Looking for your advice on MIDI Controller Purchase

[Scinx]

I have posted a question or two here in the past month and think my approach will be to first pick up a midi controller (so I can mess around with VSTs) and then, if need be, buy a rack unit...I think this seems like a good plan...
As such, I am looking at reasonably priced controllers. Plasticky feel is fine, non weighted is fine, less than 88 keys is fine...thus I really am going for reasonable/affordable. That said - it seems, from searching this board way too much, that the Evolution 149 (and others like it) are recommended. Now - as there arent many going for cheap on eBay these days - I was looking around new and found the Pro-249c for $150 out the door at a music shop. Is this a good controller and would you pick it up for the price (and as your first)?

I appreciate it a whole lot...thanks!

[MaxB]

[i] Is this a good controller and would you pick it up for the price (and as your first)?[/B]

Yes! I have an Evolution UC16 (only knobs not keyboard). I use it for GM - Vst control and for mixing in Nuendo. I'm very happy with it. Evolution controllers are full programmable, you can assign every knob to any midi controller and this make your "Midi Musician" life easy. The UC16 (I think the Pro249 too) can be connected via standard midi cable or via USB so you can spare a Midi IN in your interface.