Midiplus Xmax is the company’s new flagship MIDI keyboard controller series with four models with full-size keys and built-in sounds.
Arturia, Akai, Novation… these are brands that immediately come to mind when it comes to MIDI keyboards. Midiplus from China, perhaps less so. However, it’s a major player. They manufacture a large share of synthesizers and MIDI keyboards for other brands.
I’m sure MIDIplus is used in many studios, even if you can’t see it directly. They have also marketed keyboards under their own name for several years, and now they have news. Midiplus announced the Xmax series at the beginning of the year, a four-keyboard controller series it describes as its flagship line. They are now also available in Europe.
Midiplus Xmax
The X series is a new line of flagship MIDI keyboard controllers. The new Midiplus Xmax series includes the X4 Max, X6 Max, and X8 Max. There is also an X8H Max version with an 88 full-weighted FATAR keybed.
All three keyboards share most features, including full-size, semi-weighted keys with velocity and aftertouch. It comes with four selectable velocity curves but no polyphonic aftertouch.
The only difference is the number of keys, which also slightly alters the shape of the MIDI keyboard controller: the X4 has 49, the X6 61, and the X8 88 keys.
All keyboards have pitch and modulation wheels, conveniently located on the left side. Just underneath is an assignable touch strip.
MIDI Control
From left to right, you have a multi-purpose clickable encoder, DAW transport controls (play, stop…) as well as eight endless encoders and eight buttons, both freely assignable.
For deeper personalization, it includes built-in DAW templates (Ableton Live, Cubase/Nuendo, FL Studio, and Logic Pro) and five custom slots. In the middle, a TFT color screen shows real-time parameter information.
Then, you have eight velocity- and aftertouch-sensitive backlit pads with two banks, offering notes, MIDI CC, and chord modes. The Midiplus Xmax X6 Max and X8 Max also come with eight faders that you can freely assign to MIDI CC data or scene presets.
All three MIDI keyboard controllers also include a multimode arpeggiator you can program hands-on with the encoders. In addition, you get 20 built-in scales: blues, Egyptian, Mid-East, Chinese, and more.
Built-In Sounds
Built-in sounds haven’t been a big deal for companies like Arturia, Novation, and others. But they matter more to Chinese manufacturers. The new Midiplus Xmax series also comes right out of the box with ready-to-use timbres.
In the hardware, you can work with over 200 built-in sounds with up to 64 notes of polyphony, including a variety of drum kits, eastern and western instruments, and synth sounds. These are ROMpler sounds, so you can’t customize them in detail.
Connectivity
A look at the back reveals that the new Midiplus keyboards also offer plenty of connectivity.
You get an AUX input to route other signals into the mix of the built-in sounds, a stereo output on two 6.3mm mono sockets, and a full 5-pin MIDI interface (IN, THRU, OUT). A headphone socket is available on the front panel.
It also has three pedal sockets (assign, program switch, and sustain), a USB-C port, and a power supply input. Since the Midiplus Xmax series has a stereo output, I’m wondering if the keyboards could also be used as an audio interface.
For example, could I output a signal from a DAW or iPad directly through them? If so, that would be great.
Midiplus Xmax series First Impression
Intriguing new MIDI keyboard controllers that differ somewhat from the feature set of the usual brands. Especially noteworthy are the built-in sounds and stereo output, which can hopefully also be used as an audio interface.
The Midiplus Xmax series is available now: X4 Max for 429€, X6 Max for 499€, and X8 Max for 579€. They ship with a power supply.
More information here: Midiplus
Available from my partner
interesting but why so expensive?
they built for ARTURIA nur they are not ARTURIA.
Full-size keys are always more expensive. Plus, you have built-in sounds, big audio outputs, and many controls (knobs, faders…)
I don’t know why anyone would buy these when you can get comparably priced products from reputable companies like Arturia and Novation.
Because of 200 built-in sounds that no one cares about?
Some products simply don’t make any sense.
I paid €218 for my Midiplus X8 III and I love it: good build quality and very lightweight. €579 for its successor is a crazy price hike.
it’s not a successor but just a different product and model
Looks good, I like the form factor. You are right that if the USB supports audio it would be a killer feature, I’ve only seen this on some IK Multimedia or Korg Keystage keyboards, but this one having an aux-in as well, it could be a great 2 in 2 out audio / MIDI interface for a simple studio but also for integrating an iPad and all the AUv3 ecosystem (including samplers if the aux-in can be routed to USB).
It is also a bit of a bummer not to see ability to split at least in two regions, I hope we can send the pads to another MIDI channel at least. Nice to see also built-in sounds, as this can serve as a portable synth as well (especially the 49).
there is a split button on the interface but not clear if its for the engine or MIDI