MIDI Controller Keyboard Needed

[BasariStudios]

Guys i need your help. I need a MIDI Controller but Keyboard really bad.
I have a Novation Zero SL MK2 and i am very familiar and comfortable with
using Automap. I was thinking about getting the <a href="http://us.novationmusic.com/midi-controllers/sl-mkii">­ Novation SL MK2</a>
I use Breath Controller heavily, this does not have BC IN but i can still use its
MIDI OUT or THRU to send to PC the BC. I need something over 61 Keys
and not Weighted. Any suggestions besides this???

I use heavily Cubase 6.5, Reason 6.5, Reaktor5.9, all of EWQL,
Arturia Collection V3, all of Nomad Factory e tc...

Thanks

[Corgy]

A pitty that you need something over 61 keys, so the Novation Mk II series will not fulfill your needs. I have the 61 keys keyboard and like it very much because:

- good action of the keys, inclulding aftertouch
- I like the nobs, sliders, buttons and it's touch sensitivity
- good, easy, and flexible integration in my rigg with and without Automap
- good display with much information
- Automap is a great plus for the overall usability
- lightweight and USB power
- has never let me down ...

For most two hand played parts the 61 keys are sufficient for me, but 61 becomes quite limiting, if I want to have splits (2 or 3).

[BasariStudios]

I am still looking for one and checking out...we will see. I really like the Impulse but sucks that they are all weighted.

[LZ]

Outside of BC, what other needs do you have? Currently, there are very limited offerings in 73/76-key controllers. You may want to look at used, including older 76-key workstations with excellent midi implementation that can be had cheap. I use a Roland A70 for my lower tier (though it has no BC input). Maybe consider older Kurzweil and Yammy workstations?

[Corgy]

If you want something really cool, look here:

http://www.c-thru-music.com/cgi/?page=prod_axis-64

Lot's of keys and absolutely un-weighted

I think, Jordan Rudess is also having one ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQ4nPcGC ... detailpage

[Bertotti]

You could always go to livid and build one.

[Scott]

I am still looking for one and checking out...we will see. I really like the Impulse but sucks that they are all weighted.

Impulse is semi-weighted, which is a phrase that is applied broadly enough that someone looking for "unweighted" should not avoid looking at such a board based on that alone. Some "semi-weighted" boards basically feel like simply high quality unweighted boards (some of the Rolands come to mind, like Jupiter 80, Jupiter 50, their old A50, and also the action that Korg uses/used in the Korg M3-61, M3-73, and Kronos 61). Other "semi-weighteds" feel quite different, and pretty bad IMO... you really need to play them yourself. In fact, Novation calls the SL MK 2 you like semi-weighted as well! That said, I'm not a fan of the Impulse. I do think their SL feels better even though they call them both semi-weighted.

I don't know what constraints you may have in budget or size/weight, but I agree with LZ about looking for something used and/or workstation, because that's where you may find more of what you're looking for. Dedicated controllers are generally low-end affairs these days.

If you can actually get by with 61 keys (as opposed to "more than"), I would look at a Kurzweil PC3K6 or if you can find one, its predecessor, PC361. It's a very flexible MIDI controller, including support for breath controller, up to 5 foot controllers (3 switch, 2 pedal) and 3-zone ribbon. Yes, it has a bunch of sounds built in, but you don't need to use them (though you may be pleasantly surprised by their presence). They also make 76 key versions of those boards, though that happens to be another example of a semi-weighted action that I don't really care for. But the 61 is similar feeling to the Novation SL that you like.

If you really want more than 61, there are a decent number of 73/76 key boards with actions you might like (more in the used department), but you might have to pair them with the SL Zero to get the controls you want. In the light weight category, used, I like the Korg TR 76 and Roland JV 90, both of which at least offer aftertouch, and they are old enough that they can go for pretty reasonable prices. And the Roland A50 I mentioned is a nice feeling (albeit somewhat heavy) board that actually has polyphonic aftertouch.

[BasariStudios]

Thanks guys, its confusing sometimes, lol:
LZ, basically i will use it for everything, it has to have a lot of knobs, buttons and faders, i primarilly
use Soft Synths and DAWs which those come very usefull. All the older ones are good and probably
with better MIDI then todays machines but they lack controll, some with not a single fader or knob.
CORGY, even though i am from the Balkans i dont play the BUTTONS or whatever they call it thing, LOL.
BERTOTTI, i have no clue how to go about it.
SCOTT, i thought the IMPULSE was weighted, what i like on it is also the new ARP/SEQ thing that it has,
some functions are even better then the SL MK2. I do have the M3 but i will probably get rid of it since i also
sold my Kronos too, i had 13 keyboards, sold them all, wanna get down to a Controller and a Comp,
i don't play live anymore and hardware boars just don't cuz it for me anymore. 61 would do just fine,
i know i have the ZERO SL MK2 and use one of the other MIDI controllers without knobs and faders and
use the ZERO SL MK2 for that but i wanna get rid of that too. Basically, i guess what i am saying is that
i have no option besides the SL MK2 since i want everything in one, i guess i have to play some of them.

Thanks

[GregC]

you might have to find a time machine and look for the Roland A50
This was a fabulous midi controller for me in the 90's and later.

There is the A70

[Scott]

you might have to find a time machine and look for the Roland A50
This was a fabulous midi controller for me in the 90's and later.

and actually, I might be selling mine, I just don't use it. Another item on my big list of things I intend to get around to selling!

[GregC]

you might have to find a time machine and look for the Roland A50
This was a fabulous midi controller for me in the 90's and later.

and actually, I might be selling mine, I just don't use it. Another item on my big list of things I intend to get around to selling!

I bet you took great care of it. With all the griping about todays key beds (I am on music player) a primo A50 might carry some good resale. Sold mine some yrs ago.

[BasariStudios]

Hmm..the A50 Sounds interesting...and keep my Zero SL MK2 for all the twiddling.

[pfrocha]

I use an M-Audio ProKeys 88sx with my K61 and it is great.