Advice needed on MIDI Keyboard Controller

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bullyhill

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I need some advice on a midi controller. I am looking for somthing that has a synth with at least gen. midi sounds.
I would be using it with a Q10/PC.
I have never owned one and don't know much about them and may not be using the correct terminology.
I wanted to use it in Sonar and utilize the midi info or sounds of the sw synths.
I don't have a virtual keyboard. I was considering one of the below listed. I would want something that is touch sensitive, velocity responsive.
Thanks


MAudio Oxygen 8 25-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
Yamaha PSR225GM General MIDI Keyboard
Yamaha CBXK1 MIDI Keyboard
 
MIDI controller keyboard

As the previous post applies to my current situation I figured it'd make more sense to post here with my query in the hope that a more experienced member can kill two birds with one stone.

As Im sharing a student house (in a small room with poor acoustics) loud noise disturbs revision etc, so Im currently limiting myself to recording via various direct, non-microphone method (e.g Guitar though effects and amp mod etc) and I now want to move into MIDI.

After researching the topic as far as I can, Ive got a few questions, and ANY advise, however vague or off topic will be greatly appreciated =).

Joystick MIDI vs Soundcard with MIDI input (e.g. Soundblaster Audigy - I KNOW its more of a game card, but its an easy to find product to start with-unless there are any better suggestions?)

How many devices can go IN, OUT & THRU at once (assuming reasonable delay in processing).

New shiny shop bought keyboard vs 2nd hand bargin?

I'm looking for a 5 octave keyboard that can assign different controller numbers easily, with some velocity/attack information to be transmitted. Not fussed in the slightest in how good/bad onboard stuff is as I plan to use software synths (and maybe borrow off friends when available).

Basically I'm looking for recommended makes/models, with a view to trying the second hand market first if possible. If I know a few that will do as a starter keyboard, and rough price estimates then I can decide if its worth parting with my hard earned cash (to pre-empt lazy student jokes im doing a 5day 9-5 engineering degree, so what little money I get from part time work has to stretch further than my limited musical talent!!)

Thanks for any help or advice you can supply, without a great website and BBS service like this Id probably given up the idea of home recording and wasted my money in the pub!

Did I just say waste......
 
What kind of music do you want to do? The reason I ask is some synths are better for certain kinds of music, if you go the route of using a synth over a controller. And how much is your budget?
 
as of now, i'd say you should both be looking at the evolution midi controllers...
you can get 'em in 61 keys as well, with knobs that transmit controller data...
 
Just wanna say thanks for the input Chriss and Subtractor, and Sleepygoth for spawning a little life in this one.

My budget is low about 200 I think I would just want a controller for now as I only plan to write some silly midi remakes of songs like this one "Mangina" http://www.nowhereradio.com/artists/album.php?aid=1420&alid=-1

I recorded at a friends house and believe we only used gen. midi and sw synth.

That's what I would need it for, nothing special at this point more of a learning tool.
 
I second the Evolution recommendation. I use an Evolution MK249C. It has 12 assignable knobs, I can use it as a control surface or as a "keyboard", it has the features you are looking for (but no onboard sound, but you said you want to only use soft synths). It connects via USB, only 4 octaves, but that is easily shifted using the octave button (you can get the full range, but can only play 4 octaves at one time). It should be well under $200 as I bought it new in Canada for $270 CDN, which is about $180 US.
 
and if you get one, I will warn you that they can be a pain in the ass to set up, but after 3 weeks I have mine runningnicely. If you use Sonar, I can help you set it up...there is a good Evoilution user group on Yahoo.
 
Thanks cstockdale I will post if I have problems. I hope to get one within the month, yes Sonar will be used.
 
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