Piano and midi - which keyboard to use?

[ted]

Hey guys -

Was thinking it would be cool to add some piano parts to some of my stuff but couldn't figure out where to start on musiciansfriend. I always figured that "keyboard" covered everything, but now I understand that there are digital pianos, sythesizers and midi controllers among others...
For my stuff I just planned on using a piano part, but seems like if I get some sort of keyboard I should look into midi also, capabilities just seem too awesome to overlook... Seems invaluable for the hip-hop or techno producer, but I play mostly blues based rock, is it worthwhile to pursue/learn midi programming for g n' r style rock or am I better off just recording a plain ol' piano part?
If I go the midi route, the software I have is just cubase LE that came with my soundcard, is this powerful enough for midi or would I need some sort of upgrade?
Lastly, any recommendations on a decent (cheap) keyboard to fit my needs? Or which keyboard genre to look at?
Thanks!

[richiebee]

If you have a good, powerful computer, I'd get a MIDI controller keyboard and a sampler. There are tons of decent controller keyboards out there - to narrow it down, you need to think about some specifications. Some have weighted keys like a real piano. Some have real piano hammer action. Some have synth keys. Sizes range from 24 keys to 88 keys. Some have other features like after touch sensitivity, pedal inputs etc.

Samples, even the ones that come bundled with Kontakt will blow synthesizers out of the window for realism of sound. But you do need a powerful computer. Piano's are one of the most memory intensive type of sample libraries out there.
MIDI programming is good for everyone who sometimes (or always!) works alone. Get real sounding drum patterns down without a drummer. Or how about bass? Whatever you can't play yourself, you can use samples for.

R.

[brandondrury]

All of Richiebee's advice is dead on if you decide to jump into the midi world.

First, you need to decide if you want to take that leap. I didn't use MIDI for years recording live rock bands, mostly. Last summer I took the leap with MIDI and I couldn't be happier for doing so.

I feel that using samples is the only way to get pro drum sounds if you don't have a pro room.

You mentioned adding a piano part. Is this going to be something you do to one song and then forget about or are you looking to expand your creative capabilities from now on?

MIDI is great if you don't have a band. If you are in a band and all of your instruments are covered, you won't find MIDI as useful. However, I can make an entire rock song that sounds pro myself by just recording guitars and vocals and programming the rest.

If you decide to look into MIDI more, take a look at the Getting Started With MIDI link in my signature.

Brandon

[zbigniev]

Maybe someone can enlighten me here, but what is the point of just a MIDI controller? Why not get a digital piano with MIDI instead? That way you have a stage keyboard, a practice keyboard, AND a MIDI controller.

[richiebee]

MIDI controllers tend to offer more features for your money than a dedicated digital piano, but if you need to play live with others (ie, without your computer rig), then buying an electric piano with MIDI output is a fine choice. Most people want more flexibility than this though - pitch bend and mod wheels are standard on most controller keyboards. In addition, many have assignable sliders and knobs for added controllability of your sounds. If you only use a piano sound, this is not needed.

A computer based sampler will offer much higher quality sounds than available in a keyboard. They have tons more memory and storage capacity.

R.

[brandondrury]

Why not get a digital piano with MIDI instead? That way you have a stage keyboard, a practice keyboard, AND a MIDI controller.

It comes down to a person's needs. I use a keyboard that is capable of making substandard sounds. I can't remember the last time I actually used the keyboard for this. My keyboard has served exclusively as a midi controller and nothing else for years.

I'm a studio guy. I run live sound every once in a while and that is BY FAR enough for me. I'd rather be home creating new noise.

If you need a live keyboard or a keyboard that makes sound even when you are not near your computer, then you should probably get a keyboard that has both.

The keyboard / midi controller I have now was given to me and seams to do the job. When I get a real deal midi controller, I'll probably realize what I've been missing. Until then, I'm sticking with old keyboard.

Brandon

[ted]

Thanks guys!

Read the article, poked around, think I'll be taking a closer look at the e-mu xboard 49, but I just have one last question.
My current budget would cover the keyboard, but I don't know if I have the extra at the moment to pick up the software to go with the controller.
If I were to go out and buy just a controller for the time being, would I be able to plug in and accomplish something right away, getting the software later?
Or should I save a bit more to go buy controller and plug-ins all at once?

[richiebee]

Since you're familiar with using the mouse for input, I'd leave the controller til last. You can load samples and input notes in your sequencer without it... it just makes life a whole lot easier.

Chances are good you can use the keyboard with your current notation software. If you're using the sound card built in to your computer, the latency will probably be horrible.

Here's the order I'd do it.

1. Sequencer
2. Software sampler
3. audio/MIDI interface
4. Keyboard

It's easy to think that the hardware is the most important part of this, but it really isn't. Getting your computer up to snuff, ironing out any issues you have with the power requirements of your software are essential for a hassle free time with composition. So get the software first. You can create without the keyboard and without the audio interface, but you can't create without the software! And you'll be learning the software while you save up for the next bit of kit. There's no doubt about it. Sequencing software is pretty complex.

I'm not sure what sequencer you've decided on, but I'd definitely say that Cubase 4 Studio will be fine for your needs and its half the price of Cubase 4. If you can get Cubase SL3 or SX3 for a a lot less than Cubase 4, I'd go for one of those.

Rich

[brandondrury]

Richiebee's advice is dead on!

I agree with everything he said (for once ).

Brandon