How to know a midi controller has full size keys or not?

TyrantT316 · 8th August 2011

Hey guys. I am looking to sell my Korg M61 to focus more on virtual instruments and computer recording. When I get a MIDI controller, how will I know whether the keys are full size or not?

Not necessarily talking about weighted. My Korg M3 has keys that are like 5.5inches. My friend let me borrow his M-Audio Radium 61 controller for the time being, but the keys feel very plasticky and are like 4inches long. I don't remember the exact dimensions.

So if I order a controller online (like an M-Audio Keystation 88es), how will I know whether it's of the longer size or not?

TMurphyMusic · 8th August 2011

"Full-size" normally refers to keys that are the same size as a modern grand piano.

In terms of how to tell, go to a Guitar Center or some other gear rip-off mart and try them out before you buy online.

The Pro88 does have full size weighted keys with rather nice velocity curve, which is programmable.

What are you going to use this board for? I caution against getting a "pianistic" keyboard unless you are a relatively experienced pianist, as you can spend a lot of time reassigning velocities if you don't know how to get the kind of note-on velocities you want by feel. Especially with drums! Something like BFD2 can randomize velocities enough for a human feel, without you have to play each passage 70 times so the 7th snare hit isn't a ghost note.

TyrantT316 · 8th August 2011

Yeah I figure the best way is to simply try it out myself. I guess in terms of browsing online and marking ones that I'd like to do a bit more research on, I was hoping to find specs that say full size or half size, etc.

I prefer fully weighted, 88, graded hammer action (I come from playing grand pianos and a digital piano Yamaha P140 with graded hammer action)

However at this time, I don't necessarily have the funds for a fully weighted, graded hammer action MIDI controller. So I am open to 61 key controllers that are semi weighted. However I just don't want to get shortened and smaller keys like the Radium 61 vs the semi weighted keys of the Korg M3 that I've been used to.

I'll have to simply try them out.

Thanks man!

C

TMurphyMusic · 11th August 2011

Sounds like a good plan to me. If you are going to semi-weighted get REALLY used to velocity scaling in your DAW. Semi-weights annoy the hell out of me for anything on the more classical end. They are great for synths and drums, though.

Good to see another classical pianist sort who has transitioned…Bach is a really strong base for understanding sequencing, no?

8th August 2011	#1
TyrantT316 Gear interested Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 10 Thread Starter	How to know a midi controller has full size keys or not? Hey guys. I am looking to sell my Korg M61 to focus more on virtual instruments and computer recording. When I get a MIDI controller, how will I know whether the keys are full size or not? Not necessarily talking about weighted. My Korg M3 has keys that are like 5.5inches. My friend let me borrow his M-Audio Radium 61 controller for the time being, but the keys feel very plasticky and are like 4inches long. I don't remember the exact dimensions. So if I order a controller online (like an M-Audio Keystation 88es), how will I know whether it's of the longer size or not?

8th August 2011	#2
TMurphyMusic Gear nut Joined: Jul 2011 Location: NYC Posts: 109	"Full-size" normally refers to keys that are the same size as a modern grand piano. In terms of how to tell, go to a Guitar Center or some other gear rip-off mart and try them out before you buy online. The Pro88 does have full size weighted keys with rather nice velocity curve, which is programmable. What are you going to use this board for? I caution against getting a "pianistic" keyboard unless you are a relatively experienced pianist, as you can spend a lot of time reassigning velocities if you don't know how to get the kind of note-on velocities you want by feel. Especially with drums! Something like BFD2 can randomize velocities enough for a human feel, without you have to play each passage 70 times so the 7th snare hit isn't a ghost note. __________________ Moombahton,Dubstep, Pernicious Musick-Making by me!

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11th August 2011	#4
TMurphyMusic Gear nut Joined: Jul 2011 Location: NYC Posts: 109	Sounds like a good plan to me. If you are going to semi-weighted get REALLY used to velocity scaling in your DAW. Semi-weights annoy the hell out of me for anything on the more classical end. They are great for synths and drums, though. Good to see another classical pianist sort who has transitioned…Bach is a really strong base for understanding sequencing, no?