Newbie Needs Keyboards Recommendations!

[Cheez]

The need for the types of controls (wheels, faders, knobs, ribbon etc) depends on:

1. Type of setup you have (the number of devices you intend to control - hardware and/or software; whether you are controlling patches or DAW software itself like Cubase/Sonar/Logic/Protools etc)
2. The actual softsynth/patch you are controlling
3. The genre you are playing

It's hard to determine the exact types and numbers needed. It differs depending on the above combination of factors.

Generally: electronica-type genre uses knobs more than faders; orchestral samplers uses faders and mod wheels more than knobs; faders are pretty essential if you are controlling your DAW software. Before deciding on focusing on knobs or faders etc, check your softsynth first to see which control is ideal.

In general terms, the more devices you are controlling at any one time, you'll need more controls. However, many times, controlling everything from one master controller may not be ideal as you may get confused in a live situation. But not to worry - in PC/notebook, the number of softsynths you can load at any one time is usually limited anyway (by the CPU and RAM) - hence you won't be controlling 5-6 different softsynths at any one time. If you are controlling many hardware modules, suggestion is to get the keyboard version of the module and use multiple keyboards. I've controlled up to 3 modules without too much of a hassle with one controller (have to pre-program); I can see confusion if I start to control more than that.

 

[squarehero]

Hey! Good to hear from you again..
Well I believe the Novation needs a lappie/desktop to play too right?
Coz I am looking for a keyboard that can do be used with pc/standalone now.
Yeah I don't need the drum pads either.
Thanks anyway!

Well, glad to help out. Yes, the novation is a midi controller. I think you have probably made up your mind by now about the x50. It has a usb connector so it can be used to sequence music in your PC and is a standalone synth so it meets your requirements. As ATW10C mentioned, you will need a sound card if you experience latency. Or you can try to use the asio4all driver for your music sequencer.

I think it's a great buy. Good luck with keyboard playing.

 

[leilashleigh]

Many Thanks!

Hello all..thanks for helping me & giving all the precious advices.
Though there were only a few people, really appreciate it.
Thank you!

 

[ATW10C]

The need for the types of controls (wheels, faders, knobs, ribbon etc) depends on:

1. Type of setup you have (the number of devices you intend to control - hardware and/or software; whether you are controlling patches or DAW software itself like Cubase/Sonar/Logic/Protools etc)
2. The actual softsynth/patch you are controlling
3. The genre you are playing

It's hard to determine the exact types and numbers needed. It differs depending on the above combination of factors.

Generally: electronica-type genre uses knobs more than faders; orchestral samplers uses faders and mod wheels more than knobs; faders are pretty essential if you are controlling your DAW software. Before deciding on focusing on knobs or faders etc, check your softsynth first to see which control is ideal.

In general terms, the more devices you are controlling at any one time, you'll need more controls. However, many times, controlling everything from one master controller may not be ideal as you may get confused in a live situation. But not to worry - in PC/notebook, the number of softsynths you can load at any one time is usually limited anyway (by the CPU and RAM) - hence you won't be controlling 5-6 different softsynths at any one time. If you are controlling many hardware modules, suggestion is to get the keyboard version of the module and use multiple keyboards. I've controlled up to 3 modules without too much of a hassle with one controller (have to pre-program); I can see confusion if I start to control more than that.

Thanks for answering.