Behringer is drip-feeding information about two new controller keyboards, one of which has built-in sounds — the JAM and JAM PLAY.
JAM PLAY
A recent video shows off the JAM PLAY 32-key MIDI/USB controller keyboard with built in sounds, and more recently it has appeared as a linked product on their website — although still without an official launch date or price. That video also seems to be hidden, even though it was made a month or so ago, so Behringer is perhaps being a bit cagey again.
Anyway, the JAM PLAY is a 32-key USB MIDI controller keyboard also having 128 instruments and drum sounds built in, plus a 64-step polyphonic sequencer, chord and arpeggiator modes.
The keys are both velocity and aftertouch sensitive, which is a great feature, and there’s also four assignable multipurpose controls, a multi-function OLED display, pitch and modulation touch strips, transport control for both DAW integration and arpeggiator control, plus CV/Gate and Sync connectors.
It’s a decent compact keyboard. Two-and-a-half octaves means you have a reasonable span but are taking up less space than a 4 or 5 octave full-size key controller. The built-in sounds means you can be playing with ideas even if you’re not connected up to a DAW.
JAM
There’s also a currently unlinked product page for the JAM controller keyboard which is very similar but focuses on just the controller aspect.
This features much the same as the JAM PLAY, but without any onboard instrument and drum sounds.
Some of the description is slightly odd for a controller, such as mentioning a polyphony count for the 64-step sequencer. That makes sense for the PLAY but on this version, does that mean it can only send out eight notes over MIDI simultaneously? More likely it means the description writer has not weeded out the bits that don’t apply to a soundless controller.
Feature Comparison
Features on both JAM and JAM PLAY
- 32 compact-sized keys for expressive velocity and after-touch functionality
- 64-step 4-channel sequencer featuring 8-note polyphony with rest, tie and legato note entry
- Chord Play mode with up to 16 notes for extensive loops and long-playing samples
- Arpeggiator mode with 8 simultaneous notes per step and 8 styles
- 4 multi-purpose controls for custom assignment of parameters
- Highly reactive pitch and modulation touch strips for extreme performance and creativity
- Performance control includes Record, Play and Stop buttons to control sequencer and arpeggiator
- Ratchet and random gate functions for inspiring song creation
- Endless sustain via hold button or through an optional footswitch (not included)
- Shift function includes MIDI channel selection, gate time and swing values
- CV/Gate and Sync connectors for controlling synthesizers, drum machines and other equipment
- Class-compliant USB, MIDI Out and sustain pedal input to connect to your studio
- 4 sync sources easily selectable via front panel
- Powered via USB or optional DC power supply (not included)
Features only on JAM PLAY
- 128 Instruments, 10 Drum Sounds and Effects for instant playing experience
- Multi-function OLED display for easy control of all parameters
As seems to be the way, Behringer is drip-feeding out product information and availability, probably due to manufacturing timelines which we’re not privy to.
