Keyboard Dummy Needs Some Help Deciding!

[undermind]

I'm a guitarist by preference, but I do understand the importance of keys in the studio..

My situation now is trying to decide whether to go with seperate controller and module, or an all in one unit. I would like to emulate analog sounds I've heard in music over the years, which has pointed me to the Alesis Micron. But I would also like to get some piano sounds. And from what I've read in the Micron thread on this board, the Micron doesn't do Piano sounds.

The other thing I like about controllers are the options for key action. I prefer the feel of semi or fully weighted keys. But my question is, do you gain any more sensitivity or expression using weighted keys? In other words, if you used the built in keys on the Micron, would you have the same level of velocity sensitivity as if you used a better weighted controller? And can anyone suggest an inexpensive controller with good weighted action?

And lastly, If I go the controller route; will I find any rackmount or software based synth's that can give me a similar library to the Micron? What I would like to do is get one sound module for analog and atmospheric sounds, and another with decent piano sounds. Can I get 2 for $500 or less? I don't need the best by any means, and I'm not afraid of Ebay.

Thanks!

 

[Riverdog]

In a row...

And from what I've read in the Micron thread on this board, the Micron doesn't do Piano sounds.
- Correct

But my question is, do you gain any more sensitivity or expression using weighted keys?
- The question of "touch" is all based on personal opinion...
- My opinion is that you get better expressiveness using weighted keys if you're working on Piano parts... Weighted keys tend to 'slow down' your performance if you're working in the studio... Playing a drum part from keys will slow because of the weight...

- In a nutshell - All keys - weighted or unweighted - use the same velocity scale / 0 to 127... There are however different 'velocity curves' for different controllers... Depending on which one you buy / some have selectable curves and some don't - Essentially a velocity curve tells the keyboard how to react to your playing as you move up the keys on a keyboard - some curves accentuate the low end - playing them louder / some curves make the higher keys play louder... Again - Personal taste...

And lastly, If I go the controller route; will I find any rackmount or software based synth's that can give me a similar library to the Micron?
- Sure there are many out there... It depends on how much you want to spend... I've heard the Rolan JunoD has some great analog sounds but (I believe) it also has acoustic sounds as well... It really depends on how picky you are with how your analog sounds 'sound'...
- Lastly, Many modules can be purchased for low cost on Ebay... You can find some great bargains there just by searching for "Synthesizer" or "Sound Module"...

Hope this helps a little...

 

[undermind]

- In a nutshell - All keys - weighted or unweighted - use the same velocity scale / 0 to 127... There are however different 'velocity curves' for different controllers... Depending on which one you buy / some have selectable curves and some don't - Essentially a velocity curve tells the keyboard how to react to your playing as you move up the keys on a keyboard - some curves accentuate the low end - playing them louder / some curves make the higher keys play louder... Again - Personal taste...


Hope this helps a little...

That's what I wanted to know regarding sensitivity/expression, thanks!

Here's my dilemma with shopping on Ebay: When I used the search terms you mentioned, I get thousands of results. I've decided to go with a controller/module setup, and you can't just type "module" or "synth module" because usually people put the model name as the auction title and wouldn't include the words "module". So a lot could be missed with that type of search. What I need is some suggestions on specific models to look out for. I'm looking for rackmount modules, 1 for piano sounds, the other for VA and trippy sounds. Your suggestions would be much appreciated!!