My first impression of the M-Audio Code61 keyboard controller..

I have the Code 61 less than a week, after ordering it sight unseen.

I read a lot of comments and watched videos..

Some folks had problems but were clueless about setting up..

I have found none of the problems that some stated.

Opening the box and powering it up via USB...the Code 61 looks fantastic..

I originally wanted the white model, but M-Audio discontinued it...

they said it showed too much

and had to be cleaned often.

When I received the black unit it also looked great..

and controls were easily visible.

One of the main reasons I wanted the Code....

I wanted a good keybed, and I got it..

I read the hype about the keybed, and to my surprise... it delivered..

I was comparing key touch, namely the Akai advanced and

Native Instrument's Komplete

61 key models... but did not have the Code to compare with..

The Advance and Komplete were acceptable to me and

I hoped my Code would also

be acceptable... Bingo.. it surpassed the front runners..

In fact the action is better than other non controller keyboards...

like the Roland Junos, FA6, and all the new synth action models..

Same with the Korg and Yamaha synth actions..

It also feels better than many semi weighted piano actions from

Casio, Korg, Yamaha and Roland.. etc.


The fully weighted piano actions like the Roland RD2000 are unsurpassed..


The sliders, pads, knobs and buttons all feel good...

they do not feel cheap like lower end units..

Each of the sections (pads, sliders. knobs, buttons. and y/z control)

have multiple layers of functions ( Modes)..

The first 25 keys also have assigned functions...

The Code series has 4 zones that can be split or overlap...

Another feature..the Y/Z pad in HID mode

becomes a mouse pad and left/right click buttons..

This controller is deep....

and dos not have the gimmicky features

that Akai Advance and N.I. Komplete have..

The Code series is a players controller..


I use the Code61 with MixCraft 8 pro studio...

and I am super pleased..

Code comes with the downloaded Ableton live,

but I have no need for it..

There is a learning curve, but easily mastered..

The Code editor software helps you to easily set the programmable controls.

You can receive a preset from the Code61 ..

edit the parameters and send back to the Code61.

You can also name the preset (new). Save all 12 locations with your set ups

and rename them as you wish via the editor software.

Instread of a dozen presets that you have no need for.. replace them..


I got a bonus.... the Code 61 added control over my Roland EA7...

All CC settings work with edits,

the changes are visible on the EA7 screens...

and you can save the edited tones as user tones..

The Code adds a lot to realtime control with the EA7..


They are such a perfect match, that I am using the combo as my go to set up..


Thanks to Mike Arango at Sweetwater...