Korg Forums

Jugo · Full Member Joined: 14 Sep 2008 Posts: 112

Can anyone suggest what midi keyboard would be good to buy for using with my m50 ? I was thinking of something like M-audio Axiom 61, or M audio Oxygen.. but heard that M-audio products aren't that good.. so then In the same price range I saw that there is also E-mu X-board witch looks quite good

so any suggestions? maybe there are other midi keyboards that I haven't heard of in the same price range? x)

StudioMan · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 3:05 pm Post subject:

I have the E-mu 49,,, and I LOVE the heavy spring action old-school synth style keybed.. All about preference..
And I LOVE the octave key on the board..

But, if I was after a wieghted action,,, take a GOOD look at http://keyboards-midi.musiciansfriend.com/product/MAudio-Keystation-Pro-88-MIDI-Controller?sku=709203

I know a couple people using this rig behind what-ever (this is the keybed I would have if I needed a decent piano action bed).
Some say the action sucks,,,, but in my opinion, it's VERY close,,,, the BEST for under $1k. Road worthy too (IMO)..

For $400, its the cat's meow!

It all depends on what you want. If you want the old school, heavy spring action, DEFINATELY look close that the E-mu controller.. Forget the E-mu if your after a piano feel! But as I said, I LOVE that tight action that nearly throws your hand in the air from the heavy spring action!! Wink

!

Mike

kanthos · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 4:01 pm Post subject:

M-Audio definitely doesn't suck. For controllers, they're definitely one of the best, if not the best, companies out there. Their audio interfaces aren't as good, but they're really not a bad company.

I used to own both a KeyStation 88es (semi-weighted) and an Axiom 61. I loved both, and found the action on the Axiom to be slightly better for my tastes.

Basically, go to a music store and try out a few, see what you like the action on, and decide whether you really need extra controls or not.
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Keyboard Rig: Korg Kronos, Moog Sub 37, Waldorf Blofeld Module, Neo Instruments Ventilator II, Moog MiniFooger Delay, Strymon BigSky, Roland KC-150, Mackie 802-VLZ4 Mixer

Jugo · Full Member Joined: 14 Sep 2008 Posts: 112

thnx for the answers! Well I had only the chance to check out the axiom, and the key action seemed a bit weird to me, but still it would suit me.. But I really think that the emu xboard would be better.. anyway, I want to use a midi keyboard for live performances with the m50, would the emu xboard or the m-audio axiom be good for gigging ?

StudioMan · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 10:28 pm Post subject:

I'd say the best advice is from Kanthos, "
Basically, go to a music store and try out a few, see what you like the action on,".

I just know this, if I didn't have my E-mu, I'd LOVE to have that Maudio 88. For a little more $, the thing is awesome (IMO).. THIS IS THE unit that made me decide to go with the M50-61, the action is closer to an upright Studio size piano (IMO) that the M50-88..

In my cover act, me and the female vocalist both play keys (well, she can REALLY play piano, I just pretend to:-)), if it wasn't so much work, I'd setup that Maudio 88 by her, then she could just reach down and have a full keyboard right there (again, to much setup work for now).

Just take a look at that M-audio 88 I linked.. I'm telling you, for the $,,, there is NOTHING even close (like there is nothing even close to the M50 in it's class).

I hope this helps!

Mike

FifthElement · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 11:11 pm Post subject:

Jugo · Full Member Joined: 14 Sep 2008 Posts: 112

Well right now I dont need a 88 hammer action keyboard.. An 61 key would probably suit me well.. Maybe later i will buy an 88 key.. Now, witch one would be better for gigging ? The axiom or the emu xboard (or maybe something else in the same price range)?Cause I want it to be able to last on the road

kanthos · Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 1:57 pm Post subject:

Jugo · Full Member Joined: 14 Sep 2008 Posts: 112

Ok thnx everyone.. I guess the best way is just to go and try them out by myself.. x) anyway, another question midi keyboards related, is there any way to connect 2 midi keyboards to the m50 ? (as if 1 wasn't enough) .. maybe connecting the 2 midi keyboards together ? hmm.. any ideas if this is at all possible ?

kanthos · Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 10:29 pm Post subject:

Yes. If you have one keyboard that combines MIDI messages generated on that keyboard (i.e. by playing it) with MIDI messages received on its MIDI input, then you can put this keyboard between the other two, so you'd go A OUT -> B IN, B OUT -> C IN.

Generally, the more gear you stack together, the more delay you add, so pro keyboard racks will use a MIDI patch bay and/or MIDI merger to combine multiple inputs (presumably on different channels) into one output.

I'm curious to know why you'd need 3 keyboards, or are you planning on hooking up other keyboards to get more sound?
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Keyboard Rig: Korg Kronos, Moog Sub 37, Waldorf Blofeld Module, Neo Instruments Ventilator II, Moog MiniFooger Delay, Strymon BigSky, Roland KC-150, Mackie 802-VLZ4 Mixer

StudioMan · Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 1:12 am Post subject:

Jugo · Full Member Joined: 14 Sep 2008 Posts: 112

kanthos · Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 12:49 pm Post subject:

You could use a footswitch set to increment the current program or combi (whichever mode you're in). Put your sounds in the order you'll need them for in your gig, hit the footswitch once, and you're onto the next set of sounds, hands-free.
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Keyboard Rig: Korg Kronos, Moog Sub 37, Waldorf Blofeld Module, Neo Instruments Ventilator II, Moog MiniFooger Delay, Strymon BigSky, Roland KC-150, Mackie 802-VLZ4 Mixer