Doepfer MKE is an Universal Midi Keyboard Electronics to built custom-made Midi controllers that include a keyboard.
MKE is an Universal Midi Keyboard Electronics to built custom-made Midi controllers that include a keyboard. Combining the MKE with our controller electronics Pocket Electronic, Dial Electronic, CTM64 or MTC64 allows the construction of an unique Midi controller that exactly meets the requirements of the user.
These units can be connected to MKE:
- Standard keyboard manufactured by FATAR/Italy with 2, 3, 4 or 5 octaves (e.g. the keyboard types TP6, TP60...64, TP/7, TP/8 or TP/9, diode matrix type "DF")
- Pitch bend wheel (special spring-loaded rotary potentiometer)
- Modulation wheel (special rotary potentiometer)
- Remark: Because of technical reasons only the single modulation wheels of our accessories list can be used in combination with MKE but notthe modulation wheel set, which was available until about 2016 !
- Rotary or fader potentiometer for loudness/volume control (Midi CC#7)
- After touch sensor or socket for sustain switch or another potentiometer for any Midi controller
The MKE pc board has these controls available:
- 6 black rectangle momentary buttons (about 12 x 22 mm) with integrated LEDs (measures of the complete button area about 76 x 22 mm)
- since August 2014 MKE is equipped with another type of momentary buttons (same as used in A-190-4 or Dark Time) as the so far used buttons are no longer available.
- 3-digit LED display (about 19 x 38 mm)
The 6 buttons are used to control these parameters:
- Midi channel 1...16
- Transpose (lowest note in octave intervals, 0-12-24-36-48-60)
- Program change 0...127
- Controller number 0...127 resp. After touch
- Up (increment of the value shown in the display)
- Down (decrement of the value shown in the display)
In addition one can select between dynamic and non-dynamic operation. In the non-dynamic mode the (fixed) velocity value can be adjusted. The velocity implementation in the dynamic mode has been optimized for the Fatar keybed 61TP/9. When other keybeds are used the dynamic behaviour may be not optimal. It's not possible to change the dynamic behaviour for other keybeds.
MKE has a non-volatile memory for the parameters Midi channel, transpose, program number, controller number and dynamic/non-dynamic mode. After the next power on the previous values are called up.
MKE is equipped with Midi In and Midi Out. The data appearing at the Midi in are merged to the data generated by the MKE. Consequently several MKE can be daisy-chained or combined with other OEM controllers (e.g. Pocket Electronic, Dial Electronic, CTM64 , MTC64) to built a custom-made Midi controller.
MKE is available only as an assembled and tested pc board. The pc board measures are about 71 mm (length) x 85 (width) x 45 mm (height). Four mounting holes with 3 mm diameter are available for mounting the pc board to a suitable base or front panel e.g. with distance sleeves or spacers and screws.
We also offer keybeds and cable sets that are suitable for MKE (see below or look into the price list in the spare parts section).
Please specify the type of keyboard that has to be connected to MKE (2/3 or 4/5 octaves). This is necessary as the keyboards have different types of connectors. If no specifications are made the MKE is delivered in the 4/5 octave version. If you have no keyboard available we recommend to order the keyboard together with the MKE as in this case all components (MKE, keyboard, cable set) can be harmonized. The cables leading to the keyboards are not included and have to be ordered in addition. You find these cables in our price list in the spare parts section.
We do not offer a suitable housing as this would have to be completely different for various combinations of keyboards and controlling elements.
An external power supply (7-15VDC@min. 100 mA) is used. The pc board is equipped with a standard low voltage connector ( 5.5 mm outer diameter and 2.1 mm inner diameter, polarity: plus = center, minus = ring). Within Europa the wall outlet power supply adapter for 230V mains voltage and European type mains plug is included with the MKE. In other countries the power supply has to be purchased by the user in his country. If there is a Doepfer representative in your country please ask the representative if the power supply is included in your country.
If you want to connect a keyboard to the MKE electronics later you find suitable keyboards and cable sets on the Accessories and Spare Parts page. Even wheels, cable sets for the wheels, volume potentiometer, sustain socket or after touch sensor are available as well. The corresponding prices can be found in the price list (spare parts section) or ask our sales office (
MKE is a so-called OEM or DIY product. Electronic basic knowledge is required to install the board. If you have no or only little experience with electronics we recommend not to order and not to install the MKE.
We cannot take back modules or carry out warranty repairs of modules that became defective because of wrong installation or wrong connection of the controlling elements or voltages. We also cannot take back or carry out warranty repairs of modules or cables which have been soldered by the user.
Details about the connection of other keyboards to MKE can be found here: Connecting keyboards to MKE.
MKE front panel kit:
incl. red display cover and four black M3 screws and distance rolls for mounting the front panel on the pc board
The display cover has to be glued by the customer at the front panel.
made of 1 mm steel plate, about 110 x 86 mm, black coated with white printing
four 3mm holes for mounting the pc board on the front panel are available
holes for mounting the front panel on a base or housing have to be drilled by the customer because the positions and diameters of these holes depend upon the mechanical construction
Even the mounting material for this purpose has to be added by the customer (e.g. suitable woodscrews or self-tapping screws or other screws)
This document explains the mounting of the front panel to the pc board (same as MBP25): MBP25_Frontplattenmontage.pdf
