CME's new UF family of controller keyboards is comprised of four different models. The UF50, UF60 and UF70 feature 'semi-weighted' keyboards with 49, 61 and 76 keys respectively, offering velocity sensitivity and aftertouch. The UF80, reviewed here, has a weighted 88-key 'Professional Hammer Action' keyboard, which also has velocity sensitivity and aftertouch. Apart from the keyboard configurations, the different models are functionally identical. The UF80, unsurprisingly, is the largest and heaviest of the bunch, measuring 1408 x 372 x 150mm and weighing in at a daunting 23.5kg. The brushed-aluminium case gives the device a stylish appearance, and should protect against all but the most violent impacts.

The top panel is adorned with nine sliders, eight knobs, a basic-but-serviceable LED display, a rotary encoder, a set of six sequencer transport buttons, and a dozen other buttons. In addition there are the usual pitch-bend and modulation wheels (the former sprung, the latter not).

The back panel features a conventional MIDI Out socket, two quarter-inch jack sockets for connecting expression or sustain pedals, a more unusual eighth-of-an-inch jack socket compatible with Yamaha's BC3 breath controller (I wasn't able to test this), a standard USB port, a socket for attaching the mains adaptor (supplied, although the unit can be powered via USB instead) and a power on/off switch.

There's also a blank plate, behind which lies an expansion slot that can apparently be used to install a Firewire expansion board or a sound module expansion board (see the 'Mind Expanding?' box above). The manual provides no information at all about these options, leaving the user to search the CME web site for clues instead.

You have a range...