If I get a midi keyboard

[matolen]

Any suggestions? It won't have a pedal, but what is a good one to use with Kontakt and Cubase for better legatos and staccatos?

The Edirol PCR-30?

Mark

[Cerrabore]

It won't have a pedal? =\

You should really try to get a keyboard with a pedal.

[matolen]

I dont have the space for anything too large to set up you see. Isn't there a way to map the pedal anyway?

Mark

[LFO]

Mark,
Choosing a MIDI controller is as subjective as asking `What should be my favorite kind of food?'. You will get opinions, but none will be important because no one else has your pallette. I know that sounds over the top, however having a MIDI controller you do not like will make your DAW environment miserable. (Been there, done that.) Now, if you want suggestions on what contollers to consider based on technical capabilities, we can steer you in the right direction and let you do the rest. However, we can't do that without knowing a bit more about your requirements. If you can answer the following, I am sure we can come up with a list of controllers for you to check out.

1) How many keys do you want? A full 88? Less?

2) Do you want a weighted, semi-weighted or organ touch keyboard?

3) How much do you want to spend?

4) What applications will you be using? You mentioned Cubase and Kontakt, anything else besides GPO?

5) You mentioned you had physical space limitations and could not have a pedal. Can you explain what the limitations are? Pedals are generally pretty small and do not require much space, so there must be a real space shortage? (Will the keyboard be on a desk or a stand?)

In the meantime, take a look at http://www.sweetwater.com and http://www.musiciansfriend.com for some of the larger online keyboard controller catalogs.

-Kevin

[matolen]

OK...well the Edirol I mentioned in my first post is where my eye is going, it will have to fit in my little nook and cranny where i have my computer stuff.

Aside from GPO I will be using Project SAM Solo Sessions which is a fine new set of brass I bought, some GOS, SI strings and some Vienna...

MY big hopes are to achieve keyswitching, more realistic legato phrasing and attack in the brass.

Mark

[NDEE]

OK...well the Edirol I mentioned in my first post is where my eye is going, it will have to fit in my little nook and cranny where i have my computer stuff.

Aside from GPO I will be using Project SAM Solo Sessions which is a fine new set of brass I bought, some GOS, SI strings and some Vienna...

MY big hopes are to achieve keyswitching, more realistic legato phrasing and attack in the brass.

Mark

Hi Mark,

About the Edirol PCR-30:

There might be a problem if you want to use this keyboard with GPO, I think the little "joystick" that controls modulation does not work well with GPO, you need a "wheel" controler for that.

The modulation "Wheel" will stay in place in whatever position you move it to but the "joy stick" modulation controler (such as on the Edirol) will move back to it's initial position, which is NOT good when working with GPO.

Maybe someone else who experienced this can comment...

For a small keyboard controler:

Have you checked out M-Audio, they have small KB with modulation "WHEEL" and additional assignable buttons/controlers. Some models are quite small, I use the Radium, a 5 octave KB and I like it, it works well for me.

Good luck !!!

NDEE;)

[LFO]

Mark,
I took a look at the Edirol PCR-30 and here are my thoughts. Remember, this is all subjective so what is important to me might be kwatch to you. :D

1) I don't like joysticks or ribbon controllers. Joy sticks, like NDEE said, bounce back and that is not good. Ribbon controllers (I am stuck with one now) are great for other types of music, but not for GPO type of work. Mod wheel is the way to go.

2) Getting a keyboard that is at least semi-weighted is important to me. I cannot get any feel from an Edirol PCR-30 keyboard and feel is important for GPO. I have an Oxygen 8 (similar to the PCR-30) that I use for other types of music and love it, but for GPO I only use my Kurtzweil SP88. The Novation Remote series offers a compact size with semi-weighted keys. (They are a bit more expensive because of this, but worth the cost difference.) You can see them at http://www.sweetwater.com/store/category/c514 .

3) I'd reconsider not getting a sustain pedal. I cannot imagine not using one when using GPO. More experienced people may tell you different, but I doubt it.

That's it. I hope you find it helpful. :)

-Kevin

[matolen]

is there a way to have a pedal in a compact keyboard? Space is the real concern.

[bmonroney]

is there a way to have a pedal in a compact keyboard? Space is the real concern.

