Need Recommendations for a Desktop MIDI Keyboard

[The Owl]

Calling on the forum's collective wisdom.

I'm looking for a 25-32 key desktop size MIDI controller for recording that doesn't cost a king's ransom. I have an 88 key weighted beast but due to relatively recent knee replacement surgery, I can't do any real heavy lifting.

 

[NegativeEase]

Re: Need Recommendations for a Desktop MIDI Keyboard

I'd go cheap with the M-Audio or Akai if you are primarily making hooks, experimenting, and controlling. no reason to sink a bunch of $$ into what is essentially a music mouse and some function keys and a turn wheel IMO .

69 bucks

139 bucks

especially this for 129.00

 

[Mincer]

Re: Need Recommendations for a Desktop MIDI Keyboard

I'd go for at least full size keys. I use an older model M-Audio Axiom, with 25 keys.

 

[dystrust]

Re: Need Recommendations for a Desktop MIDI Keyboard

I'd go cheap with the M-Audio or Akai if you are primarily making hooks, experimenting, and controlling. no reason to sink a bunch of $$ into what is essentially a music mouse and some function keys and a turn wheel IMO .

139 bucks

I have one of these and it seems to work pretty well with the computer. I also like that the trigger pads are automatically mapped to midi channel 10 to use with a drum machine. A possible downside is that it only has USB out and no midi ports, so keep that in mind if you're looking for something to use with a rackmount sound module of some sort. At least it can be powered off USB, so no wall wart necessary. Used price runs around $75.

 

[NegativeEase]

Re: Need Recommendations for a Desktop MIDI Keyboard

I have one of these and it seems to work pretty well with the computer. I also like that the trigger pads are automatically mapped to midi channel 10 to use with a drum machine. A possible downside is that it only has USB out and no midi ports, so keep that in mind if you're looking for something to use with a rackmount sound module of some sort. At least it can be powered off USB, so no wall wart necessary. Used price runs around $75.

You asked for cheap and small but personally I like nice semi weighted 61 or 88 key controllers for writing -but for experimenting and controlling, these little guys are cool.

 

[The Owl]

Re: Need Recommendations for a Desktop MIDI Keyboard



Thank you everyone for your valuable input. I wound up buying this Alesis V25 with USB MIDI and full size keys. $89 well spent for me. NegativeEase, you described exactly how I needed it to function. Since I don't have any external modules, the USB-MIDI does the job for me. At least now I can construct simpler parts while a buddy of mine can do the more complex passages.