Keith McMillen Instruments (KMI) has expanded its lineup of pressure-sensitive MIDI controllers with the introduction of the K-Board-C and QuNexus RED keyboards. Both devices offer KMI’s characteristic LED-backlit pads in stripped-down, affordable packages tailored for modern music production.
At their core, the K-Board-C and QuNexus RED share the same miniature keybed design – a two-octave range of pressure-sensitive pads wrapped in a compact plastic chassis. Where they differ is largely cosmetic: the QuNexus sports additional I/O and labelling, while the K-Board comes in an array of hues like a subtle metallic gray. Under the hood, both controllers unlock advanced musical expression through MIDI 2.0’s Multidimensional Polyphonic Expression (MPE) standard.
Despite their pint-sized statures, the keys generate velocity-sensitive MIDI notes that feel responsive to play. Channel aftertouch is also supported. Thanks to MPE, polyphonic pressure allows subtle shaping of timbre across chords. For pitch control, the K-Board relies on a small dedicated slider, which can feel imprecise. Octave buttons are compact and near other controls, risking accidental triggering.
Where these KMI boards truly excel is when paired with MPE-capable software. Their pressure-sensitivity opens up nuanced timbral control that empowers melodic lines and chordal textures. With quick configuration, producers can coax emotive performances from virtual instruments in a DAW. For electronic musicians seeking portable and colorful controllers without compromising on musical expression, the K-Board-C and QuNexus RED introduce refined yet affordable options to KMI’s toolkit. Their integration of MPE standards in an accessible form factor makes them natural companions for modern production workflows.
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