Well I was thinking of buying a MIDI keyboard to start some proper producing. What MIDI keyboard do you prefer?
I was thinking about M-Audio Oxygen 49, or maybe the bit more expensive Axiom 49 but I don't really want to spend much money on MIDI cause its only I controller right?



And a question: whats the difference between "synth mechanics" and "semi-weighed mechanics" referring to keys on the board? Is the latter much more superior? As I understand the Oxygen (cheaper) has synth and the Axiom (expensive) has semi-weighed mechanics which I suppose are better?!... And also Ive heard that M-Audio sucks in general. But Edirol and Korg stuff is way to expensive for my pocket..

And oh! Octaves!!! What do you think should be the minimum for production (trance, progressive) - 49 keys (4 oct) or 61 keys (5 oct) and does it make a big difference?

Would be glad to hear some tips

P.S: and oh...one more think - are pad controls usefull for writing drumloops?

Last edited by blacknoizybox on Jan-31-2007 at 11:42

well after some researching I've bought an Emu xboard 49.

that was about 3 months ago, but there hasn't been too much changes...so I think it's still your best bet...the design isn't as hot as M-Audio's but on the other hand Emu has much better keys and also (AFAIH) the build quality is much better...I think that experience of Emu's is pretty long and you can be sure the product is the best you can get.

Specs: USB, Midi out, 16 knobs, modwheel, pitchbend, 49 semi-weighted velocity sensitive keys.

copied from Emu.com ->

The E-MU Xboard 49 features: 49 full-size professional keys with Aftertouch - the Xboard 49 is a true performance controller with a high-quality synth-action keybed
Xboard Control™ software lets you easily create custom setups for your favorite hardware/software instruments
Advanced studio/live performance features, like Latch Mode for triggering drum loops, Snap Shot for instantaneous program changes, and many more
16 real-time controllers that can be assigned to the key performance parameters of all your favorite virtual instruments
Includes Proteus X LE Desktop Sound Module (for Windows) with over 1000 presets and Ableton Live Lite 4 for E-MU (for Windows)
USB, battery or AC powered - take your music anywhere
PC & Mac compatible - Windows XP/x64/2000 and Macintosh OS X drivers





and btw...yeah I'm an Emu-whore

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semi wieghted keys are good if you want something a little more substantial than no wieght at all. i suppose they allow you to be more "expressive" while playing, but semiwieghted are still no where near fully wieghted keys(or piano keys for that matter).

the trigger pads are sic cause you can do a million things with them, not just drums, but for live acts and stuff. either of those keyboards are gonna be fine for you, and they will last you a long time.

octaves arnt really an issue unless you are playing a lot...i think both those keyboards have octave shift capabilities, so you're good on that end.

personally, i'd get the axiom because it has the trigger pads.

Dang I was considering a Upgrade from my M-Audio e-Keys 49e to an Edirol PCR-M50 for the control knobs and sliders. But I never saw that Axiom49 anywhere in my searches is it brand new or something? It looks sweet the PADs will be a nice addition as well as I was looking for something simlar as well in a separate unit. I was awaiting the new Alesis Control Pad due out this spring in the $250 range. But I'll see how much the Axiom is. I know M-Audio is not the best bit Im far from requiring the best. If it plays the notes it's good enough for me sort of idea! lol

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http://www.rolandus.com/products/pr...65&ParentId=114

^

I will be getting this brand new roland in a while (it's around the $300 mark)
I have have bad luck with the fully weighted 88 key workstation by m-audio (it's all dead keys right now much like the $500 I spend on the motherfu*er)

Not to say nothing good about m-audio... not to say nothing bad about m-audio
that's just what happened to me... it could have been a faulty unit ...
But we all know roland and how the do.
When they put something out its usually built good and lasts (jupiter, juno, sh-101, tb-303, 808, tr-909 anyone? )

Copy and paste from rolands website:
Introducing the next generation of EDIROL’s popular MIDI keyboard controllers. In addition to providing more physical controls than previous models, the PCR-800 also offers new innovative and intuitive controls. This controller is solidly built, and optimized for both music production and live performance.

61 velocity-sensitive keys, now with aftertouch
50 fully assignable controls, and editor software (Mac & PC)
18 velocity pads
New, unique crossfader feature
High-quality keyboard mechanism, and durable, stable body
“Dynamic Mapping” — intelligent assignment of controls
Convenient location of connections on side panel
USB bus-powered
MIDI merge
“Cakewalk Production Plus Pack” included (SONAR LE, Project 5 LE, and Dimension LE)

Ive been using the Axiom 61 and love it. I would def reccomend it

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guys not gonna bash you...but why the "F" do you need those pads? cant you just map to keys?

I mean when I'm playing live I use the first octave for launching samples (or drumming) and the other parts for melodies...works just as well...although you're missing an octave...but I think the pads are not a big deal!

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quote:

Originally posted by BOOsTER guys not gonna bash you...but why the "F" do you need those pads? cant you just map to keys? I mean when I'm playing live I use the first octave for launching samples (or drumming) and the other parts for melodies...works just as well...although you're missing an octave...but I think the pads are not a big deal!

I have the same issue! I just cant get around playing beats on keys!
I can never get the timing or feeling right! Not that those 1" (or whatever they are) pads will be much better! lol

I was waiting for the Alesis Control Pad to Come out that has Has 4" or so Pads on it that you can actually play with drumsticks and plug foot/bass and High-hat pedal controllers into it!
http://www.alesis.com/product.php?id=103
But while I'm at it I may as well spend
$800 and get a whole Kit LOL
http://www.alesis.com/product.php?id=97



Call me old fashioned I guess LOL

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what do you think of Evolution MK461C

Sounds neat to me. Must be better than M-Audio..
What do you think?

man im having one hard time deciding which midi-keys to get. ive heard M-audio is shit in comparison with stuff from Edirol, Novation, E-Mu etc. but darn! im not a pro pianist, im no live performer. i just want to type some simple melodies into my Cubase and thats about it, so... i think i'll go for the M-Audio Oxygen 61. It has plenty of sliders and rotary knobs, and its 5-octave long, so to say

but really the main reason is the money, cause its only 250 USD while a 4-octave Edirol costs almost 400 USD. planning to get the midi-keys around April

xboard 49 is reasonably cheap too

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the axiom 49 looks really nice

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