Anyone using an older synth as a master MIDI controller?

[Eric J]

Since the lack of quality MIDI controllers has been discussed ad-nausem on this and other forums, I'm curious to know who is using a synthesizer as a master MIDI controller?

• What are your thoughts on the quality of the keyboard?
• Are the internal sounds useful at all?

I'm seriously considering picking up an older synth for use as a MIDI controller. Maybe a D70 or an older Nord Lead.

EDIT: When I refer to "older", I just mean not brand new.

[skiltrip]

Originally Posted by Eric J

Since the lack of quality MIDI controllers has been discussed ad-nausem on this and other forums, I'm curious to know who is using a synthesizer as a master MIDI controller?

• What are your thoughts on the quality of the keyboard?
• Are the internal sounds useful at all?

I'm seriously considering picking up an older synth for use as a MIDI controller. Maybe a D70 or an older Nord Lead.

i am using my Roland XP-30 as my master (and only) MIDI controller. I don't know if that classifies as an "old synth" but I figured I'd reply anyway.

I love it as a controller. I like the action on it for recording MIDI drums and keyboard parts as well. It could be a bit more piano like, but I don't think I'd like doing MIDI drums on piano-like key action, so I'm very happy with the XP-30 in this regard.

The internal sounds are actually STILL very useful. And it has a LOT in it. It's got some of everything in there. I've used the sounds on countless recordings, even when I've had supposedly superior and more advance Virtual Instruments at my disposal.

[crufty]

novation x-station

lots of knobs and sliders, joystick x-y pad. Yet, battery operated synth (VA), and a button that lets you go from synth mode to controller mode. I usually don't plug it in though.

[Popbott]

I use a first generation Korg Triton 61 as my master MIDI controller. I even use it to outboard sequence before transfering to Protools. Before that I used a Korg O1W-FD as my controller. On the Triton, I like the touch screen, makes outboard sequencing a breeze. It is also 16 part multi-timbral which allows me to control 16 different synths at a time. Analog purists on this forum have always disliked Tritons, but after a bit of programming, I have found the internal sounds very animated, easy to program and intuitive. Dual arpeggiators that sync to MIDI, portamento parameters, panning & volume automation and excellent effects routing make this rompler worthy of ownership. I have seen them for as little as $400 on eBay.

I was recently able to give some sequencer pointers on a Korg Oasys, I picked it up instantly with my experience on the Triton. The Oasys is amazing. My buddy has some kind of analog expansion in it and it sounds incredible.

[alexp]

Roland S50!!!! Love the action of the keys, and its got a good midi spec to boot! I was using the Korg Prophecy, but got sick of the small keyboard. If I could, I would use my ESQ1 in a heartbeat.


alexP

[spunkadellic]

the dx7 is an excellent midi controller

so is the nord electro

they both have a really nice feel

if you want more knobs and thingies....novation xstation

[spunkadellic]

the esq1 has a very cheap feel to the keys - at least mine does

If I could, I would use my ESQ1 in a heartbeat.

and why cant you...whats the problem?

[alexp]

Originally Posted by spunkadellic

the esq1 has a very cheap feel to the keys - at least mine does





and why cant you...whats the problem?

My ESQ1 is semi weighted. And the lack of a midi thru prevents me from doing anything with it (the out thru is just silly).


alexP

[spunkadellic]

correction - i meant the dx7 IIFD - not the earlier models

[rachel]

I used to use my DX-7 II FD and can say it was an excellent keyboard controller,
but lacking a bit in controllers apart from the 2 data entry sliders. These days though,
I use my Moog Phatty, because it is compact, has just enough controllers and fits
my workflow better.


rachel

[teknosmoker]

Been using a Kurzweil K2000 here for over 10 years as my master MIDI controller (still a great synth too!).

[Beermaster]

At work I use my old JD800 - like the keyboard action ( what little there is ) and its taken a BEATING over the years when I freak out and punch the keys - still going strong.

At home I use my Rhodes Chroma as MIDI controller - it has the extra octave and I love the pitch and Mod levers.

[digital 1010]

Currently a cs6x but just selling that and have got a jd800 for my master midi keyboard.

[d1rtynyc]

I used my Juno 106 as a midi controller for a while.
No velocity sucked, but it did the job for a minute.

I will say having a new keyboard controller with after touch is key for me. Using things like my Virus, Mopho and modern soft synths the after touch adds a whole new life to performance. I don't think I could go back to not having it.

That would be my only thought on using a older keyboard that might not have that feature.

[Eric J]

Wow, seems to be a lot of love for the JD 800 here. I had not considered that synth previously as a master MIDI controller. I may have to see about picking one of those up and getting rid of my Remote 61.

[Jay-]

Im after the below: sory for caps, from ebay.
YAMAHA KX88
PEAVEY DPM C8 MIDI PERFORMANCE CONTROLLER KEYBOARD-88
Kurzweil Midiboard

I use an Ensoniq ASR10 and I believe one of the few with omni after touch?
I reallly dont know.

I use the ASR for drums also.
Used a Kurzweil K2600 but the sliders were to lame for controlling any softsynths, very bad resolution with midi, I wonder why?

[pr0gr4m]

Originally Posted by digital 1010

Currently a cs6x.

+1

[Tibbon]

My Voyager handles most all controller duties these days. Nice feel and plenty of knobs to assign to anything if you so choose.

[sheever]

+1 for DX7

I love the Korg dw8000 as masterkey orso.

