Sketch-A-Tone 650 MIDI instrument controller

It's been a while since we've seen a MIDI controller from Etch-a-sketch, but I am pleased to say the company has contacted me recently with their latest product, the Sketch-A-Tone 650.

It's almost impossible to make a mistake with this, as the beats set off at the touch of a button. Everything is designed to harmonize with everything else, making it ideal for the beginner. Phrases are triggered from the buttons, and varied along two axes with the simultaneous operation of the iconic knobs at the bottom corners of the instrument.

The sound had a tendency to become a bit cluttered, until I realised that you can vary the direction of the loops and, more significantly, perform some amazing "drops", simply by picking up the unit and giving it a strong side-to-side shake.

I can certainly recommend this to the new and experienced musician alike, and the cyan colour scheme makes this stand out on the desk compared to the historic offerings from the company (pictured).