Is there a diffrence between a cheap MIDI keyboard and an expansive one?

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Posted by Viber on Dec-09-2009 13:50:

Is there a diffrence between a cheap MIDI keyboard and an expansive one?

So i saw this cheap-ass keyboard for a very good price: http://www.medeli.com.hk/products/ek/mc-36.htm

I basicly need a MIDI keyboard to work with FLS (VSTi like fm7,sytrus etc...) and have a very good response so i can record piano rolls with it.

My questions are:

1.Will it do the job? will there be any diffrence between using this and a 200$ midi keyboard for this instence?
2.Is this company any good?

I don't think that the 8-note polyphony thingy will bother me because i won't press more than 8 keys at-once

Thanks in Advance!

Posted by Owsey on Dec-09-2009 15:11:

That thing looks pretty damn bad. Most MIDI controllers nowadays will run through USB, which is a lot easier.

If you want a lot of hands on control outside the box, then I would suggest getting one with knob/sliders etc., so you can assign them to different parameters in your software.

You can get a controller with lots of keys for relatively cheap, such as M-Audio's Keystation 88es.

Posted by Kysora on Dec-09-2009 15:12:

That one seems fine if you don't want velocity-sensitivity.

Upper end MIDI keyboards are expensive because of stuff like velocity-sensitivity, weighted keys, mod wheels, assignable knobs/buttons and other assorted doodads. If everything you think you'd need is on that keyboard, go ahead and go for it.

edit: hell, I didn't even notice that thing has voices in it. Don't waste your time with a keyboard that has sounds built into it

Posted by alanzo on Dec-09-2009 15:18:

You don't want that. YOu want a MIDI controller. It's jsut the keyboard, no sounds. You then play the sounds in FL -- your VSTis.

http://www.sweetwater.com/c514--Com...ollers/low2high

quote:
hell, I didn't even notice that thing has voices in it. Don't waste your time with a keyboard that has sounds built into it

This isn't entirely true. Althouguh I don't believe you're in the market for a good keyboard with "sounds" built in. A keyboard synethesizer. http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/BlofeldKB/

Posted by Viber on Dec-09-2009 15:42:

I'm not sure i'm understanding you guys, why do i care about the built in voices? will i hear them even though i'm using it as a MIDI controller ONLY? will they interfere?

Why is USB so much better? different response times??

I'm pretty much OK with doing all the sound\knob\velocity adjustment on my PC so those things are not an issue.

And i read that its better to have unweighted-keys for producing EDM (controlling synths,drums).

Posted by alanzo on Dec-09-2009 15:57:

quote:
Originally posted by Viber
I'm not sure i'm understanding you guys, why do i care about the built in voices? will i hear them even though i'm using it as a MIDI controller ONLY? will they interfere?

A midi controller doesn't have "voices" -- a synthesizer does. A midi controller is only the keys and knobs to control your other instruments. A midi controller does not make any sound, it only sends signals for your instruments to play sounds.

quote:
Originally posted by Viber
Why is USB so much better? different response times??

It's just a bit easier to deal with than MIDI and on a MIDI controller, it'll typically be powered by the USB.

quote:
Originally posted by Viber
I'm pretty much OK with doing all the sound\knob\velocity adjustment on my PC so those things are not an issue.

Then get a MIDI controller with just keys and mod/pitch wheels. You will want mod/pitch wheels, though. Trust me on that.

quote:
Originally posted by Viber
And i read that its better to have unweighted-keys for producing EDM (controlling synths,drums).

Most MIDI controllers will have "synth-action" keys.

Posted by Viber on Dec-09-2009 16:06:

quote:
Originally posted by alanzo
A midi controller doesn't have "voices" -- a synthesizer does. A midi controller is only the keys and knobs to control your other instruments. A midi controller does not make any sound, it only sends signals for your instruments to play sounds.

It's just a bit easier to deal with than MIDI and on a MIDI controller, it'll typically be powered by the USB.

Then get a MIDI controller with just keys and mod/pitch wheels. You will want mod/pitch wheels, though. Trust me on that.

Most MIDI controllers will have "synth-action" keys.

I can't really buy a MIDI controller, its too expansive around here for a n00b like myself...if i could make some pro stuff in the future i'll consider the upgrade.

You didn't get my question dude...

In the keyboard i listed above - will the built in instrument voices interfere with the VST sounds??

Posted by RichieV on Dec-09-2009 16:37:

it won't interfere but what an awful purchase this will be. As far as your requisite for great repsonse, good luck. This keyboard will be extremely cumbersome.

Posted by Zak McKracken on Dec-09-2009 16:50:

Korg nanoKey, its like 10 bucks or something.

Posted by Viber on Dec-09-2009 18:19:

quote:
Originally posted by RichieV
it won't interfere but what an awful purchase this will be. As far as your requisite for great repsonse, good luck. This keyboard will be extremely cumbersome.

