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REVIEWS

 E-MU XBOARD 49

enabling a quick set-up of mixes, 
pan positions, and so on.

As an added bonus, Proteus X 

LE, a lite version of E-mu’s acclaimed 
sound module, is included in the 
box. You also get Ableton Live 4 Lite, 
but both are Windows-only versions.

The E-mu Xboard 49 is very 

much a performance-orientated 
controller, and a good choice for 
playing live electronic music. The 
playability and quality of the keys go 
a good way towards redeeming an 
otherwise mediocre build quality – 
as does the inclusion of the handy 
latch feature.

At £110 the keyboard represents 

good value and sports a feature-set 
beyond that of the competition – a 
sensible buy for the budget-
conscious performing musician. 

F

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values to controls and store set-ups 
in one of the 16 preset locations.

A snapshot function makes for 

quick preset creation, while the 
software’s controller matrix enables 
program change/bank select 
messages to be sent on multiple 
channels at the touch of a button.

All of the Xboard’s features can 

also be accessed and programmed 
using the less than convincing 
wobbly buttons surrounding the LED 
display and the lower octave keys. 
Parameter values can be adjusted 
quickly using the slider, and 
programming the controller manually 
causes no headaches.

Fade in

Most other controller keyboards offer 
an equal number of rotary controls 
and faders, but the Xboard 49 has a 
bank of 16 rotary controls and just a 
single fader. 

The controls themselves have a 

tactile rubbery fi nish and operate 
smoothly with a positive feel. I think 
that a few millimetres extra space 
between them would have made 
them more useable, though.

If your music-making involves 

triggering loops live, then latch mode 
is for you. This allows a user-defi ned 
range of keys to be used as triggers 
– one press for on and one for off.

You might also fi nd 16 Channel 

Control mode useful. With this all of 
the 16 pots will control, say, volume, 
for each of the 16 MIDI channels, 

HE XBOARD 49

 is the 

larger of two new 
keyboards from E-mu, and 
represents the company’s 

fi rst foray into the MIDI controller 
market. The unit’s spec sheet reads 
well with performance-orientated 
functionality, 16 assignable 
controllers and posh keys.

While the keyboard’s girl-next-

door looks don’t really set the heart 
racing, neither are they offensive. 
The rigid plastic chassis feels slightly 
less resilient than examples from 
other manufacturers, and I would 
think twice before dropping it and 
hoping not to see any damage.

The juice

Power for the keyboard can be 
provided via USB, a DC adapter (not 
included) or three AA size batteries. 
Alongside the connections for these 
are the MIDI Out, footswitch input 
and a power switch.

The 49 velocity sensitive keys 

aren’t the fl imsy unweighted variety 
that you’d expect to fi nd on a 
controller priced at a little over £100. 
Instead they’re semi-weighted with a 
synth action and play beautifully – 
suitable for tinkling virtual ivories and 
light-fi ngered synth licks alike. 

They also have aftertouch and 

eight different velocity curves, which 
can be edited using the buttons on 
the keyboard or via the E-mu Control 
editing software. This application 
enables the user to assign controller 

DETAILS

PRICE 

£110

CONTACT

Tel:

 0800 901 2168

Web: 

www.emu.com

TECH SPEC

Keys:

 49 velocity sensitive, 

semi-weighted with 
aftertouch

Controllers: 

16 rotary 

controls, 1 slider, pitch 
bend wheel, modulation 
wheel

Display:

 3 digit blue LED

Power:

 USB, DC adapter 

(not included), batteries (3 x 
AA size)

System Requirements:

 

Mac running OS X 10.2 or 
greater, native USB port
PC running Windows 2000 
(SP4) or XP (SP1) or 
greater, native USB port
Software: E-mu Xboard 
Control, Proteus X LE 
Desktop Sound Module 
(Windows only), Ableton 
Live 4 Lite for E-mu 
(Windows only)

Has E-mu’s new controller got what it takes to get off the 
ground?

 Byron Delgrande

 gives it a whirl…

E-mu Xboard 49

VERDICT 

E-MU XBOARD 49

BUILD QUALITY

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VALUE FOR MONEY

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EASE OF USE

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VERSATILITY

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QUALITY OF RESULTS

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2 4 6 8 10

Great keys and performance- 
orientated features, but 
mediocre build quality.

FMU167.rev_emu   46

FMU167.rev_emu   46

31/8/05   12:09:03 pm

31/8/05   12:09:03 pm

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