Beginner diving into sequencing/midi control

  • Thread starter Thread starter mrbowes
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mrbowes

mrbowes

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G'day!

Let me preface my post with the fact that I am extremely ignorant regarding keyboards, midi controllers, sequences, etc.

Right now I play mostly acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, and bass. I record in Cubase SX2 using an E-mu 1820m and generally never have more than 5-6 tracks.

What I want to start doing is using keyboards/sequencers to add more layers and depth to my music.

I want a keyboard that will help me create grooves/loops that i can record into Cubase. So I'll play four bars, or however many, of a tight melody, then have the keyboard/sequencer repeat that over and over again, while sending its output to Cubase SX. This is what i want.

Most of my sounds will be coming from soft-synths, so are there keyboards that let you sequence a midi track, which could let me output to any soft synth sound on the PC?

Recommend me some synths/midi controllers please. I don't care so much about fully weighted keys, but aftertouch would be VERY nice. I'm trying to spend <$500 on this investment. Ensoniqs seem to be really nice/underrated/inexpensive. I don't mind getting a synth, as having some onboard sounds can never really hurt, although realize that most of my synths will be software based on my PC.

If my post is not being specific enough, please let me know, and I will try to clarify as much as possible.

Many thanks in advance - I'm learning so much reading these forums.
 
I wouldn't be necassarily concerned with getting a keyboard with a sequencer, because Cubase's sequencing abilities are far superior to any keyboard, and much more intuitive, period. So then if you want more or less a controller that has some good sounds, how about Novation X-Station. It's a full featured controller/audio interface, with hardware synth capabilities. But really, most any keyboard can act as a controller as long as you don't need tons of additional control (Knob's, Sliders, etc.). You'de probably do best to check out your local music store to see if there are any synths that fit your particular style best. IF you wan't good middle of the road try Alesis QS6.2, Yamaha S03, N-Series Korgs.
 
Atterion is correct. I haven't used the X-Station, but their other keyboards have a great feel. M-Audio makes some reasonably priced controller keyboards, but a lot of them don't have aftertouch. If that's vital, make sure it's available on the model you get before you buy.

Does Cubase SX2 support loops? I use SONAR and its looping capabilities are pretty good. You could get software to accomplish this at any rate.

Ensoniq has been out of business for quite some time (more accurately, they were purchased by Emu). Are you looking at something specific?

Other manufacturers of controller keyboards are Fatar and Studiologic. Keyboard feel is highly subjective and the only way to really make a decision is to try all the different keyboards and choose the one you like the best that has the features you want.

Ted
 
thanks for the replies.

i will no longer look for sequencing capabilities in the controller - thanks.

The novation x-station looks nice, but i really would like to have 76 keys, maybe less. 2 octaves just doesn't seem like enough...although i could be wrong.

I checked out the CME-pro controllers, and the UF-1 and UF-5 (http://www.cme-pro.com) look pretty nice for my needs.

as far as looping goes, how does one do this in cubase(or SONAR, or anything for that matter)? i've tried to record a bass track and then splice it and copy/paste to get it to repeat, but it's quite a pain in the a$$ to try and get the splices to line up properly and have everything stay in time... there must be an easier solution.

as always, your feedback is greatly appreciated.
 
I just bought a Kurweil K2000 for $180. It's not here yet, but hopefully it will fit the bill.

Is this a well regarded keyboard on these forums?
 
I'm actually in a similar boat as mrbowes here... but sort of on the other end of things. I'm looking for more in the way of knobs and sliders. Ideally, I'd like to have something that I can use as a digital mixer for Cubase, so I can mix using physical knobs and sliders as opposed to the mouse and keyboard, which I'm not very good at. I don't know if I should just get a midi controller without keys and just with lots of knobs/buttons/sliders, or if i should get a two-octave controller... i guess it would be six one way half a dozen the other... any suggestions?
 
Just got the K2000. I am officially FLOORED!!! This thing is damn impressive!

all for 180 bucks shipped, no less...what a score.

And i have not even begun playing with all the tinkering features - just went through the presets and was totally impresssed.

it works well as a controller, although it does not have a large number of controls for interacting with soft synths.

or maybe it does and i just havn't stumbled upon them yet.

anyways, i couldn't be happier. i highly recommend the Kurzweil K2000!
 
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