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Help me choose a midi controller (pg. 2)
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| Energy_3 |
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? |
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| Omega_Blue |
| 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. |
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| Lolo |
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. |
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| atxbigballer1 |
| 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/ |
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| Eric J |
| 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. |
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| kitphillips |
| Remote 49SL 37 if you need portability. Don't obsess about the keys, they're basically another type of mouse. Not that important. |
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| atxbigballer1 |
| 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! |
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| atxbigballer1 |
| 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 |
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| Energy_3 |
iv on order a 49SL MkII novation. fingers crossed it arrives safe from the US to Australia :tongue3
see how that plays out for a while". 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. |
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| 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. |
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| DjStephenWiley |
| quote: | Originally posted by Energy_3
iv on order a 49SL MkII novation. fingers crossed it arrives safe from the US to Australia :tongue3
see how that plays out for a while". 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. |
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| Spire |
| 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? |
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