Simple usb midi keyboard question

  • Thread starter Thread starter karmapoliceman
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karmapoliceman

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i have Reason 2.5 and want to use a keyboard with it, but at the moment can't be bothered with all the sound cards etc.
i found a keyboard for 69 pounds on apple store that does this:
M-Audio Keystation 49e USB midi keyboard
The M-Audio Keystation 49e is a 49-note full-size, velocity-sensitive USB controller keyboard designed for easy integration with Macintosh computers. Mac users will enjoy the keyboard’s true plug-and-play operation, as the Keystation 49e is class compliant in OS X and needs no other drivers. Providing seamless compatibility with many music education and music creation software titles the 49e is ideal for classrooms and studios alike. Advanced users can control software synthesizers, external sound devices, and more with the Keystation 49e’s assignable slider and pitch bend and modulation wheels. This sleek, compact keyboard is USB bus powered and requires no external power supply.
Features
• 49-note velocity-sensitive keyboard
• pitch bend and modulation wheels
• volume/control slider
• advanced function button for programming
• sustain foot pedal input
• octave +/- buttons to extend keyboard range
• separate MIDI out jack routes MIDI signals from your computer to control
• external devices
• powered via USB or 9VDC power adapter (not included)
• functions as a standalone USB MIDI interface
• plug-and-play functionality via class compliancy in OS X

will this do the job for me and plug straight into my lap top without all the midi stuff, and work with reason 2.5??? i have a powerbook G4
 
The single slider would be a deal killer for me.

M-audio has a number of other products you might like better -

If you're okay with a 2-octave keyboard, The Oxygen-8 has 8 assignable knobs and a slider.

If you want something bigger, The Radium series has 49 and 61 keys and knobs and sliders.

Of course, they cost more. The 49e will work fine, I'm sure - it will just limit you to on-screen tweaks.

Daf
 
how can i controll to match the keys on the keyboard with the keys in fruity loops i know its made to match but for some reason it doesn't its off can some one please help

myspace.com/treofspades
 
Sorry, treofspades, I don't know about that...

karmapoliceman, I've been using M-Audio keyboards for awhile and that one you pointed out would be fine except that most people would probably rather have one with more assignable knobs and faders. I'm using a MK-461C and it's got 9 faders and 12 knobs. You can assign them to stuff, like the volume of the drum track, the overall volume of everything, or how loud the strings are on track 6... assignable stuff that is nice to have. You can tweak sounds as you play with those knobs. Without knobs and faders on the keyboard you would use a mouse or computer keyboard, which may or may not be convenient.

So the one you're looking at is fine but the limitation is that it doesn't have a bunch of assignable knobs, which most people (like me) want. But if all you wanted the keyboard was for something like a straight piano sound then it would probably be fine.

The M-Audio stuff is built cheap but it has lots of features and is light for gigs, that's why I use them. I've had several keys break right off mine but I probably use it more than most people.

Another thing "missing" on that one you're looking at is assignable memory locations. Mine has 10 memory buttons (which is actually way too few) that I can use to instantly call up a certain sound. That's essential for me for playing gigs but might not be an issue for you, just thought I'd mention that.
 
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