bvc


I owned a PCR-800 and found the aftertouch very insensitive. I had hoped this new, improved keybed that the A-series boasts would solve the problem, but sadly (though not entirely surprisingly), this doesn't look to be the case, based on what I've read.

Seems the aftertouch problem is something Roland's been overlooking for some time.

It appears it may NOT be unsolvable, however: http://forums.rolandclan....9&fid=1&page=2

I do not personally condone opening up the keyboard, and I personally have had some bad experiences going in there and tampering around with a few of my own boards... but if you've got the expertise, aftertouch was a reason you bought the keyboard, you're rich enough to sacrifice the keyboard, or you're feeling lucky, I can't say not to give it a go. If you do, please share the results!

.bvc.

Hi, bvc - Thanks for the link-- That's too radical for me, opening up the keyboard and replacing the sensor strip.  Too scary.  But it's amazing that Roland has so many units out with these faulty strips - It was obvious from the get-go that the Aftertouch on the A-800 is basically non-functional.  Isn't that flakiness in the extreme?  This keyboard is spread out proudly on the Cakewalk site, at Roland's site, with hyped up text talking about Aftertouch, but that part of the keyboard is broken.  Really Ps me off.  Out right deception on Roland's part, and my opinion of the company shrinks way down in appropriate proportion.

BUT what I'm doing with having a control map with Aftertouch mapped to the Mod stick is working for me.  Like so many MIDI keyboardists, I've long since been a one handed player, using my left hand for wheels and knobs, so it doesn't mess me up.  I'm fine with that work-around - BUT it remains that the default Aftertouch action right there on the keys SHould be available also.

Thanks again for the link.

Randy B.

That is a good idea, rbowser. I'm glad you've found - and shared - a way around this problem.

It is a massive shame, however, that one pays extra for the aftertouch feature and cannot use it. I respect your adaptability, but I personally (and I'm sure others) cannot succeed too well in expressive two-handed playing without key aftertouch. It's something that once you're used to it, it is a sorely missed feature. It's not too important in the studio, but for live playing, it's (for me at least) invaluable.

Kind of ridiculous in this day and age to be discussing "aftertouch vs. no aftertouch" in the realm of $400 controllers. The discussion SHOULD be "channel aftertouch vs. polyphonic aftertouch." Ah well.

I have registered an enquiry with RolandUK about the lack of aftertouch response on the A-800 Pro and will report back here when I get some feedback.

Shambler


I have registered an enquiry with RolandUK about the lack of aftertouch response on the A-800 Pro and will report back here when I get some feedback.

That's great, Shambler - I hope they give you some kind of useful information.

RB

Excellent! If there's anything we the community can do, let us know. I am sure there are enough people fed up with this problem, as it's been going on with their synths and keyboards for years now. 

Hopefully you don't get the dreaded corporate reply of "The A-800 Pro allows the user 4 different alternatives for the aftertouch curve. Certainly at least one of them will meet your playing style." Yeah, if you happen to be on steroids, maybe.

Well it didn't take long to get a response from Rolank UK but it doesn't sound very promising.

  Hi.
 
Than you for your email.
 
The aftertouch is indeed a little harder to activate on the A Pro series.
I have just tested this with my A800 Pro. - Maybe over time it will ease....
I hope this helps.
 
Does it help, hardly.
I suggest someone US based contacts Roland US to see if they get a more helpful reply.

Shambler


Well it didn't take long to get a response from Rolank UK but it doesn't sound very promising.

  Hi.
 
Than you for your email.
 
The aftertouch is indeed a little harder to activate on the A Pro series.
I have just tested this with my A800 Pro. - Maybe over time it will ease....
I hope this helps.
 
Does it help, hardly.
I suggest someone US based contacts Roland US to see if they get a more helpful reply.

What a weird answer - He's saying that maybe it'll kinda work in with time?  Where's the logic to that?  There's a sensor strip in there - it's somehow going to get more sensitive with time?  Seems like it would be the opposite, getting less sensitive.

Hmm, well, yeah that reply's a wash out.  I'll write to Roland US and see if I can something back.

RB

Thanks for taking the helm, RB.

Well that's a frustrating... I'm sorry, B.S. answer. It is common knowledge that aftertouch becomes LESS sensitive as time goes on, as a result of the foam that surrounds the contact strip becoming compressed after years of use. It's like expecting a pillow to get thicker after years of wear. Ridiculous. 

I had a chance to play a Roland Fantom at the store earlier, and I honestly thought I was going to knock the keyboard off of the stand onto the floor, I had to press so hard to engage the aftertouch. 

I think this may be a Roland 'feature' rather than a fault.

Shambler


I think this may be a Roland 'feature' rather than a fault.

-?  Was that meant to be a joke, Shambler? - Aftertouch is supposed to be engaged by pressing on the keys just a bit more on sustained notes.  But on this board, you can push as hard as you're able to and sometimes you'll get a slight bit of vibrato, other times, nothing.  That's why it's unusable.  I have the most sensitive curve engaged with only the teeniest bit of improvement.  That's why the only way I can use real-time Aftertouch is with my special map that has it connected to the Mod stick.

I signed up at the Roland US site, registered the keyboard, so I could submit my question about this - awaiting their reply.

Randy B.