MIDI controler recomendation

geodude · 23rd August 2006, 09:50 PM

I'm new to recording MIDI and I need to purchase a MIDI keybord controler. At this point I'm not even sure what features I want/need. Any recomendations for a MIDI controler, let's say for $350 or less.
Thanks

uncle duncan · 24th August 2006, 09:13 AM

Weighted action like a piano, or synth action? If you want weighted action, $350 will buy you something you'll probably be throwing away in a couple of years. Whatever you get, play a chromatic scale with the same force on each key and listen to how the black notes come out louder than the white notes. If you can live with this, go ahead and get something cheap.

geodude · 24th August 2006, 01:21 PM

What do you suggest...Except for the feel is there any difference between weighted and synth action?

geodude · 26th August 2006, 04:21 PM

Does anyone have experience/feedback for the M-Audio Axiom 49...Anybody?

jaysunice · 26th August 2006, 04:42 PM

I played with an axiom and the keys feel significantly better than most of the other M-audio products.

That said, I wanted a controller for myself while I'm away at school (I use an 88-Key Yamaha S90 at the studio) and settled on the Oxygen 61. I use to own a Radium 61 (older version of the oxygen 61) and the new features on the Oxygen 61 are great.

I decided I could live the action on the Oxygen 61 and it's not that bad -- I don't think the actual hardware components have changed from the Radium version, however, they did add some much needed velocity curves. As far as programmability, I'd say it's a tad more difficult than the Axiom series stuff, yet, both offer M-Audio's Enigma capability.

The sliders and knobs response is a bit finicky, but workable -- I doubt they'd be much different on the Axiom line.

The pads could be nice, but I'm opting for a dedicated Pad device (i.e., the much appraised Korg PadKontrol) -- not to mention the axiom weighs more and has a noticeably larger footprint. The Oxygen series (at least the 61) does offer some push controls -- so I'm sure there's a way to program those to "act" like the pads - though I would never use them to play drum parts if that's a concern.

Your best bet is try them out yourself, weigh the options, and just go for it. Oh, and don't forget eBay...I was able to pick up a new Oxygen 61 for under 210 shipping included...

geodude · 26th August 2006, 05:18 PM

Thank You

controlphr33k · 3rd September 2006, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geodude

Does anyone have experience/feedback for the M-Audio Axiom 49...Anybody?

I own an Axiom49 and I liked it so much I started a user group for all associated M-Audio midi controllers:

http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/M-Audio_Enigma/

For the money, the Axiom can't be beat. I'm very picky, very critical, hard to please, and have owned several different MIDI controllers over the years. If the Axiom can please ME, it can please just about anybody.

I also have a Yamaha P80 hammer-action digital piano that I use just for piano sounds, because I'm that much of a picky little b_tch.

-cF

synthax · 3rd September 2006, 06:51 PM

http://studiologic.net/vmk-88.html

This one looks like a champ...

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23rd August 2006, 09:50 PM	#1
geodude Gear interested Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 20	MIDI controler recomendation I'm new to recording MIDI and I need to purchase a MIDI keybord controler. At this point I'm not even sure what features I want/need. Any recomendations for a MIDI controler, let's say for $350 or less. Thanks

3rd September 2006, 06:51 PM	#8
synthax Gear Head Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 49	http://studiologic.net/vmk-88.html This one looks like a champ... __________________ All my best, Tom Sailor

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24th August 2006, 09:13 AM	#2
uncle duncan Lives for gear Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 1,932	Weighted action like a piano, or synth action? If you want weighted action, $350 will buy you something you'll probably be throwing away in a couple of years. Whatever you get, play a chromatic scale with the same force on each key and listen to how the black notes come out louder than the white notes. If you can live with this, go ahead and get something cheap.

24th August 2006, 01:21 PM	#3
geodude Gear interested Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 20	What do you suggest...Except for the feel is there any difference between weighted and synth action?

26th August 2006, 04:21 PM	#4
geodude Gear interested Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 20	Does anyone have experience/feedback for the M-Audio Axiom 49...Anybody?

26th August 2006, 04:42 PM	#5
jaysunice Gear nut Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Germantown, MD Posts: 142	I played with an axiom and the keys feel significantly better than most of the other M-audio products. That said, I wanted a controller for myself while I'm away at school (I use an 88-Key Yamaha S90 at the studio) and settled on the Oxygen 61. I use to own a Radium 61 (older version of the oxygen 61) and the new features on the Oxygen 61 are great. I decided I could live the action on the Oxygen 61 and it's not that bad -- I don't think the actual hardware components have changed from the Radium version, however, they did add some much needed velocity curves. As far as programmability, I'd say it's a tad more difficult than the Axiom series stuff, yet, both offer M-Audio's Enigma capability. The sliders and knobs response is a bit finicky, but workable -- I doubt they'd be much different on the Axiom line. The pads could be nice, but I'm opting for a dedicated Pad device (i.e., the much appraised Korg PadKontrol) -- not to mention the axiom weighs more and has a noticeably larger footprint. The Oxygen series (at least the 61) does offer some push controls -- so I'm sure there's a way to program those to "act" like the pads - though I would never use them to play drum parts if that's a concern. Your best bet is try them out yourself, weigh the options, and just go for it. Oh, and don't forget eBay...I was able to pick up a new Oxygen 61 for under 210 shipping included...

26th August 2006, 05:18 PM	#6
geodude Gear interested Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 20	Thank You