ellitone KeyControl_2 Midi Keyboard

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 years 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 finger taps, 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 wooden Touch Bars are extremely sensitive. They are designed to detect the smallest changes in human play pressure. These bars respond to “tap touch” - quick single strikes or taps from human fingers. think of the wooden Touch Bars like marimba bars and your fingers are the mallets. 

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.

- improved USB midi compatibility (native USB)

*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.