Good MIDI controllers

[Liquid Shadow]

So recently I've been thinking of getting a synth module and a MIDI controller to go with it, and I'm trying to think of what MIDI controller I want...

I was talking with Scrap about this earlier today, and he recommended to M-Audio 88 key weighted one, and I've also been looking at the Roland A-37 (I think that's it...76 semi weighted keys)
I dunno which one I want, I'm planning on trying both out, but if there's any other good ones you guys would recommend, I'd appreciate it.

Basically, I want a nice semi-weighted to light fully-weighted action, and the pitch bender on the left side instead of up on the top like some of them have it. Other than that it really doesn't matter...


Ready...set...go!

[Last Viking]

Hey, what happened to DX-7... It's still my controller. Aftertouch sucks, but i think its just too old.

Yamaha DX-7, gives you the best workout ever! :keys:

[Liquid Shadow]

How's the action on it?

[Spacehog]

The DX-7 is oft regarded as having one of the best actions around... it's been a long while since I've played one, so I can't remember personally. But it's only a 61 note board...

The Roland A37 is a great controller, really nice action, light and portable. Got 2 midi outs too, which could be useful. The M-Audio is, according to reviews, something of a mixed bag. I've heard generally bad reports about the key action, although it appears that some are very good (poor quality control) and it's primarily designed to be used with a computer, not as a stage controller. More features than anything though! I understand neither come with a mains power adaptor, but you can pick them up for about £8.

Martin

[Liquid Shadow]

Alrighty..

I seem to recall DX-7's as having synth action though, or I am I imagining things? I've never played one, but I always thought they had 61 keys (too lazy to look it up right now...) Are those just 61 semi/fully weighted keys then?

I also thought that was an actual synth, not just a controller (though it could be used as such). Would I be able to pick one up for about $400 USD?

[Axe2Grind]

I personally would not recommend the A37 because the key action was horrible to my fingers, I did'nt noticed it was semi weighted although it was described as such, I went for the Edirol PCR80 in the end, had a way better action and a ton more controllers. Its only 61 note's but if you're not planning any solo acoustic piano concerts with it then its great for most things, it's very sturdy and light too. You could also try the 2nd hand market, I've always been a fan of the Roland A50 controller which has a great 76 note semiweighted synth action. The M-Audio Pro88 is also a pretty good bet, I've seen review's on harmony central, but I would not take these review's as gospel, its all down to personal taste when it comes to key action, so I'd try one of those out too. Let us know what you end up getting, always interested in people buying new stuff, it helps my addiction. :lol:

[NoSunset]

Hey there

I use an A-37 and have been very pleased with it so far as a controller.

I guess its very subjective and much dependant on opinion and playing style, but i've been very impressed with the action of the keys so far, and with the board in general. I managed to get it new for less than £300 also, so it was pretty good value for money. But, as i say, the way a board feels is very subjective, so try a few and go with the one that feels the best, only you can decide that!

Cheers,

Pat

[lighthouse]

I haven`t received my keystation pro88 yet.....and I`m just dying to put my hands on it.......damn third world stores!!!!!. But anyway thy say now that I`ll have it on the first week of august. I swear guy that I`ll tell you my impresions about it.

I`ve played the A37, and personally didn`t like the key action, but as NoSunset says it`s very subjective


Cheers
Juan Pablo

[Liquid Shadow]

I personally would not recommend the A37 because the key action was horrible to my fingers, I did'nt noticed it was semi weighted although it was described as such, I went for the Edirol PCR80 in the end, had a way better action and a ton more controllers. Its only 61 note's but if you're not planning any solo acoustic piano concerts with it then its great for most things, it's very sturdy and light too. You could also try the 2nd hand market, I've always been a fan of the Roland A50 controller which has a great 76 note semiweighted synth action. The M-Audio Pro88 is also a pretty good bet, I've seen review's on harmony central, but I would not take these review's as gospel, its all down to personal taste when it comes to key action, so I'd try one of those out too. Let us know what you end up getting, always interested in people buying new stuff, it helps my addiction. :lol:


Woah, I never saw those before...looks like another one I'll be trying out.


Btw, thanks to everyone who's replied, I really appreciate it. :)

[Spock's Theater]

I've been thinking of buying the gheystation pro for a while now. There's going to be one in my local store on the 2nd of August. I'm going to try it first of course. The reason I'm looking for a weighted controller is that lately I've gotten more into piano stuff.

Are you going to part ways with your wk 3500 then? :cry:
Actually I'd sell my wk 3000 if I could get any decent sound module for a low price, two keyboards would take way too much space in my room.

[Liquid Shadow]

Well the plan is right now to buy the controller first, and use the sounds from my Casio until I get the module.

I'm not planning on selling my Casio anytime soon...I'll probably wind up leaving it with my friend so that I'm not dragging stuff back and forth to band practice all the time, and then use the module/controller for gigging.

[Over The Edge]

If you plan to use the M-Audio Keystation as a studio piece
with softsynths (Reason, NI stuff) and sequencers (Ableton Live)
then it's perfect.

For live use, it is very limited as it can only hold 10 presets.
Not too much flexibility there. The action is only so-so
especially if you are of the nimble fingered variety.

Nice, big display though.



FL
www.franklucas.net

[St0rMl0rD]

kurzweil pc88mx.

that's it.

finito.

no discussion.

[Last Viking]

Back to topic...

In my opinion Yamaha's lightweight keys has the best action that i've
touched.
DX-7 has very good action, but it's noisy. (it bothers if you play very
quiet, keys clap clap clap like hell...)
Off-topic:
Motif 6 has also good touch, not as good as DX but still rocks over
Karma or Triton

[Last Viking]

Is Kurzweil PC1x 88 a newer version of PC88MX
and would you recommed it for buying?

finito.

no discussion.

:P :P

[Liquid Shadow]

Motif 6 has also good touch

That it does.

[Spacehog]

Definitely a matter of opinion, I hate the feel of the Motif 6... I'd take a Roland action any day over it... E-MU PK6 is a pretty decent midi controller, too, with some kick-ass sounds to boot :)

Martin