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...

Fran congrats what a great review use it well

Thanks for your review...

Personally, i didnt like the keyboard action that much when i played it...
But then i am spoiled...

When it comes to Master controllers, i think the future is with those
That come with a dedicated VST host...
Like NI kontrol and the Akai advance
There also is an M-audio that supports Akais VIP host..

Bachus, my VST host is covered in MixCraft8...

I mentioned the weighted higher end keys were unsurpassed... but only for piano players.. other keyboardist want semi weighted, and the Code delivers here..

I am aware personal taste comes into play..

BTW: I meant to say NI Kontrol not complete.. the synth action on the Advance and Kontrol are second to Core61... The 88's are another matter, but average non piano players really don't care...

Also the lack of sliders is a foolish mistake on the Akai and NI..

They rather have the gimmicks..

https://www.google.nl/search?q=m+audio+vip&client=safari&hl=nl-nl&prmd=isvn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi6rOC825HWAhUKrY8KHXJeAcwQ_AUICSgB&biw=414&bih=628#imgdii=v8GdJ60hcFf-kM:&imgrc=aAqji5grNqxkBM:

The M-audio CTRL49 supports the VIP client and it has sliders..

Bachus why would "I" want an inferior keyboard to the Code61... to gain the VIP program .. I surly don't want or need the VIP..

MixCraft has all the same organization for me ..has better VST's and the DAW offers so much more....

I also need a 49 key controller..."Right"

Sorry we are on different pages..

BTW: since you are spoiled by heavy action 88's let me hear you play an organ sound realistically or a realistic sax .. or any other instrument other then a piano and a Rhodes...
The only reason we have heavy action...it was a design when piano was designed and same with Rhodes...

Most players will play decent piano sounds with semi weighted keys and also play all sounds with the same comfort on the same keys... I have never heard the opposite ... great B3 on piano action

I am pretty sure I am on the right path

Its not inferior as it is supposed to have a much better keybed... which is most important in a keyboard..


Piano action, is not just great for piano sounds... it also works very well for any other piece that requires much more controll and dynamics... for all really fast actions there is the pa4x semi weighted keybed... but on my (considered light) kronos piano actiion... most organ parts and anything else is still doable...

Bachus, the CTRL 49 is interesting..
I know it is a premium line, but what I refer to as inferior...is what I would give up compared to the Code61..

12 less keys to start ( even 61 is not enough .. I like 76)

8 less pads

No Y/Z pad

The CTRL49 screen is a nice touch (the menu driven not so much)..I rather use my 15.6 touchscreen...
There is no real gain to the CTRL49 screen... you still need a PC screen to use the DAW..


The keys are the exact keys used on the Code series.... It is M-Audio's best semi weighted action.. (If you don't like the Code keys, you won't like the CTRL keys.)

My opinion .. the CTRL49 is designed to be a studio controller...
small footprint... Menu driven VIP (time consuming)...
Where the Code61 makes a better all around keyboard... studio and stage.. More control and easier operation..

Both are great controllers, but the Code is better suited to my needs..

Fran I'm confused I thought the Roland EA7 was to fill your needs not to use the G70.....
why all this controller DAW stuff on a gig? please explain..?
or is this a quick moving phase to cure boredom
until you can get a BK9?

thanx

Apples to oranges

The E-A7 was my interest... as a new toy , and a quick easy set up for hour gigs and home studio quick access..

I chose it over every available current keyboard.. including the PA4x , PA900,(yes I have my reasons ;)) Casio models etc.. What it does for so little money is still amazing..

The G70 was never destined to be "replaced".. It is my overall choice to play... The E-A7 gives me some added features(sampling, speakers , media player, pads , etc ), but lacks what I like about the G70..touchscreen, harmonizer, separate outs, key feel and range etc..

The Code 61 brings to the table, several things... It is my replacement for the PC80... It has the best control features than any other on the market,,, that I can see.. This justified my purchase..

The benefits are large... The keys are very good .. better than most keyboards...
The interaction with MixCraft8... offering all the control one would want .. Both transport and VST control...all from the Code61..

When used as a second board midied to the E-A7.... Features were available to control many parameters within the E-A7.. and visible edits shown on E-A7 screens... Fast and easy CC parameter control and able to save as user data(E-A7).. A perfect combo set up..