Reddit reviews M-Audio Keystation 61ES 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Semi-Weighted Keys (OLD MODEL)
We found 5 Reddit comments about M-Audio Keystation 61ES 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Semi-Weighted Keys (OLD MODEL). Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Programming Options include: Octave Shift, Transpose, Program Change, Bank LSB, Bank MSB, MIDI Channel MIDI out for USB61 note full-size velocity sensitive, semi-weighted keyboard.MIDI Out socket. USB to MIDI OUT interface. DC power input for stand-alone use (adaptor not included)Function button for programming. Assignable data up/down buttons.Powered by USB.Reset all controllers, Wheel assign, Slider Assign.
You mean the inexpensive MIDI keyboards? 61-key M-Audio MIDI controller.
The brand-new price is $160, but look at the used and those are all around $100. I bought mine used like 2 years ago for $120 and it still works PERFECT. The machinery is VERY simple so buying used/new makes almost new difference.
Well, first off:
If you want #1, you'll have to settle for a smaller #2 like 37 or 25 key. Akai makes some decent keyboards at a decent price.
If you don't care for any kind of fancy extra shit, you can easily find deals for a MIDI keyboard thats around 49-61 keys and will do its job.
When I first started off, I saved a bunch of money and made the mistake of buying the Novation SL MK2 61-key controller, thinking that I would customize all the special knobs and faders to my work flow....NOPE!
Quickly returned it and bought a used:
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Keystation-Keyboard-Controller-Semi-Weighted/dp/B0002H0GF0/ref=pd_ybh_1
they sell this keyboard in smaller sizes and around your price range. I recommend something simple until you figure out what your work flow is.
So maybe you just want to get a cheap 61-key controller and a nanoKONTROL. Use velcro strips to attack the nano to the top of the keystation above the keybed :)
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Keystation-61-Key-Semi-Weighted-Controller/dp/B0002H0GF0
http://www.amazon.com/Korg-nanoKONTROL-USB-Controller-White/dp/B001H2P294/ref=sr_1_3?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1332993347&sr=1-3
EDIT: It will look something like this http://i.imgur.com/lczsn.jpg
Novation and M-Audio are usually best sellers, and are fairly common in home studios. I prefer the feel of the Novation Impulse line, and the M Audio Axiom Air series. I would probably choose an M-Audio midi controller if all you have is around 200. Behringer used to be ok, but major companies (Musicians Friend, Guitar Center) have dropped them from their product line, and support is nearly impossible from Behringer. I had to order a piece from Behringer for a customer, and it took 2 months just to get a hold of the right part number, then another month to get the part shipped from the factory.
Alesis is great as well, if you dont need all the drum pads, knobs, or sliders.
In the 200 dollar range you should do just fine, I would grab an Axiom Air 25, or a Novation launchkey 49. If you need the 61 keys, get a basic M-Audio keystation, or Oxygen. Those UXM610 feel like spongecake, and have connectivity and mapping issues.
Get this one for 61 keys.
Links for days!
here
here
and here
Let me know if i can help you out!
Lots of people are suggesting that you learn to play on something cheaper first. That's how I started a few years ago, and it's definitely a good choice. If you do decide to go that path, the most cost effective solution would be to buy a midi controller.
Midi controllers cost less than ordinary keyboards of the same quality because they don't come with on-board sounds; you'll have to plug it in to a computer or laptop to play anything. Fortunately any software you'd need can be found for free, and I know of a couple of free piano programs that have better sound quality than most entry level keyboards in that price range.
The midi controllers I linked have 61 keys, rather than 88. That's more than enough room starting out though. In terms of feel, real piano keys are weighted and harder to push down. This controller has semi-weighted keys, for about 50$ more than the others which should make transitioning to heavier keys easier. I had a really crappy keyboard, and it only took me a week or so to comfortably play weighted keys so this isn't all that necessary.
You also need a sustain pedal which might not be included, but they're cheap.
All in all, it should only cost $150-$200 for something that would normally be $500.
If you don't have a computer, or it's more than six or seven years old, this might not be the best solution. Otherwise, though, it could save you a couple hundred bucks in the long run.