Is the DX-100 a good MIDI controller? I think it has breath control, is that useful? Also, can
you switch MIDI channels? I am thinking purchasing one so I would like to hear from users
like yourselves.
Any answers would be much appreciated,
Mwamba
I haven't seen a DX-100 for years, but if I remember right (1) the keys were not full sized, and (2) it was not velocity sensitive. It seems to me that (if I'm right about 1 & 2) it would only be useful in a very limited set of circumstances - breath controller work, maybe - if your fingers are smaller than mine - and I'm guessing there aren't too many non-Yamaha modules that respond to breath control. I don't know about switching channels.
And you didn't ask about the sounds, but they were the 4-op version (DX-9, 21, etc.) - never heard much I liked from those, though I do like my 4-op TQ-5 - it had waveform choices for each operator.
The Harmony Central reviews liked it okay, but mostly for its sounds (maybe I've been spoiled by my TX-7s?) - one mentioned velocity sensitivity in reference to programming, BUT, Yamaha would sometimes give you velocity sensitive sounds with a keyboard that didn't send velocity info.
Looks like they're selling between $150 and $200 US. Somebody mentioned strapping it on (it's small enough) - it's way portable, and could be used as a sound module, and can use DX-9 patches (there are sites you can download from).
So, as a multi-purpose little-bit-of-everything toy, it could be useful. As a dedicated controller, I don't think so (though the strap-on idea sounds pretty cool). Good luck.
Jay
