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Folding 49-key MIDI Controller ("Carry-On Folding Controller 49")

jamietopoljamietopol
edited January 2 in Hardware

I really like my Xkey Air 37, but was looking for other options and came across this:
https://carryonplaying.com/product/carry-on-folding-controller/

  • Like the Xkey Air, it pairs with my iPad via low-latency Bluetooth and has a built-in rechargeable battery
  • It has standard width keys, but they are shorter than normal
    *The travel distance is less than normal too, but much more than an Xkey
  • There are 4 built-in velocity curves plus a fifth option for a custom velocity curve
  • The keys are synth action, but I find them much more expressive and easier to control compared to the Xkey (e.g., when playing an acoustic piano)
  • The Xkey supports channel pressure and polyphonic aftertouch but the Carry-On does not support either
  • It has touch-strips for pitch bend and mod (they can be converted to an X/Y pad)
  • It has 2 knobs that can be assigned to any CC (via Windows / Mac software - no iPad app that I can find)
  • The 3 DAW transport buttons can be assigned to MIDI CC buttons too (momentary or toggle)
  • It doesn't lock open so you have to use it on a flat surface (e.g. on a desk or on a piece of wood on a keyboard stand).
  • I haven't tried it yet, but there is a built-in arpeggiator
  • Folded, it is small enough to fit in a backpack
  • I am located in the US but had to order it from Amazon UK
  • It is much less expensive than the Xkey Air 37 (approximately 60% cheaper, even after paying for international shipping)
  • Warning: do not purchase the "folding piano" from this company - I think it only has fixed velocity

Let me know if you have any questions. I think this thing is an incredible bargain and really useful.


Comments

  • heshes
    edited January 2

    Many times more expensive than the CarryOn keyboard, and I'm sure appealing to different users, but I recently ran across a demo of another folding piano, which has 49-key, 73-key, and 88-key options:

  • jamietopoljamietopol

    @hes said:
    Many times more expensive than the CarryOn keyboard, and I'm sure appealing to different users, but I recently ran across a demo of another folding piano, which has 49-key, 73-key, and 88-key options:

    Technically, this option isn't folding; it can be divided into multiple sections. VERY expensive for a "spring-action" keyboard, but looks like a higher-end product too, compared to the one I bought. It has a built-in sound engine (16 MB of sampled sounds). Donner also has a folding option that is bigger than what I purchased, but still small. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BBV48479/?coliid=IS4VOD2HSTYFY&colid=1NIVPYIK7FOPS&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it

  • NubusNubus

    I have both of those also. The black 'velocity sensitive' Carry-on was not available in the USA when I got mine. I've tried the white original (non -velocity sensitive) version and it was terrible (really bad). The black one is good though. Totally different devices. There's YT reviews that explain this, btw.

    However, I can NOT get it to connect via bluetooth in Windows 11 with the usual midi: advanced/ Midiberry/LoopBe arrangement. The Xkey and a Korg connect fine with BT, but this doesn't. Any suggestion?

  • jamietopoljamietopol

    @Nubus said:
    I have both of those also. The black 'velocity sensitive' Carry-on was not available in the USA when I got mine. I've tried the white original (non -velocity sensitive) version and it was terrible (really bad). The black one is good though. Totally different devices. There's YT reviews that explain this, btw.

    However, I can NOT get it to connect via bluetooth in Windows 11 with the usual midi: advanced/ Midiberry/LoopBe arrangement. The Xkey and a Korg connect fine with BT, but this doesn't. Any suggestion?

    Have you tried one of the external USB Bluetooth dongles? https://www.cme-pro.com/widi-bud-pro/

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