Akai Professional MPK61 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

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Product Feature

• 61-key semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch for expressive melodic creativity
• 16 genuine MPC pads with pressure and velocity sensitivity
• MPC pads access four banks each for instant access to 48 samples
• MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing, and arpeggiator aid in creative process
• Comes with Ableton Live Lite Akai Edition software

Product Description

The MPK61 is a keyboard performance MIDI controller that expands the popular MPK line. Each MPK controller combines a piano-style keybed with a bank of genuine Akai Professional MPC pads, assignable Q-Link controllers and key technologies from the iconic MPC family of music production workstations. Producers, performers and DJs will appreciate the MPK61 �s mix of 61 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, 16 MPC pads with velocity and pressure sensitivity, 72 assignable Q-Link controllers, MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing and an arpeggiator. The MPK61� s size is ideal for performers who need a larger keyboard than the original 49-key MPK49 offers, but also prefer the lighter weight and associated portability of a semi-weighted keyboard. The MPK61 retains the key split features from the MPK88, enabling you to divide the keyboard into two zones for performing with two different programs at once. Like its 25, 49 and fully weighted 88-key siblings � � the MPK25, MPK49 and MPK88, respectively � the MPK61 empowers you to create and manipulate melodic, harmonic and rhythmic content and inspires creative production with its arpeggiator, MPC Swing and MPC Note Repeat technologies. The MPK61 comes with Ableton Live Lite Akai Edition software, one of the most popular and powerful performance and production programs worldwide. Ableton Live Lite enables musicians to spontaneously compose, record, remix, improvise and edit musical ideas in a seamless audio/MIDI environment. The MPK61 is a MIDI controller that sends MIDI data over USB for plug-and-play performance with Mac and PC. Because they are MIDI compliant, the MPK series works with virtually all MIDI recording, sequencing, and performance software for musical performers from keyboard players to producers to DJs and VJs.

Akai Professional MPK61 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Review

I've seen only two reviews on the MPK61 having looked all over the net. Both complained of the feel of the keyboard. I'll get to that shortly.

I bought mine based on reviews of the MPK49. I also bought an On-Stage stand for it and a Behringer expression pedal. It was a quick setup - but I found almost immediately that two adjacent notes were not playing - unless I really hit them hard. So it got RMAed - no problem - the next unit was fine.

Pros:
The controls and pads were much bigger than I thought they would be - I just hadn't picked up on the size from the photo. So they are large and very smooth.

The pitch bend and mod wheels are well built (and lit up!). It doesn't look like the pitch bend would ever bias like some controllers.

The unit can run on USB power only. For all the lights on this thing you wonder how 500 milliamps manages it all. If a USB connection is not established the MPK will send controls out the MIDI connector - yet still run from USB power (say your computer is in standby but still provides USB power - actually I'm passing through a USB hub). This is useful if you just have a sound module connected to it.

If USB is established, the MIDI in connectors will pass another controller or keyboard to the computer. This keyboard actually establishes three USB MIDI connections with your computer.

Aftertouch works well.

Generally you have a lot of control over sensitivity of the keys and pads. So you can adjust things the way you like. Except....

Cons:
The guy was right about the feel of the keyboard. To be more specific - it is supposed to be a semi-weighted keyboard but the spring in the keys requires every bit of force (or more) than a fully weighted keyboard. The spring fights your fingers down and up as well. But worse, the keys are about an inch shorter than they should be - so hitting a black key requires a lot of force if you're towards the back of the key. Be prepared to learn how to play just for this keyboard. Akai should really rethink this - much less spring and longer keys.

Those two reviews also complained about the pads not working well. But I find that they work just fine as long as the sensitivity and sensitivity curve are adjusted properly - I use 14 w/curve A.

Considering I had to return the first keyboard - Akai has some quality issues.

Finally, one annoying firmware bug - a bank value of 127 for the MSB in a program change is excluded only if you try to assign it to a key. Why? For me it is a pain since all my drum kits use MSB=127.

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Akai Professional MPK61 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Akai Professional MPK61 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller ...

