Cre8audio today introduced NiftyKEYZ, a Eurorack keyboard controller case that they say is ‘epic AF’, with four channels of CV control, MIDI In/Out, Splits, and arpeggiator, built-in utilities, expressive control and more.
NiftyKEYZ combines a full-sized 49-key synth-action MIDI controller keyboard with 112hp of space for Eurorack modules, so you can house all-in-one synths like the Moog Mother-32 and use them as keyboards, or create a custom keyboard-controlled modular rig.
NiftyKEYZ offers keyboard & MIDI control over 4 CV + Gate outs. NiftyKEYZ’s MIDI implementation lets you use use each of its 4 CV + Gate outs as either a part of a fully patchable polyphonic instrument or to control four modular or analog instruments. Additionally, each voice can be split across multiple MIDI zones on the keyboard. This means you can create a 4-voice polyphonic instrument or a 3-voice instrument in part of the keyboard range, while splitting another voice into a monophonic instrument elsewhere.
NiftyKEYZ also features a wide range of built-in control features for expressive performance and to give you new options for controlling your modular gear. These include a multi-mode arpeggiator, multi-mode clock-synced LFO, aftertouch, velocity, sustain/latch mode, internal clock, expression out and more. All of these performance features are tied to CV outs, offering a wide variety of modulation and control possibilities.
In addition to the NiftyKEYZ’s CV & audio capabilities, it incorporates useful utility modules, like integrated 2x buffered multiples, 2x outputs and headphone out with dedicated controls.
NiftyKEYZ is also a very capable USB and 5 pin Din MIDI controller and device. It can not only take MIDI in from computers and external MIDI devices, but also send MIDI back out to control them. This means you can use NiftyKEYZ to control software-based instruments, other MIDI instruments, and/or let it be sequenced from DAWs, MIDI controllers, and sequencers.
Features:
- Full size 49 key synth-action keybed with aftertouch
- 4x CV + gate outs – can be split by keyboard zone and used polyphonic or monophonic modes
- CV out for Aftertouch, Velocity, Modwheel/LFO, Expression
- Clock – internal clock and externally clockable + clock divider
- 2x buffered mults
- Useable case area = 112hp for eurorack modules
- Power output for modules
- +12V – 1500mA
- -12V – 1000mA
- +5V – 1000mA
- Multi-mode arpeggiator
- Auto-chord function
- Transpose function
- Glide control
- Swing control
- Multi-mode clock synced LFO
- Sustain pedal input (controls MIDI and gates)
- Two volume controllable 1/4” ts mono outputs on its rear (mirrored 3.5mm outs on top)
- Dedicated control for headphone out with 1/4” headphone jack on its rear
- USB MIDI class-compliant – no drivers needed
- MIDI in via USB and 5 pin Din
- MIDI thru via 5 Pin Din and USB
Here’s the official user guide:
Pricing and Availability:
NiftyKEYZ is available now with an estimated street price of $599.99 / €599.99.
Because the Waldorf one was so successful?
True, but the Waldorf was 37 keys, almost double the price when it introduce and studies have shown that black hardware with wood sells more. Also Waldorf tend to do things ahead of their time that nobody appreciate (like the AFB16) so maybe now it’s the time?
I guess will see 🙂
The KB37 was out for at least 5 or 6 years, so it must have done OK.
It was more of a premium rig, though, (Fatar keyboard) with a premium price. The audience for high-end gear is a lot smaller than for mainstream products.
This looks great, but the trade off is the keyboard action. Most Euro users probably won’t care.
Significantly cheaper then the Waldorf. Extra octave of keys. Better studio integration. Yeah, stands a much better chance at success than the Waldorf. Ordered mine immediately.
Wow! This seems like a great piece of kit.
It was the NiftyBundle that got me into eurorack because of the low(ish) price point.
However, I still need the Beatstep Pro or something similar to get the best out of it.
This seems like a nice step up.
I suppose it all depends on whether you wish to play keys or program sequences. A lot of modular music tends to be more mathematically created rather than played.
Still, I think this is a fantastic product and at a competitive price.
This would be a good option for the AJH Minimod system. Nice one!
I am in the process of converting an Akai MX-73 into a Eurorack keyboard for my Behringer Model D, Pro One, CAT and one other module. The wooden end pieces have an illuminated Behringer logo (Amber in color) at each end. The LED’s are synced to one of the LFO’s similar to the Access Virus. I have already created one for my Access Virus Red Back synthesizer. Here is my video regarding the Access Virus Red Back build. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-G5ffiOAVI
Epic?
Looks like an epic mess
Hahaha!
Looks like a decent investment for some my new Mutable Instrument modules. I need to see more videos. Please Cre8udio more videos.
Also seems like a no-brainer for housing things like the Behringer D.
Why? Rehousing a model d when you already have a perfectly fine psu makes little sense
Looks like a good option. The thing I would change though, is to have the wheels on the left of the keys, and make room for many more modules.
I like that suggestion! Cheers!!
Very unfortunate that it only has one velocity output despite having 4 channels of cv/gate. How on Earth are you going to do multitimbrality and keyboard splits when you only have a single velocity that you’re supposed to share between all channels? Any tone that sustains is going to be altered as soon as you hit the next note…
It’s modular, you’re not supposed to actually make music on it.
grrrr…this makes resistance against G.A.S. weaker