I've asked this before kinda...

[getuhgrip]

...but now I'm closer to spending some money.

I've got about $500 to play with on my first keyboard/synth type stuff. I'm not a piano player. I just want to add some midi sounds (rickshaw backfire, UFO hair dryer, sperm whale squirting out newborn, etc.) with some control over modulation type stuff.

Are the USB units basically toys. What should I or can I be looking at for five bills?

[DavidK]

I says:

Roland JV1010 sound module, MK4902 keyboard controller. You can probably get both for $500 and have money left for a cable.

I have this, plus an Alesis Synth, works great. Only 49 keys, but if you dont play piano, it should be fine. The JV1010 cant be programmed without a computer, but for $395 you arent gonna find anything remotely close in quality.

[getuhgrip]

I've got a yamaha PS-something or other with a midi output. My C-Port has midi in. Can I use this with software as a midi controller bypassing the yamaha sounds?

[Chriss]

the ps aren't exactely midi controller material.. they're supposed to make it out for a real piano..
i second the roland jv.. i wouldn't call 500$ an actual budget and the jv is one of the best synths roland have ever made..

[getuhgrip]

i wouldn't call 500$ an actual budget

Ya would if ya were still paying off two guitars and V-drums just after popin' for a soundcard, a couple mics and an amp. I'm also in the market for monitors and a decent preamp.

And somewhere in the middle I still need to eat. I am on a diet, so don't even try!

[Rev E]

I agree with David that the JV1010 is a great module if you are buying NOW. Roland is coming out with an XV1010 (I think) that will have the sound engine of the XV series of modules. It will be like the "JV1010" of the "XV" series. The street price should not be too far from the 1010's price. But this is only if you can wait for a few months.