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Help me choose a midi controller

Hi guys, am i dont know what to get, im learning how to play the keyboard and i am learning how to produce electronic music and i need to get myself a midi controller so first off ill need one that has good keys for playing on, but i also just want a pretty good one too, as in maybe pads plenty of rotary nobs, ive not got one before but i want one that well... ill never need another one! but saying that i dont think id g past $500, so what do you suggest

Shane

I'm going to move this to the production forum as i think you'll get a better response there

m-audio keystation pro 88

It's what i use!

Are you looking for something that more closely resembles a piano (i.e., 88 weighted keys as shown above), or something more compact with a "synth-type" keyboard action (e.g., 25, 49, or 76 semi-weighted keys)?

quote:

Originally posted by atxbigballer1 m-audio keystation pro 88

I was actually going to recommend the same thing, if the OP is looking for weighted keys!

quote:

Originally posted by cryophonik Are you looking for something that more closely resembles a piano (i.e., 88 weighted keys as shown above), or something more compact with a "synth-type" keyboard action (e.g., 25, 49, or 76 semi-weighted keys)? I was actually going to recommend the same thing, if the OP is looking for weighted keys!

that actually looks the bizz, but it aint cheap eother

quote:

Originally posted by cryophonik Are you looking for something that more closely resembles a piano (i.e., 88 weighted keys as shown above), or something more compact with a "synth-type" keyboard action (e.g., 25, 49, or 76 semi-weighted keys)? I was actually going to recommend the same thing, if the OP is looking for weighted keys!

that actually looks the bizz, but it aint cheap either

I don't like combined keyboard/knob controllers. I think you are better off buying an M-Audio Keystation 88es. The keys are semi-weighted, not hammer action, but they are considerably cheaper. Unless you are a pianist, I don't think you will appreciate the difference between hammer keys and semi-weighted.

You could then get a UC-33e later on, if and when you feel you need it.

Avoid Novation stuff.


It is now built by monkeys and is complete shit.

I've just returned one.

what about these

Axiom 61 - Advanced 61-Key Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Controller (can someone tell me why the pro version of this costs so much more, and why?)


or

Keystation 88es - 88-Key Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Controller


or

Oxygen 61 - 61-Key USB MIDI Controller




or
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or
Akai Professional MPK49

Akai one - great

Novation one - NO!

Axiom - Great, the Pro version has updated software interface similar to the Novation Automap.

Oxygen - I've just bought one of these as I'm not fussed about a weighted keyboard and it has plenty of controls. And is cheap.

I'd recommend the Axiom 61. The one i use seemed well built.

If you want to spend very little but still get something reliable I would go with M-Audio's Oxygen series. I have 49 key and it's a great controller considering it's only $140. Of course, if you want to spend the extra cash then the Axiom is great. I used to have an Axiom 25 and I really liked it. The semi-weighted keys were great imo but you may want to try it out at a store to see if you like it.

shit opinions vary on this thats for sure. I posted a recent thread on this as well, and most people reconmended novation ehh oh well. Novation look solid i think more so, then the APK and M-Audio. But, i guess the main concern is functionality?

which would you really benifit from in terms of functionality?

arnt they in essense the same?

i don't like m-audio products, but for the price they get the job done. i just have a cheapo keystation-49 and it works fine. i wish i would've gotten an oxygen or whatever, with sliders and knobs for ableton or traktor, but this works for me.

tehlord is on fire! LOL

Bah opinions may differ. The Novation X-station 49 got my satisfaction, a little bit more than the Axiom 49 that I've just sold. But still not close to what I'd call a serious master keyboard.

Besides that, it's important to note that the solid feel of the m-audio range has still to be proven to me. M-Audio axiom 25, Ozone, O2, Ozonic, Axiom 49, and Trigger Finger have all suffered from Touring, as a result I got rid of them, sometimes for free.

Same could have happened to the X-station 49, it's still in good condition. It's also for sale, but for other reasons.

You have two options:

Portable and cheap: Some stuff like Akai's keyboards, eventually Novation's, Yamaha's are not too bad either.

Solid, heavy, and non-movable: Keystation pro 88, Akai MPK 88, CME's UF8.


