Midi-In Keyboards/Synths

[old.knightoftheskY]

Im looking to get one of these, for my computer to combine with reason/sibellius, and other such programmes. I was looking at the Korg XD5 but only really by recommendation through someone else. If anyone has got any advice on getting one, or knows a particular model/make that are excellent. Please let me know, I am also aware that they are expensive, but hopefully due to me being at school, I can get it from an 'educational Supplier' and get it slightly cheaper.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Scooba Da Bass]

E-mu or Korg are your best options really. However unless you inted to be using it live I'd suggest taking a look at Native Instrument's Reaktor! It's basically a constuction set for synths and the like that will allow you to contruct anything that you want. The obvious benefit being that you'll have access to a shedload of sounds, if you couple that with a decent midi controller, perhaps something like the PhatBoy you've got a setup that is way more flexible than a synth box and at a cheaper price.

 

[Nos-]

Mate of mine has a Roland PC-160A, cost him about £70. Good if you want a simple midi keyboard that doesn't take up an entire desk.

http://www.musicvillageschools.co.uk/mvproduct.asp?productid=3881

 

[Scooba Da Bass]

I was assuming that he wanted a synth that can accept a midi in, although the post doesn't make it very clear, If that's not the case I'd recommend getting something a bit bigger simply because it's easier than fucking around with an octave up/down key.

 

[old.knightoftheskY]

Yes, apologies for the ambuguity, it does have to be midi-in, so i can use it with my computer (if thats what it needs to be able to be combined with programmes) and I dont intend to use it live. I would have thought getting lots of sounds for it, would be very costly, but maybe it isn't.

Im thinking that perhaps i dont know as much i thought i did about all this, but all help is much appreciated.

So to revise the 'im looking for', its a midi in keyboard/synth, preferably under about £375.

 

[Scooba Da Bass]

Ok, in that case I'd suggest getting a large (61 keys) midi keyboard, it's hard to make a bad one of these but look for the normal names; M-audio, Evolution you shouldn't pay more than 150 quid for a decent one. If you already have the software you'll then have enough spare for a nice controller http://www.musicvillageschools.co.uk/mvproduct.asp?productid=3365 something like that will make your experience so much more fun.

 

[old.knightoftheskY]

I see, so paying £300 for the Korg XD5, would be a complete waste of money then?

 

[Scooba Da Bass]

Possibly. It's a very nice keyboard, and you're garunteed quality as it's Korg. However you are paying at least 150 quid for the onboard sounds and synth all of which is available much more flexibly within PC software, especially Reason 2 which you've indicated you have. On board sounds are fine if you're going to be playing out live and don't want to run the risk of a PC crashing, but as indicated you are limited by the system.

 

[old.knightoftheskY]

I see, sorry to be a complete dick, but can you recommend one that you would chose, given my setup, and budget.

I like quality, good build, and general feel to an item is important to me. I have used the XD5, and I thought it was good, however you've illustrated the point that i dont need many of the sounds, because reason will have them all and more. I didn't realise that the price was including the sounds they put on there, I assumed it was just expensive because it was korg.

Many thanks, this is all great help.

 

[Scooba Da Bass]

I'd prolly plump for this in your situation;

http://www.soundslive.co.uk/common/moreinfo.asp?ID=1802

Evolution keyboards are fine, and with 5 octaves you aren't going to need to switch up and down much unless you are trying to play bizarre music. The assignable controllers at the top mean you'll be able to control stuff in real time as you play it instead of having to overdub and will save you a bit of cash as you'll not really need to get a extra controller for synth knobs and the like.

Soundslive are also pretty cheap compared to most places so it's a decent price.

The rest is up to your software really.

 

[old.knightoftheskY]

Righto, well thanks very much for your help, now comes the fun and games where I realise my sound card will be too shit to let me play into my computer without a delay, but i'll save that for another day.

I'll probably end up getting the korg, just because im an arsehole, but if i review, i'll go for the other one.

Thanks again.