ZBoard 24×24

The ZB2424 Z-Board Array Keyboard controller from Starr Labs is a 24-row by 24-column (24 strings by 24 frets) MIDI keyboard controller which directly combines the features of guitar and piano keyboard.

The Z-board has a 2-dimensional matrix of touch-sensitive keys set in a piano-style keyboard housing and played with the two hands in front just like the piano. The note-layout is color-coded to match the notes of a traditional piano keyboard but you can also play chord and scale patterns that are common to a guitar or bass.

Each row of keys is ordered in a chromatic sequence just like a 2-octave section of the piano or the first 24-fretted notes of a guitar string. The default note configuration for the keyboard color-codes the keys according to the black and white keys of a traditional piano keyboard. Starting with the low C-natural as the lowest white key, each string is tuned chromatically and appears as a two octave section of a piano keyboard.

Each higher row of keys is then offset by a perfect fourth interval and the resulting pattern of black and white keys gives each letter-named key a unique position in the overall pattern which is readily identifiable at a glance. For instance, it’s easy to quickly see where all of the B-flats are located without having to memorize fret locations, because those black keys appear in a unique position, just as they do on a piano keyboard. Chords and scales are easy to realize and transpose because of the uniform fourths tuning of the instrument combined with the piano-style key-coding scheme. And, it should be stressed that the instrument plays with unlimited polyphony, limited only by the synth module or computer at the other end of the MIDI (or USB) cable.

There are a variety of Zoning features that allow the fingerboard to be mapped with different MIDI channels, transpositions, and response curves. Each key on the keyboard is actually fully programmable for note and MIDI channel, and therefore is not limited to the tunings shown here. The Z-Board is also equipped with programmable Continuous Control devices including (4) rotary pots, a ribbon controller, Sustain Pedal and Volume Pedal jacks. Breath control, USB and wireless are a available options (please call to order custom and special options).

• 4 Programmable rotary pots
• 4-way programmable joystick
• 5” Ribbon Controller
• Sustain and Volume Pedal ports
• USB available
• OnBoard Synth card optional.
• Power Supply Included (9VDC @ 500mA)

• Dimensions: 33” x 8” x 2”. 9 lbs.