Good low cost 49-key MIDI keyboard?

[Franc]

Alesis Q49 or MAudio 49 Key Rig? I could handle a 37 key but 49 may be better? Also will the included Ableton Lite Live be good enough for basic pulse bass and drums?

[Estin]

alesis q49 is very decent if your not a stickler for key action. Solid controller and yes comes with live lite. I got the q49 over the m-audio because the key action was actually better.

[Franc]

Originally Posted by Estin

alesis q49 is very decent if your not a stickler for key action. Solid controller and yes comes with live lite. I got the q49 over the m-audio because the key action was actually better.

Thanks. I searched around and see the Alesis Q49 also has USB and a MIDI port where the M-audio only has USB.

[shponglefan]

What about a Beringer UMX490? I have the 61-key version (UMX610) and it's a decent MIDI controller. Keys are a bit stiff, but I tend to prefer that over the softer/mushier feel of most other controls I've tried.

[Franc]

Originally Posted by shponglefan

What about a Beringer UMX490? I have the 61-key version (UMX610) and it's a decent MIDI controller. Keys are a bit stiff, but I tend to prefer that over the softer/mushier feel of most other controls I've tried.

Does it have USB and MIDI? The Alesis does and the MAudio just has USB

Sorry to be lazy and ask but sometimes it is hard to find on the web sites. They often do not have an image of the back of the keyboard.

Thanks.

[Estin]

Originally Posted by Franc

Thanks. I searched around and see the Alesis Q49 also has USB and a MIDI port where the M-audio only has USB.

that why i got it, i wanted actual midi out. Beware if you go that route you need a wall wart for power. Otherwise its bus powered over usb.

[maxwelldub]

don't mean to hijack the thread but I'm also after a good 49 key midi keyboard...don't need fancy knobs/faders/pads, just good solid feeling keys w/ aftertouch.

already considered m-audio (no thanks, lots of bad experiences)

[Franc]

Originally Posted by Estin

that why i got it, i wanted actual midi out. Beware if you go that route you need a wall wart for power. Otherwise its bus powered over usb.

Thanks. I bought an MFB Synth II module which I want to hook up to a keyboard then run it into my computer.

I also have a MicroKorg. I may need a USB/MIDI box. I wondering if the Ableton Live Lite will be good enough for simple stuff.

I guess the Korg MS-10 and Roland KR-606 are not in the party unless I get one of those Kenton MIDI converters or get the TR-606 modified.

[Franc]

Originally Posted by maxwelldub

don't mean to hijack the thread but I'm also after a good 49 key midi keyboard...don't need fancy knobs/faders/pads, just good solid feeling keys w/ aftertouch.

already considered m-audio (no thanks, lots of bad experiences)

Join in. My buddy has an Alesi Q49 and he recommended that to me for a low cost MIDI keyboard in the $99 range.

[PaPi61]

Originally Posted by Franc

Does it have USB and MIDI? The Alesis does and the MAudio just has USB

Sorry to be lazy and ask but sometimes it is hard to find on the web sites. They often do not have an image of the back of the keyboard.

Thanks.

Yes, the Behringer UMX keyboards (available in 61, 49 and 25 keys) do have a MIDI out (but you'll need to get a 9v/100mA power supply to use it, which is not included. You can find one on eBay for as little as $5.) They also come with a free USB interface (no-frill type, but it's actually not bad and it sure beats the crappy realtek audio of your average laptop, if you want to listen to music in a hotel room...) The keybed is surprisingly high-quality for the price and the action is stiffer and more responsive than your average low-end controller. No AT, of course. If you need that, you'll have to spend a lot more. For the price, they're absolutely the best deals you can get.

[Franc]

Originally Posted by PaPi61

Yes, the Behringer UMX keyboards (available in 61, 49 and 25 keys) do have a MIDI out (but you'll need to get a 9v/100mA power supply to use it, which is not included. You can find one on eBay for as little as $5.) They also come with a free USB interface (no-frill type, but it's actually not bad and it sure beats the crappy realtek audio of your average laptop, if you want to listen to music in a hotel room...) The keybed is surprisingly high-quality for the price and the action is stiffer and more responsive than your average low-end controller. No AT, of course. If you need that, you'll have to spend a lot more. For the price, they're absolutely the best deals you can get.

Just an FYI for everyone. The 49-key in this video is the UMX490. The unit being phased out is the UMX49.

It looks like the UMX49 sold for about $99 to $112. Some places still have it. The new UMX490 is about $20 to 30 more or about $125 to $140 but it has a lot of stuff for a basic MIDI keyboard. It is pretty much a cheap synth with 100 sounds (VST?) and 50 effects too.

[PaPi61]

Originally Posted by Franc

Just an FYI for everyone. The 49-key in this video is the UMX490. The unit being phased out is the UMX49.

It looks like the UMX49 sold for about $99 to $112. Some places still have it. The new UMX490 is about $20 to 30 more or about $125 to $140 but it has a lot of stuff for a basic MIDI keyboard. It is pretty much a cheap synth with 100 sounds (VST?) and 50 effects too.

Just to be absolutely clear and avoid possible misunderstandings, it's a USB/MIDI keyboard controller with no sounds of its own. The VST synths/effects come on a separate CD-ROM, but they're all either freeware or trialware. Nothing you can't get off the internet. But you do get a free copy of Energy XT, which is a basic DAW a beginner might want to toy with. Considering you also get a (very basic) USB audio interface, if you're a beginner with just a laptop, it might be a pretty good deal to start you out for just a tad over $100.