Now that personal-computing technology has reached blazing-fast speeds, the desktop recording studio is de rigueur for many musicians. And with laptop computers quickly catching up in the speed derby to their desktop counterparts, a notebook recording setup is within nearly everyone’s reach. When combined with today’s powerful digital audio workstation (DAW) software and software synthesizers (soft synths), a computer offers mega music production capabilities with a minimal footprint. However, you usually can’t go it with just the computer hardware alone—you still need a piano-type keyboard to play a softsynth, and it really helps to have some hardware faders and buttons to add some hands-on humanity to the computer music-making experience. Edirol has been a longtime leader in creating tools that aid desktop and mobile music creation, and their latest controller offerings—the PCR-300, PCR-500, and PCR-800 MIDI Keyboard Controllers—provide a multitude of features for working in the modern studio, all at a very affordable price.

Overview

The new Edirol PCR controllers use MIDI information to perform two basic functions: First, they send out MIDI note data via a keyboard and pads so you can play and/or record the sounds of a softsynth or hardware MIDI sound module. Second, they send out various types of MIDI data via knobs, buttons, and sliders to operate virtually anything that can be controlled via MIDI, such as the mixing and recording functions of DAW software, or the filter controls of a synthesizer. This feature set makes a PCR ideally suited as the “command center” for controlling a computer-based music production setup. Of course, the PCRs also shine in live performance or any other application where you’d use a MIDI controller.

Every new PCR model has a keyboard with full-size keys and aftertouch. The smallest of the bunch is the 32-key PCR-300, while the mid-size PCR-500 has 49 keys. The PCR-800 is the largest, offering the standard 61-key synthesizer layout. Each has 50 (yes, 50!) different user-assignable controllers in the form of various buttons, sliders, knobs, etc. Every controller model is extremely lightweight and portable for its size, yet also features solid and durable construction. It’s the keyboard compliment that differentiates the models from each other, as they have otherwise identical feature sets—just choose your perfect controller based upon your keyboard and space requirements.

Making Connections

The PCR’s jacks are conveniently located on the controller’s left-side panel, both for easy access and to allow an ASCII keyboard and computer monitor to be easily placed behind without cables getting in the way. You can connect a PCR directly to a computer with just a USB cable—the controller gets its power from the computer’s USB jack, eliminating the need for an AC connection. If you’re not using a computer, you can connect the PCR to any MIDI device via MIDI IN and OUT jacks. (When using a MIDI-only setup, an optional AC adaptor must be used to power the PCR.)

Once you’ve installed the PCR driver for your particular computer’s operating system and you’ve connected the PCR via USB, you’re ready to communicate with the software of your choice. Through USB, the PCR sends and receives MIDI information on two separate ports, with 16 MIDI channels of communication on each port. Two ports offer a lot of flexibility, as it allows the PCR to control two separate targets at once. For example, you can use one port to play the sounds of a standalone softsynth application with the keyboard and pads, while using the second port to send control data to a DAW application via the sliders and knobs.

When the PCR’s communicating with a computer via USB, it also becomes a simple computer-to-MIDI interface. This allows you to integrate a favorite MIDI sound module or alternate controller without the need for a separate interface—just connect it to the PCR’s MIDI jacks. When working with an alternate controller (such as another MIDI keyboard or a Roland V-Drums setup), the PCR’s MIDI Merge function gives you the ability to use both the PCR and the other controller at the same time.

The Musical Interface

First and foremost, the PCR is a MIDI keyboard controller. Calling on the 30-plus years of keyboard experience of its parent company Roland, Edirol’s PCR controllers provide a velocity-sensitive synth-action keyboard with a superb response and playing feel. There are 12 different velocity curves available, so you can adjust the playing response to perfectly suit your individual playing style. The keyboard also offers assignable aftertouch (either polyphonic or channel) with four different velocity settings.

The keyboard itself can be assigned to play two different “parts,” called the “Upper part” and “Lower part.” The Upper and Lower parts transmit note information on their own MIDI channels, allowing you to play two separate MIDI sounds simultaneously. (Via USB, this can be accomplished on a single MIDI port; you can still use the second port to send slider, knob, and button data separately.) Dedicated buttons on the left panel of the controller allow you to easily call up different playing modes for the two parts while performing. When the UPPER button is lit, only the Upper part plays. Similarly, when the LOWER button is lit, only the Lower part plays. In Dual mode, both the Upper and Lower parts play, creating a layered sound. In Split mode, the keyboard’s split at a user-defined spot, with one side playing the Lower part and the other the Upper part.