Plustek OpticFilm 8200i Ai Film & Slide Scanner

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Price: $466.31 $428.56   

Product Feature

• 7200 dpi resolution
• 48-bit color depth
• 64-bit hardware and software support
• Enhanced with Multi-Exposure Function for quality image
• Build-in Infrared channel

Product Description

Plustek OpticFilm 8200i Ai Film Scanner 783064365338 Slide & Film Scanners

Plustek OpticFilm 8200i Ai Film & Slide Scanner Review

Length:: 3:31 Mins

If you're like me you likely have thousands of old photos around the house that need to get digitized and brought into the 21st century. Scanning prints with a flatbed scanner is one way to get the job done, but you're going to get much better quality out of scanning the original negatives. Why? Prints may fade over time and depending on the size lack the detail that's locked away in the negative.

The Plustek 8200i is a great way to get started archiving all of those memories. The scanner is well built, includes trays for both slides and film negatives, and has very robust software for both the Mac and PC included in the box. They also included a nice carrying case to store the unit dust free when it's not in use.

The process of scanning is slow and about the same as it would be with a comparable flatbed scanner. The included software is a bit complex and takes some time to learn. It's disappointing that the scanner won't work directly with Photoshop or Aperture. The scratch detection works ok, but is sloppy in complex images. You might be better off fixing things in a recent version of Photoshop which has more advanced algorithms for pixel replacement.

Those gripes aside, this is an excellent way to archive old photographs. I plan to use this quite a bit this winter to archive family memories.

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Plustek OpticFilm 8200i Ai Film & Slide Scanner" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Plustek OpticFilm 8200i Ai Film & Slide Scanner ...

Yamaha RX-A2030 9.2-Channel Network Aventage Audio Video Receiver

You looking to find the "Yamaha RX-A2030 9.2-Channel Network Aventage Audio Video Receiver" Good news! You can purchase Yamaha RX-A2030 9.2-Channel Network Aventage Audio Video Receiver with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $1,599.95    

Product Feature

• 9-channel powerful Surround sound
• 140W per Channel (8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0; 09 % THD, 2 ch driven)
• HD Audio format decoding - Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio; Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD
• Symmetrical Power amplifier layout
• Heat sink with anti-vibration and anti-thermal properties

Product Description

The RX A2030 Home Theatre Receiver delivers the kind of superb audio quality you expect from a high end Yamaha receiver. It incorporates the ES9006 Premier Audio DAC from ESS Technology, a solution with exceptionally good S/N ratio and dynamic range that provides true professional digital audio quality. The RX A2030 also uses Ultra Low Jitter PLL circuitry, which prevents the type of digital distortion known as jitter from affecting the sound quality. With nine separate channels plus subwoofers, CINEMA DSP 3D gives surround sound a true three dimensional quality, using the extra channels to create height and width within the sound field. YPAO automatically sets the system for optimum sound at any of several listening positions. It employs Reflected Sound Control to correct early reflections for studio quality sound. Advanced HDMI Zone Switching enables users to enjoy not just one HD audio/video source but two different ones. in two different zones. Audio Features Rigid chassis with additional bottom frames DAC on Pure Ground circuitry High speed thermal feedback power amplifier Low jitter PLL circuitry helps optimize sound imaging Extra 5th foot with Anti Resonance Technology (A.R.T. Wedge) to reduce Vibration Detachable Power Cable for easier installation (also allows cable upgrade) Assignable amplifiers for bi amp connection Phono Input for vinyl playback FLAC or WAV 192kHz/24 bit audio playback Video Features 4K Pass through for next generation super high Resolution images 4K up scaling boosts lower resolution images to super HD resolution 4K / full HD 1080p video up scaling from Analog and HDMI input HDMI 8 inputs (1 on front) and 2 outputs with 3D and Audio Return Channel Advanced Features SCENE PLUS HDMI CEC, 12 SCENE choices and Zone SCENE Airplay allows music streaming from Mac, PC, iPod, iPhone, iPad AV Controller app for operating various function.

Yamaha RX-A2030 9.2-Channel Network Aventage Audio Video Receiver Review

I like all of the features and the sound quality of this receiver. I have it in a separate room from my TV and speakers, one of the best things about it is it integrated with my Panasonic Viera TV nicely, it has power and volume control through the HDMI cable so I just need to turn on the TV and the receiver automatically turns on and off with it.

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Yamaha RX-A2030 9.2-Channel Network Aventage Audio Video Receiver" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Yamaha RX-A2030 9.2-Channel Network Aventage Audio Video Receiver ...

