A
Axxotekk
New member
what kind of keyboard should i buy that is cheap that can also be hooked up to a computer to make midi's? sorry im a noob when it comes to these things
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diggy_dude
Now 169% diggier!
I buy old Casio keyboards on Ebay. Any old MIDI keyboard will do if you just want a controller to play VST instruments. If the keyboard doesn't have a USB port and the computer doesn't have a MIDI port, you will need an M-Audio MidiSport 4x4 or similar adapter.
Toddskins
Member
Axxotekk,
The first thing you need to learn about is that there are keyboards you can buy (new or used) called MIDI controllers. These types of keyboards do not make any sounds at all. They simply trigger event information that your computer can use (and the software on your computer) to generate sounds (music). MIDI is not musical sounds. Read up on it in WIKIPEDIA if you need to, but it is just "event information". Information that your computer and sound software will use.
Next, there are also keyboards that are MIDI and sound, too. Having sound means that the keyboard can be played all by itself and you will hear various types of instrument sounds, i.e. piano, organ, trumpet, violin, or synth-type sounds like buzzy sawtooth pads.
Then, both these categories of keyboards (MIDI, and MIDI with Sound) can be purchased by how many keys you desire. From least to most: 25, 36, 49, 61, 76, 88.
Regarding MIDI synth keyboards with sounds, they are usually broken down into two types: Synth engine vs. playback of prercecorded sample sounds. Meaning, a synth engine allows you to create your own sounds from scratch, while prerecorded sounds you are stuck with what that manufacturer has elected to put into it.
If you intend to do everything from your computer, you may be inclined to just buy a MIDI controller. These are the least expensive types of keyboards to buy because they do not have additional sound-making engines in them.
Your budget and intention will narrow down your choices for you.
The first thing you need to learn about is that there are keyboards you can buy (new or used) called MIDI controllers. These types of keyboards do not make any sounds at all. They simply trigger event information that your computer can use (and the software on your computer) to generate sounds (music). MIDI is not musical sounds. Read up on it in WIKIPEDIA if you need to, but it is just "event information". Information that your computer and sound software will use.
Next, there are also keyboards that are MIDI and sound, too. Having sound means that the keyboard can be played all by itself and you will hear various types of instrument sounds, i.e. piano, organ, trumpet, violin, or synth-type sounds like buzzy sawtooth pads.
Then, both these categories of keyboards (MIDI, and MIDI with Sound) can be purchased by how many keys you desire. From least to most: 25, 36, 49, 61, 76, 88.
Regarding MIDI synth keyboards with sounds, they are usually broken down into two types: Synth engine vs. playback of prercecorded sample sounds. Meaning, a synth engine allows you to create your own sounds from scratch, while prerecorded sounds you are stuck with what that manufacturer has elected to put into it.
If you intend to do everything from your computer, you may be inclined to just buy a MIDI controller. These are the least expensive types of keyboards to buy because they do not have additional sound-making engines in them.
Your budget and intention will narrow down your choices for you.
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A
Axxotekk
New member
I just need something that can produce MIDI with sound with 49 keys, i dont need anything fancy just something basic. What software would you recommend to use for this?
the reason why I want do this is because I've been listening to the Doom I & II and Duke Nukem 3D soundtrack and they inspired to want to make songs.
Toddskins
Member
It really depends on how serious you think you will be with this new found passion you are experiencing. And you never mentioned what kind of computer you own, which in some cases will determine what software you can or should not buy. Are you using a high-end laptop or desktop? Do tell.
Regarding software, I would highly recommend Propellerhead's Reason v.5. It's an enormous amount of capability and only costs $300. Here's a link to read up and watch videos of it in action:
Propellerhead Reason 5 | Sweetwater.com
I have not paid attention to what Fruity Loops has done over the years, but I heard they have made improvements in their software. You might check that out, too. Of course, there are several different software apps to choose from, for the purpose of making video game soundtracks.
Regarding a MIDI controller, go to your local music store and browse what they are displaying. You almost cannot go wrong with what you pick if it's a name brand, i.e. M-Audio (Axiom series), Akai, etc. Here's a good list to choose from:
Compact Keyboard Controllers | Sweetwater.com
Lastly, remember, that most of those controller keyboards in that list do not create sounds. If you want to have sounds without your having to turn on your computer, then look for those which advertise that they have analog sounds on them, too, or some type of sound engine, or synthesis engine (see Arturia controllers). Of course, you'll need a good pair of headphones in order to hear those sounds. Even with your computer, you're going to want to get a nice pair of headphones. Consider AKG K-240 Studios. They're fairly inexpensive and pretty good all-around cans.
Oh, and you'll probably save a lot of money by buying online. Shop, browse, research, read magazines and website blogs, then go online to buy.
Regarding software, I would highly recommend Propellerhead's Reason v.5. It's an enormous amount of capability and only costs $300. Here's a link to read up and watch videos of it in action:
Propellerhead Reason 5 | Sweetwater.com
I have not paid attention to what Fruity Loops has done over the years, but I heard they have made improvements in their software. You might check that out, too. Of course, there are several different software apps to choose from, for the purpose of making video game soundtracks.
Regarding a MIDI controller, go to your local music store and browse what they are displaying. You almost cannot go wrong with what you pick if it's a name brand, i.e. M-Audio (Axiom series), Akai, etc. Here's a good list to choose from:
Compact Keyboard Controllers | Sweetwater.com
Lastly, remember, that most of those controller keyboards in that list do not create sounds. If you want to have sounds without your having to turn on your computer, then look for those which advertise that they have analog sounds on them, too, or some type of sound engine, or synthesis engine (see Arturia controllers). Of course, you'll need a good pair of headphones in order to hear those sounds. Even with your computer, you're going to want to get a nice pair of headphones. Consider AKG K-240 Studios. They're fairly inexpensive and pretty good all-around cans.
Oh, and you'll probably save a lot of money by buying online. Shop, browse, research, read magazines and website blogs, then go online to buy.