In addition to its keyboard, the PCR offers 18 velocity sensitive pads. While these pads can be used as simple buttons to send out MIDI controller data if desired (more on this in a bit), their velocity responsiveness make them ideal for use as MIDI note triggers for drum and percussion sounds or one-shot samples. The pads’ velocity curves can be adjusted among four different settings, and they have adjustable aftertouch as well. Of course, the PCR also features a standard Roland-type pitch bend and modulation lever, and dedicated buttons for shifting the octave of the keyboard.

Control to the Max

The top panel of the PCR offers a massive amount of assignable hardware control: 9 knobs, 3 buttons, 9 sliders, and the aforementioned 18 velocity-sensitive pads. There’s even a DJ-style crossfader! And if that’s not enough, there are 4 more assignable buttons on the left-side panel, above the pitch bend/mod lever. Each controller can be custom-assigned to transmit nearly any MIDI data you wish, such a notes, Control Change (CC) messages, or Program Change (PC) messages.

For foot control, the side panel has two pedal jacks. Connect an optional footswitch (such as the Roland DP-2 or BOSS FS-5U) to the HOLD jack to use as a keyboard sustain pedal, and an optional expression pedal (BOSS EV-5 or EV-7) to the EXPRESSION jack for realtime volume control. If desired, alternative MIDI control assignments can be set for these jacks to control other functions.

Customizing control assignments can be achieved two different ways. If you’re using the PCR as a standalone controller (without a computer), you can use the two onboard Edit modes. Basic mode is quick and easy, while Advanced mode lets you dig deep when you need to. If you’ve got the PCR connected to a computer, just use the included PCR Editor software. The PCR Editor’s GUI mirrors the PCR’s front panel, making customizing settings a snap.

Once you’ve got the PCR configured just the way you like, simply save the setup in one of 16 different onboard “Control Maps.” By switching among different Control Maps, you can reconfigure the entire PCR in an instant. In this way, your PCR is ready to control anything you need it to at any time: various flavors of DAW software, different soft synths, or any hardware MIDI device. Control Maps can be easily swapped with the computer using the PCR Editor (either individually or as a set of 16), allowing you to have a nearly unlimited number of setups at the ready.

Other Features

A PCR controller provides a number of additional performance features. Using the VALUE dial and the PROGRAM CHANGE and USER buttons, you can manually transmit any Program Change message (with Bank Select, if necessary) to call up programs on a connected MIDI device. Pressing the SNAPSHOT button transmits the current state of all the PCR’s control assignments at once; this is great for recording setups in a MIDI sequencer for automation purposes. The PRM MUTE button temporarily stops the PCR from transmitting data from its hardware controllers—handy when you don’t want to inadvertently change settings in your software or a connected device.

Another powerful PCR feature is called “Dynamic Mapping.” When used with a software application that supports this feature, the PCR is constantly reconfigured on the fly to control the current top-level screen in the application. Here’s an example of how it works: When you open the mixer in your Dynamic Mapping-compatible DAW software, the software sends a command to the PCR, resetting its control assignments to the most important parameters in the mixer. If you then open, say, a softsynth in the DAW, the software sends another command to the PCR, reconfiguring its control assignments again, this time to control the softsynth. When you go back to the mixer screen, the PCR assignments go back to their previous mixer-control configuration. Dynamic Mapping is currently available in Cakewalk SONAR, and support for other popular software is under development. (If your software doesn’t support Dynamic Mapping, you can manually configure the PCR with a Control Map or the PCR Editor.)

The Big Bundle

In addition to the PCR Editor software, a PCR controller ships with a powerful software bundle called the “Cakewalk Production Plus Pack,” which includes three of Cakewalk’s industry-leading software applications. SONAR LE is a DAW based on the core features of the award-winning SONAR software. Project5 LE is a virtual instrument workstation with a pattern-based production environment. Dimension LE is a software synthesizer that combines real instrument sounds with advanced synthesis to produce nearly any sound. Of course, the PCR Editor includes Control Maps ready to load into the PCR to control any of the bundled software apps.

Under Control

Every one of Edirol’s new PCR controllers offers essential features for the modern studio: a high-quality keyboard and pads, multiple hardware controllers for hands-on control of software, USB connectivity, and portability in a durable package. Get your studio under control with a PCR-300, PCR-500, or PCR-800—once you experience the all-in-one convenience of a PCR controller, you’ll wonder how you ever worked without one!