MIDI keyboard buying advice? $200 range

[rockironwebb]

I have been using my software enough to know that I would like to be able to create music using something other than my computer keyboard. Can anyone give me some advice on buying a MIDI keyboard? I am looking to spend up to $200 and have seen several on Amazon that are in that range. I have done much reading about MIDI keyboards but was hoping to hear from folks that have actually used them. I have been to every music shop in town hoping that they might have something set up so I can tinker around, but no such luck. Brands, useful features, non useful features, software compatibility, connectivity, what to look for, anything to avoid. I am a caveman drummer and have no key playing experience other than hitting keys until I like what I hear. I am slowly learning guitar chords and intend to eventually learn piano chords as well. I have an Alesis firewire 16, acid pro, and Mixcraft 5.
THANX

 

[FunkDaddy]

M-Audi or Akai would be a great choice for that price range.

Software compatibility I don't believe is an issue with the MIDI controller unless it's a specific hardware/software combination (ie. Maschine...though in that case, software compatibility wouldn't be an issue anyways as they're married to each other). It sends MIDI information to your MIDI interface which in turn drives whatever VSTi you're using it with. Same with connectivity...it's a MIDI keyboard, it connects through MIDI...what else do you want it to do? Wash your car?

You'll be surprised just how intuitive MIDI works as a language (?) I was surprised when the pads on my Fantom X8 responded just like they should when using it as a MIDI controller with no setup at all.

 

[musicmachine]

I couldn't tell if you wanted pads or not in your post but the M-Audio Keystation 61es controller might work for you & it's under budget. If you're not a competent piano player & will only use it for midi instruments consider getting one with less keys tho. If you want pads too look at the AKAI MPK25 but is $50 over budget. Both come with Ableton Lite.

 

[grimtraveller]

Not sure if this helps. I'm no keyboardist at all, but a MIDI keyboard is something no home recorder that uses a wide range of VSTIs should contemplate being without. Because I'm no techie I can't give you any pointers in connecting it all up. The first one I had and the one I've got now, it was pure frustration and trial and error before they connected. Once they did, both were/are brilliant. But I haven't a clue what I did to eventually get them connected. The one I currently have is the CME M-Key. It's a 49 key keyboard but you can go up the octaves and down the octaves and a number of VSTis let you do likewise so you're covered in terms of note range.
In terms of playability, it is quite easy and you learn more the more you use it.
I've long found that not being a keyboardist helps because then, one doesn't play like a keyboardist ! I put myself in the mind of whatever instrument I'm playing. So if, for example, I'm playing a sitar {Swar systems do good Indian sampled instruments}, I approach it that way with bending notes, flurries and irregular rhythms. If I'm being the flute, I don't 'hit the keys' as such, my fingers are blowing down a cylindrical tube. There's usually settings like 'release', 'velocity' and such like on VSTis that enable you to get fairly realistic. That said, there are some instruments like trumpets that thus far have proved -in my opinion- impossible to get sounding real. Which is interesting seeing that trombones, saxes, bassoons, oboes, french horns and the like have been succesfully captured.
Go for broke, mate ! The good thing about MIDI keyboards is that they don't have to be pricey. And a cheap one will enable you to do wonders without having to upgrade like many other items of gear.