Need Help Picking A Midi Controller

[LunaticFringe]

Hey guys, I need to get a midi controller to make use of all the cool stuff included with Sonar. I have all kinds of non guitar ideas to put into my songs, plus I want to make some drum beats. I don't need quality, just a cheap way to get this stuff from my brain to the computer. Since musicians friend is like mecca for cheap garbage, I scoured the site for awhile and found these:

1. http://keyboards-midi.musiciansfriend.com/product/CME-MKey-49Key-USB-MIDI-Controller?sku=703042

2. http://keyboards-midi.musiciansfriend.com/product/MAudio-KeyRig-25-MIDI-Controller?sku=702879

3. http://keyboards-midi.musiciansfriend.com/product/MAudio-KeyRig-49-USB-Keyboard?sku=700932

4. http://keyboards-midi.musiciansfriend.com/product?sku=703605V

I think it's a toss up between the last two. There's always a catch to this kinda stuff though, so I figured I'd ask.

 

[innerdreamrecords.co]

Re: Need Help Picking A Midi Controller

If you play keys you're gonna want the bigger board. 4 Octaves is barely enough.

 

[LunaticFringe]

Re: Need Help Picking A Midi Controller

Yeah, I would just be limiting myself with the small one.

 

[MojoMonster]

Re: Need Help Picking A Midi Controller

Hey guys, I need to get a midi controller to make use of all the cool stuff included with Sonar. I have all kinds of non guitar ideas to put into my songs, plus I want to make some drum beats. I don't need quality, just a cheap way to get this stuff from my brain to the computer.

Have you played with any of them at your local music store?
Cheap feel cheap so check them out if you can.
If you're just using it as a midi input device and don't care about "key feel", go with what has the most features or comes free with it, etc.

I picked up a 49 note Radium a few years back that has knobs and sliders but is just a bit too long and bulky to use around my computer/desk. I wish I'd gone with a smaller one like that Keyrig 25.

Since knobs/sliders are good, of the ones you listed, I'd go the KeyRig 25.
That being said, I've heard great things about the upper end CME controllers.

MM

 

[LunaticFringe]

Re: Need Help Picking A Midi Controller

Oh yeah, I've been scoping the local stores out for a year or two. even $200 bucks is too much for what I need. Heck, if I could find a way to turn my computer keyboard into a midi controller this thread would be nonexistant . I'm thinking the keyrig as well. I'm going to ask some questions over at the Cakewalk forum and see if it will mesh with my system.

 

[Rich_T]

Re: Need Help Picking A Midi Controller

I use my computer keyboard as a MIDI controller from time to time. I have also used a Wii remote and an Xbox 360 controller.

 

[LunaticFringe]

Re: Need Help Picking A Midi Controller

I use my computer keyboard as a MIDI controller from time to time. I have also used a Wii remote and an Xbox 360 controller.

Cool. How did you pull that off?

 

[Fusion1]

Re: Need Help Picking A Midi Controller

I use my computer keyboard as a MIDI controller from time to time. I have also used a Wii remote and an Xbox 360 controller.

Interesting idea. How is this accomplished? Kind of hard to switch presets via keyboard with your feet if you are playing live though...