Cumbersome? damn thats a new word for my dictionary, do you mean it will be a burden on the cpu or "clumsy" to handle physically?

quote:
Originally posted by palm

Korg nanoKey, its like 10 bucks or something.

o rly? it costs 112$ here the keys above i posted is 60$.

And btw guys: there's a cable that can connect midi to usb:

Posted by Zak McKracken on Dec-09-2009 18:25:

http://www.google.com/products?q=Korg+nanoKey&aq=f

ok i was a little wrong lol. it cost 50. and it looks cool and u can have it in your pocket. and its usb.

Posted by hexadecimal on Dec-09-2009 18:30:

quote:
Originally posted by Viber And btw guys: there's a cable that can connect midi to usb:

I think you missed the point.

That cable will not provide power to the controller. It will only act as a MIDI in/out.

Posted by Viber on Dec-09-2009 18:38:

quote:
Originally posted by palm
http://www.google.com/products?q=Korg+nanoKey&aq=f

ok i was a little wrong lol. it cost 50. and it looks cool and u can have it in your pocket. and its usb.

It looks toylike, i dont need more shit in my pockets too lol
Thanks for the diffrent offers but i live in the land of the thieves and what i posted is the only decent midi controller i could afford right now - right here.

quote:
Originally posted by hexadecimal
I think you missed the point.

That cable will not provide power to the controller. It will only act as a MIDI in/out.

Oh i know, just thought i should post it.

Posted by Zak McKracken on Dec-09-2009 18:46:

quote:
Originally posted by Viber
It looks toylike, i dont need more shit in my pockets too lol
Thanks for the diffrent offers but i live in the land of the thieves and what i posted is the only decent midi controller i could afford right now - right here.

you think the Korg looks toylike compared to the shitty jingle-bell-keyboard you posted? go ahead and get it then, and wait for everyone to laugh at you, u obviously doesnt want advice anyway, good luck. and btw, u can shop online! i dont know where the hell u live who only have that crap keyboard avaliable, its not even a midikeyboard, but you can always order online!

Posted by Ry Thomas on Dec-09-2009 18:46:

how much is that keyboard?

Posted by Viber on Dec-09-2009 19:09:

quote:
Originally posted by palm
you think the Korg looks toylike compared to the shitty jingle-bell-keyboard you posted? go ahead and get it then, and wait for everyone to laugh at you, u obviously doesnt want advice anyway, good luck. and btw, u can shop online! i dont know where the hell u live who only have that crap keyboard avaliable, its not even a midikeyboard, but you can always order online!

No reason to get angry mate, i was just expressing my opinion... i just asked a few questions and was'nt looking for new offers or online buisness (i dont buy online).

I thought it will fit my case but now i think i will buy a 2nd hand instead or buy something decent when i'll be abroad.

quote:
Originally posted by Ry Thomas
how much is that keyboard?

the crap i posted? 60$.

Posted by RichieV on Dec-09-2009 20:01:

where exactly is the land of the thieves ?

Posted by Viber on Dec-09-2009 20:21:

take a recist guess.

Posted by Viber on Dec-09-2009 21:06:

ok so i found something else at almost the same price which looks kinda cool:

ICON i-key

Specification:
- Extremely compact and perfectly match with MacBookTM
- 25-note velocity-sensitive synth- action keyboard
- Modulation touchpad
- Pitch touchpad
- Octave up/down
- Sustain button
- Multi velocity curves available for selection
- 2xUSB Connectors for daisy chain with iPad and iControls
- Class-compliant with Windows XP, Vista (32 bit), and Mac OS X
- USB bus-powered
- Difference colors and with printing aluminum cover is available (optional)

Never heard of that company though...

Posted by Zak McKracken on Dec-09-2009 21:07:

canada

Posted by RichieV on Dec-09-2009 21:11:

USA ?

Posted by Zak McKracken on Dec-09-2009 21:15:

u think the Korg looked toy but that Icon thing was ok? their almost the same only that Korg is a respected company. whats wrong with you, do u live in russia?

Posted by Viber on Dec-09-2009 21:34:

quote:
Originally posted by palm
u think the Korg looked toy but that Icon thing was ok? their almost the same only that Korg is a respected company. whats wrong with you, do u live in russia?

lol, i see your point but do i really need to pay another 45$ for the name Korg? maybe im wrong but is there really any diffrence between an IBM pc keyboard and a simple chinesse manufactured pc keyboard?? all it does is give orders to the pc imo.

The korg looks like it might slip everytime you play it and if i add like another 20$ i can buy M-AUDIO KS49E.

Posted by floyd741 on Dec-09-2009 21:35:

How hard is it to just buy a fucking M-Audio?

Get an Oxygen or something.

Posted by Energy_3 on Dec-10-2009 00:04:

some have said that the option you have listed is viable some disagree most of them anyways. If you dont have the money to get something worth while then save and make do with what you have piano roll etc or something. You will thank everyone later! I personally think that you really needs the handson functionality of a good midi controller one with knobs, sliders etc but then thats just a matter of opinion. And, with korg its not the question of paying for the name but moreso, paying for something that has a reputation of being reliable to a greater extent.

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