And there's also the option of a second-hand synth with an extra midi interface on USB that will set you off the exact same money, but for that you get sounds as well. Or try Roland's Juno DI. it's 550 $ but that might be a good idea, too. AND IT RUNS ON BATTERIES.

quote:

Originally posted by Lolo And there's also the option of a second-hand synth with an extra midi interface on USB that will set you off the exact same money, but for that you get sounds as well. Or try Roland's Juno DI. it's 550 $ but that might be a good idea, too. AND IT RUNS ON BATTERIES.

Roland Juno DI
http://www.sonicstate.com/news/2009...uno-di-on-test/

quote:

Originally posted by Lolo Or try Roland's Juno DI. it's 550 $ but that might be a good idea, too. AND IT RUNS ON BATTERIES.

I don't know if I'd agree with this one. Shallow, synth action keys with no aftertouch doesn't make for a great master keyboard. If you are really in the market for a good quality master keyboard and you can afford $500+ for such a luxury, then your best bet is either the high-end Novation SL series or a used vintage keyboard.

The Novation SL MIDI keyboards are probably the best value in terms of what you get for the price. Full size keys, lots of knobs and sliders, and fairly well built for a plastic MIDI controller keyboard. The MIDI keyboard market is filled with junk, so the Novation SL and maybe the CME series are the best of the lot, however, this says more about the sorry state of the MIDI controller keyboard market rather than the quality of any of these units. Even the Yamaha, who normally makes great stuff, has mediocre MIDI keyboards with their KX series.

For me, I'd be looking at picking up a used, good condition vintage keyboard, such as a Roland XP series or a Yamaha DX. Both have way better feel than a MIDI controller keyboard and are built ruggedly. Both units have good feeling, synth action keys that should last many years AND you get a sound module on top, so its the best of both worlds.

To be honest, the two best feeling keyboards I have played are the Virus TI Keyboard (full version) or the Nord Lead 3, but those are well over the $500 price range, even used. Both are also excellent synths in their own right, so it may be worth it to you to save for one of those if you are serious.

Remote 49SL 37 if you need portability. Don't obsess about the keys, they're basically another type of mouse. Not that important.

quote:

Originally posted by Eric J For me, I'd be looking at picking up a used, good condition vintage keyboard, such as a Roland XP series

Don't get a Roland XP they suck!

quote:

I still have this keyboard in my rental stock, but I've had one HUGE problem with it recently. I had it out on a gig and the Keyboard player told me he had some stuck keys. I took out my leatherman and stuck it between the keys to see what it was, some kind of clear sticky substance. I initially thought someone spilled a soda in it and didn't say anything. But no, it turns out the keyboard weights on the XP-80 are glued to the bottom of the key. For some reason, the glue lost its integrity and the keyboard weights fell out, with the glue, and stuck up the keyboard. Really messy problem

iv on order a 49SL MkII novation. fingers crossed it arrives safe from the US to Australia

see how that plays out for a while". Shit though I have been waiting for USPS to deliver my Mopads matts almost two weeks stil not arrived and they dont tend to update ther site that well either!

sorry thought I would have a little spill.

after reading this thread i wouldnt buy anything. use the pianoroll. a midikeyboard is pretty useless imo because of delay. u cant learn to play on something with delay.

quote:

Originally posted by Energy_3 iv on order a 49SL MkII novation. fingers crossed it arrives safe from the US to Australia see how that plays out for a while". Shit though I have been waiting for USPS to deliver my Mopads matts almost two weeks stil not arrived and they dont tend to update ther site that well either! sorry thought I would have a little spill.

You are going to love your controller. Novation is hands down the best company for MIDI controllers IMO. I made the mistake of getting the 49 compact and missing out on the faders. Pisses me off. The 37 key SL is priced really well lately so I may just buy it.

quote:

Originally posted by palm after reading this thread i wouldnt buy anything. use the pianoroll. a midikeyboard is pretty useless imo because of delay. u cant learn to play on something with delay.

Really? Are you trolling or just being an idiot?

i woudn't really call 3 ms delay. At least not noticeable to the human ear. You shouldn't assume things without knowing the audio interface people are using.

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