MIDI Compatable Keyboards etc

[berkyburger123]

Hey guys,

Quick query.


I'm after a MIDI Keyboard ( like this one http://www.venuemusic.com.au/Products.asp?ProdID=2211 )

but I haven't a clue whats worth buying. I want about 16 channels output, I don't know how many keys is enough really, but the more the better, without blowing the price up too much, and my price limit is about $600.


If anyone can reccomend one that would be good or make suggestions of features/programs to watch out for it would be much appreciated.

[Rik]

It all depends what you want to do... If it's just a good feeling keyboard for playing softsynths, there's heaps of options.
If you want to go a bit more indepth, with knob/slider/pad/pushbutton controls then you have to be specifc about its purpose to find the right thing. Will you be wanting to do alot of "knob twiddling", or will having sliders be advantageous for virtual mixdowns? Would tapping out a beat with pads be handy?
Every brand has their own nifty features. With your budget, you could even combine a keyboard with a seperate other control module if you're after one of the above listed features... ie a Trigger Finger, BCR/BCF 2000 or other control toy.
The Edirol PCR M30 looks pretty damn good for the price: 32 keys isn't heaps but the 8 knobs and sliders are useful. Personally I really like the Korg Microkontrol (http://www.allansmusic.com.au/default.aspx?Pg=21&ProductCode=MICROKONTROL), it looks very verstatile and if I had a software studio I think that'd be the choice to control it all.

[berkyburger123]

Well because I am a pianist (and drummer blah blah) I'd want heaps of keys (hopefully they full 88) because I want to use ti to record basic tracks etc.
Basically I'm looking to be playing around on it though, I don't need heaps of knobs, maybe a few, but the most important thing is one that puts out plenty of channels, is USB compatible and has hammer a hammer action so it doesnt feel too shoddy to play.

[berkyburger123]

Ok, this is the type of thing I'm looking at now,

http://www.venuemusic.com.au/Products.asp?ProdID=6130


but at the bottom of page in the system requirements worry me.

What is G4? what does the rets fo that mean? Would that come on your average XP pentium 4 computer?


EDIT: I now know that G4 is in fact a mac system, laugh.