KeyControl_2 Midi Controller (IROKO/RED OAK)

*the unit pictured is the unit you will receive (1 of 1)

The ellitone KeyControl_2 is a midi keyboard controller that features 12 velocity-sensitive wooden Touch Bars. Completely redesigned from the ground up, the KeyControl_2 is the exciting sequel to the popular KeyControl midi keyboard. After a year of user feedback and suggestions, the KC2 was created to be a superior performance midi keyboard controller that combines a streamlined user experience with exotic hardwood aesthetics. 

The KC2 features 16 selectable musical scales from around the world. Inspired by hand-pan drums, these 16 musical scales each offer a different mood for your playing and exploration. The best thing about these selected musical scales is that it is impossible to hit a “wrong note”, No musical theory or piano playing ability is required to successfully enjoy this device. As seen in the demo video, the KC2 can be played like a piano using single fingers, or like a drum using both hands to trigger groups of multiple notes at once. An improved velocity tracking system allows the KC2 to be played like a digital hand drum that responds to the smallest change in play pressure!

 The KC2 offers both USB-C midi output and TRS midi output simultaneously. The TRS midi output can be adapted to a classic 5-pin DIN midi cable using an inexpensive TRS to DIN midi cable adapter (TRS type A)

There are many changes, redesigns, and improvements from the original KeyControl, so lets explore each one: 

- all new velocity tracking system greatly improves the touch response of the wooden bars by analyzing the sensor readings in far greater resolution.

- ‘one function per button’ redesign to the interface makes the KC2 simpler and more streamlined to operate. No more buttons serving multiple purposes! 

No more holding down buttons while tapping bars to make functionality changes. This makes the overall operation of the KC2 cleaner, faster, and more intuitive. *refer to the visual guide for interface controls

- increased number of available musical scales from (12) to (16): 

1 - chromatic

2 - major 1

3 - major 2

4 - minor zen

5 - phrygian

6 - nature

7 - akebono

8 - enigma

9 - pentatonic

10 - hutsul

11 - lydian

12 - tonus

13 - la sirena

14 - kurd

15 - integral

16 - full range 0-127 midi output (for modulation)

- musical scale selection AND midi channel selection are now achieved using a set of dedicated bit switches located on the back of the device. These switches operate using 4-bit logic (16 possible combinations) *refer to the logic chart for more info. 

- highly requested ‘note gate length’ trimmer added to control the length of a triggered midi note. This new feature greatly increases the possibilities while playing. at its lowest default setting, midi notes end as soon as a Touch Bar is no longer being physically triggered (sustain mode 1). By turning the trimmer, midi note lengths can be increased to last several seconds before ending on their own. This introduces very interesting new musical possibilities while playing legato and experimenting with arpeggiators. 

- highly requested ‘sustain mode’ switch allows you to select between two very useful new sustain button behaviors. In sustain mode 1, the sustain button toggles between ‘full sustain’ and ‘no sustain’. This mode allows you to play short staccato notes and then quickly toggle to full sustain where notes are infinitely held.

In sustain mode 2, notes are always held in sustain and pressing the sustain button clears (ends) all current notes. Using these two modes along with the note gate length control allows for a wide range of play styles and techniques. 

- 12 leds have been added to the interior of the device that can be seen through the slits of the wooden Touch Bars. These lights give the user feedback when making functionality changes (octave, transpose, sustain). Press the transpose button and watch the lights indicate the current transposition. when transpose is at 0 you will see two center lights flashing. You can transpose a maximum of +6 semitones up and a minimum of -5 semitones down from center (0). To transpose, press and release the transpose button and then tap one of the 12 Touch Bars. You will see the lights indicate the new transposition amount. 

- problematic wooden interface buttons used on the original KeyControl have been replaced with reliable, high quality C&K button switches 

- improved USB midi compatibility (native USB)

- new hardwood supplier source allows for a wide range of exotic hardwood combinations.  

*Thank you all for the business and support over the last 10 years! I build these devices as a one man operation out of Kansas City, Missouri. With lots of Love!

Additional design notes and thoughts:

Some features from the original KeyControl have been removed while designing the KeyControl_2, these include the ‘ambient sequencer’ mode and the CV outputs. Let me explain why these features are not present in the KC2: some users of the original KeyControl viewed the ‘ambient sequencer’ as “gimmicky” and after some reflection, I agree. This was a last minute addition to the original design and violated one of my design adages “just because you can, doesn’t mean you should”. This sequencer mode also made operation more confusing… each of the interface buttons had to now serve multiple functionalities across multiple modes (confusing). So with the goal of simplifying the overall design, the ‘ambient sequencer’ mode was removed altogether. This device is ultimately a controller, not a sequencer…  

CV outputs: the original KeyControl featured CV outputs on the side of the device:  (1) note CV out, (1) velocity CV out, and (1) gate out. Unfortunately, these CV outs were limited. Firstly, the controller was polyphonic but the CV output was monophonic. This obvious limitation always left me unsatisfied… 

The CV outs also had a limited range of 0-4V. This had to do with the power limitations of a USB/battery powered device. 

Even though the KC2 does not natively offer CV outputs, I still consider CV out to be quite important. In order to do CV output the right way, I have designed a new companion device that pairs with the KC2 and offers polyphonic (4-voice) CV output. 4 output channels of NOTE, VELOCITY, and GATE voltages at a level of 0-10V. 

The CV output companion device will be available Winter 2025. 

Shipping:

Domestic Shipping (USA) is Free. 

International Shipping ($35) 

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