Subject:best keyboard controller for $250

Posted by: axlegrinder

Date:7/1/2003 6:21:31 PM

I'm looking to spend about $250 for a keyboard controller and I am looking at either the Edirol 49 key PCR-50 USB midi controller (http://www.edirol.com/products/info/pcr50.html) or the m-audio Radium 61 key USB midi controller (http://www.m-audio.com/products/m-audio/radium.php).

Anybody have any experiences or preferences with either?

Subject:RE: best keyboard controller for $250

Reply by: MyST

Date:7/1/2003 6:31:15 PM

I don't have experience with either. However I do have a cheap Kaysound 61 key controller hooked up to the USB via an M-Audio UNO. Works great for what I need. No noticeable latency. I also have an Echo Mia that it's playing through. Synth-1 downloaded from KVR playing in Acid. Cheap!
So, basically what I'm saying is, don't worry about going through USB.

M

Subject:RE: best keyboard controller for $250

Reply by: L25

Date:7/1/2003 9:53:11 PM

I am also looking for a midi controller keyboard. I do not think they have aftertouch? They are velocity sensitive but do not offer channel and/or key pressure (aftertouch)?

Roland's A-37 does. http://www.rolandus.com/news/archivedetails.asp?PressID=177
and so does one of the fatar's.

I need a small one for which I have not seen any with aftertouch, with that in mind I am leaning toward the PCR-30

http://www.rolandus.com/products/subcategory.asp?CatID=8&SubCatID=38

Subject:RE: best keyboard controller for $250

Reply by: jam

Date:7/2/2003 3:12:39 AM

I'll say: go for M-Audio.
I don't have one, but a friend of mine does. And I can says, he's really really happy with it. Very sensitive, good touch, a lot of controls, and easy to work with.

Regards,
jam

Subject:RE: best keyboard controller for $250

Reply by: drbam

Date:7/2/2003 8:28:32 AM

In terms of a features/price ratio (the proverbial "most bang for the buck"), the Edirol is clearly the better deal.

drbam

Subject:RE: best keyboard controller for $250

Reply by: thephantom

Date:7/2/2003 10:35:40 AM

Ned some clarification: ANY MIDI keyboard will work with any sampler software, right? I mean Sound Canvas, Cakewalk, Sonar, etc, will have the necessary sound fonts to use, am I right? Or is there more to it than that? I am EXTREMELY new to MIDI and I was gonna buy this CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP MIDI keyboard at a pawnshop the other day but wasn't sure if it would work.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Subject:RE: best keyboard controller for $250

Reply by: SonicJG

Date:7/2/2003 12:17:31 PM

Yep, pretty much. The MIDI/Computer/Driver interface is usually much more of a factor than what controller is being used.

I've been using an Oxygen8 here at work, and it's very nice for the way I make music, though if you get one, make sure to get the latest drivers. Earlier drivers had a tendency to drop out occasionally.

Another keyboard that hasn't been mentioned yet, but is also inexpensive, is from Evolution: http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&q=evolution+midi+controller+49

I haven't ever tried it, but a friend has one at home for using with ACID 4, and likes it a lot.

HTH,
Joel

Subject:RE: best keyboard controller for $250

Reply by: axlegrinder

Date:7/7/2003 9:26:38 PM

Thanks

I bought the Novation Remote 25

Subject:RE: best keyboard controller for $250

Reply by: L25

Date:7/8/2003 9:07:53 AM

hot off the press ;^) lets us know what you think.

Subject:RE: best keyboard controller for $250

Reply by: braulio

Date:7/8/2003 11:11:31 AM

A few years ago I learned that not all midi keyboards are suitable controllers. I bought a used Korg Poly800 for $25 only to find it had absolutely no velocity or aftertouch capability. I can live with no aftertouch, but velocity is a must. I also realized that if you play keyboards with 2 hands, 49 keys is not comfortable. I like at least 61.

Subject:RE: best keyboard controller for $250

Reply by: elemmons

Date:7/17/2003 12:45:49 PM

I recently purchased the MAudio Radium 61 key controller.
I am not a great keyboard player, so keep that in mind when considering my opinion.
I'm happy with it, and I also got it for $190 from Guitar Shack.
It does support after touch.
The feel of the keys seems good to me. It also has a pitch wheel and modulation controller wheel.
Eric

Subject:RE: best keyboard controller for $250

Reply by: AnthonyJarrah

Date:7/17/2003 2:00:19 PM

I had an oxygen 8 for about 5 minutes before I realized that it was going to be returned the next day. It felt cheap and the keys on it sucked big time. It felt like I was playing a $99 keyboard from Radio Shack. If the radium is built the same way then stay away. I've since bought an Edirol PCR-30 and the keys on that feel very similar to my Kurzweil K2vx keyboard which is a world class keyboard. IMHO, it's not even a close call. Go with the PCR. But to be fair to the Radium, I've never tried it. but if it's anything like the oxygen 8, then forget about it. Edirol also released the PCR software editor which is a free download. Check it out.

Subject:RE: best keyboard controller for $250

Reply by: groovewerx

Date:7/17/2003 3:32:27 PM

I strongly suggest looking for a used synth. You can find several on eBay within your price range.

A well built synth can act as both controller and sound module.