New Keyboard!

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Well, not quite. I'm looking into buying a new keyboard for my production, since I have one right now.. But it's not necessarily "Studio quality" IT doesn't have a whole lot of options, and the options it does have, are options inside options inside options that are so hard to function. So, I'm looking for a decent keyboard that can hook up to my laptop. I haven't deciphered price, so any range is available at this point and time. Hopefully less than 200 bucks, which I know is a hard range. But, I'm really focusing on my beat production right now, so I need some hardware, I can't do it all in software anymore, it's just too hard.

I need some idea's of what are some good keyboards, and what are some good adapters that I should get to use "those" keyboards. Since my laptop only has the USB port, at a maximum of ports for the input. I also know that USB Doesn't really give the same quality as MIDI does, but I don't have a MIDI input, so would a MIDI 2 USB be worthy? or should I go with a MIDI to the gaming port, I forget it's name.. PCM something or other.

Thanks in advance for all the assistance. :)

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P.S. If you want to see "WHY" I can't continue with just software, click the Soundclick and listen to a few, I need some help. :cool:
 
Re-Lapse said:
I also know that USB Doesn't really give the same quality as MIDI does,
Click to expand...

Midi really doesnt have "quality", its either yes or no, on or off. Unless there is latency they should be the same.

Do you want a keyboard controller or a keyboard that makes sounds? For sounds, your best bet might be used, if there is a market in your area ( or ebay). 200 wont get you much as far as a synth or decent sounds new.

200 will get you a keyboard controller, losts to choose from. I suggest 61 keys, 49 doesnt always cut it. I am also getting a keyboard or module this week, not sure what kind yet. Something cheap. :D
 
I just got a Korg K49 and have no complaints. It's cheap and does it's job, plus the joystick can be used as a mouse if that's your thing.

I just got it to keep in front of my computer when I'm playing, so I don't have to walk across the room to play my keyboards.

I use the USB midi on it, and I've had no problems. My hardware synths are all routed through an m-audio midisport 8x8, and everything plays together nicely.

The only problem is there isn't any aftertouch, but I prefer to automate that stuff anyways since it's a lot easier to add it then erase it after smashing down on the keys too hard.

Plus, the M1LE sounds are delightfully cheesy...

You really have a lot of options in the under $200 controller keyboard genre. If you don't mind cheapo feeling keys and just need something to allow you to play your softsynths without a mouse, you really can't go wrong with any of them.
 
Oh, but if you're looking for a hardware synth, the only thing I can think of that you can find in that range would be an old yamaha dx100. You could use it as a midi controller, too, and then get a talkbox and try to be like Roger.
 
Is there a brand preference I should be looking out for? Is there some that I should avoid?

That's all I need to know for now. I may think of more questions. :P

Oh, If I get the Keyboard that has MIDI, and I just get a MIDI2USB, it'll be fine, I don't need anything else, right?

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Optimus MD1200
 

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I was looking at a couple in my price range, they run around $200.00 Elsewhere, but I found it for a decent price on amazon ($188.00) but it doesn't list the same attributes, as thouroughly as musicians friend does. So, I'll post the musicians friend link instead. They are the same keyboards, though, product number and all.

I'll just list a few of them that I'm interested in, tell me what you think the quality is and if they are worth the money.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Casio-CTK900-61Key-Portable-Keyboard?sku=706071

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Casio-LK94TV-61Key-Lighted-Portable-Keyboard?sku=706074

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Casio-LK300TV-Lighted-Key-Keyboard?sku=702999

and last but not least.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Casio-CTK900-61Key-Portable-Keyboard?sku=706071X
 
Casios arent exactly state of the art. If its all the money you have, so be it. Personally I would look at a Yamaha in the same range. Yamaha

This would work, it would work better if you dont use the speakers that are built in.
 
DavidK said:
Casios arent exactly state of the art. If its all the money you have, so be it. Personally I would look at a Yamaha in the same range. Yamaha

This would work, it would work better if you dont use the speakers that are built in.
Click to expand...

Well, Is my keyboard worth anything? Haaaaaaaa

Also, I have an amp that I can use... I think... somewhere anyway, so I don't have to use the speakers that are built in.

Any other recommendations?

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