What controller keyboard do you recommend?

jeremykeys · Post by **jeremykeys** » Sat Sep 27, 2014 9:46 am

I have downloaded several soft synthes onto my iPad and am wondering what a good keyboard controller would be to use with it. I'm mainly looking for something small to use when I'm at the cottage.

Bald Eagle · Post by **Bald Eagle** » Sat Sep 27, 2014 11:09 am

It really depends on how small you want to go. I have a CME Xkey that I carry around in my backpack with the iPad. It's the way to go if portability is a top consideration. The key action is different than traditional keyboards since it's so flat but it's very playable.

Pros - thin, lightweight, full size keys, velocity, poly aftertouch
Cons - only 2 octaves, few controllers

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Xkey

Derek Cook · Post by **Derek Cook** » Sat Sep 27, 2014 12:06 pm

I went for the Line6 Remote Keys 25, as they were being discontinued. so were being discounted for quite a good price. Small enough to put in a small bag; only 2 Octaves, but good enough for messing about when I am away from home on business and stuck on my own in a hotel.

Only downside was the leads they give was a 30 pin connector and my iPad is Lightning. Went for some cheap adapters first and they didn't work!

Forked out the stupid amount for the Apple adaptor and it worked.

csteen · Post by **csteen** » Sun Sep 28, 2014 2:57 am

I am using a Samson Carbon 49 that plays nicely and a couple of the controls can be programed via midi learn to move filters, volume ect.. Samson also makes an equally impressive board that has pads many faders, switches ect that also work with midi learn that I am told is impressive and at 89 bucks American the Carbon is almost impossible to beat.

cytha · Post by **cytha** » Sun Sep 28, 2014 1:20 pm

I have the

Korg Nanopad 2
Korg nanoKontrol 2
Korg nanoKey 2

jeremykeys · Post by **jeremykeys** » Tue Sep 30, 2014 11:50 pm

I'm pretty much looking at small, lightweight and inexpensive. It's just for mainly sketching out ideas in the cottage when my wife is sleeping and I'm sipping on Scotch.
A quiet keyboard is also inportant since the cottage is basically just a 2 room shack in the woods. One room being the kitchen and the other is where we eat, hang and sleep.

And yes we do have a toilet but its kind of in a storage closet.

Stereospread · Post by **Stereospread** » Wed Oct 01, 2014 12:58 am

I would have to second the xkey. It's awesome and portable and plays great. After touch is awesome.

SanderXpander · Post by **SanderXpander** » Wed Oct 01, 2014 7:38 am

That cottage sounds like a great place to expand with a studio

Tom 62 · Post by **Tom 62** » Wed Oct 01, 2014 9:33 am

BTW, it's funny that you can't use the Korg Microkey for iPolysix, because you need to switch the MIDI channel to play the second synth unit. This isn't possible with the Microkey (only via Editor).

jeremykeys · Post by **jeremykeys** » Thu Oct 02, 2014 1:30 am

SanderXpander wrote:That cottage sounds like a great place to expand with a studio

I would love to except that it's not really mine. It's my wife's brothers cottage. I just call it mine because it's easier. I'll try and upload a picture or 2.

SanderXpander · Post by **SanderXpander** » Thu Oct 02, 2014 6:52 am

Ack! Foiled again!
Next birthday, get him a toy keyboard

McKabe · Post by **McKabe** » Sat Oct 18, 2014 2:57 am

I know it probably isn't the most popular answer, but...

I use the original microkorg as a midi controller for my iPad apps. I guess I've grown accustomed to the keys and basic controls. Even though it's very limited in terms of mapping, I try not to get too distracted by having too many adjustable parameters, so I'm totally cool with the basic controls of the MK.

But for me, the most notable pro of using the MK is the fact that I can use batteries to power it, so trying to power it from my iPad is a non-issue and that goes a long way with me in terms of going mobile. And it doesn't hurt having a decent synth on deck when I grow weary of my iPad apps.

Just my .02.

McKabe · Post by **McKabe** » Sat Oct 18, 2014 2:57 am

I know it probably isn't the most popular answer, but...

I use the original microkorg as a midi controller for my iPad apps. I guess I've grown accustomed to the keys and basic controls. Even though it's very limited in terms of mapping, I try not to get too distracted by having too many adjustable parameters, so I'm totally cool with the basic controls of the MK.

But for me, the most notable pro of using the MK is the fact that I can use batteries to power it, so trying to power it from my iPad is a non-issue and that goes a long way with me in terms of going mobile. And it doesn't hurt having a decent synth on deck when I grow weary of my iPad apps.

Just my .02.

csteen · Post by **csteen** » Sat Oct 18, 2014 3:27 pm

I was skeptical on claims that I would not notice a battery drain using the Samson Carbon 49 but it uses almost no detectable battery time.

jeremykeys · Post by **jeremykeys** » Sat Oct 18, 2014 6:55 pm

I'm not sure exactly what it is that I want yet. I'm not so worried about whether or not it uses batteries. I'd prefer not to have it run on the iPad's though. I'm tending to go with something small.

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What controller keyboard do you recommend?

What controller keyboard do you recommend?

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