midi keyboard

[helicopter99]

what midi keyboard would people recommend me getting? im just starting out on logic so im a real novice so im after a good entry level midi keyboard

[ecc83]

what midi keyboard would people recommend me getting? im just starting out on logic so im a real novice so im after a good entry level midi keyboard

I don't know much about the subject but I think them as does will want clarification?

Do you mean a "dumb" keyboard, i.e. one that does not produce any sounds of its own or a "synth" that produces an electrical output signal, usually stereo?

We have one of the former. An Evolution Ekeys49 (it is called a MIDI "controller" and yes, it can do certain things in that regard but is a total PITA to use. Quite a decent keyboard tho') That cost about 80quid some 5 yrs ago and my son (grade8 joe) quite likes it. It is bus powered usb but has an additional DIN MIDI out, a very desirable feature IMHO since it means we can drive two computers with it.

Full blown synths come a lot more money. A good compromise is a "Portasound" box. You see them in Cconverters and other S/H shops, usually around a nifty. You must check that they have MIDI DINs and beware the "mini keys"!
I bought a Yamaha PSS-790 some years ago and it is useful electronically but those wee keys are a B nuisance! Better in my view to have 49 full sized keys than 61 wee'uns?

Dave.

[guitarfishbay]

I'm going to assume you want a MIDI controller, if so you'll need to give us information on the following:

• Budget
• How many keys you need
• Action (weighted/semi weighted/not weighted)
• Do you want a pitch bend/modulation wheel?
• Do you need any extra midi options such as through / in, as opposed to just out (most keybaords can do out via USB these days).
• Do you need after touch (you can control parameters depending on how hard you press the key after the initial strike)
• Do you want sliders and rotary knobs?
• Do you want drum pads?
• Do you want something with auto-mapping software?

If you're a total beginner this much is probably overwhelming. I've sort of ranked those bullet points loosely in order of importance, and for most beginners only the first 3 need answering really unless any of the other options would be important to you.

I've got three midi controllers:

An M-Audio Axiom 61 1st gen, which is a really nice keyboard to play. It doesn't automap though so depending on your needs something else might be faster to use. It is also pretty big and takes up most of my desk when I use it. I have a stand for it but don't leave it always set up due to space issues in my room.

A Novation SL25 MK2, which is what I use most of the time since it is a great control surface and leaves me plenty of space on my desk. It automaps to Logic 9, which is fantastic for me. I probably should have gone for the 49 key and sold the Axiom 61, but at this time the 25 is the most practical for space 9/10 and I can still set up the Axiom 61 when needed for the extra range.

An AKAI MPK Mini for travel. I bought this to take to America with my Macbook a while ago and it got used a fair bit for programming track ideas. I wouldn't recommend it as your only keyboard unless you haven't got space for anything bigger, but I prefer it to the Korg Nano key and I have still kept it on the off chance I go travelling again.

What I would suggest is that 25 keys is probably too small for anyone who plays keys as a first instrument. If I had to suggest one keyboard only I'd go for the biggest that you can fit on your desk and still have space to work. Needing to set up something every time you play might lead you to under using your keyboard.

[thebeagle]

Selling a Kawai KC20 for £65 delivered that'd do the job amply?

http://forum.musicradar.com/showthre...ighlight=kawai

[lisag]

Yes, we would definitely need to know your budget and how many keys you need! That said, check out M Audio for a starter midi controller, and not too expensive.