Best Midi Controller

[thesoundsmith]

And in my mind, neither is an adequate MIDI controller. Virtually zero features beyond the basic piano keyboard (the board feels pretty good, but that\'s important only if you are mostly playing \'piano.\' If you want a good Giga controller, or general MIDI-capable device, that\'s not the one.

My personal recommendation, because of the number of possible MIDI actions, is the Kuraweil 2500 or 2600 (preferably 2600, because it has a lot of built-in features and user expandability.)

There are 2 ribbon controllers, the small controller next to the mod/pitch wheels makes a great vibrato articulation device - it\'s also pressure sensitive, so one finger can control two articulations.

Eight programmable sliders, breath controller input, 4 footswitches, 2 continuous foot controllers (the one lack, IMO.) A couple of hand-operated switches, and a great, if terribly complicated, synth AND sample playback capability.

They\'re expensive, but still a monster controller.

Dasher

[mal7]

Roland XV88 is my choice. Extensive midi capabilities and lovely touch...

[sjduck]

Apologies if this is the wrong area to post this message, but it does kind of follow on from the piano thread earlier.

I\'m about to buy either the Studio Logic SL880 or Oberheim MC1000 88 Key weighted master keyboard. Both come with 8 velocity curves. Is there anything else that I need to know regarding a MIDI controller for piano?

Many thanks,
Stephen.

[PeterRoos]

I think this is a very good question, even if asked again. I am also planning to get a good master keyboard and wanted to check this on the forum as well. BTW: I believe StudioLogic is also sold with brand name Fatar. Am I correct, Masters of the Keyboard?

John Grant, are you reading this? I liked your Bach stuff on MP3.com. What\'s your keyboard?

[sjduck]

Peter,

Fatar and Studiologic are indeed one and the same.

[Robert Kral]

My choice for absolute best piano action is the Kawai MP9000. It\'s not the best for a gazillion midi controller options like the Kurzweils, but no where near as expensive either. For the piano action, in my opinion, you cannot beat it.

I tried Fatar for a while, really got a sore wrist on that thing. The Kawai has an easy touch, but the right response for piano action, whilst also easy for synth sounds etc. The keys really respond to your touch: They give you a feedback of sorts, like a real piano. I needed a keyboard I could play for up to 16 hours a day and not get tired but provide excellent piano action. This is the one for me.

[This message has been edited by Robert Kral (edited 01-07-2002).]

[Bruce A. Richardson]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size=\"1\" face=\"Verdana, Arial\">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by sjduck:


I\'m about to buy either the Studio Logic SL880 or Oberheim MC1000 88 Key weighted master keyboard. Both come with 8 velocity curves. Is there anything else that I need to know regarding a MIDI controller for piano?

Many thanks,
Stephen.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hi Stephen,

I have used a Fatar/Studiologic SL880 for three years, and it has been a very good controller. As has been mentioned, it does not have extensive MIDI Continuous Controller output like other more expensive units, but it has a nice action and is durable. I have several different controllers, and I don\'t mind the basic pitch/mod wheel layout of the 880. If I\'m doing a lot of MIDI realtime CC work, then I\'m probably not wanting weighted keys, anyway, so I\'m not seeing this as a very strong argument against the keyboard. For sampled piano work, it is, in fact, one of the nicer feeling keyboards I\'ve used. Of course, it doesn\'t feel like a concert grand, but it does have a \"feel,\" which you can learn to manipulate very accurately. It has a rather long key travel, which I personally like. I find it very easy to control pianissimo on the 880--easier, in fact, than the much more expensive Roland A80 that I used for years and years.

I would suggest that you might be very well off with the SL880, and if you need more extensive controller options later, buy a dedicated unit to handle those. Several new-generation units of this type are in development.

Last thing--don\'t pay full price for the 880. You can get it quite cheaply if you shop around. Also, Guitar Center is having a blowout on the 1100 model, which has a bit more MIDI control I believe. Either way, you won\'t be disappointed.

[ellle]

I love the action and master keyboard features on my Kurzweil PC2x.

[Archangel]

How about a Yamaha QN88?(not sure of the model name, but a friend has that one, and oh...it\'s so good!!! )

I know that the Roland one has real keys, but people say it has really fragile keys. Archangel

Archangel

[sjduck]

A big thank you to everyone who has replied so far. I now have a fair list of models to go and try out in the flesh.

Many thanks

[caveman]

I just recently purchased the Fatar SL 1100.

First thing (Did you know that Kurzwell Keyboards is Fatar) Yup...Kurzwell is a Fatar Key and Action.

I purchased the Kawai Mp9000. I had been very satisfied with the reviews. When I recieved it it felt good, but at a hefty price. I then looked further into it, and after a week or so deciced to send it back, because, the price was way too much for what it could do. The Keys looked very very real as they are real wooden keys, but playing it did not convince me. It had a too short hard stop.

I then purchased an Kurzwell PC2X. Also thought it a bit overpriced, but enjoyed it far better. (I then found out about it being a Fatar keyboard structure and keys). Well I liked the Kurzwell because it has ribbon/Breath control options.

I thought I would keep this Keyboard, but I went to Guitar Center just to get some Midi cables. They had the Fatar. Studiologic Sl 880 and 1100. I started playing the Sl 1100 and loved the feel! Incredible. To me the weighted action felt really good on this board, yet it was not too Heavy and I could do very fast passages.(important to me).

To me the feel Piano was far more important and so was price. I sent back the PC2X, and love the Fatar SL 1100. It is inexpensive and you can do wonderfull things with it.

I am using my roland XP30 for all other Midi Controlling. And purchased a Midi Solutions converter with Breath Control to use with my Fatar.

Still cost me less, and have a great feeling Keyboard. You will also see that well known developers Sample dvelopers such as Scarbee likes using the Fatar Keyboards. To me I say Hay.... I want to use a keyboard for Giga to trigger of samples. Whats a better keyboard than the one being used by the sample developer? I have to agree with that! I know that Hans Adamson mentions the Kawai Mp9000 for his Malmsjo Library, and thats why I really wanted the Kawai, but just was not impressed!

The best way to see what piece of gear you like is to purchase it. Make sure you have 30 day money back guarantee. Play it, Test it.

I was surprised to see what I ended up with after being convinced that the Mp9000 would work wonderfull for me.

This is just my opinion, but I learnt that sometimes you do not end up with what you had in mind and am happier with it in the end!

Just my 2 cents!