MIDI controller keyboard

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yellowcake64
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2014/05/30 12:17:19 (permalink)

MIDI controller keyboard

Hi folks
I need to buy a MIDI keyboard controller. Don't want to spend a fortune (sub £100 - I'm based in the UK) and I don't need it to have a load of bells and whistles. Space is a premium so I'm looking for a 25 (49 at a push) key variant. 
 
I'm using Sonar X2 Producer (will soon be upgrading to X3). Can any of you recommend a decent controller keyboard that works well with Sonar in terms of compatibility?
 
I've drawn up a preliminary shortlist: Alesis Q25/49; M-Audio Oxygen 25/49; M-Audio Keystation 49es MK2.
 
I appreciate at this price point I'm not going to get anything that sets the world alight - but I just need something that's functional and compact.
 
I'd certainly appreciate your thoughts :-)
 
Thanks guys
YC
 

Yellowcake
Sonar Platinum; Core i7 4790K Quad core 16GB DDR 3 RAM; Windows 10 (64-bit); Tascam US-4x4 interface; Roland Juno D synth; KRK Rokit 6 monitors; V-Amp2; V-Amp Bass.
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    reginaldStjohn
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    Re: MIDI controller keyboard 2014/05/30 15:28:00 (permalink)
    I have an Alesis Q49 and it works well as a basic keyboard controller. All of those you mentioned would probably work just fine for recording or playing midi into sonar.

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    AGBFunkyBassman
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    Re: MIDI controller keyboard 2014/05/30 16:37:14 (permalink)
    Been asking the exact same question. I'm a bass player who's keybaord needs are modest and after some reasearch Ive been drawn to the alesis QX49 but check out
     
    http://www.musicradar.com/news/tech/the-12-best-budget-midi-controller-keyboards-565848/13
     
    http://getthatprosound.com/14-great-midi-controller-solutions-for-2014/
     
    Dont let your brain explode !
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    yellowcake64
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    Re: MIDI controller keyboard 2014/05/30 17:04:21 (permalink)
    Thanks guys. Funky... some useful links there, thanks! Don't think with my whopping great mitts that mini keys would work particularly well so that reduces my options a bit. 

    Yellowcake
    Sonar Platinum; Core i7 4790K Quad core 16GB DDR 3 RAM; Windows 10 (64-bit); Tascam US-4x4 interface; Roland Juno D synth; KRK Rokit 6 monitors; V-Amp2; V-Amp Bass.
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    AT
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    Re: MIDI controller keyboard 2014/05/30 20:27:50 (permalink)
    I got an unboxed Novation Impulse 25 to replace my LE 25 which died.  Great keyboard action and plenty of knobs and what not. If you can find a similar deal you should jump on it - I got mine for $150.  There are more used 25 keys out there since many people upgrade for the wider keyboard.  Mini keyboards are almost useless to me, and most of the rest of the cheap keyboards feel ... cheap?
     
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