specs

Keyboard
  • Number of keys: 37
  • Action: Low profile synth action
  • Key size: Abbreviated
  • Velocity sensitive: Yes
  • Aftertouch: Yes, polyphonic
Connectivity
  • MIDI I/O: Two assignable outs
  • USB: Micro USB (cable included)
  • Pedal inputs: Sustain, Expression
  • iOS compatibility: Yes, free app
  • Audio I/O: Not applicable
  • Other: Not applicable
Controls
  • Encoders: Sustain, octave
  • Faders: No
  • Drum pads: No
  • Pitch bend/Modulation: Both
  • DAW transport: Yes
  • Onboard Features
  • Number of presets: Not applicable
  • Display: Panel
  • Bundled Software: Yes
Other
  • Width: 21.8 in.
  • Height: .6 in.
  • Depth: 5.3 in.
  • Weight: 2 lbs.

Reviews

3.67

3 Reviews

50%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Composing1
Cons
  1. Requires a different style off playing1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced2
Pros
  1. Compact1
  2. Functional1
  3. Good Quality1

Reviewed by 3 customers

  • Overall, disappointed.

    2

    Verified Buyer

    submitted4 years ago

    byDavid R

    fromMill Hall, PA

    I wanted to like it. While I was impressed with the quality of the body/case, and the pitch bend controller works well, the keys are horrible. If I had to use a QWERTY keyboard to play on, I might consider this a step up, because they are full size keys and velocity/aftertouch sensitive. But overall, it's unplayable as a keyboard controller. The feel of the keys is much like the space bar of a computer keyboard, but even more loose and cheap. Tactile feedback is poor, except for the clackety-clack of the plastic keys bottoming out on the keyboard's case. Velocity sensitivity is very difficult to control, since there is no resistance and travel to the keys. This will be the first piece of music gear I will send back in my 35 years of musical instrument purchases.

  • Nice slim keyboard. Requires different technique.

    4

    submitted4 years ago

    byPunk Zeroid

    fromDallas, TX

    Good keyboard for working with DAW. Modulation control is a bit weak. Key return speed may hinder super fast playing.

  • Must buy !

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted7 years ago

    byBryan

    fromundisclosed

    Fantastic! Awesome! just what the doctor ordered for traveling. Very very tweak able with the downloaded X-key software. I am overjoyed.

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Q&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byDan

    fromLaredo,Tx

    Hello, I understand there is a button that you can use to sustain notes sound, but that doesn't mean you can apply the same effect as if you were using a sustain pedal right? For instance, you can not sustain the sound of all the notes you are pressing with both hands because you will need one hand to press that sustain button, right?

    Open Reply - Gear-Adviser
    Correct. Please give us a call if you would like some help 855-770-3373

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked byTomo

    fromundisclosed

    I am thinking to buy CME Xkey 37 (Item #: 1423495792218) on your website. Does it come with CME Xcable?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Yes, it does.

  • submitted7 years ago

    asked byJim

    fromKorea now, but I'll be coming to Oregon

    I just got an xkey 37, hooked it up to my laptop by usb cable. Now what? How do I install this as an input device, and what programs (free until I get a handle on it) can it "play?"

    Open Reply - Ronald
    Thank you for reaching out to us. Unfortunately we need some more info before we can give you a for sure answer. Please give us a call at 866-498-7882 and we can get you squared away.

  • submitted7 years ago

    asked byAl Amin

    fromDhaka, Bangladesh

    Is the xcable(sustain or expression pedal input cable) included? I read a review that said it comes with both the micro USB cable and the xcable for midi output and sustain pedal. Thanks.

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    No, they are not included - this model does have the inputs for them however