Evolution MK-249 USB MIDI Controller

PCs are becoming an increasingly popular choice for music makers who want to experiment with professional software at a sensible price.

The hardware side of the market is also developing and Evolution has been making affordable Midi keyboards for a while. Its range is designed especially for the PC-based musician and the MK-249 is one of the newest additions.

The most important point to make is that this is not a synthesiser and cannot make any music without being connected to a PC. The MK-249, like any Midi controller, can only trigger a Midi instrument, which then produces sound.

Traditionally, such devices use the sound card's game port to hook up. So does this, but it also offers the option of connecting up using the USB port. The keyboard draws all its power from the sound card, so a separate mains cable doesn't need to be plugged in.

The Evolution is a reasonably stylish looking piece of kit. Thanks to the large keys, tickling the plastic ivories is comfortable and the four-octave range means not too many restrictions are placed on the playing style.

Not so good are the small control wheels that sit to the left of the piano keys. They can be assigned to bend the pitch of the musical notes up or down, apply audio filters and adjust volume. On previous models such as the MK-149, the wheels were large, which made light work of fine adjustments. These smaller wheels are more fiddly to adjust.

Aside from that, all other controls are easy to get the hang of and everything is clearly and simply laid out.

With the exception of MusicMatch Jukebox the software bundle lacks any big-name packages, but there is enough here to fashion a solid introduction to home music-making.

There is a basic chord sequencing package called Key West and a more fun application which has a variety of vocal clips, sound effects and chord sequences to play around with. It's an adequate selection but if you catch the bug, budget for better software soon.

Contact
Evolution: 01525 372621 www.evolution.co.uk

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Evolution PlayPlanet PC Keyboard
A good-value introduction to PC music-making
£40
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Computeractive, Issue 75