School me on MIDI Controllers

[ImmortalSix]

OK so for a while now, I have been wanting to get a MIDI controller, both to add keyboard/piano parts to music and to be able to make beats with a more tactile interface (software sequencers suck the spontaneity out of making an awesome beat)

SO, I need a MIDI controller. (Right?)

Software recommendations are not needed at present, I have demo versions of Reason and FL Studio, I hear both of those (full version) programs are pretty full featured, and pretty standard.

What kind of MIDI controller for me?

Thanks!

-Hunter

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: School me on MIDI Controllers

I am thinking about the M-Audio Axiom 25 --- It's a pretty full featured unit with 25 semi-weighted keys, 8 rubberized drum pads (a big selling point for me), transport controls, and 8 rotary encoders. It has the pitch and mod wheels, of course.

Any ideas --- too much, not enough?

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: School me on MIDI Controllers

bump for the after-work crowd

I'm surprised

 

[innerdreamrecords.co]

Re: School me on MIDI Controllers

If you play piano parts you would want a 4 octave board at least, 2 octaves is too small I think.

 

[Fresno Bob]

Re: School me on MIDI Controllers

Your best bet would be to go try and demo some of the ones out there and see how they feel for you. I haven't tried the M-Audio controllers, but I can definitely vouch for Edirol. They make some great, durable controllers. I've bought Edirol and most of my friends have purchased them as well after using mine.

If anything, stay away from the Oxygen controllers. For the past couple years, they've been releasing models that have too much of an empty gap between the keys, which kinda feels off when playing it, as they'll shift side to side.

my .02

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: School me on MIDI Controllers

thanks bob and thanks mods for moving this!

 

[Johtosotku]

Re: School me on MIDI Controllers

I had the 49 key Axiom. It was a solid piece but for any kind of piano work I highly prefer the feel of a good digital piano. I also didn't really see the drumpads that useful for me, ymmv.

Arturia makes a terrific product (especially for beginners) with their Analog Factory Experience. I sold my Axiom when I got one. That said I have a Roland FP7 for my piano work.