MIDI controller vs. s/h synth

[gregrr]

Hi all,

After getting my interface and Cubase SX set up I was sequencing a little with the mouse for a while and it all started to get a little tedious, so I was thinking its about time I got a controller or synthesizer.

I've looked at a few MIDI controllers..but I'm not convinced they are worth the cost (for a 61 key model) vs. a cheap second hand synth off ebay. The only reason I'd like to get one is the control knobs to tweak sounds of my VSTis. I found a little controller without keys, the Berhinger Nano (maybe theres a cheaper one out there), which I could daisy-chain to an old synth.

So I was wondering what you guys think..what did you decide to buy and why?

And on an off-topic, using Cubase and VSTis theres a significant delay between clicking on the virtual keyboard in Cubase and the sound being triggered. Is this normal? (Sorry, im relatively new to this)

Thanks!

[richiebee]

I prefer controller keyboards because they're easier to set up. Newish models will most likely be USB too, rather than MIDI. If these things don't matter to you, then it probably doesn't matter what you use. Beware of really old synths with poor midi implementation that might screw you over some time.

The delay you're getting is probably latency from your sound card. There are numerous other threads recently that mention what you might do about it. The way to check this is to press a key and see whether Cubase instantly puts a note there... if it only "sounds" late, then its latency in your sound card. If it "looks" late, then it could be some other communication problem with your midi device.

R.

[brandondrury]

My "midi controller" is a Roland XP-10. It's done fine for me. Someone let me borrow it indefinitely. I think you can get them for about $40 on Ebay.

It has no control of VSTi's and such. Some instruments will let me cycle through the presets, however,

I've never used a real / nice midi controller. When I'm working it never really occurs to me that I need a better one.

As for your latency problem, try this first:
Home Recording Computers: Clicks, Pops, and Latency

Brandon

[gregrr]

Thanks for the advice. I think that i'll keep my options open to both midi controllers and synths, though ideally a controller would be better. I can always add on a seperate controller later like the Berhinger Nano.

As for the delay I was experiencing, it turned out it was good old latency. Works a treat now!

[brandondrury]

I'm glad you got it fixed!

Brandon