Better Keyboard setup? :::

  • Thread starter Thread starter Badtz
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Badtz

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Anyone have any opinions about the productivity/useability between a 76 & 61 key keyboard?

i'm trying to debate between these two setups, and don't know which one to go with

Evolution MK-261 (61 key)
*using the programmable knobs

versus

Roland A-37 and buy a controller [like kenton control freak]
*76 key


i like the look of the evolution better, and would definitely go with that, but it's 61-key..... ???

any comments would be appreciated!
 
How much of a keyboardplayer are you? And what are you planning to play on it? For sololines, 61 keys is more than enough. Basic chords can be done too... If you really wanna get both your hands on it, playing chords and solo at the same time you might run out of keys....

I'm dragging a 88keys weighted keyboard along to rehearsals and concerts... Can't live without it... :rolleyes:
 
I'll be doing experimental music productions. with slight keyboarding background [mainly concert band background].

i like the a-37, because of the design and the 76 keys. good price also.

but it's just a basic keyboard. and i would most likely need another interface, so i can use it with reason to control the knobs......

the evolution keyboard has midi knobs built on, but is only 61 keys........... and i'm not sure about the evolution's build quality........ haven't really heard much about them..........
 
From what I understand, you won't be doing any advanced keyboard-stuff. So I guess you'll get by with 61 keys.

But you might wanna wait on a second opinion. There's alot of controllers available these days, I haven't really followed that... You might search the keyboard/sound modules forum here also, there's been alot of threads about this the last few months...
 
I wasn't able to find any info. about the evoltuion keyboard, is it THAT new? [maybe not even released yet?]

also, the A-37 is really hard to find info. about....... i guess not many have it?
 
Just do a search for midi keyboard or something, or browse the forum manually... There's alot of em.... really...
 
If you aren't a two fisted serious keyboardist, then get the 61 key Evolution.

I am a serious player and I have a 49 key Evolution and a 25 key, of course, I also have some 88 key controllers, so these smaller units are more for bass parts and taking leads.

If you get the 61 and find that it isn't enough down the road, you could always pick up an 88 key weighted board and a two tier stand.

Carl
 
Roland A-37

Aside from Aftertouch, the Roland dosen't have much of what you want in a MIDI controller.

Some may say it's a matter of taste, but I can't imagine anyone getting excited about the semi joystick pitch and mod controller.

These joysticks are awkward and by design require you to apply pressure to get the modulation effect out of it.

These contollers aren't that sturdy and after time they usually crack or break completely.

There's no danger of this with pitch and mod wheels.

Carl
 
hmmmmm, so no A-37 recommendation i take it? ;_)

is the only way to get the upper octaves is to pitch shift in the sequencer program?

is the difference between 76 and 61 key big? that's about 1.5 octaves?
 
Evolution MIDI controllers (as well as most other brands) have onboard octave shift on them. Usually you can go either up or down several octaves at the push of a button.

The difference between 61 and 76 keys is 15 keys:p

Like I said, if you're not going to play stride, progressive rock, fusion or classical music, you're not likely to miss the extra keys.

Carl
 
I love the Korg joystick controllers and never had one break on me. Not sure about the Rolands though. I hate not having a joystick on every synth now. For me it is the most intuitive way to control LFO and filters while playing.
 
is the midi thru port necessary if i'm using an 8x8 midi interface? [motu timepiece av]

the evolution mk-361 doesn't have midi thru i believe? or @ least it doesn't say.........
 
Korg joysticks are a completely different animal from Roland's hemi joysticks.

Korg has a more traditional fully positional joystick, while Roland's only move from left to right (for pitch) and only just slightly upward for modulation.

The harder you push up, the more modulation you get (which encourages lots of force).

The side to side motions is spring loaded to recenter the stick, but unlike the Korg stick, the spring is stiff and not as fluid.

Carl
 
Badtz said:
is the midi thru port necessary if i'm using an 8x8 midi interface? [motu timepiece av]

the evolution mk-361 doesn't have midi thru i believe? or @ least it doesn't say.........
Click to expand...

No controller in my experience has any MIDI ports other than "out". Since controllers make no sounds of their own there is little need to put MIDI into or thru them.

Carl
 
ahhh, explains it ;-)

i guess i was making a direct comparison with the a-37, noticing the missing thru port
 
It is usefull! If you have more controllers, and want to daisychain them to the same device, for example, controller 1 (set on channel 1) to midi in of controller 2 (set to channel 2) to an expander. Two keyboards playing different sound on different channels on the same expander, which has just one input. Most cheap controllers don't have this... More expensive controllers have it. It's not that necessary, but occasionally it could eliminate the need of a midi-merger-box...

Not that I have ever used it, however. ;)
 
You probably dont need one with your 8x8 interface. The THRU port passes on any midi data that was send to that units midi IN but does not pass on midi data originating from that unit, that data goes to the midi OUT. Some units allow you to combine the OUT/THRU data.
 
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