I wasn't aware of any perceptible extra latency compared to a cabled connection, and I didn't experience any interference or data corruption (although I'd personally still want to take a USB or MIDI lead along if I was going to try using the keyboard in a 'noisier' environment).Īlthough it works well, I have to say I'm not entirely sure why a wireless MIDI connection is useful. Once installed, the wireless connection worked transparently. A new MIDI interface (identified by Windows as a 'USB Audio Interface') immediately became available. I removed the dongle, plugged it back into the same socket, and it was properly recognised.
CME UF5 WINDOWS 7 PC
My computer (an Intel-based PC running Windows XP) initially saw that a USB device had been attached, then threw up an error message saying that the device had not been recognised.
CME UF5 WINDOWS 7 DRIVER
No installation instructions or driver CD are provided, so I just crossed my fingers and plugged it in. The radio frequency and channel are adjustable and maximum operating distance is quoted as being 80 metres 'without obstacles'. The UF80 also has a built-in bi-directional wireless MIDI system, and a small USB dongle is supplied which acts as a receiver for the host computer.
![cme uf5 windows 7 cme uf5 windows 7](https://cdn.korn.eu/pictures/product/1500/220750.jpg)
Once attached, virtual MIDI In and Out ports (one of each) are made available to MIDI-aware applications. The UF80 is a 'class compliant' device, so no driver needs to be installed. Alternatively, if you're working with a computer, you can run a standard USB cable from the socket on the back panel. Most simply, you can use the standard MIDI output socket provided on the back panel.
![cme uf5 windows 7 cme uf5 windows 7](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/GGsVDiPA8sk/maxresdefault.jpg)
You have a range of options when it comes to connecting the UF80.
CME UF5 WINDOWS 7 MANUAL
The manual provides no information at all about these options, leaving the user to search the CME web site for clues instead.
CME UF5 WINDOWS 7 INSTALL
There's also a blank plate, behind which lies an expansion slot that can apparently be used to install a Firewire expansion board or a sound module expansion board (see the 'Mind Expanding?' box above). The back panel features a conventional MIDI Out socket, two quarter-inch jack sockets for connecting expression or sustain pedals, a more unusual eighth-of-an-inch jack socket compatible with Yamaha's BC3 breath controller (I wasn't able to test this), a standard USB port, a socket for attaching the mains adaptor (supplied, although the unit can be powered via USB instead) and a power on/off switch. In addition there are the usual pitch-bend and modulation wheels (the former sprung, the latter not). The top panel is adorned with nine sliders, eight knobs, a basic-but-serviceable LED display, a rotary encoder, a set of six sequencer transport buttons, and a dozen other buttons.
![cme uf5 windows 7 cme uf5 windows 7](https://d1aeri3ty3izns.cloudfront.net/media/6/6944/1200/preview.jpg)
The brushed-aluminium case gives the device a stylish appearance, and should protect against all but the most violent impacts. The UF80, unsurprisingly, is the largest and heaviest of the bunch, measuring 1408 x 372 x 150mm and weighing in at a daunting 23.5kg. Apart from the keyboard configurations, the different models are functionally identical.
![cme uf5 windows 7 cme uf5 windows 7](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pix8WQtAw2c/mqdefault.jpg)
The UF80, reviewed here, has a weighted 88-key 'Professional Hammer Action' keyboard, which also has velocity sensitivity and aftertouch. The UF50, UF60 and UF70 feature 'semi-weighted' keyboards with 49, 61 and 76 keys respectively, offering velocity sensitivity and aftertouch. Is it too good to be true?ĬME's new UF family of controller keyboards is comprised of four different models. The CME UF80 offers a weighted, hammer-action 88-note keyboard at a knockdown price.