Cheetah Master Series 5V (mid-80s)
At 61 keys and built like a tank, this Italian-keybed MIDI commander ruled the rack era from the shadows
Overview
The Cheetah Master Series 5V wasn't flashy, but it didn't need to be. This was the kind of gear that showed up in professional MIDI rigs not because it had bells and whistles, but because it worked—hard, reliably, and with a keyboard that felt like it could outlast the studio. Marketed in the mid-80s as a "mother keyboard," it served as a central MIDI controller in an era when musicians were chaining together racks of sound modules and needed a solid command post.
Despite its utilitarian purpose, the Master Series 5V earned quiet respect. According to mu:zines, it and the 7-P were “far and away the best buys on the mother keyboard market” — high praise in a segment crowded with budget options that often sacrificed feel for function. The keyboard assembly, reportedly made in Italy, draws direct comparison to the Sequential Six-Trak’s keybed, a benchmark for responsive, playable action in mid-tier gear of the time. That detail alone gave it credibility among players who refused to compromise on touch, even when the keys weren’t generating sound.
It wasn't just about feel. The unit’s all-metal case gave it a no-nonsense durability, and its weight — universally described as heavy — suggested substance over style. This was a tool, not a showpiece. While it lacked a display or complex programming interface, its role was clear: route MIDI data across multiple devices, change patches on the fly, and do it all without glitches. In a time when MIDI implementation varied wildly, the Master Series 5V reportedly handled 16 channels and 128 patch changes, making it a flexible hub for expanding setups.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Cheetah |
| Model | Master Series 5V |
| Type | MIDI controller |
| Keyboard | 61 key, 5-octave, full size |
| Keyboard Action | Velocity sensitive |
| Polyphony | Fully polyphonic |
| MIDI Implementation | 16 MIDI channels, 128 MIDI patch changes |
| Other Connections | 1x Sustain, 2x Footswitch |
| Case | All-metal |
| Weight | Heavy |
Key Features
61-Key Velocity-Sensitive Keyboard with Italian Build
The keybed is the heart of the Master Series 5V, and it shows. Built with full-size keys across five octaves, it delivers a playing experience that collectors note feels substantial and responsive. Sources suggest the keyboard mechanism was manufactured in Italy and shares DNA with the Sequential Six-Trak — a respected synth of the era known for its reliable, playable action. That lineage matters: in a market flooded with spongy or unweighted keys, the Cheetah offered a tactile, expressive surface that encouraged performance over programming.
All-Metal Case for Studio Durability
There’s no plastic shell here. The Master Series 5V is housed in a tough, all-metal case that gives it a rugged presence on any stand or desk. This wasn’t just about aesthetics — the metal enclosure likely contributed to noise reduction and structural integrity, important for a unit meant to sit at the center of a complex MIDI chain. Combined with its heavy weight, the case signals build quality first, portability second. This was gear designed to live on a stand, not get tossed in a gig bag.
Four MIDI Out Ports for Modular Control
This allowed users to address multiple sound modules — say, a drum machine, a string machine, a bass synth, and a lead — without daisy-chaining or using external mergers. Paired with 16-channel MIDI capability, it gave players true multi-timbral control long before that became standard on keyboards. The MIDI Thru port further enhanced routing flexibility, making the 5V a genuine hub in expanding setups.
Velocity Sensitivity and Full Polyphony
Despite its role as a controller, the Master Series 5V didn’t skimp on expressiveness. The velocity-sensitive keyboard ensured dynamics were preserved across connected instruments, a critical feature for realistic phrasing. And with full polyphony, players could hold chords or rapid passages without dropouts — a limitation that plagued some budget MIDI controllers of the era. This combination made it suitable not just for sequencing, but for live performance where responsiveness mattered.
128 Patch Changes Across 16 MIDI Channels
For a device with no display or deep editing, the ability to handle 128 MIDI patch changes across 16 channels was significant. This meant users could store and recall presets for multiple modules from a single unit, streamlining complex arrangements. While programming likely required external tools or front-panel button sequences, the underlying implementation was robust — a necessity for studio efficiency when switching sounds mid-song.
Historical Context
The Master Series 5V emerged in the mid-1980s, a period when MIDI was transforming music production and performers were building modular setups around rack-mounted gear. As a dedicated MIDI controller, it filled a growing need for centralized control. It shared the market with the Master Series 7-P and earlier models like the MK5, all positioned as cost-effective yet reliable solutions. The 5V and 7-P were specifically called out in mu:zines as top value picks, suggesting Cheetah carved a niche by balancing performance and price during MIDI’s formative years.
Collectibility & Value
Today, the Master Series 5V is considered ultra-rare, with MATRIXSYNTH labeling it “ULTRA RARE” — a designation backed by the scarcity of units appearing on the market. When they do surface, prices vary widely: one historical listing showed a “New Price” of $423.17, while a used unit sold for £70.00 on PicClick UK, and another listed at $150 on MATRIXSYNTH. Condition is a major factor; one seller noted a replacement power supply and new backup battery, highlighting the age-related maintenance these units now require. No widespread failure patterns are documented, but the need for battery replacement and potential power supply issues are expected for gear of this vintage.
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