Looking for a MIDI controller.

6stringmaniac

Im looking for a new MIDI controller, but really know ****-all about them.
Here is the general jist of what I'm looking for.
I have a MIDI interface already.

Price range:
Ideally, somewhere in the range of 120€ but I can go a bit higher

Keys:
I really don't know much about MIDI keyboards, but am astounded at the capabilities of them. I heard that you can only play one note at once, is this true? I would like to get something around 41+ keys, but I'm not too fussy.

Genre/Style:
I'll mainly be using it for adding backing and cool effects to some songs (kind of progressive stuff but it varies alot)
I also want something that can be used for kind of experimental-psychedelic stuff.

General Questions:
-What is the best software (in terms of range of sounds and ease of use), preferably freeware. I already own a copy of fruity loops.
-How much would could a woodchuck chuck?

condra

Midi keyboards are really cheap these days, especially second-hand. If you're not into going second-hand, check out the deals on musicstore.de or thomann.de.

A midi interface wont be required as all modern midi keyboards are USB compatable. Then again, the midi interface could be handy if you choose to get a synth and double it up as a midi/master keyboard.

My first MIDI keyboard was an M-Audio Radium 49. The build was ok, it had knobs and sliders which were handy to assign to stuff, and it worked for about a year.

If you spend a bit extra, getting something by Novation, AKAI or Edirol would probably be worth it in the long run. M-Audios cheaper stuff is flakey, the Axioms are great though.

There is a guy selling a Novation Xio-49 synth for about 200 quid on adverts.ie at the moment. If you got that it would be an absolute steal, and a great introduction to both midi, and synthesis. Definitely something that you wouldn't outgrow in a hurry. That gets my vote anyway.

You'll never get a consensus on the best sequencer ("DAW") software here, but for what it's worth...
Ableton Live is the best software ever and anyone who disagrees is simply wrong.

condra

6stringmaniac wrote: »

I really don't know much about MIDI keyboards, but am astounded at the capabilities of them. I heard that you can only play one note at once, is this true? I would like to get something around 41+ keys, but I'm not too fussy.

Midi keyboards don't make any sound. Rather they "transmit midi messages". Chances are you will be using them with a software synthesizer, most of which will play more than one note at once (polyphonic). Some people occassionally restrict their synths to be monophonic for things like retro bass sounds.

-How much would could a woodchuck chuck?

16

6stringmaniac

I also play piano, if I was to get the Novation Xio-49 or a MIDI controller in general, could I use it for putting piano in some songs?

condra

Neither a midi keyboard, or a VA synthesizer will make piano sounds. You can use piano sounds with any keyboard if you have a sample based software instrument such as Kontakt or Sampletank.

If you prefer piano style keys to synth keys, have a look at the M-Audio Keystation or Axiom.

You're welcome.

JonathanAnon

6stringmaniac wrote: »

Keys:

If you can play the piano/keyboard properly, I would recommend 49 keys at least. Make sure you have the right interface as well, most modern ones are USB. Make sure the keys are weighted at least, and has a pitch modulator.

6stringmaniac wrote: »

[/U][/B]-What is the best software (in terms of range of sounds and ease of use), preferably freeware. I already own a copy of fruity loops.

Linux Multimedia Studio is free for all platforms and is meant to be the Linux version of FruityLoops. I have been using it for the last few weeks and it's great while being a little buggy (save regularly). The other free sequencers I have tried arent great. If you are taking it seriously, then buy ProTools.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_audio_workstation#Computer-based_DAWs

that's the full list of commercial and free Digital Audio Workstations.