Recommend me a compact midi controller:

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Byte-Mixer
Member Since: Dec 04, 2007

So, here's the deal. Not an immediate purchase, but I'm going to try to save up for a laptop and a 25-key controller/interface by christmas after i move up to Iowa.

I'm thinking along the lines of one of the compact Novation synth/controllers like the xiosynth, x-station, or possibly one of the SL mkII when they hit the market. I'd kinda like something with some on-board sounds, though not absolutely necessary, and a good sturdy or firm feeling keybed. I like the feel of my EMU Xboard pretty well. Heard good things about the feel of the Novations. And, if they're not too bulky, I may even consider getting a 37-key controller like the KB37 from Line 6.

A built-in audio interface is preferred, but not necessary as I can lug my Audiofire 4 around with me. A built-in interface would mean less cables though.

So, Ideal setup would be the keybard with the interface and some onboard synth going to the laptop, and I'd have my ATH-M40fs headphones with me. Without the interface, then I'd be toting my Audiofire4 with me as well.

Reason I'm thinking on this score, is that my fiancee likes to head over to local coffee shops to work on her papers and such, and I figure it's likely that I'll want to tag along and work/sketch music ideas in the coffee shop while she works. That, and it would be a good way for me to get out of the house when she's away on conferences and the like. (I'll probably be left behind to take care of the cats)

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I am not a crook's head
Member
Since: Mar 14, 2003


Apr 29, 2009 02:30 pm

I'm no keyboard or MIDI guru, but I do like my EMU XBoard. I got the 49-key one, and I'm glad that I got at least that many keys, even though I don't know how to play piano to save my life.

The M-Audio keyboards get good marks, although I think that the EMU boards have the best synth-action keys in thier price range. Velocity-sensitive, full-size synth-action keys with aftertouch is actually a little more difficult to find in the entry-level market than one might think. While the rest of the EMU boards have a light, plastic-y feel (including the chassis and the knobs/sliders), the keys themselves are nice.

Then there's the little Korg NanoKey controllers. I've never laid hands on one so I can't speak for their feel or quality. They're just extremely compact and intended for mobile laptop setups. There are a few MIDI controllers in the NANO series by Korg:

www.zzounds.com...amp;form=search

*edit* hmmm, for some reason that link doesn't agree with the forums here.

Here's a link directly to the NanoKey:
www.zzounds.com...tem--KORNANOKEY

And the NanoPad:
www.zzounds.com...tem--KORNANOPAD

And the NanoKontrol:
www.zzounds.com...-KORNANOKONTROL

Who knows, they may be crappy and cheap. But they're ultra-compact and full-featured.

Byte-Mixer
Member
Since: Dec 04, 2007


Apr 29, 2009 11:12 pm

This is true. but I think I'm still gonna lean towards the Novation line for now. I figure if I can get a good IT position, and save up about $2500 or so by christmas, I can get a decent laptop for around $500-$600, and $300-$500 for a good quality compact midi-keyboard. I mean, they're not that much bulkier than a wide-screen laptop, so I can fit all that stuff in my shoulder bag, and lug it around.

The other $1000 is going toward the Roland AX-Synth (hopefully) ^_^ Seriously, I just totally wanna let loose on one of those things in the home studio haha!

Later down the road once I save up a bit, I think I'm gonna plan on getting some more mics and a 12-channel mixer so I can start recording some of the local bands, and try to start getting some hands-on experience on that end. That should be interesting since I'm a total greenhorn when it comes to mic positioning and other techniques. Been reading the guides and info though, so I've got some ideas I want to try when I get to that point. I think Iowa City has something like 60 bars/pubs, so should be fun scoping out the scene at least hehe. A new adventure every weekend! lol!

Hmm, finding a room or space to actually do a recording session could be interesting though. Wonder if the local Univ. would be willing to rent a space. Have to look into that.

-J

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Apr 30, 2009 08:49 pm

So if I speed read that right you are opting more towards a synth rather then a dedicated controller and want to keep it small?

Then the X-Station would be a good choice. Not a complete hardcore synth freak synth. But a very straight up and sturdy piece of gear for sure.

Byte-Mixer
Member
Since: Dec 04, 2007


Apr 30, 2009 10:07 pm

Hey Noize, I was definitely leaning toward the X-Station. I like the xiosynth too, but I like the control surface built into the x-station definitely. And yeah, a synth would be ideal I think. I've been too long without an external synth. And I'm sure I can find one for a good price if I shop around a bit.

