ESI Audio has launched the Xjam, an extremely portable Midi performance controller featuring a solid aluminium chassis and ultra-sensitive playing pads. The compact unit (200 x 135 x 26mm) sports a matching design to the Xkey series of Midi controller keyboards made popular by CME.
TheXjam playing panel presents 16 RGB pads with polyphonic aftertouch in a 4x4 matrix, plus six endless encoders that can be used in any of 48 configuration scenes. Virtually any common type of Midi messages can be assigned to each of these controls, and editing can be done quickly and directly on hardware. An additional connector for an optional footswitch is also provided.
ESI also provides editing software for Mac, PC and iPad to monitor Midi data and configure Xjam to specific applications. Alongside the editing software, Xjam ships with a software package that includes Bitwig Studio 8-Track, Cubasis LE (for iPad) and WaveLab LE.
While Xjam connects via USB-C to a computer and works as a fully bus-powered device, it also features a TRS Midi output to send signals to any other Midi equipment.
In North America, Xjam will be offered through Artesia Pro. Headquartered in San Diego, a leader in the supply of electronic musical instruments and music production equipment, mobile and home pianos, electronic percussion and audio recording gear.
Due to ongoing global logistical challenges, it will be available later in 2022 to other parts of the world.
‘We are excited to expand the mobile music category with Xjam – not only for the global Xkey community,’ says ESI Audio CEO, Claus Riethmüller.
Xjam is now shipping to retailers in Europe with an MSRP of €149.
