Back in 2003, this little powerhouse squeezed a full-featured MIDI controller into the same footprint as the iconic microKORG, making it a go-to for producers who needed serious hands-on control without lugging a desk full of gear.
Its velocity-sensitive 37-note mini-keyboard spans three octaves with octave shift and transpose to hit notes from C-1 to G9, plus eight selectable velocity curves for precise feel. You've got eight rotary encoders and eight sliders, each with its own backlit LCD sub-display showing parameter names and values—orange for encoders, green for sliders—to keep you locked in during tweaks. Add 16 velocity-sensitive trigger pads for drums or clips, a versatile 4-way joystick with switch for pitch, mod, or custom CC, a value dial, and transport controls, all totaling 35 physical controllers. It connects via USB or 5-pin DIN MIDI In/Out/Thru, runs on six AA batteries for portability or 9V AC adapter, and stores 12 setup scenes in RAM, with an expression pedal jack for extra expression. At 524 x 232 x 70 mm and 2.6 kg, it's built tough yet slim enough to slip into a backpack.
Over the years, players have praised its sturdy build, intuitive layout, and how the displays make DAW mapping a breeze, though some note the limited onboard memories mean relying on the included editor software for deeper setups. It's still a gem for vintage rigs or mobile sessions, breathing life into soft synths like few others from that era.
