Behringer has shared another sneak preview – this time for the POLYKEYS 61 mini MIDI controller.
Details are still to come, but it looks like the POLYKEYS 61 will offer 61 mini keys with polyphonic aftertouch, plus a ribbon controller.
Polyphonic aftertouch allows each key to transmit its own pressure information, rather than applying one pressure value to the entire keyboard. That makes it possible to introduce independent modulation to individual notes in a chord, when controlling synthesizers that support polyphonic expression.
The ribbon controller adds another continuous performance dimension, while the large number of faders, knobs, and pads suggests that Behringer is positioning this as an inexpensive control keyboard.
The POLYKEYS 61 will also feature open source firmware, opening the platform to community development.
Specifications (Preliminary):
- Keyboard 61 controller with mini keys, polyphonic aftertouch
- Ribbon controller
- 16 Pads 16
- 9 Faders
- 9 Rotary controls
- Display
- Pitch and modulation wheels
- Firmware announced as open source
Pricing and Availability:
The Behringer POLYKEYS 61 has a target price of $199 USD. The release date is to be announced.
They don’t look like mini keys?
This only fits with high automation or very cheap labor or both. And cheap materials and cheap transport. $200$ minus 12% tariffs, minus 20% for retailer 136. Minus $15$ packaging, transport, papers, storage, insurance, guarantee, advertising, influencers. 121 minus chinese taxes arr. 95 rest. Minus expected 10% return of inv.. $85$ for labour, energy and materials (and labour to produce materials and energy). Thats what we pay for a night out dont we?
lovely!
I am also noticing the 9-encoders, 9 faders, four buttons module that I would love as a midi controller as well.