[pyvnd]

Kawai K5000s. It's my only keyboard (other than a Kawai K1 mkii which is locked away). The K5000 feels very nice and of course it's a great synth for sounds also. Sometimes when I rotate the knob to change patches, it changes patches on my Oberheim which I don't like but hey whatever. AND, twisting knobs on the Kawai changes the sounds of the FS1R somehow but I'm not sure exactly how. It's cool I guess. I have only ever used Kawai boards (the K1 before this one) so i don't know how the feel compares to anything else.

[greggybud]

Originally Posted by Eric J

Since the lack of quality MIDI controllers has been discussed ad-nausem on this and other forums, I'm curious to know who is using a synthesizer as a master MIDI controller?

• What are your thoughts on the quality of the keyboard?
• Are the internal sounds useful at all?

I'm seriously considering picking up an older synth for use as a MIDI controller. Maybe a D70 or an older Nord Lead.

EDIT: When I refer to "older", I just mean not brand new.

I used to use an Ensoniq VFX-SD because of POLY aftertouch.
The internal and after-market sounds are a bit dated, however that doesn't make it obsolete. It still is a great keyboard and when released was light years ahead of Korg/Roland/Yamaha.

This topic has been discussed ad-nausem. I have concluded the following:

1. There is a lot to choose from if you just want a synth midi controller.

2. Keyboard controllers with hammer action are extremely subjective.

3. A good QUALITY hammer action keyboard controller is going to cost more than what M-Audio, Studio Logic etc are marketing..at least right now.


I'm a huge fan of Oberheim MC3000 but good luck finding one in the US. For feel and user friendliness I don't think it can be beat.

What I have settled for is a CME-VX88. It is a 75 pound quality built unit with mechanical faders, and the second best hammer action. Again hammer action is subjective. The main drawback is CMEs continuing problems with their software. If you buy a CME, make sure to get a written commitment from your vendor for full complete support. Buying a CME from GC/MF/SA/AMS is asking for trouble.

Good luck on your search. If you don't need the real action of a piano, there is a lot to choose from.

[DeFex]

yeah a DX7 with E!. the output is not even connected. i hate the MIDI output as well. maybe i ought to find a "aficionado" and get another MoPho and a midi kbd

[FeatheredSerpent]

I use a Novation Supernova II as both my main synth and master keyboard, it's got a lovely action, keyboard itself is made by Fatar (Studio Logic), plus more knobs, switches and sliders than you can shake a stick at.

[memedesigner]

Wavestations make great controllers. No midi output from the joystick, though.

[Oculus]

Originally Posted by d1rtynyc

I used my Juno 106 as a midi controller for a while.
No velocity sucked, but it did the job for a minute.

I will say having a new keyboard controller with after touch is key for me. Using things like my Virus, Mopho and modern soft synths the after touch adds a whole new life to performance. I don't think I could go back to not having it.

That would be my only thought on using a older keyboard that might not have that feature.

yep im using juno106 and it´s not ideal for master keyboard as the velocity is always at half volume, that is
64 of 127. but i like the pitch and modulation stick

[dlmorley]

Using my Emulator III and a few notes don't work! Should maybe fix it (especially if I want to do anything in the key of D!)

[troggg]

A really good value on older synths that are worthwhile MIDI controllers are the Alesis Quadrasynth/QS series. Their keyboards feel really feel good and their piano sounds are usable to inspring. Everyone will find a few rompled sounds here and there that float their boat. On eBay you can find them for $175-275 all day long. And the Quadrasynths are 76 key - as are the QS 7 and 7.1. I find the Quadrasynth Plus Piano pretty sexy and useful. I owned one and it was great except for the weight. Or you could look at that as a good thing compared to the plastic offerings currently ruling the marketplace.

[Dave Peck]

I use a Korg Z1. The X-Y touchpad is quite useful for sweeping two different parameters on the various other synths being controlled (it transmits two midi cc's).

[tombak]

Midi controller keyboard history:
Ideally I'd like to have Kurzweil K2500 as my main controller.

88 Semi weighted keys, a bank of assignable sliders and a ribbon controller.
Plus a kick ass synth/sampler engine.

I know many people that use the JD800 as well. I have a few other friends that like the nord lead and even the JP 8000.


1993-94 Roland S50
1994-96 Roland W30
1996-97 Roland XP-50 (hated it)
1997-98 Roland Juno 106 (2 broken keys, but I still liked it better than the xp-50)
1998-99 Yamaha SY-77 (great midi controller, heavy as a bag of concrete mix)
1998-00 Latronic Notron MKI
1999-00 Kawai K5000
2001-05 Roland S-10 with 1 broken key (hard times)
2005-07 Roland PC-200 with 2 broken key (harder times)
2007-present Ensoniq TS 10 2 broken keys (hardest times and a loaner keyboard)

*all keys came broken, I didn't break any of them =)

[clusterchord]

i used JX-10 thruout 80s n 90s, and for a while aJuno2 in the late 90s early 00s. i only dreamed off a board with lot of midi cc knobs.


sold both, got so tired of cleaning the crap rubber contacts Roalnd put on both of these machines. tho i kept the sound of JX, as i replaced it with a MKS-70.




this controller business is funny. back then in 80/90s you couldnt get a board with more than 2 or maybe 4 sliders for midi cc. terrible. but it was easy to find something with layers zones, at least a simple 2 zone split, with dedicated program changes for both indiv zones,, and so called combi setups. extremely important live.

nowadays, when i can finally have all the midi cc i can imagine.. and x/y pad and drum pads and whiskey and soda and.. its the other way arround. no program buttons.. cheap manufacturing.. cheap keybeds.. and if i want two tones/zones i.e. a split... i have to buy two small controllers .. so it aint possible to save a zone "setup". need to press prog change on both.. while i do that.. the rest of the band is already on first chorus..


back where i started. phuck.