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!

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.

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

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/

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Last edited by alanzo on Dec-09-2009 at 15:41

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).

Last edited by Viber on Dec-09-2009 at 15:47

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.

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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??

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.

Last edited by RichieV on Dec-09-2009 at 16:47

Korg nanoKey, its like 10 bucks or something.

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?

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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:

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.

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.