Another controller question....

[Debinani]

I'm currently using an m-audio 64-or-so key controller, and while it works okay, I'm about to get a much bigger desk and yearn to have not only a full 88 keys, but better weighted action so I can perform on it a bit more naturally.
I don't need a zillion knobs or buttons - I just use a mouse.
Don't need onboard sounds, it's never leaving my desk.

So does anyone have any recommendations that stand out above the rest?

[landford]

You may want to re-consider the weighted keyboard. Yeah it's great for one thing IMHO; playing piano. Ever try to do a harp run on a weighted keyboard? Dang that hurts! I find for most everthing else, drums, brass, strings, woodwinds the un-weighted get my vote. I guess if you enjoy playing a nice controller with the bosendofer like I certainly would, maybe you might want to consider having two controllers.

Just my cents-
Tom

[Petronome]

I used to have both weighted 88 key keyboard and a high quality 61 key synth action keyboard. Now when I sold the 61 key synth, I only have weighted 88, which I use for everything. First I really missed the synth action for drums, basses etc., but now I'd probably say weighted action is better for almost anything. If you can play piano even a little, you'll probably feel much more home with weighted action, even with such sounds as drums, for example.

The weighted action does have disadventages in certain situations, like keys being too slow some times. However, it gives you much wider dynamic range, and it is much easier to play dynamic and espressive lines. Anyway, this is my opinion, not any strict fact. And, if I had money, I still would buy a synth action to go along with the hammer action. I'm just not too excited about the basic MIDI-controller keyboards, the actions of which usually suck.

The hammer-keyboard I use is Roland RD-300sx. I'd say that's your best bet for a weighted controller. The touch is stiff enough to play pianos, but no too stiff to play other sounds. In best weighted boards for pianos, the action should be quite stiff, but usually they are too stiff for other sounds (say, Yamaha P90). What sucks in RD-300sx in terms of controller, the wheel. It doesn't have the typical two wheels for pitch and mod, but a stick which when moved to left and right adjusts the pitch, and when pushed forwards adjusts the mod. The pitch works with it, but the stick only goes forward like couple of milli-meters, so it doesn't give you even near enough room for, say crossfade-patches. Also, the board has no other controllers such sliders and knobs (actually, there's two knobs and two sliders, but I think they can't be used for anything else than internal controlling).

Just remember to say away from those weighted MIDI-controller keyboards, like Fatar (Studiologic), M-Audio and such. Their action isn't too good, nor is the durability.


My two cents.

[jmazzei]

I've been a piano player for 35 years and yet I still prefer to sequence single note (orchestra) parts with a synth action keyboard.

Most decent keyboards of any type should give you an option to modify the velocity response to your style. Usually this is easier than modifying the samples in the computer to respond to your playing style.

Even so, I still prefer a synth action for flutes, violins, etc.

Happy New Year.

John