Midi Controllers

[brandondrury]

Hello all,

I'm considering the notion of getting a better keyboard controller. Currently, I'm using an OLD Roland XP-10 as my controller. It does okay, but I think I want to try a controller with weighed keys. It has 61 or so keys. I wouldn't mind getting a bigger one as well.

The main reason for this is it looks like I'm going to be using samples more than I thought. It seams that most of these sample libraries offer realistic sounds, but in order to access them you need a big keyboard. For example, Trilogy bass uses the "True Stocatto" feature when you hit the same note 3 octaves higher. This sort of thing would make bass sequencing much easier, quicker, and much more realistic.

Any thoughts on controllers?
Brandon

[richiebee]

I do everything on a two octave keyboard. As you know, I love RSI and use the mouse a lot, but I still input lots using an M-Audio Oxygen 8. It can be a challenge when you have to deal with trigger notes, but other than that, I find that two octaves is enough for me. I also have a four octave keyboard that stays in its box (at work!). When I have my full room studio I'll probably use the bigger one, but when space is at a premium, two octaves can do it.

The Oxygen 8 has eight control knobs too that can be assigned to any controller... this is in addition to a data entry slider, mod and pitch bend wheels. It's touch sensitive but doesn't have aftertouch. The keyboard doesn't have a particularly nice feel to it. the keys have to be hit quite heavily.

The new Novation ReMOTE series looks quite nice.

One of the big things is the kind of keys you like... synth or piano style?

[brandondrury]

One of the big things is the kind of keys you like... synth or piano style?

I guess I'm just sort of guessing at this points. It feels like I would like a piano style a little better. Maybe I should go to the local music store and try out one.

I can see how you could get a lot done with a small keyboard. However, if I can get just a little more done each day on a big controller, than it seams like it would be worth it to do so.

I've got space these days. When I'm doing midi, I don't have 5 sweaty band members crowding up my control room. I'd much rather have a big controller than nasty dudes!!

Brandon

[snoopy]

I'm using a M-Audio Key Station 88es....which is basic but it does give me 88 keys that are semi-weighted and feels good.

I really want a M-Audio Axiom 25 to mount on my drum rack for triggering stuff live through Ableton Live......and to use with my laptop when I'm traveling.......ah to have more money!!!

GV

[dach]

get a big one... I could not work with a small one... it doesn't have to be new or expensive...

also you will need a controller for faders, pans, sends, etc

AND possibly one for midi controller data but that should be last on your list.

get out the credit card!

[brandondrury]

also you will need a controller for faders, pans, sends, etc

I keep putting this one off for as long as possible. My buddy's band has a Yamaha 01V96 that they only use on big gigs where they have to provide the PA. I may have to "borrow" that from them, indefinitely, to handle my automation needs.

I plan to start mixing in about week for my country pop thingy so I'll get a chance to really jump into Cubase SX3 and use some of these types of toys.

Brandon

[dach]

Have fun...

I use a JL Cooper CS10 that I used to control my PT with... certainly not the best featured device, but it has faders, pans, mutes and sends... it works fine... could use some motorized faders, but I usually null things out anyway out of habit before beginning a pass. You can get these for like $100 max on ebay... I'll upgrade one day but I'm just used to it...

I have a synth controller and a semi weighted one is 76 keys and the other 60 something which is not big enough... I prefer the semi weighted but you CAN get used to anything... unless you are addicted to playing the ivory...

OT: After having it sit around for a long time, I finally upgraded to N3 today.... not without initial problems but it is happening now... improved from 2 but I had too many things going on for a software switch....

[CasioDummy]

Forgive me Father for I have sinned. I have been away from here for to long. hahahahha
But I have decided to finally get to this stuff now that I have the time. Finally got the time to do this. I also want to do this right and that's why I came here in the first place. You guys, from everything I have read, know your stuff. And most of it is well over my head. How's that for some brown nosing? hahahahaha But seriously.......

I usually have a difficult time when it comes to the real simple things. I'm usually a complete idiot when it comes to say opening a bag of chips. And I find myself in the same kind of place when it comes to setting up in the right order, the instruments.

This what I have.

PC
Audigy z something, has that external box
Xp
Roland Rd-700sx keyboard
Roland TD-6V Drumset (electronic)
Casio wk-3500 keyboard

My question is, "what is the best layout with these instruments?" Midi cabling or routing?
Let's say I use the 700 sx for the main midi controller. From it's midi output, should I go to the drum kit first or the Casio keyboard then to the drums back to the cpu? I know this probably sounds kind of like a dumb question, but I heard a new word. Latency, and I'm wondering if some of this equipment has the possibility of having it's own independent latency issues. And if that is the case, is there a way to syncho all of the instruments?

Sorry guys for my incompetence, but if I don't start now, it's over. hahahahhaa