New Vax77 Controller Keyboard

[sunmachine]

This sounds quite interesting. Only thing I don't like is that it (probably) won't come with MIDI DIN connectors.

Here's the Kickstarter project: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/12 ... escription

From Synthopia:

Key features of the new VAX MIDI Keyboard Controller design:

- The new VAX offers a weighted hammer action but with the return speed of a fast synth action. The important improvement to the action, compared with the original VAX77, is that the hammer releases the keyweight at the bottom of the keystroke, similar to a grand piano. It won’t “wear you out” after hours of playing like the VAX77 did with its constant force springs.

- The new VAX will transmit velocity and hi-res velocity. It will also transmit polyphonic aftertouch and release velocity.

- The new VAX will be powered through the USB port and no external power will be required. It will not have a touch screen display and it will heavily rely on computer hosts such as MainStage to handle splits and controller assignments.

- The new VAX will have traditional pitch and mod wheels and a couple of pedal inputs. The chassis will be similar to the VAX77 except that it will be extruded from aluminum instead of magnesium.

- Assembly involves sliding modules (first the sets of two octaves of keys then the pitch & mod wheel module) into the chassis on built-in rails and securing them in place with plates at each end. The only tool required is a screwdriver

- The new VAX will be offered as an Open Source product. That means Source Code, Schematics, Drawings and STP files will be on their website for anyone to download and modify. Since the new VAX is an assembly of modules, it will be easy for 3rd party developers to create and offer new modules and accessories.

[Bud Weiser]

disadvantages ...

No power connector for any internal PSU or any external PSU planned,- only USB bus powered.
No MIDI I/O and Thru planned ...
Consequently only usable with a computer being powered up and USB MIDI only.

Modularity of 2-octave keybed segments results in the lowest key will be an "F".
The easiest way cascading 2-octave keybed segments is the range "F-E".
No 88 keys version b.t.w.,- 48- , 72- and 96 keys only.
But I wished it were 73 keys w/ the low "E" like on a Fender Rhodes piano ...
48 keys for me are a deal breaker and 96 keys is too wide w/ left hand controllers in the "master module" assembled to the far left,- extremely uncomfortable using the wheels that way.

For many features the original VAX77 offered, you will now need the computer because the new one won´t come w/ that touch screen.

There´s a reason why the price will come down.

Nonetheless,- it will come w/ Poly AT and fast sensor technique which is interesting.

In the end the question is,- how often will I need Poly AT and do I have the playing technique to deal w/ Poly AT at all.

Bud

[sunmachine]

No power connector for any internal PSU or any external PSU planned,- only USB bus powered.
No MIDI I/O and Thru planned ...
Consequently only usable with a computer being powered up and USB MIDI only.

Yes, this turns me off, too. Hopefully they'll change their minds and add MIDI DIN.
So everyone please ask them to do so!!

If they make it class compliant you can connect it to an iConnectMIDI4+ instead of a computer, though.

Modularity of 2-octave keybed segments results in the lowest key will be an "F".
The easiest way cascading 2-octave keybed segments is the range "F-E".

This is what they say:

Since the cost goals require that each 2 octave module be identical in every respect, only 2 note range options exist, either from C to B or from F to E. We will try to design it so you can choose the option you prefer when you build the module.

For many features the original VAX77 offered, you will now need the computer because the new one won´t come w/ that touch screen.

There will be an app for phones and tablets to change settings:

Since there is no touch screen display on the new VAX, how will you set velocity curves, calibrate pedals, and set polyphonic after-touch sensitivity?
The VAX will have Bluetooth capability. Pair your tablet or phone (IOS or Android) and the VAX app will let you set and store keyboard parameters. Bluetooth is too slow (propagation delay) for note data but is more than adequate for setting up your VAX.

There´s a reason why the price will come down.

Sure, no folding, aluminium instead of magnesium, no touch screen etc.

[garyb]

a usb telephone charger should power it, if it only has usb. i've used that method many times.

[sunmachine]

a usb telephone charger should power it, if it only has usb. i've used that method many times.

This makes only sense if the VAX comes with MIDI DIN connectors, though, unless the charger has a built-in sound generator. For ring tones for example

[garyb]

very true!
but it appears to have midi din jacks....

[dawman]

Loved their VAX77s but just not enough keys for me.

[Bud Weiser]

Loved their VAX77s but just not enough keys for me.

Do you have your Physis K4 (ex ?) in use meanwhile and if yes,- how is it working for you ?

Bud

[dawman]

Sorry Bud I just saw this.

Physis K4 is a beast, mother of all Controllers ever made. Took the MC 3000 ideas
and expanded it to levels of re learning MIDI.

Only beef is I had to get 4 x new Behringer FCV 1000 Expression Pedals as the K4
seems to look for a min. max range, and EV-5s, M Audio and Behringer have the
little dials.

Fc-7 while being my favorite EXP cannot calibrate very well.
I did get lucky and get one to go from 0-100%, but the other 4 (1 x spare) are of
no use to me.

All brand new and work great with Scope stuff, actually the best as the pedal doesn't
move around when you let go, very good for fine tuning something.

But Physis is just such a great live tool I don't know where to start about how many
precision, focused methods of automation this thing delivers.

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[sunmachine]

Ok, so they added MIDI Din connectors to the new VAX.