Suggest me a cheap master keyboard

[andtrea]

I was watching to something to start to creating minimal loops and beats (with Ableton?) and control cool virtual instruments application like Arturia Minimoog etc..
49 keys probably would be the right number and size.

For now these are the most ineteresting ones:
-Behringer UMX 49
- M-Audio Keystation 49
- CME...?

There is some probability that I could use it with PC and Mac, so the Behringher wouldn't be Mac compatible?

As a guitarist that tries to discover a dark worldI would like to know your offset opinions and suggestions

[Orang Goreng]

Some of those have a built-in audio interface. Would you need that?

If you don't, I'd have a look at this one. I don't 'personally own it, but having all those MIDI-assignable controllers is really useful if you work with virtual instruments. I have this one because I need a full-sized board, but especially since I use it for drawbar organ a lot, I basically will have to buy something like this at some point (http://www.m-audioshop.nl/controlsurfac ... nuc33e.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;). If you buy a board with all those functions already built-in, you're set straightaway.

[djetz]

I have an Edirol. Haven't used it in a while, but I like it. I chose it because they have a nice action: the keys feel good and respond well to dynamics.

Mine is an older version of this model:
http://www.rolandus.com/products/produc ... rentId=114" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Orang Goreng]

Ooh, it has aftertouch. That's a nice addition.

[duckpow]

I've got a keystation. Very good for the price, and even though it's cheap plastic, it can take a little beating way better than any behringer device!

[djetz]

Ooh, it has aftertouch. That's a nice addition.

Mine doesn't, it's an older model.

Still, I'm very happy with mine.

[andtrea]

The Edirol Pc-300 seems cool too, but it's not fully compatible with Ableton.

http://www.ableton.com/pages/controllers/keys" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

So, I'd prefer to watch only between these "approved" controllers, and, actually, the Axiom with that cute pads seems veery interesting.
The Korg MicroKontrol and the M-Audio Oxygen and Axiom seems to be the cheaper ones, arent'they?

[Orang Goreng]

As far as the M-Audo goes yeah. Instinctively I always tend to recommend the cheapest one that'll do the job well (i.e., the one I'd buy myself). If you have more cash to spend, invest in one with a nicer keyboard, though if the one on the Axiom is like that on the Keystation series, it's actually pretty superb value for money.

[fibreman]

For at home, go for a cheap M-Audio or similar. If you want to assign the controllers to all kinds of things in your DAW then Novation seem to have it sewn up. The only point of having the expensive ones is either if you're going to gig it (I used to gig the cheap M-Audio ones and broke the keys off one, and the pitch bend wheel on another 2 - i'm an animal ), play lots of piano, or if you're just stinking rich.

[El Pr0n]

Any controller is compatible with Ableton, surely? That list you linked to is a list of controllers that have 'instant mapping' supplied by Ableton. You don't need that.

[Pingu]

I have a CME. The keys are a little noisy and one of the A keys recently stopped working unless I press really hard. I can't recommend it.

[andtrea]

As far as the M-Audo goes yeah. Instinctively I always tend to recommend the cheapest one that'll do the job well (i.e., the one I'd buy myself). If you have more cash to spend, invest in one with a nicer keyboard, though if the one on the Axiom is like that on the Keystation series, it's actually pretty superb value for money.

For at home, go for a cheap M-Audio or similar. If you want to assign the controllers to all kinds of things in your DAW then Novation seem to have it sewn up. The only point of having the expensive ones is either if you're going to gig it (I used to gig the cheap M-Audio ones and broke the keys off one, and the pitch bend wheel on another 2 - i'm an animal ), play lots of piano, or if you're just stinking rich.

Very wise, and this is my intention too, after all would be my first attempt, if I discover that I like that, I could upgrade in the future to a better machine.
The idea is to create beats and drum/bass loops (probably not played live) for a minimal guitar duo project... and eventually gig with it, but as I wrote above, it's better to try a cheap one for now (as title says ) .
Really not stinking rich here man, but that little pads seems interesting and sooo cute

Any controller is compatible with Ableton, surely? That list you linked to is a list of controllers that have 'instant mapping' supplied by Ableton. You don't need that.

I think you are right, but when I tried to search some info about the edirol I found a lot of discussions about difficulties mapping keys, etc.
Actually, if I can fix a Jazzmaster bridge I think I could easily manage this ... otherwise I could resell the keyboard on internet

[El Pr0n]

Mapping is super-easy in Ableton anyway, I doubt you'd have a problem.

I'm really liking the look of the M-Audio Axiom, I'd love to have all those controls right there on my keyboard. I'm trying to do everything with a Korg NanoKontrol, which is great, but a little limited.