Also, shopping around Newegg, I think I found the laptop I want to grab. I love the black with red trim look too hehe.

www.newegg.com/Product/Pr...N82E16834152073

-J




Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


May 01, 2009 10:31 pm

Sweet, MSI are the MoBo's that I use and I swear by them. Not a bad lappy there for the price either.

Byte-Mixer
Member
Since: Dec 04, 2007


May 02, 2009 08:48 pm

Yep, MSI is good. If I ever get around to building a new compy, the board I had tagged was an MSI. I've got a parts list around somewhere I've been saving for when I actually have money to build it. Not super expensive either. should be under $600 if memory serves.

This one I'm using now I rebuilt back in 2004 after a power surge(read: lightning) nuked the A/C, traveled down, and got to my comp via the modem. And even back then it was pretty mid-range. Last set of games I think I could play comfortably were Oblivion and Stalker. I do want to play Fallout 3 someday, but not on this rig. :P

Could also use some more processing power and RAM so I can load more VST effects comfortably, and Render a finished project in less than an hour :P

(most my projects don't take too long to render/mix down, but Children took AGES. I blame FreeAmp and Antress's Modern plugins)

Anyhoo, got a little off track, so yeah, laptop + X-station + coffee shop = win.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


May 02, 2009 10:14 pm

Coffee shop?

Never thought of composing in a coffee shop before.

Byte-Mixer
Member
Since: Dec 04, 2007


May 04, 2009 12:12 am

Well, let's just say, it'll be a good way to get me out and about on occasion. It'll also be handy for taking down to my parents when we go visit them over Christmas or whatnot. Plug in the laptop, connect the x-station, plug in my headphones, and good to go.

One thing I read in the book we used for a composition/improvisation course I took always had me thinking. To try to spur on inspiration, the writer would do simple things, like walking down different paths than usual to get to the usual destination. Something about the way the brain thinks and interprets the change in scenary, situation, and getting from point A to point B.

I figured writing or sketching ideas in different places would help me gain some similar inspiration, and help me to write more frequently. Being in different places, and being around different people than the usual clique of friends. Also, I figure, if students commonly sit in coffee shops working on term papers, why not me working on music? That, and I'm kinda curious about the looks people would give me getting my stuff set up hehe ^_^

I had (and still do) a book of manuscript blank sheet music that I used to carry around campus with me. I'd go on walks, or sit in different areas, and jot down sketches and ideas that came to me. This was before I was dating of course, so part of it was hoping to get some interest and curiosity from the ladies. (which of course proved fruitless, pfeh!)

But it helped, and I did have some good ideas going. A number of em which I still haven't completed. I had an idea for a British Isles themed piece of music (think Holst, or Vaughn Williams) Still have a good bit of it sketched out, but never did get around to expanding it to wind ensemble. (need to do that one of these days)

My Spring Wind trumpet quartet was also the fruit of some of my getting out and about. The thought came to me while seeing some poor girl chasing down a paper that was being blown around in the breeze one autumn day. Same could be said for my wedding quartets too. Back when I was more into wandering around. (which for whatever reason are getting far more hearts on t61 than my other stuff. what the hell? they're not -THAT- good >_<)

So yeah, I'd kinda like to get back into being out in public a bit more. It'll probably do some good for my spirit rather than sitting home all weekend hehe. Lord knows I need to be more social (sociable?) :P

-J

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


May 04, 2009 05:56 pm

Ya, I see what you mean.

I am the same way at times. I've been known to go out driving for several hours just to listen to music for inspiration to work on a project for commercial or what have you.

If they wanted pop I would toss in things like Fear Factory, NIN, Ministry and Rob Zombie stuff.

For some dumb odd reason it would always yield the inspiration for some odd pop hook. As well if it need to be heavier I would toss some classical or the like in.

Member
Since: Feb 25, 2009


May 09, 2009 05:40 am

Hi I use a M audio oxygen 8 V2 which seems easy and reliable. Also behringer make one called a UMA25s with a built in audio interface too, it was reviewed in sound on sound magazine march 2009 and a search on their website may reveal more info. actually just checked at

www.soundonsound.com/sos/...ingeruma25s.htm

and you have to be a subsciber to their online service or you can buy the review for £0.99 UK in pdf format. have a great day...paul
ps thats a good idea about the coffee shop. korg nano key would be ideal they are tiny.

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