Behringer UMA25S U-Control 25-Key USB Midi Controller Keyboard

Behringer UMA25S U-Control 25-Key USB Midi Controller Keyboard Review

Behringer UMA25S U-Control 25-Key USB Midi Controller Keyboard Feature

• Stage performer and producer keyboard featuring 25 velocity-sensitive, full-size plus half-action keys
• Built-in USB audio interface to connect your instruments and mixer to your computer for recording and playback
• Powerful multi-platform digital audio workstation software energyXT2 Compact BEHRINGER Edition included
• Audacity audio editor, comprehensive podcasting software and over 100 virtual instruments plus more than 50 effect plug-ins included
• 21 assignable controllers storable in User Presets: 8 knobs, 8 buttons (with transport-control option), 2 wheels, 1 fader and 2 pedal ports

The UMA25S MIDI Controller is an extremely flexible master keyboard with a control section for a wide range of applications from on-stage performance to podcasting. Do you need independent control of computer rack synthesizers? How about control over general MIDI sound modules and effects devices? Maybe you just want to operate sequencing software or computer plug-ins from a convenient remote location? The UMA25S offers total flexibility, tremendous ease of use and allows you to realize your ideas intuitively.

What is a MIDI Controller?
Simply put, a MIDI controller gives you the power to take command of any hardware device or software that understands MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). This means that MIDI-addressable effects processors (such as delays, reverbs, etc.) and audio recording and editing software can be controlled with a single piece of hardware, a MIDI controller. This can be very handy indeed when you have lots of devices spread out all over your studio or workstation space. The MIDI controller sends a control message to the device or program you're using that turns notes on and off, adjusts the volume or changes any one of many addressable parameters.

View rear connectors. Click to enlarge.

High-quality headset with built-in mic for podcasting and recording.

Soft carry bag with enough pockets for cables, power supply, CDs, etc.

21 assignable controllers and 16 user presets
When it comes to remote control, the UMA25S offers more real-time options than the competition. You get 8 knobs, 8 buttons, 2 wheels (Pitch Bend & Modulation), 2 pedal ports (Expression & Sustain) and 1 fader, for a total of 21 assignable controllers--total control of your operating environment. Once you've assigned the parameters for a particular scenario, simply store it in one of the 16 available preset locations.

Here are a few more uses for a UMA25S:

• For playing external sound modules, rack synthesizers and virtual instruments
• For editing sound parameters of synthesizers, sound samplers and GM/GS/XG sound generators
• Controlling parameters on effects devices and software plug-ins, such as eff ects processors, compressors and digital equalizers
• Remotely controlling software mixers (functions for volume, pan, mute, etc.)
• Remotely controlling transport functions (Play, Fast Forward, Stop, etc., which is also known as MMC, or MIDI Machine Control) on sequencers, hard-disk recorders, drum machines, etc.
• Live control of volume and sound parameters of sound modules on stage

Functionality, Functionality, Functionality
There are some things that just bear repeating. Besides providing 25 velocity-sensitive keys for the slickest set of glissandos and the snappiest arpeggios, the UMA25S also functions as a full-fledged USB audio interface for recording and podcasting. This powerful interface features a built-in mic preamp with dedicated Gain control, a Phones Output with its own dedicated Volume control and stereo RCA I/O jacks for connecting external devices. The interface is so versatile, it even allows simultaneous recording of the Mic and Line inputs.

Speaking of Recording...
Because you'll want to take full advantage of the UMA25S' podcasting and recording potential we've included a massive software package including Audacity, Podifier, Juice, Podnova and Golden Ear.

You're ready to go live on your PC or Mac computer right out of the box! You also get more than 100 virtual instruments and over 50 effects plug-ins, making the UMA25S a complete mobile studio from input to output.

Three Different Power Supply Options
Because it needs to be ready for action in a variety of venues, the UMA25S can draw its operating power from any free USB port on your PC or Mac computer, 3 AA batteries or the optional external power supply. No matter what your performance calls for, the UMA25S is the ideal solution.

Accessories
MIDI controllers don't typically come with many extras. But the UMA25S is designed to do so much more than turn things on and off , so Behringer provide gadgets galore. In addition to the expansive software package mentioned above, you also get a high-quality headset with built-in mic for podcasting and recording; a soft carry bag with enough pockets for cables, power supply, CDs, etc.; and a guitar-style strap, so you can steal the spotlight from the guitarist and start building your own bevy of fans.

What's in the Box
UMA25S MIDI Controller, Shoulder Strap, Behringer HS1000 Stereo Headset, User's Manual, Software CDs, USB Cable, Gig Bag Ultra-Slim 25-Key USB MIDI Controller Keyboard with internal Audio Interface, more than 100 Software Plug-Ins and energyXT2 Compact BEHRINGER Edition