Behringer has opened pre-orders for two compact keyboard sequencers: the Jam and the Jam Play. As Synth Anatomy reports, both are clearly modeled on the Keystep format. For MPE musicians, the interesting question is what their aftertouch actually does.
What you get
Both models share a core feature set: 32 mini keys with velocity and aftertouch, a 64-step sequencer with 8-note polyphony, ratcheting and random gate functions, an 8-mode arpeggiator, and a chord mode that holds up to 16 notes. Two touch strips handle pitch and mod, with real-time visualization.
Connectivity is generous at this price: full-size 5-pin MIDI In and Out, sync In and Out, a footswitch input, CV keyboard, gate and mod outputs, and two USB-C ports for power and data.
The Jam has four assignable endless encoders and no display or onboard sounds, so it is aimed at DAW and hardware setups. It is priced at 98€. The Jam Play adds a display, 128 built-in instruments plus drum sounds, a stereo audio output and eight sound parameters, for 179€. (The mapping of those two product links to each model follows the order in the original report, so check the product pages when ordering.)
Aftertouch is not MPE
The announcement describes aftertouch, and does not mention MPE or MIDI 2.0. Based on that, expressive players should assume these keyboards do not send MPE. The distinction matters:
- Channel aftertouch sends one pressure value for the whole keyboard. Press harder on one key and every sounding note responds.
- Polyphonic aftertouch sends pressure per key, which gives independent control but only on one dimension.
- MPE assigns each note its own MIDI channel, so pressure, pitch bend and slide (CC74) can all vary independently per note.
We cannot tell from the announcement which aftertouch type the Jam uses, so check the manual or ask the manufacturer before assuming per-note behavior. Even in the best case, you would get one extra expressive dimension, not the three-way per-note control MPE provides. Our earlier explainer on polyphonic aftertouch versus MPE goes into the details.
Who is this for?
At 98€, the Jam is a low-risk way to add a sequencing and arpeggiation hub to a rig. It makes sense in several situations:
- As a sequencer next to an MPE controller. Let the Jam handle patterns and CV, while a LinnStrument or Osmose handles performance.
- For CV and hardware setups. The CV keyboard, gate and mod outputs make it a practical front end for modular and semi-modular gear.
- As a learning step. Beginners can experiment with pressure-based modulation before moving to a full MPE controller.
It is a poor fit if you want per-note slide and pitch glides. The mini keys and touch strips are designed for sequencing convenience, not for the continuous per-finger expression MPE performers expect.
A note on setting expectations
Budget keyboards with aftertouch are good news for the wider expressive ecosystem because they introduce more players to pressure-sensitive playing. The risk is confusion: buyers see "aftertouch" and assume MPE compatibility. Many MPE-capable synths will respond to channel pressure, but they will treat the whole keyboard as a single voice of expression.
If you are shopping for expressive hardware, look for explicit "MPE" wording on the spec sheet, and treat anything else as a bonus rather than a guarantee. Our MPE controller price ladder shows where genuine MPE instruments start.