MIDI controller

[mscmixer]

I'm interested in purchasing a MIDI controller for use with GPO. I know a lot of you here use them, so i figured you might be able to help me. I'm looking at getting an M-audio Oxygen 8 model. It looks great to me, but I've read mixed reviews from people who have used it. Does anyone here know about this model? Or can you suggest a different model that would be worth considering?

Thanks a lot.

[Rhap2]

mscmixer:

I have an Oxygen 8 that I use with my Mac and PC laptops. It has good mod-wheel action. Although I use an 88 keyboard controller to input most of my playing in the studio, I have used the Oxygen 8 in mobile instances. The only drawback I experience as a keyboard player is that I have to use the octave buttons frequently. But, for playing in parts, no problems whatsoever.

Jack

[Stiletto]

I'm interested in purchasing a MIDI controller for use with GPO. I know a lot of you here use them, so i figured you might be able to help me. I'm looking at getting an M-audio Oxygen 8 model. It looks great to me, but I've read mixed reviews from people who have used it. Does anyone here know about this model? Or can you suggest a different model that would be worth considering?

Thanks a lot.

I'm using an M-Audio Prostation 88 which is an 88 key weighted keyboard with great feel and action.

[Dave Hoffman]

I like to work with my laptop and be portable. I have been using the Edirol PCR-1 but have just ordered a PCR-M1. It has the ability to use both a sustain and expression pedal. It only has 25 keys and is quite thin, but as others have said, you may prefer a full sized keyboard.

[mscmixer]

Thanks for the input everyone. I actually do all my work on my notebook computer, so smaller is actually better for me. Which brings me to another question I forgot to ask. Most of these controllers are USB-compatible. Does this mean that they input MIDI info through a USB connection, or is the USB soley for power purposes?

[Haydn]

Make sure that you get a MIDI controller with aftertouch if you plan on purchasing the JABB library in the future. You will need it to use the library to its fullest potential. Many of the cheaper models do not have aftertouch.

[JonFairhurst]

Do you need poly aftertouch, or is mono aftertouch okay?

-JF

[mscmixer]

To be honest, I don't exactly know what aftertouch is. What does it do?

[M.A.S>]

To be honest, I don't exactly know what aftertouch is. What does it do?

Aftertouch sends a pressure related controller message after the key has already bottomed out.

In other words, you've struck the key, it is down against the bed. Now you push harder. This sends a signal which can be used like any other modulation source. Some folks use it to bring in vibrato for instance. If it's working well, the harder you push, the more effect it has.

For JABB, well, just have to wait and see what it can do!http://www.northernsounds.com/forum/images/smilies/cool.gif

Michael

[M.A.S>]

OH, and channel aftertouch affects all the notes on that channel (surprise surprise) Polyphonic aftertouch simply means that the message is sent specifically for that note and only that note. The vast majority of KBDs with AT have channel. Poly is rather on the rare side.

Michael

[Rhap2]

Thanks for the input everyone. I actually do all my work on my notebook computer, so smaller is actually better for me. Which brings me to another question I forgot to ask. Most of these controllers are USB-compatible. Does this mean that they input MIDI info through a USB connection, or is the USB soley for power purposes?
mscmixer:

The USB controllers input MIDI through the USB connection IF you have a built-in MIDI interface in one. I'm assuming that you don't already have a MIDI interface in your laptop. All I need to do with my Oxygen 8 is plug it in and play as it has a built-in MIDI interface. If you have another type of MIDI interface in your laptop, unless I am mistaken, a controller without a MIDI interface should be able to be recognized and input MIDI. The Oxygen 8 comes with software drivers for both Mac and PC. Without installing the drivers, no MIDI.

Jack

[Richard N.]

The new CME range of midi keyboard controllers are geting a lot of good press, and look very interesting and value for money - but I haven't found one to test yet...

http://www.arbitermt.co.uk/cme/cmehome.htm

[Pierre Laroche]

Make sure that you get a MIDI controller with aftertouch if you plan on purchasing the JABB library in the future. You will need it to use the library to its fullest potential. Many of the cheaper models do not have aftertouch.

The new EMU Xboard 49 USB keyboard has aftertouch and is not very expensive (around 200 USD I think). A friend of mine has one and it seems to be a good value for money. It is packaged with a cut-down version of Live 4 and the EMU Proteus X LE softsynth.

More information at http://www.emu.com/products/product.asp?category=532&subcategory=533&product=13558

[mscmixer]

Cool, thanks again for all the help. Now at least I have an idea about what to look for.

[Rhap2]

Cool, thanks again for all the help. Now at least I have an idea about what to look for.
Mscmixer:

While you are looking, see if you can "test drive" a keyboard before buying. I am refering especially to the Edirol PCR-1 and PCR-M1. They are fine keyboards, but they have a little different type of modulation input. It's not a wheel like standard keyboards.

Use the Modulation input device and see if it will be comfortable for you to work with. After all, GPO is mod-wheel oriented and you need to be able to craft your instruments sound with this controller.

Jack

[Dave Hoffman]

Mscmixer:

While you are looking, see if you can "test drive" a keyboard before buying. I am refering especially to the Edirol PCR-1 and PCR-M1. They are fine keyboards, but they have a little different type of modulation input. It's not a wheel like standard keyboards.

Use the Modulation input device and see if it will be comfortable for you to work with. After all, GPO is mod-wheel oriented and you need to be able to craft your instruments sound with this controller.

Jack

That is why I chose the Edirol PCR-M1. I never feel good about mod wheels, so I have programmed the mod wheel function to the expression pedal. The PCR-M1 is nice as it allows for both a sustain pedal and expression pedal. If you prefer controlling volume with a traditional mod wheel, Jack is right...the Edirol keyboards are probably not what you want.