Recommend Midi keyboards for Logic Pro9

[Jayenciel]

Hi,
I just got Logic Pro9 & was wondering if you guys could recommend some Midi keyboards i should go with.
I need a flight portable one and perhaps 61 keys? I like to experiment with different kind of sounds and genre so im guessing i should go for non-graded? As for keyboard effects, I would like to know bout them as I'm just starting to experiment with logic. As a starter, I hope the prices don't come in thousands but i expect a decent keyboard that could last for years.

Thanks

 

[Cheez]

Your choice will depend on a number of factors:

1. The genre of music you'll be playing.
2. If you are playing live (using VSTi's) or mainly sequencing/production
3. Whether you're intending to use entirely VSTi's or if build-in keyboard sounds are important (the latter which is again dependent on point no. 1).

There are no graded keys for 61-key keyboards. Most are unweighted or semi-weighted. There are very few weighted ones (e.g. Fatar VMK-161), but none graded that I know of.

If you could answer the above questions, we can probably give you better advice.

 

[Jayenciel]

Thanks for the reply

1. Genre...hmm actually anything is fine. I can adapt to different genres.
2. I'll be mainly using keyboard for sequencing/production.
3. Since I like experimenting I think both VST & built in effect would be good

anything else i missed out ?

 

[Cheez]

What do you mean built-in effect? Effects are different to sounds. You may be mixing both of them up. Firstly, sound needs to be generated - by a sound generator. That can be a VST or hardware (ie keyboard, sound modules). Depending on the VST or hardware, each sound can be manipulated by some kind of effects (filters, oscillators etc). These can be either programmed WITH the sound, or by additional VST. Most of the time, it's the former.

If sequencing and production is what you would want to do (in Logic), then you would probably want a pure midi controller without sounds. Logic Pro comes with a set of VST instruments you can use. You can purchase more 3rd party ones. There are tons of them out there. But a good start will by Native Instruments Komplete Bundle - gives you a huge set of different types of VST and enough sound to last a very long time and to experiment with. Another one is Spectrasonics Omnisphere - also tons of sons to experiment with and easily programmable.

61 keys is a good balance. If you're a keyboardist, you may want at least 76 keys. If you're into beat making etc, then 49 keys may be sufficient.

M-audio has a number of controllers you can check out (relatively low cost). But if you want something that will last you a while (as an investment), look at Novation's SL mk2 or Impulse. The Automap 4 software that comes with them makes mapping of the controls (knobs and faders) within Logic easy. Especially if this is new to you and you don't want to spend too much time figuring out how to map controls (it can be a pain). Fatar controllers are more geared towards live performance. There are others (CME etc), but my suggestion for your needs is to stick with M-audio or Novation.

 

[Jayenciel]

I think both M-audio and Novation are both great choices!
However what are things to compare before I make my purchase and how can I decide one over another?
Also, how would semi-weighted and non-weighted keys affect the sound?

 

[Cheez]

The weight of the keys won't affect the sound. It just affects your playing. It depends on what you are used to. So you need to play around with it to know.

Depending on your genre or what you are going to use it for, you may have needs for different types of controls. If you are into electronic music, knobs are going to be important. If you are more into production (multi-track, mixing, etc), faders are important (and you need to make sure you have enough of them). If you are into drum-pads, then trigger pads are important. If you are like me who rely heavily on cross-fading (one sound morphing/fading into another), then mod wheels are important (faders can do the trick too, but it's just my preference). Some use ribbon controllers for X-Y control; some use sticks for X-Y-Z control. Each of these controls lets you manipulate effects on the sounds differently - hence why I'm asking you about your genre of choice.

Also, if you are into orchestral (like me), you may want an 88-key controller. Many orchestral samples use key-switching (ie certain range of your keyboard is mapped such that hitting a key will switch a sample - important as orchestral instruments comes in various articulations that require quick swtiching; e.g. strings are played legato, arco, staccato, marcato, detache, spiccato, tremolo, pizzicato, col legno - one hit on the key and my entire string sample switches, enabling me to play the strings as it should sound in real life). In this case, you really want an 88-key controller as the key-switches mapping takes up a large range of your keyboard.

Also, faders/knobs/wheels etc are not all made the same. Some feel like it's going to break when you play too hard with them. Some faders are automated (and you pay for them!); most are not. Some knobs are "endless" (it just keep going round with no beginning or end) while others are not. It depends on your needs. And you really need to feel them to decide.

My suggestion is to stick with Novation. You can't really go wrong with it.

 

[Jayenciel]

I use Finale 2012 for orchestration so I think I'll choose 61. So the extra keys is only for orchestra key-switching? Does it have other functionality? I can't really choose a specific genre cuz there's just too much possibilities I could work with.
Nevertheless, thanks for your help so far

 

[Cheez]

Key-switching is dependent on the programming of samples. Of course, if you're a pianist, you really want 88 keys to play the full keyboard when playing/sequencing piano. Otherwise, 61 keys is fine. Also note that using a notation program for sequencing is not ideal. You see what you sequence, but it's the playing that gives the human touch. However having said that, I've heard some music who were done by those who solely use notation for sequencing to be pretty good. But in general, it will more sound synthetic.

 

[Jayenciel]

OMG i totally forgot I'm a Classical pianist as well!!! I've always counted white keys only!! So its 88 for white+black keys LOL.
I have an orthodox approach when composing for conventional instruments. I used to get live performers to read scores as well....not now tho thus I use Finale for scoring, they have this Garritan instrument which sounds really nice (unlike sibelius).

IIRC, logic has really nice jazz/blues sounds(larger key-range would be useful here) but at the same time I'd like to experiment with those cool modern sounds Logic has to offer
....Well, guess I should try it hands on myself and see if the range works for me, I've tried smaller keyboards with the octave/transpose switch and i hate it TTM.

 

[kongwee]

When you get deeper, you need a full 88 key trust me. Some instrument in EXS24 mapped below the 88 keys. Do look the instrument map to see those sample.

 

[Cheez]

OK....so did you count only the white keys when you said you wanted a 61-key keyboard? Note that Novation does not have 88 keys controllers. 61 is the max. If doing blues and jazz, then note that weighted keys will post a little problem with playing organ/hammond, which requires quick actions and glissandos.

 

[Jayenciel]

OK....so did you count only the white keys when you said you wanted a 61-key keyboard? Note that Novation does not have 88 keys controllers. 61 is the max. If doing blues and jazz, then note that weighted keys will post a little problem with playing organ/hammond, which requires quick actions and glissandos.

hahah yea i always forgot the black keys so i thought the max range is around 61 -_- stupid me
yea i just checked out the price listing of Novation Impulse 61 from Sinamex its sgd650 . Quite ridiculous the US price is just $399
Hope i could find cheaper keyboards in Taiwan :S or get it shipped from somewhere. Im not professional
jazz pianist tho...just a humble composer ^ ^

I have a terrible hunch i cant make it with 61 . I will see what my budget allows

 

[Cheez]

Ok. So you really want an 88-key keyboard. Ok. The lower cost alternatives for 88 keys will be M-audio and CME (each have various models). Forget Novation -they don't have 88 keys.

 

[iansoh]

http://www.infiniteresponse.com/

VAX77 is your solution.

 

[Jayenciel]

Does studiologic have midi keyboards as well?

 

[Cheez]

Yes, studiologic (or Fatar) makes mainly keyboard controllers. They are more expensive.