In terms of the basic operating system, the Blofeld KB shares all of its features with its module counterpart. Also an audio input would have been nice. We wish all keyboard manufacturers would make front-panel headphone sockets standard. The only real hardware-related gripe I have is that the headphone socket is mounted slap bang in the centre of the back panel, which means you often find the wire trailing over the front-panel and keyboard

It's light enough to throw in the back of your car for gigs but well-built enough to reassure it's going to last a while, though maybe the paint might start chipping off with heavy gigging. This is mainly due to the solid metal enclosure and onboard power supply (no wall-wart - other manufacturers please take note). The Blofeld Keyboard is reassuringly heavy and weighs in at 8kg (17lbs approx). It's definitely not one of those horribly plasticky and cheap feeling keyboards that all too often feel like you're hitting bare metal on the down-stroke of the keys and give your repetitive strain injury. It's semi-weighted and we'd describe it as precise, quiet, fast to play and cushioned, yet positive feeling on the down-stroke, with a not-too-springy bounce back on the up-stroke. We're pleased to be able to report that the keybed/board feels great. Talking of hands-free, there's a sustain pedal socket, too. It's a godsend for controlling pretty much any parameter you can think of, without even having to take your hands off the keyboard. Too many synths we review don't have aftertouch, so its great to see it included at this price point.

Waldorf keyboard