Guy is Radium 61 a good match for Bosendorfer 290 and other new piano samples?

[SHAOLIN95]

Hi!
I have a doubt...I read a lot about velocity layers for pianos and all that and also read about tocuh sensitive keyboards. Now, my question is how do I know that a certain midi controller keyboard like the Radium 61 has all the velocity "layers" that my piano has? For instance the PMI 290 has 6 layers...is the Radium 61 capable of using each of those layers? Do I make sense? :-)
Regards

[Bela D Media]

OT: FYI...

Don't reply on connecting via USB. I have 2 Rad61's at the studio and not one will connect via USB2.0. I have spoken with MAudio 100 and 1 times. They don't have an answer.

Best
FB

[FV]

Hi Shaolin95,

The Radium 61 is capable of inputting all velocity layers. You will be missing 27 keys though and it is not weighted so you'll also be missing a realistic piano feel when using the keyboard.

My opinion also is that it's keyboard feel isn't the greatest IMHO. This is very subjective though. I have found that the Radium controllers do not really respond consistently to velocity and I believe that it is due to a cheap design on its keyboard mechanisms. For instance, if I hit a key at a particular velocity, it is registered as a velocity of 75. If I hit the same key a second later at approximately the same velocity, it is registered as a velocity of 120. I do this same test with a regular synth (even an older one like a D-50) and the velocity is consistent to within a range of 10 (ie the second one is between 70 and 80).

If your main concern is playing piano, I would recommend that you look at 88-note controllers that are of higher quality. There is another thread in this section regarding this. If price is an issue, you can possibly find a used one for a not bad price (although possibly not as cheap as the Radium 61).

HTH,
FV

[SHAOLIN95]

Yeah unforuntately price is a big concern as I was able to find it at $169 new. I was also looking at the Edirol PCR-80 which is more expensive but seems to be better. I want to use it to control all my sampled instruments not just piano for piano I will get something better (88 keys first of all) when I have some free money. At the moment I just need the cheapes thing that I can get to start creating some music so any suggestion is acceptable (btw, I also have an old Korg X3 but its back in Puerto Rico where I use to live).
Regards

[jkerr]

I really like mine. I had a problem with the USB and midi outs going out, but I sent it back, they fixed it and it hasn't had a problem since. I think Bela also had the same problem around the same time I did. I haven't had the "velocity" problems. You are "missing 27 keys" but there is an octave switch that lets you extend your keyboard up and down 3 octaves each. This means you can cover more than the sounds of the "88 keys" on the piano. If this is strictly for piano, it is okay - not great. It is "synth weighted" which has some spring to it. It doesn't have any piano feel to it though. I use mine for all of the different synths and sounds I have - not just piano - and it works really well. The USB does work on mine (though I am not sure what Bela is talking about). My sl990 broke and this was my temporary replacement (but I wouldn't trade it for any other 61 key keyboard). I would definitely say it is a good choice for general purpose.

[SHAOLIN95]

I am now thinking about saving a little more and getting an Edirol PCR-80 as it seems to be highly regarded.