Newbie needs help for Midi usb keyboard

[k3vlar]

Hey guys,

I am looking to get a usb midi keyboard hooked up to my fairly recent year old macbook pro and learn how to play the keyboard/piano via iLife and also on garage band.

What would I need and how much would the keyboard plus the extras cost?

Thanks for the help.

 

[engz]

midi keyboards can range from as cheap as $100+ to probably $1000 or more. they have different features and all, so you want to have a balance between what you can afford, and what you want in a keyboard.

if you just want it as a midi controller and u don't need other features like sound patches, midi triggers, knobs etc, then it wouldn't be that expensive.

1 thing u might want is weighted keys, and being able to pitch shift and bend =]

after that you would need a sound interface. something that has a midi in input. and then u're good to go =] this is recording in midi/signals mode mind u. u can always get a keyboard with its own sound effects and record audio rather than midi (midi keyboards traditionally have no sound effects of their own)

hope that helps =]

 

[k3vlar]

Thanks for the detailed response. )

What would be a good starting midi keyboard for learners?

Where would be a good outlet for me to go to purchase the equipment?

 

[engz]

at times like this usually google is your best friend to locate information. not sure about outlets though as i'm just a malaysian frequenting a s'porean forum =]

 

[k3vlar]

yep yep i did, but the information's very scattered and sometimes confusing.

Gets overwhelming with all the technicalities and jargon

I'll google somemore to find out more info if i can

 

[z_z]

Hi how bout dropping by swee lee, citymusic, sinamex and resolution for a start. They are all in the same area and you can probably demo their selections...

 

[zacmat]

From what I am reading you are just starting out. It is difficult for you to use a weighted keyboard especially if not a train keyboard player and it cost more. The best is to buy a semi-weighted keyboard that do not feel plastic. The one I have is CME M-keys you can buy it from Resolution or Epi Center mac shop. its great value for $.