ESI Xkey 25 & Xkey 37
Working in close collaboration with San Diego, CA, USA-headquartered electronic musical instruments and music production equipment specialist Artesia Pro, professional and semi-professional audio equipment vendor ESI introduces the new 2024 models of the already acclaimed Xkey 25 and Xkey 37 - famed for creatively combining portable, ultra-thin, rugged, brushed aluminium metal casings with polyphonic aftertouch to create the ultimate mobile MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) controller keyboards capable of going wherever their users’ music might take them - as of July 2…
So what, exactly, is new about the 2024 models of the Xkey 25 and Xkey 37 mobile MIDI controller keyboards, then? They are engineered with an exceptionally stable USB-C connection to ensure seamless, class-compliant interfacing with current PCs, Macs, and mobile devices for starters. Then their full-sized keys offer not only amazing response and velocity sensitivity but also provide polyphonic aftertouch, affording musicians access to unparalleled expressive capabilities. It is also fair to say that their intuitive smart buttons enhance playability, providing instant access to MODULATION and SUSTAIN functions. Furthermore, Xkey 37 boasts an adapter cable for 5-pin MIDI OUT, as well as connections for EXPRESSION and SUSTAIN pedals.
But both Xkey 25 and Xkey 37 include licences for Bitwig’s Bitwig Studio 8-Track - a trim and effective DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) with which to start producing, performing, and designing sounds like a pro - and Steinberg’s WaveLab LE - an easy-to-use mastering and audio editing software to turn computers into an audio analysing, editing, and publishing studio - for PC and Mac, as well as Steinberg’s Cubasis LE - a compact version of the multi- award-winning, professional music studio app, providing the same look and feel of its bigger brother, Cubase - for iOS. In addition, Xkey 25 and Xkey 37 users gain access to robust cross-platform editing software, enabling comprehensive customisation of their MIDI controller keyboard’s parameters, plus ESI’s esteemed multi-client, multi- device MIDI driver for Windows.
“We are very excited that we have been able to work with the feedback from the existing Xkey user community when developing the new models.” So says ESI Audiotechnik CEO Claus Riethmu¨ller, justifiably proud of his company’s latest collaborative achievement - advancing already acclaimed mobile MIDI controller keyboards to master a hotly contested market with new 2024 models made possible by working in close collaboration with Artesia Pro.
The new 2024 models of the Xkey 25 and Xkey 37 MIDI controller keyboards will initially start shipping in Europe - with a price of €149.00 EUR and €249.00 EUR, respectively - in July, followed by a global release about a month later.