Tips on getting Midi Keyboard Controller.

fanir

New member
I'm thinking of buying a keyboard controller to play live, practice and home recording. I'm using it with my laptop sequencer with all the sounds coming from it. I'm looking at 3 choices now and its all from M-Audio. However, I'm open to all opinions.

Keyboards [Midi Controller]

[Key Rig 49 - $195] [Keystation 61es - $280] [Oxygen 49 - $280]

Thanks in advance.

Oh yeah, my budget would be like less than $300.
 
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Fanir, it will depend on your needs and the type of music you are making. This will determine the number of keys and the number of controllers (knobs and/or faders) you need. Functionality is key, then budget, then brand. Don't go by budget or brand first - may end up getting something that you don't need or lack functions you need. Any of the M-audio will do fine.
 
For the lower end ranges, there's not much differentiation between the different brands - it's all going to be the same. If you're not much of a keyboard player, then a 49 key is fine. If you're also going to take it for gigs, it'll be a lot easier to lug around. You might like to look at the korg microkontrol as well. Though it doesn't have full sized keys, it's got quite a number of other controllers on board, but i don't think it'll be under 300.

my suggestion is to buy what you like now, and start saving, because sooner or later you're going to be buying something else as a complement to whatever you have now.
 
A 61 key controller is recommended if you are going to play/sequence piano parts. In my opinion, a 49 key is severely limited. Many choices available ( M-audio keystation, Korg Kseries, Novation remote, Upcoming yamaha K controllers and more)

Do try before buying as different manufacturers have different key touch.
 
How? The KX was only recently announced and not begun to ship yet.

From an email I sent to Yamaha they said probably only from Q3 onwards would stock arrive. Even Sweetwater only gets stock in May.
 
The KX series is already on display and on sale.

Exception to KX8, this will be only in stock sometime in May
 
Yup I just noticed it today. Sorry for that! I was only looking at the KX8 when I saw "In Stock" for the 61 keys at Sweetwater.
 
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