Midi controller

[lazyyMitch]

I don't have much experience with stuff like this, so I bought reason and tried to use a normal keyboard with a midi to usb cable link to my laptop. That failed horribly so I'm thinking of buying this. Is this one any good or does anyone have any suggestions on something better? (note that I am a beginner)

[HaniiPuppy]

Quicky: Were you making sure that you were plugging the midi out cable from the keyboard into the midi in cable on the USB Midi interface and vice versa? Surprisingly common problem.

[lazyyMitch]

At 11/21/08 08:17 PM, HaniiPuppy wrote: Quicky: ........

Ya ya ya, I did all that baloney. It's Acer's fault, their computers aren't compatible with the midi to usb, that's why i'm getting a usb to usb

[lazyyMitch]

gracious bump

[Flash-MX]

At 11/21/08 08:04 PM, lazyyMitch wrote: I don't have much experience with stuff like this, so I bought reason and tried to use a normal keyboard with a midi to usb cable link to my laptop. That failed horribly so I'm thinking of buying this. Is this one any good or does anyone have any suggestions on something better? (note that I am a beginner)

I started out with an Axiom-25, although if your planning on getting a MIDI controller only, I HIGHLY recommend getting 49 key or higher-- 25 keys will get extremely limited very fast. It may be a little more expensive, but I would go with the Axiom (M-AUDIO) all the way. It doesn't feel cheap at all and the semi-weighted keys make playing all that more pleasurable.

http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Ax iom49.html

On the M-audio website it has it at 330USD, but if you have a guitar center around you, it may be significantly less

http://www.guitarcenter.com/M-Audio-Axio m-49-49-Key-USB-MIDI-Controller-10357362 2-i1154831.gc

[VegetarianMeat]

At 11/21/08 08:29 PM, lazyyMitch wrote:

At 11/21/08 08:17 PM, HaniiPuppy wrote: Quicky: ........

Ya ya ya, I did all that baloney. It's Acer's fault, their computers aren't compatible with the midi to usb, that's why i'm getting a usb to usb

That doesn't make much sense. Did you try going into the preferences and adding the controller to Reason?

[lazyyMitch]

At 11/22/08 12:46 PM, Flash-MX wrote: semi-weighted keys make playing all that more pleasurable.

Are the weighted keys a big deal? I normally play on a 3/4 grand piano.

If so I could get the 49 key one, or it's only 20pound more for the 61 key. Is it worth getting the bigger one?

[lazyyMitch]

At 11/22/08 01:05 PM, VegetarianMeat wrote: That doesn't make much sense. Did you try going into the preferences and adding the controller to Reason?

Yeah, I gave up trying to make it work ages ago.

[DavidOrr]

A MIDI to USB cable (where the midi part is plugged into the keyboard) should work with your computer, regardless of manufacturer. Most MIDI-USB cables have an actual converter box in them, you will just need to install the proper drivers. If there is a problem, it isn't Acer's fault- if anything it'd be a Windows driver/BIOS problem.

But at any rate- I'd second the Axiom. It's a little more expensive per key than a lot of midi controllers, but it's built very well and has a nice Semi-weighted feel to it. If you can, I'd go with at least 61 keys in a controller if it will be your main keyboard. Right now I'm working off of a 49 key Axiom and I find myself having to do all sorts of tricks just to be able to play in parts. Just keep in mind that you will get what you pay for; so going for the cheapest think possible isn't the greatest idea.

Check ebay for a used upper-end controller (like the Axiom, or the Novation X-Station). That way you'll keep the price down, but still get a quality 'board.

[lazyyMitch]

At 11/22/08 02:10 PM, DavidOrr wrote: A MIDI to USB cable....

To be honest my keyboard is feck old, but I will have one last try to see if it will work. 99.99% chance that it won't though.

Check ebay for a used upper-end controller (like the Axiom, or the Novation X-Station). That way you'll keep the price down, but still get a quality 'board.

Checked on Amazon and it's cheaper, Novation X-Station is out of my price range, even the Axiom 49 is pushing it a bit, but I think thats the one for me.

[Flash-MX]

At 11/22/08 01:17 PM, lazyyMitch wrote:

At 11/22/08 12:46 PM, Flash-MX wrote: semi-weighted keys make playing all that more pleasurable.

Are the weighted keys a big deal? I normally play on a 3/4 grand piano.

If so I could get the 49 key one, or it's only 20pound more for the 61 key. Is it worth getting the bigger one?

Yes, def. worth the extra cash for the bigger one,
Whatever tricks DavidOrr mentioned about on the 49 key one, its almost 10x magnified on a 25 one :(
I thought it would be better to start small as a beginner, but its really a bad deal down the road
If you go for the Axiom, I'd reccomend the 61
The weighted keys aren't that big of a deal, but comfort wise and overall playing wise, i would prefer weight over light any day. It also doesn't feel as cheap if that makes any sense.
Plus, the sliders and LCD screen and knobs and pads make it well worth the pound

[VegetarianMeat]

I also recommend the Axiom. I'm using the 61 key version. Got it for 330$ at some music store near my place.

[lazyyMitch]

I'll try and convince my mummy to donate some cash toward the 61 key version.