Introduction:
As a passionate music producer and home user, I have been eagerly exploring various MIDI controllers to elevate my creative process and enhance my music production capabilities. Among the multitude of options available, the Artesia Pro XJam and XKey caught my attention due to their promising features and versatility. After a thorough year-long testing, I am excited to share my experiences and insights on how these controllers have performed in both professional production settings and casual home use. In this review, we will delve into the design, features, compatibility with popular DAWs such as Logic Pro and Pro Tools, and also their integration with the new Logic Pro for iPad application.
Overview:
The Artesia Pro XJam and XKey are innovative MIDI controllers designed to cater to the needs of producers, musicians, and home users alike. While the XJam focuses on providing an expressive and dynamic pad control experience, the XKey aims to deliver a compact and efficient keyboard solution. Both devices come with advanced features and improvements over their predecessors, and their seamless integration with popular Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) makes them desirable additions to any music production setup.
Design and Build Quality:
Artesia Pro XJam:
The Artesia Pro XJam boasts a sleek and robust design that exudes a professional feel. The 16 pressure-sensitive pads with aftertouch are a delight to use, providing exceptional responsiveness and expressive control. The inclusion of backlit RGB LEDs not only adds a visual flair but also assists in quickly identifying different pad assignments and modes, making it an ideal tool for both studio and live performances.
The eight rotary encoders are thoughtfully positioned and provide a smooth tactile experience, allowing users to adjust various parameters within their DAWs with ease. The Pro XJam feels sturdy and well-built, instilling confidence during intense production sessions and live performances.
Artesia Pro XKey:
The Artesia Pro XKey retains its predecessor’s slim and compact design, making it an excellent choice for home users and musicians on the go. The 25 or 37 full-size keys feature velocity sensitivity and aftertouch, enhancing the playing experience with a natural and expressive feel. Despite its portable form factor, the XKey’s keys offer a level of playability that is well-suited for both professional and casual use.
Features and Functionality:
Artesia Pro XJam:
The Pro XJam’s standout feature is its versatility, making it an indispensable tool for producers seeking expressive pad control. The pressure-sensitive pads allow for a wide range of dynamic performances, from finger drumming to polyphonic aftertouch. This opens up exciting avenues for creating intricate rhythms and emotive melodies.
The eight rotary encoders are highly programmable, enabling users to map them to control a plethora of parameters within their DAW or virtual instruments. This level of customization enhances productivity and streamlines the creative workflow, allowing producers to focus on their music without interruption.
The XJam also supports multiple pad modes, including Note, CC, Program Change, and MMC, further adding to its adaptability across different production scenarios.
Artesia Pro XKey:
The Artesia Pro XKey stands as a powerful MIDI keyboard that successfully balances portability and performance. The full-size keys with velocity sensitivity and aftertouch offer a rewarding playing experience, capturing every nuance of the performance. The inclusion of polyphonic aftertouch is a notable feature, providing added expression and control over individual notes.
One of the highlights of the XKey is its pressure-sensitive pitch bend and modulation touch strips. These strips offer an intuitive and creative way to manipulate pitch and modulation, adding an extra layer of expressiveness to the music.
Performance and Usability:
As a Producer:
The Artesia Pro XJam has significantly enriched my music production experience as a producer. Its responsive pads and rotary encoders have become integral to my creative process. Whether I’m crafting intricate drum patterns, fine-tuning synth parameters, or automating effects, the XJam effortlessly translates my ideas into tangible results.
The Pro XJam’s seamless integration with popular DAWs, including Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, and others, has been commendable. This ensures that the controller works seamlessly without any additional configuration or compatibility issues.
As a Home User:
As a home user and casual performer, the Artesia Pro XKey has been a perfect companion. Its slim design and portability have made it a great addition to my limited studio space. I can effortlessly carry it with me on-the-go, allowing me to continue composing and recording whenever inspiration strikes.
The full-size keys, complete with velocity sensitivity and aftertouch, provide a comfortable and expressive playing experience, even during extended sessions. The polyphonic aftertouch has added an extra dimension of control to my performances, enriching the expressiveness of my compositions.
Integration with Popular DAWs:
The Artesia Pro XJam and XKey have demonstrated remarkable compatibility with all major DAWs used by producers and musicians. In my testing, I found that both controllers worked seamlessly with popular DAWs such as Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, and more.
In Logic Pro, the XJam’s pads and rotary encoders were effortlessly mappable to control virtual instruments, mixer parameters, and Logic’s Smart Controls. The RGB LEDs on the pads provided valuable visual feedback, allowing me to stay focused on my creative process.
Similarly, in Pro Tools, the XJam and XKey functioned seamlessly as MIDI controllers. I was able to trigger loops, launch clips, and control various parameters with ease, contributing to a smooth and enjoyable production experience.
In Ableton Live, the Pro XJam’s pads allowed for an intuitive and engaging experience. I could easily launch clips and trigger drum racks, harnessing the power of Ableton Live’s session view during my performances. Additionally, the rotary encoders were highly customizable, providing efficient control over Ableton’s devices and mixer parameters.
Integration with Logic Pro for iPad:
As an avid user of Logic Pro for iPad, I was delighted to find that both the Artesia Pro XJam and XKey integrated seamlessly with the application. Connecting the controllers to my iPad was straightforward, and they were instantly recognized by Logic Pro for iPad, requiring no additional setup.
In Logic Pro for iPad, the XJam’s pressure-sensitive pads and rotary encoders functioned impeccably, providing a seamless and immersive experience. I could trigger virtual instruments and control various parameters with precision, just as I would in a desktop environment. The compatibility with Logic Pro for iPad has made it a valuable addition to my mobile music production setup, allowing me to create and capture ideas wherever I go.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Artesia Pro XJam and XKey are exceptional MIDI controllers that cater to the needs of both producers and home users. The XJam’s expressive pads and versatile rotary encoders empower producers to craft dynamic performances and streamline their music production workflow. The XKey’s slim design and expressive features make it a valuable asset for home users and performers seeking a portable keyboard solution.
Having tested these devices for almost a year, I can confidently vouch for their performance, features, and seamless integration with popular DAWs such as Logic Pro, Pro Tools, and Ableton Live. Additionally, the compatibility with Logic Pro for iPad extends their versatility and makes them an essential part of any mobile