Panasonic HMC40KIT Camcorder and Mic Adapter/Holder with 12x Optical Zoom with 2.7-Inch LCD (Black)

You looking to find the "Panasonic HMC40KIT Camcorder and Mic Adapter/Holder with 12x Optical Zoom with 2.7-Inch LCD (Black)" Good news! You can purchase Panasonic HMC40KIT Camcorder and Mic Adapter/Holder with 12x Optical Zoom with 2.7-Inch LCD (Black) with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: Too low to display    

Product Feature

• Dual XLR Input Mic Adapter/Holder
• XLR Switching to Mic or Line Level
• 3MOS Sensor

Product Description

AG-HMC40 AVCCAM HD Camcorder & AG-MYA30G XLR Mic Adapter/Holder

Panasonic HMC40KIT Camcorder and Mic Adapter/Holder with 12x Optical Zoom with 2.7-Inch LCD (Black) Review

It was a long wait but finally got it last week and then took it for a trip right away, its performance it's outstanding, I got this camera for a TV show we are producing, after seeing a few options we decided to get this one because of several reasons:

- Size, the camera is very compact, for a camera that provides broadcast quality image the size is amazingly small.
- Construction, this camera has most of its body made out with metal panels, that makes it very solid and also makes it reliable, also the set up of the buttons are easy to access.
- Price, there are other models in the market that could deliver a similar quality or probably a little better but the cost is at least $1k more, if you think like I do "creativity is the main ingredient for a good production", spending the extra cash doesn't really make a difference as long as you are aware of the camera's capabilities and limitations, but there is always ways to improve performance in some conditions that could affect the correct functionality of your equipment.
- Tapeless technology, we bought another AVCHD camera a little less than a year ago, we use it mostly for action shots and underwater recording, the transition was effortless, the advantages and capturing time are reduced to minimal and the quality is amazing, with this model we found that its quality is even better than older models and editing is a lot quicker, also recording cost are cut to almost nothing with new SDHC cards that can be used over and over without loosing quality... Just this fact makes it a must buy!!!

After using it for this little time I have managed to work around its many controls and get exactly what I want from it, the response to low light is not the best but it's decent, you can always add a good light for little money and resolve that problem, also the sound quality is excellent, I didn't get the optional xlr adapter piece for it but I am using a 8mm wireless mic system that combined with this little fellow deliver great results!!

In short words: "the new Panasonic AG-HCM40 is not the best camera money can buy but ,to my opinion, it's the best camera money can buy for this price!!"

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Panasonic HMC40KIT Camcorder and Mic Adapter/Holder with 12x Optical Zoom with 2.7-Inch LCD (Black)" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Panasonic HMC40KIT Camcorder and Mic Adapter/Holder with 12x Optical Zoom with 2.7-Inch LCD (Black) ...

Lenovo Thinkpad Edge E431 62775GU 14" i7-3610QM 2.3GHz 8GB 320GB DVD W7Pro+W8Pro

You looking to find the "Lenovo Thinkpad Edge E431 62775GU 14" i7-3610QM 2.3GHz 8GB 320GB DVD W7Pro+W8Pro" Good news! You can purchase Lenovo Thinkpad Edge E431 62775GU 14" i7-3610QM 2.3GHz 8GB 320GB DVD W7Pro+W8Pro with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $778.00 $770.00   

Product Feature

• Processor: Intel® CoreTM i7-3610QM Quad Core Processor (6M Cache, 2.3GHz - 3.30 GHz) 45W
• RAM: 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 1600Mhz | Hard Drive: 320GB 7200rpm
• Optical Disc Drive: SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW Dual Layer | Operating System: Windows 7 Professional x64 with optional Media Upgrade to Windows 8 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 4000
• Computer Upgrade King sells computers with upgraded configurations. If the computer has modifications (listed below), then the manufacturer box is opened for it to be tested and inspected and to install the upgrades to achieve the specifications as advertised. If no modifications are listed, the item is unopened and untested. Defects & blemishes are significantly reduced by our in depth inspection & testing.
• The following components are upgraded by Computer Upgrade King Technicians: Processor & RAM

