M-Audio E-Keys 37 MIDI Keyboard

The lightweight eKeys keyboard connects to your PC or Mac computer via a standard USB connection. The keyboard has 37 mini keys whose small design lets them mesh with any computer setup. Installation couldn't be easier: the attached USB cable simply plugs in to any available USB socket on your computer. Because the keyboard is Class-compliant, installation is automatic in Windows XP and Mac OS X. (Drivers are included for Windows 95/98/ME/2000 and Apple Mac OS 9.1 or later.) Once installation is complete, the keyboard is ready to use with the included Windows-only software or any other standard music package.

The supplied Windows-only software consists of Picture Board, Music Teacher 1.3, and Sound Studio II (v.1.1). Picture Board is a fantastic early learning tool for teaching children essentials such as numbers, animal names, household objects, and the alphabet, while cleverly introducing them to the music keyboard through a fun combination of sounds and images. You can personalize Picture Board by adding your own images (bitmap files) and sounds (WAV files). It's a great way to learn at many different levels and a perfect introduction to the keyboard.

Music Teacher 1.3 lets you load in any MIDI file and learn how to play it. Supplied with 20 beginner lessons, the program is suitable for use with the Alfred Music range of teaching material, including MIDI files. Features include notes testing, rhythm testing, notes and rhythm tests, backing mode (wherein a backing band will accompany your playing), recital mode, score display (view the musical data on up to 2 staves on treble and bass clefs), listen and teach modes (teaches you one or two tracks at a time for any MIDI file), loop mode (handy for practicing difficult sections of a song), 2-handed tests (learn left and right hand parts together), tempo settings, game screen (a fun way to learn musical phrases), note indicators, and a results screen (which gives you a percentage mark on your note or rhythm accuracy).

Sound Studio II 1.1 is a 32-bit sequencer with VST plug-in support. VST plug-ins are software representations of hardware effects units and musical instruments. Sound Studio II comes bundled with 2 full VST synthesizers, 1 full VST drum sample player, and 6 additional demo synths and instruments, including the best-selling FM7 and B4 from Native Instruments. Also bundled are 21 VST effect processors from MDA. You'll be able to find hundreds more plug-ins on the Web. Using VST plug-ins with Sound Studio II opens up a whole world of music-making possibilities. The program works with Windows 98, ME, NT4, 2000, and XP.

What's in the Box
M-Audio Evolution eKeys USB keyboard, a user's manual, an eKeys installer CD-ROM, and warranty information.

Note: System requirements: PC: a Pentium II 300 MHz processor with 128 MB RAM or better, an available USB socket, Windows 98/ME/2000/XP, and an approved MME- or ASIO-compliant soundcard; Macintosh: iMac, Power Mac G3 or better with USB running OS9/OSX.