Roland/cakewalk A-500pro?

[creativeusage]

I'm thinking about finally starting to record more than just guitar tracks, and I'm wondering if anyone can help me choose a starting midi keyboard controller. I was looking at the A-500 Pro, and I like it, but I don't know much about midi controllers. Any advice on a good entry level midi controller?

here is an overview

[DjCryogenetic]

Depends on size requirements. I prefer 32 key ones myself.
Its a pretty good controller.

[joshhunsaker]

I would say 61-keys minimum if you want to get serious. 88-key boards are extremely useful though...

Couldn't say about that one in particular.

[Breed]

Roland is definitely one of those companies that I just kinda trust. That little controller has some pretty nice little features. I'd definitely say it's more of an intermediate level MIDI controller considering all the faders, rotary knobs, and transport controls. But honestly those are awesome and useful and easy to use if you know how to set up the connections with your DAW. Are you using cakewalk studio? That would probably help to make sure the transport controls work right =)

Not the cheapest thing though. You have to think about price versus functioning in this case. Exactly what do you want out of your controller? Are you just going to be using it to figure out melodies? Or are you more so looking for the functions like knobs, pads, etc? Or both? This would be a good one for both most definitely, but you weren't looking for all that you could go a few hundred dollars cheaper. My MIDI controller only has one fader and the 49 keys, but it only cost 65 bucks and works perfect for my needs.

In some cases it might be better if you have the peripheral space to plug in lots of USB devices. I have the Korg Nano Kontrol for my faders for instance which only cost 60 bucks. So right there I have 36 pads, 36 faders, and 36 rotary knobs, and my 49 key midi controller for only 130 bucks.

Theres a lot of ways to go, but functionality, space, USB load, neecesity, and price are all things to take into consideration here.

[creativeusage]

At 3/2/11 12:38 AM, LogicalDefiance wrote: Roland is definitely one of those companies that I just kinda trust. That little controller has some pretty nice little features. I'd definitely say it's more of an intermediate level MIDI controller considering all the faders, rotary knobs, and transport controls. But honestly those are awesome and useful and easy to use if you know how to set up the connections with your DAW. Are you using cakewalk studio? That would probably help to make sure the transport controls work right =)

Not the cheapest thing though. You have to think about price versus functioning in this case. Exactly what do you want out of your controller? Are you just going to be using it to figure out melodies? Or are you more so looking for the functions like knobs, pads, etc? Or both? This would be a good one for both most definitely, but you weren't looking for all that you could go a few hundred dollars cheaper. My MIDI controller only has one fader and the 49 keys, but it only cost 65 bucks and works perfect for my needs.

In some cases it might be better if you have the peripheral space to plug in lots of USB devices. I have the Korg Nano Kontrol for my faders for instance which only cost 60 bucks. So right there I have 36 pads, 36 faders, and 36 rotary knobs, and my 49 key midi controller for only 130 bucks.

Theres a lot of ways to go, but functionality, space, USB load, neecesity, and price are all things to take into consideration here.

That's why I'm looking for advice. Too many things to consider. I don't want to buy something cheap and regret it, but I also don't want to dole out $400 on something I might not find necessary.

I was looking at the Akai MPK mini, 25+ 49, etc. controllers and their reviews, and people say that they are a bit flimsy. They tend to have more pads because Akai is known for drum machines.

As far as I know, the A-500pro comes with software, both for recording and drumming, so I have no problem with the recording part. I have some cubase software that came with my effects pedal that is mediocre, but it gets the job done.

In terms of what I'm looking for, that would be something that is a good starting point. I am looking for a controller with pads, but I can settle on the 6-8 that come with most controllers. Keep in mind that this is purely a hobby for me. I have no serious musical aspirations because I'm busy with school. I'm not sure about how many keys I would need, or even faders or other knobs since this will be my first foray into recording.

So the question is Korg, Roland, Akai, M-audio, or something else?
Any opinions or recommendations, anyone?

[Breed]

At 3/2/11 06:39 PM, creativeusage wrote:
So the question is Korg, Roland, Akai, M-audio, or something else?
Any opinions or recommendations, anyone?

Understandable. Music is a hobby for most people, especially non-music major students.

Actually you don't see pads on a lot of entry level MIDI keyboards. BUT, there is an AWESOME little MIDI controller from Korg called the Nanopad (remember I was talking about the Nano Kontrol having faders and stuff, well this one just has a bunch of pads and an x/y pad). The whole Nano series is amazing actually. Each one is like 60 bucks. Check it out

So if thats the main thing you want, you can get a much cheaper MIDI keyboard. The advantage being that the nano series is made for those controls, not an extra feature on a keyboard, so they tend to have a better feel. The disadvantage is if you already have more then 4 or 5 USB ports taken up already, then you are starting to overcrowd the bus and will have a slower response going to the computer

[creativeusage]

At 3/2/11 09:55 PM, LogicalDefiance wrote:

At 3/2/11 06:39 PM, creativeusage wrote:
So the question is Korg, Roland, Akai, M-audio, or something else?
Any opinions or recommendations, anyone?

Understandable. Music is a hobby for most people, especially non-music major students.

Actually you don't see pads on a lot of entry level MIDI keyboards. BUT, there is an AWESOME little MIDI controller from Korg called the Nanopad (remember I was talking about the Nano Kontrol having faders and stuff, well this one just has a bunch of pads and an x/y pad). The whole Nano series is amazing actually. Each one is like 60 bucks. Check it out

So if thats the main thing you want, you can get a much cheaper MIDI keyboard. The advantage being that the nano series is made for those controls, not an extra feature on a keyboard, so they tend to have a better feel. The disadvantage is if you already have more then 4 or 5 USB ports taken up already, then you are starting to overcrowd the bus and will have a slower response going to the computer

It looks like they will be coming out with the nanopad2 and new versions of each in May. I will consider buying them, but reviews I've read say that they are flimsy and sometimes don't work when they are taken out of the box. It would not be a problem to return it to the store, but I tend to shop on eBay for deals, and returning stuff through eBay sales is frustrating. For the time being I might just get the nanopad2 when it comes out in May. Thanks.