Most small MIDI keyboards have an input jack for a standard switch pedal. It can either be a proper sustain pedal type or one of those cheap BOSS momentary switch pedals. I'd be shocked if all of the commonly available Edirol, M-Audio, Evolution, Yamaha, FATAR, StudioLogic, Novation MIDI keyboards didn't have one.

I've been looking at one of Evolution keyboards (MK-449C USB) for my touring hotel room rig, they feel a little nicer than the M-audio. I have a Yamaha right now, works fine but only has one MIDI fader besides the Pitch and Mod Wheels.

I would definitely concur with other posters that the Roland/Edirol joystick controller is no good for GPO use, otherwise those look like nice keyboards.

Brian

[Roger V]

Mark,
Choosing a MIDI controller is as subjective as asking `What should be my favorite kind of food?'. You will get opinions, but none will be important because no one else has your pallette. I know that sounds over the top, however having a MIDI controller you do not like will make your DAW environment miserable. (Been there, done that.) Now, if you want suggestions on what contollers to consider based on technical capabilities, we can steer you in the right direction and let you do the rest. However, we can't do that without knowing a bit more about your requirements. If you can answer the following, I am sure we can come up with a list of controllers for you to check out.

1) How many keys do you want? A full 88? Less?

2) Do you want a weighted, semi-weighted or organ touch keyboard?

3) How much do you want to spend?

4) What applications will you be using? You mentioned Cubase and Kontakt, anything else besides GPO?

5) You mentioned you had physical space limitations and could not have a pedal. Can you explain what the limitations are? Pedals are generally pretty small and do not require much space, so there must be a real space shortage? (Will the keyboard be on a desk or a stand?)

In the meantime, take a look at http://www.sweetwater.com and http://www.musiciansfriend.com for some of the larger online keyboard controller catalogs.

-KevinI've been looking at the M-Audio Keystation PRO 88 or the Fatar SL880PRO Studiologic. If anyone is using either one of these controllers, I'd appreciate their opinion of them. Thank you.
Roger

[LFO]

I had a Fatar SL880 Pro until it was stolen. (Our moving van was broken into as we moved to Arizona. Not a pretty story. Thank heavens I backup up my audio computer before the move and kept the CDs with me!)

I really, really liked the controller. The key action was great, I could program zones that were useful, etc. I would have one now, except there was such a killer deal for the Kurzweil SP88, I could not pass it up. I regret the purchase now and wish I had spent the extra $100 or so for the Fatar. *sigh*

Bottom line, I had one and enjoyed it very much.

-Kevin

[rwayland]

Any suggestions? It won't have a pedal, but what is a good one to use with Kontakt and Cubase for better legatos and staccatos?

The Edirol PCR-30?

Mark


Well, perhaps I am missing something. Pedals don't require much space. If you have a place for your foot, you have a place for your pedal. There are various types available. My present pedal is quite similar to my piano pedal, probably is made from a standard piano pedal. A previous pedal was built like a very small box, about 3" x 3". Both plugged into a jack on my Fatar. I am unable to get shades of pedaling as on a real piano. The pedal is on, or off -- but not locking.

[gugliel]

another opinion about keyboards --- I suffered for a long time with non-weighted keys, 61 keys -- constantly hit the top or bottom of the range, and hated the feel: didn't think I had space or money for 88, weighted keys -- as a compromise about a year ago I bought a reconditioned Kurzweil 2500 with 76 keys -- feels wonderful, and I very rarely run into the very top or very bottom notes of the range. 76 keys seems to have gone out of fashion, somewhat, but it's perfect for me. I admit the tiny Oxygen-style keyboards are appealing for entry stuff, that's what I'd get next.

[matolen]

Being a neophyte I thought a pedal with a keyboard would have to be built in, hence a type of frame but if I am hearing you, you can just get a pedal to plug in and that i can do, it all just needs to be tucked away in my little nook.

So...any pedal suggestions? lol

Mark

[NDEE]

So...any pedal suggestions?
Gas pedal ?

NDEE:D

[NDEE]

Gas pedal ?

NDEE:D

Hey, who knows, it might be useful after all, with the new GPO update comming up and the big buzz around it, the update might include a new TURBO RAM LOADER ? !!!

NDEE :D

[Hale-Bopp]

I know that I can't wait until I get GPO so that I can use my PC-70 with it. Edirol makes a very solid MIDI controller and at the price, I had to have this one. Look how nicely it sits in front of my monitor and everything! I love it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/halexf11/D_Studio4.jpg