I have been puzzling over the new CME VX series controllers (they come in 4 different sizes, the VX5 is pictured above). There is some translation anomalies in the press release that make it hard to be sure, but it seems that the VX has pads that may be used to switch between "MIDI accompaniment styles". Yamaha is now officially distributing CME keyboards in the US. Here's the release from the CME website:

"CME has just release their brand new intelligent keyboard controller - VX series. It's the first keyboard with motor fader controller as well as multi-function expansion slot in the world. As the first keyboard with 'PadStyle' intelligent MIDI songs and styles in the world, it is available to update via USB. It’s also the first keyboard with unique Game mode, Multi-scale and U-CTRL function in the world.

Not only a MIDI keyboard controller, VX also supplies many unique functions to meet the need of 21 century's new musicians. Firstly, VX supplies both USB MIDI and USB audio functions. Users do not need extra audio interface when they using VX with music software. VX also builds in many MIDI songs and accompaniment in different styles, including loop variation and chord change, which are elaborate made by professional musicians and can be sprung by VX's unique 'PadStyle'. All MIDI songs and styles can be downloaded from Internet and transferred into VX via USB. VX supplies a brand new Game mode, users could use this function and music books with VX to test their skill of performance, and students could learn many tips in this mode. VX is the first keyboard that has build in muiti-ethical scales in the world, and it will surprise you, no matter you want to play Arabian music of Asian music. U-CTRL is a brand new concept by CME, it provides the easiest way to communicate between controller and music software. You do not need to load template or presets, just press U-CTRL button and all the controllers for software you may use will be ready. VX's multi-function expansion slot gives you many option for expanding your VX, including sound module with sample function, analog synthesizer module, firewire audio interface module, digital mixing console module and etc, with these expansion cards, VX will bring you a all-in-one music production platform.

Same as UF series controller, VX uses CME's famous and long-tested professional graded hammer action weighted keyboard (VX8) and semi-weighted keyboard (VX5/6/7) with initial and after touch, velocity sensitive. These keyboards were broadly used by many famous professional synthesizers and digital pianos in the past few years. VX supplies up to 64 controllers in different types, including motor faders, encoder for data entry, knobs, trigger pads, ribbon controller, buttons, pitch bend, modulation wheel, SEQ transport buttons, pedals, breath controller and all these controllers are programmable.

Although VX supplies many incredible functions, it will still keep CME's competitive price. VX will be the new standard of keyboard controller.

For more information, please visit their web site at www.cme-pro.com.

Specifications:


- Intelligent keyboard built-in USB Audio and MIDI, multi-function expansion
- Graded hammer action weighted keyboard (VX8) and semi-weighted keyboard (VX5/6/7), initial and after touch, velocity sensitive
- ‘PadStyle’ MIDI songs and styles help you to play live music easily
- Game mode to improve your performance
- Multi-scale of the key to fit more kinds of ethnic music
- U-CTRL function makes you work with music software perfectly
- 12 x programmable trigger pads, velocity sensitive
- 8 x knob controllers (potentiometer)
- 9 x knob controllers (endless encoder)
- 9 x 60mm motor fader controllers
- 1 x ribbon controller
- 1 x pitch bend and modulation wheel
- 27 x function and number buttons
- 6 x SEQ transport buttons
- All controllers are programmable
- 1 x endless encoder for data entry
- Music software control templates with user bank memories
- 2 x 16 characters LCD display
- Firmware upgradeable via USB
- Multi-function expansion slot
- 4 x MIDI OUT, 1 x MIDI IN to supply real master keyboard function
- 2 x universal pedal connectors, full compatible with switch and expression pedal
- 1 x breath controller connector, full compatible with YAMAHA BC3
- 2 x Mic/Line input with gain knob, 1/4” phone jack
- 2 x Line output, 1/4” phone jack
- 2 x headphone outputs with volume knob, 1/4” phone jack
- Plug-and-Play USB Audio and MIDI on Windows XP and MAC OSX
- USB Hub, USB bus-powered

If the above means you can assign those 12 pad like white keys to trigger OMB intros, endings, or variations it would be great news.