Can anyone recommend a good MIDI controller?

[sutekh]

I'm looking for a MIDI controller that actually uses MIDI, not USB. I need an extra set of keys for my Kross, but I can't find anything on this Forum anywhere about controllers.
All the controllers I've looked at on the various sites are USB-only, for controlling a computer. I need one for controlling another keyboard. Have all the companies suddenly stopped making those?

[voip]

The Roland A-88 has MIDI and USB out.

[amit]

Novation SL Series have multiple midi ports

[iowagold]

midi controller keyboards
m-audio has several, also buy the optional power supply too.

[/url]https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... tion88[url]

also get the optional power supply
[/url]https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MAud9v500[url]

and then there is the roland a88

[/url]https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/A88[url]

and optional power supply
[/url]https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PSB120[url]

I use both here in the studio...
the hammer action on the a88 roland is nice and dynamic.

big price difference on the units...

200.00 usd on the m-audio vs 1000.00 usd on the roland...

the roland is mapped for the integra7 on the supernatural...
that was the main reason I bought it!![/url]

[megamarkd]

I'm looking for a MIDI controller that actually uses MIDI, not USB. I need an extra set of keys for my Kross, but I can't find anything on this Forum anywhere about controllers.
All the controllers I've looked at on the various sites are USB-only, for controlling a computer. I need one for controlling another keyboard. Have all the companies suddenly stopped making those?

Wha?
Korg make at least one controller with DIN ports for MIDI, the Taktile. The Triton Taktile only has MIDI out, but the regular silent controller Taktile has IN/OUT so can be placed in a chain.

Aside that, I have a couple of Novation SL controllers and an X-Station (who's screen fixed itself somehow). One input, one THRU and two output DIN ports for MIDI on the SL's, with the X-Station just missing the dedicated THRU port but including the in's and out's. They do good and can send NRPN's in 14bit if needed. The next step down from the SL's also have DIN ports, but I think it's just one in and out with no dedicated THRU.

I'd steer clear of the Roland controllers, if they are anything like their old Edirol PCR range, they won't last long.

Akai are make a range of controllers with an on-board step-sequencer. They have in and out MIDI DIN ports. They have ones without the sequencer also that don't cost as much but have MIDI DIN in and out.

Arturia have their KeyLab range with in and out DINs.

I'm sure Yamaha have a model also as would Kawai, Kurzweil and Casio, just they will cost a small fortune from those companies.

Go to one of the big retail sites like Musician's Friend or Thomann and do a search for "MIDI controller". You'll get what you are after from them for sure. If worst comes to worst, you can always find new-old-stock on eBay, but I'm pretty sure you won't need to do that.

[sutekh]

The Taktile is no longer available (of course, big surprise) and it's very difficult
on any of the sites to find out if a keyboard has MIDI or only USB

[CowboyNQ]

I'm looking for a MIDI controller that actually uses MIDI, not USB. I need an extra set of keys for my Kross, but I can't find anything on this Forum anywhere about controllers.
All the controllers I've looked at on the various sites are USB-only, for controlling a computer. I need one for controlling another keyboard. Have all the companies suddenly stopped making those?

Wha?

+1

[megamarkd]

The Taktile is no longer available (of course, big surprise) and it's very difficult
on any of the sites to find out if a keyboard has MIDI or only USB

Taktiles are still available in many stores if you are stuck on buying Korg. eBay is your friend for recently discontinued products. There is always unopened clearance stock in there and often have much better images than retail sites (or even manufacturer sites).

As for using the big chain online instrument retailers, find a controller that looks like you might like using and then either look it up the manufacturer's website or do an image search or both.

Maybe even go into an instrument store and have a thump on some controllers there, just pretend you are going to buy from them if you are intending to buy online. You can also stick your head around it to see what MIDI I/O options it has.
I've never bought a controller online, the five I've owned have been from a store and I'm had a tinkle on them first. Being controllers, you don't need to even plug in/power up, they will feel the same on or off. Use the internet for finding out about reliability by looking up reviews.