Cheap weighted Keyboard/controler for Software Synths?

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Mongoo

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I'm looking into getting a weighted keyboard that I can enjoy playing, and mainly use it's midi out for controlling virtual instruments, and inexpenssive. I've seen three boards I'm considering. If you know of a different keyboard not listed here you'd recommend, let me know about it.

1)M-Audio KeyStation pro88 MIDI Controler
2)Casio CDP100
3)Casio PX110 Privera

I originally thought the M-Audio because all I really need is a controller, plus this board has dials, faders, and wheels galore, but the display I played had terrible action. I've read that M-Audio corrected their action to be more acceptable, so it is possible I just played a bad keyboard. Who knows though.

Then I played a Casio CDP100 which had much better action. I was surprised, and it has onboard sounds with speakers. The action I liked, and the sounds seemed okay enough. Whats nice about it is that I wouldn't have to run everything through the mixer and CPU just to practice a bit. It's a nice bonus, but at the cost of loosing all of the dials/faders/pitch wheels. That aside, My two biggest concerns with it are that it only has one foot pedal and the major concern, the 3 levels of touch sensitivity.

I look to the PX110 privera for the 2 pedal support, with mild interest in the few extra sounds. I either didn't notice or didn't think the PX110 piano sounds where better than the CDP100's. It might be the speakers though, because I tried them with headphones and the PX110's piano sounds sounded more like the CDP100 with them than without.

I don't get whether the 3 levels of sensitivity affects the outgoing midi signal or not. Are they just saying that the onboard sounds are layered by 3 levels of dynamic or are they saying that even if you have a virtual instrument hooked up that uses many more dynamic layers than 3, it will become limited to 3 because of the keyboards limited midi sensitivity?

Are they talking about the keys velocity response or onboard sound layers? Will the PX110 play a virtual instrument just as well as any other keyboard?
Is there a midi device to substitute for the missing Dials/faders/pitch wheel that you'd recommend?

Where do you place your cost effective value decision here?

Thanks,

Mongoo
 
Mongoo said:
Will the PX110 play a virtual instrument just as well as any other keyboard?
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Yes.

The 'three levels' stuff just pertains to the internal samples. The keyboard itself sends out 127 degrees of velocity just like any other midi keyboard does. Just be sure that when you use it with the computer you turn the local control off.

Is there a midi device to substitute for the missing Dials/faders/pitch wheel that you'd recommend?
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I have one of these strapped between my master keyboard and my computer and we're very happy together. You can program any one of the controllers to be pitch bend. None are spring loaded to return to the initial position, but once you get the hang of it you may find some creative uses for that lil' quirk.

Where do you place your cost effective value decision here?
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If this is just a fancy way of asking which one I recommend you buy, I'd say go with the cheaper keyboard and add the midi controller to it. Between the two of them you'll have a team that will last for years.


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Other Keyboards...

Reading though the forums I see two other Keyboard controllers that could work.

The CME UF8 & StudioLogic SL990pro.

The UF8 has the advantage of 8 rotary knobs and 9 faders, plus a 2nd pedal input besides the sustain, and a breath controller, don't know what thats for really, sounds interesting though. Finally it has after touch. The SL990pro sounds like it has really good action, but none of the bonus features the CME has.

I have not played either of these, but could have them ordered. It's a risk, but am told I could return one if it just doesn't workout for me.

I have played the M-audio previously mentioned above and can't stand the action. Spongy says it all there. The Casio PX110 & CDP100 both seem acceptable enough.

Can anyone tell me how the CME UF8 & StudioLogic SL990Pro Action compares to the Casio PX110?

Thanks

Mongoo
 
I use the StudioLogic SL990. I much prefer it to the CME, although admittedly I apparently tried the older version of the CME (or was that the older version of the maudio keyboards, which I hated?).

So far, my preference is with the Studiologics.
 
fraserhutch, have you ever played the Casio PX110? If so, how does the CME action compare to it? What is it about the SL990pro's action that stands out to you? I've played a bit on a Yamaha S90ES and rather liked it's action. Is the StudioLogic's action anything like that?

Thanks
 
i just picked up a used SL1100 for about $240 used the other day, I am just learning keys, but in my test runs, i like this weighting better than the casios.
Since i am such am amatuer, that is about as much useful stuff as i can really provide.

Daav
edit oh an dht SL1100 has two knobs some other buttons that look neat and two pedal inputs.
 
It's been a while since I tried any Casios, but I did not like them much. I do not recall enough to compare against the CME.

The Yamaha is a really nice keyboard with a nice feel, but you're comparing apples and oranges here. It's keyboard action similar to the Studiologic, but different. I would say that it is purely a matter of personal preference at this point.

I still prefer the Studiologic, but that's just me.

Mongoo said:
fraserhutch, have you ever played the Casio PX110? If so, how does the CME action compare to it? What is it about the SL990pro's action that stands out to you? I've played a bit on a Yamaha S90ES and rather liked it's action. Is the StudioLogic's action anything like that?

Thanks
Click to expand...
 
I think the action and piano sounds of the Privias are quite good, particularly for the price.
 
fraserhutch, Does the StudioLogic have aftertouch? With it only having the sustain pedal jack, have you made a work around to add pedals?
 
I will go out on a great limb and proclaim that I find the Privias to have the best action of any keyboard (other than a real piano) that I have ever played.

Of course tastes vary and it's hard to defend a Casio product with a straight face.

However, the keybed is not only lightweight but plays like the real thing (or at least close to it).

I like my action very heavy and some may prefer something a bit, "spongier".

Carl
 
Carl, I like the action on the Casio PX110 & CDP100 too. They have the same keyboard right?

I haven't had a chance to play on the CME or StudioLogic though. If the CME plays like or better then the Casio, I might be swayed to it just to have the extra controlers it offers. I was looking at getting a BCR2000 to serve with a casio, but GC doesn't carry them anymore as they have been discontinued.

I could find one online I suppose but I don't know if behringer ever made librarian software for it. If not it sure doesn't look like they're going to now.

I too like heavy keys like found on yamaha keyboards, the S90es in particular, but can't afford that right now.
 
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