USB midi controllers and Samplers

[whitelightening]

Any good USB midi controllers out there? I've seen a few in musiciansfriend, but I've never used one, so the descriptions don't help me much. I've seen one by M-Audio, the Radium I think. Any other suggestions would be wonderful!

Also, what is a good software sampler? Something reasonably affordable (under $400 US if possible).

[Axe2Grind]

I have an Edirol/Roland PCR80 61 note controller. Its very good, lots of assignable knobs, sliders, buttons and foot pedals and a pitch/mod stick. It also has the best synth action keyboard (IMHO) of all the USB controllers at the moment although when the Novation ReMote 49/61 controllers come out soon, I think they'll have a slightly better action. M-Audio have also released the new Pro 88 and 61ES which look real cool.

Also I think the best dedicated Soft Sampler out at the moment is Native Instruments Kontakt. But I really like the samplers in Reason 2.5, very easy to use.

[Over The Edge]

I used the Edirol 61 to demo Arturia's CS-80V and Moog Modular V.
It's a very flexible controller as I was able to pretty much access all
parameters of the programs and the price is right too.



FL
www.franklucas.net

[augerinn]

I have the Radium 61 (Midi man) and honestly, I don't like it. Very cheap feel, and some keys have a habit of "popping up" about 1/8" from the rest.

The knobs and sliders are cool, though.

[Digilog]

Also, what is a good software sampler? Something reasonably affordable (under $400 US if possible).


You should look into NI Kontakt. It's the one to beat in my opinion.