Choosing a MIDI Keyboard

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TysonC
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2012/08/05 18:17:28 (permalink)

Choosing a MIDI Keyboard

Hi, everybody.  I need some advice on choosing a MIDI keyboard.  See, I'm trying to get a Yamaha DX7 FM synth, and after a little research, I've found that Yamaha's TX802 rackmount module is actually a little more powerful and a little more cost-effective.  The problem is, it doesn't have a keyboard (haha, accounting for the cost-effectiveness, I'd wager :D).  Anyways, I've decided to go with the TX802, and now I'm having trouble finding a MIDI keyboard that would work well with it.  I'm trying to mimic the features of the original DX7mkII in my MIDI keyboard.

That is:
61 keys
velocity
aftertouch
(plus the original could layer voices and split the keyboard into separate timbres, but I don't know if that's a MIDI thing, per se)

Anyways, it would appear that dedicated MIDI keyboards don't exist anymore (or at least I can't seem to find them online).  I don't need or want an actual keyboard, I just need it to output MIDI.  Of course there's hundreds of MIDI controllers out there, but I have yet to find one that's not USB.  I'm avoiding computer production like the plague these days, so I just need a controller that just puts out straight MIDI signals without involving a computer at all.


Any advice as to where I can find such a thing would be greatly appreciated.
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    RobertB
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    Re:Choosing a MIDI Keyboard 2012/08/06 00:02:09 (permalink)
    Check the specs on the controllers.
    While USB is widely supported, many also offer a standard MIDI ( DIN) output connection.
    Don't let the existence of a USB output throw you. It's usually an option, not an exclusive.

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    AT
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    Re:Choosing a MIDI Keyboard 2012/08/06 00:19:29 (permalink)
    They will mostly have a midi out - not in.  They don't make any sounds.

    Most of the older novation keyboards have midi plugs - the sl series and remotes, anyway.

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    TysonC
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    Re:Choosing a MIDI Keyboard 2012/08/06 03:06:42 (permalink)
    Well, here's what I've been able to find.  It looks like it'd fit the bill.

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/290755064313?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_1748wt_1344

    Your thoughts?

    ps. I can't seem to find these elsewhere on the web, so I'm having trouble finding out if this price is fair (though judging by the list of features compared to other midi keyboards, it seems pretty good)
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    Guitarhacker
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    Re:Choosing a MIDI Keyboard 2012/08/06 08:19:37 (permalink)
    For what it is, the price looks good and if it has the features you want...... make an offer on it, or buy it now at the listed price. 

    I was going to suggest looking at some of the less expensive keyboards before I saw that you found this one. I have a cheap radio shack synth that has touch sensitive keys and 61 of them on the synth.....it was given to me and it sold for a low price to start with.  Good luck with the set up there. 

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    Cactus Music
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    Re:Choosing a MIDI Keyboard 2012/08/06 11:20:56 (permalink)
    Yep, any older keyboard with a MIDI out will work fine. I like having Synth type keys for this as apposed to a piano type keyboard. Old Korg's, Yamaha's or Roland's are well built. Even the better models of Casio will work.

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