Product Description

Operating System:
- Windows® 7 Professional 64bit Upgradeable to Genuine Windows 8 Professional
Display:
- 14" HD (1366 x 768) LED Backlit Display with Anti-glare
Audio and Speakers:
- High Definition Audio and Stereo Speakers
Networking, Wi-Fi, and Wireless Options:
- 802.11 b/g/n
- 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN
Battery:
- 6-cell Lithium Ion
Camera:
- 720p HD Webcam
Ports, Slots & Chassis:
-1 x USB 2.0
-2 x USB 3.0
-VGA
-HDMI
-RJ-45 LAN
-Headphone/Microphone Combo
-4-in-1 Memory Card Reader (SD/MMC/SDXC/SDHC)
-OneLink Docking Port
Color:
- Black
System Dimensions:
- 13.54" x 9.41" x 1.17-1.04-1.15"
- 4.77 pounds
Keyboard:
- Spill-resistant Keyboard, Multi-touch touchpad UltraNav, and Trackpoint

Lenovo Thinkpad Edge E431 62775GU 14" i7-3610QM 2.3GHz 8GB 320GB DVD W7Pro+W8Pro Review

The track-pad with the left and right buttons integrated is a real nuisance. Lenovo should seriously consider installing regular buttons to get bring a higher level of satisfaction to its customers. Besides that, the computer is really fast and has been working fine since I purchased it.

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Lenovo Thinkpad Edge E431 62775GU 14" i7-3610QM 2.3GHz 8GB 320GB DVD W7Pro+W8Pro" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Lenovo Thinkpad Edge E431 62775GU 14" i7-3610QM 2.3GHz 8GB 320GB DVD W7Pro+W8Pro ...

Synology DiskStation 2-Bay 6TB (2 x 3TB) Network Attached Storage (NAS) with iSCSI (DS713+ 2300)

You looking to find the "Synology DiskStation 2-Bay 6TB (2 x 3TB) Network Attached Storage (NAS) with iSCSI (DS713+ 2300)" Good news! You can purchase Synology DiskStation 2-Bay 6TB (2 x 3TB) Network Attached Storage (NAS) with iSCSI (DS713+ 2300) with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $999.99    

Product Feature

• CPU Frequency: 2.13 GHz
• Memory: 1 GB DDR3, Maximum Internal Capacity: 8TB
• System Fan: 92 mm X 92 mm X 1
• Interface: 2x USB 3.0 Port, 1x USB 2.0 port, 1x eSATA Port, 2x Gigabit LAN
• Noise Level: 19.2 dBA

Product Description

Synology DS713+ 2 Bay Robust and Scalable NAS Server for Business.

Synology DiskStation 2-Bay 6TB (2 x 3TB) Network Attached Storage (NAS) with iSCSI (DS713+ 2300) Review

I have tried several 'cheap' NAS which I won't mention but the performance was seriously lacking, less than my compaq file server from 1999. This is the first one I have tried which actually performs well. I'm using in in raid 1 (or rather Synology's Hybrid Raid [SHR]) . It can actually fill up the 1 gigabit ethernet port, which any new device should be able to do in 2012+ but most seem to fail at it.

The performance is wonderful, but the price is high. I took a chance on it (the price) and it turned out well.

The user interface is web based, and looks like a mini desktop xwindows style. The setup was painless.

HDD hibernation actually works properly! It doesn't disconnect your network drives, there is simply a 5-10 second pause when you try and access it when the HDDs come out of hibernation which is perfectly acceptable (of course you can turn this feature off if you do not care about power savings).

Short list: It stays very cool, It has advanced features, User interface is very easy to use, Low power usage, High performance, Can bond ethernet ports together for more performance

I would suggest using NAS ready HDD's or enterprise HDD's for any NAS device or you will have issues if there are any errors, the main difference is in the error recovery where the drives report back to the controller that there is an error instead of hanging for minutes or hours on an error.

Of course you could build a PC for less than $200 that would perform the same, or even better in terms of throughput and use that as your NAS but I really like this self contained solution. To replicate this on a PC you would have to install numerous amounts of open source software and try and get it to work together, which for simplicity's sake is too much time spent for me.

Overall I believe this is an excellent product and lives up to the 'you get what you pay for' model, which is all that anyone can ask.

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Synology DiskStation 2-Bay 6TB (2 x 3TB) Network Attached Storage (NAS) with iSCSI (DS713+ 2300)" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Synology DiskStation 2-Bay 6TB (2 x 3TB) Network Attached Storage (NAS) with iSCSI (DS713+ 2300) ...