Keyboard action is
impressive, especially
given how little the
Xboards weigh.
Latch mode lets you
define a zone and
toggle notes on and
off, leaving your
hands free to do
other things.
Sixteen control
knobs let you do
deep tweaking in
real-time.
Pitch and mod wheels
have a textured grip
and provide good
resistance.
Edit buttons make
for fast, intuitive
programming of the
Xboards 16 available
patches.
Keys are labeled with
different program-
mable parame-
ters, so you can
quickly customize in
Edit mode.
60
keyboard
09-2005
AUDITION
25- and 49-key
USB/MIDI controller
keyboards with edit-
ing, recording, and
virtual instrument
software.
PROS
Keyboard action is
arguably the best in
its class. Light and
portable.
Editing/program-
ming is fast and
intuitive. Multiple
power source
options, including
AA batteries.
Inexpensive.
CONS
Buttons feel cheap.
E-mu,
www.emu.com,
888-372-1372
$229.99, Xboard 49;
$199.99, Xboard 25
E-MU XBOARD 25 AND 49
25- AND 49-KEY
USB/MIDI CONTROLLERS
by Michael Gallant
