need help with buying midi controller

[rod]

I wrote this when I introduced myself a couple of days ago, but nobody replied so i`m posting here now to see if somebody could help me with this info, thanks!

"Well, I`M IN!!! hello guys, i just registered and so far so good. I`m already dying to read your articles and opinions. I`ve been searching the internet for info on midi controllers/synths cuz i wanna get one now to record using my laptop so if you could share some info on that, it would be great.

I mainly listen to rock and trance/house. I play guitar and drums and would like to learn how to properly record those, but right now I just wanna get a midi controller(cheapest one that does the job) so i can start making some trance/house using my laptop. I plan on using only soft synths so i dont think i need all those knobs and stuff. I don`t like the 25 keys cuz it`s like sooo small and u got no room to play! So i would like the cheapest 49 keys around, like the M-Audio Keystation 49e(list price:$129) or M-Audio Oxygen 49 (found it on zzzsounds for $139, M-Audio Oxygen 49 from zZounds.com!).

I would appreciate ANY suggestions, help, info, options, whatever...If someone convinces me on why should I buy a 25 keys instead, then i`d get that. I`m going for the cheapest cuz i don`t have ANY money, I haven`t bought these cuz i`m trying to get something for $100, that`s what i got to spend(but in case there`s nothing cheaper/better, i would try to get the rest of the money...maybe man-whoring, who knows, lol)

Thanks a lot for your help!"

[richiebee]

I would avoid a 25 key keyboard... just not enough to do anything with. I had one when space was limited, and it was a real inspiration killer. Couldn't even do a decent bassline on it!

I use a CME UF5. I've heard bad things about this company, and in particular consistency in build quality. I took a gamble - it was dirt cheap, and the key action is wonderful. They don't make them anymore, not sure if you could get one, but I love mine. Lots of expressive capabilities too.

[rod]

i just checked it out on ebay, it looks soo cool! for how much did u get it? what is " semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch"? i`ve never understood what exactly is that

Is there anything i should know before buying any of these for making some electronic music?

thx for ur help bro!

[richiebee]

I paid $260 Cdn for mine. If you buy one of these, just make sure there's a return policy, and when you get it, make sure all the keys work. They're very solidly built (and quite heavy and bulky), but apparently the quality control wasn't that great.

They're going for a great price now on ebay.

Semi-weighted - not quite like the weight of piano keys, but heavier than a basic keyboard. What it means to a non-piano player is a much more solid feel than a basic keyboard without being tiring to use (which a piano might be).
Velocity sensitive - the harder you hit them, the louder the notes... basically.
Aftertouch - if you press the keys down, you get a note sound. When you then press harder on the keys it can affect the transition of the sound. What happens, depends on how the sound is programmed - typically it would be used to make the volume increase, but it could be used to apply a resonant filter which might be of more benefit in electronic music. Aftertouch is basically another controller - the keyboard has oodles of them. Filters and oscillators is probably what you're most interested in in electronic music.

[rod]

wow, thanks for all that knowledge! everyday we learn something new, right? I don`t know about the filters, oscillators and such, im gonna try to read about it now so i can make a more conscious decision about which 49 keys midi controller is the best for electronic music while being the cheapest, not an easy task

thx once again!

[magno]

Well it's only a 37 key, but I have the M-Audio midair37.
It seams to do the job for me at the moment.
When I run out of keys I'll grab an 88 key piano thing that's collecting dust in the corner. Still waiting for this moment and I can barely wait.
Anyways the midair is pretty cool, the wireless receiver has a 1x1 interface, and the keyboard has a midi out, so it's versatile.
it appears that M-audio does not make it anymore, so maybe you could get one at a bargain sale or something.
Steve

[rod]

i just won a an E-MU Xboard 49 on ebay...how about that? i got it for $69.95(plus $30 for shipping though) = $99.95...

it looks decent for $100 bucks when the list price is $229.99

now to music production on my laptop!!! i plan to use Cubase 4, though not sure yet...i need to read about sequencers now so i can make a decision...thx for all your help guys!