It's time to throw my PCR-800 in the trash!!!

Ah... Minimal setup and compability with Sonar is a must.

I am currently debating between the Kontrol s61, Novation SL MK2 61 and the new Nektar LX 61+ (not seen it for sale yet and does not have aftertouch as far as i can tell)
 
I currently have a Novation SL MK2 25 that I got cheap second hand, downside is you really need to use automap, the keyboard quality is great though.  I could not get it working to my satisfaction with ACT
 
Someone on here got a Behringer Motor 49, it comes in a 61 key variant, they got working with the azslow utility

I want to a dealer today to try some of them out. I had my sights set for the Arturia keylab 61 which i thought would fit my needs perfectly since I'm a Arturia guy... But man... It felt like a toy. And that white color everyone seems to love. I didn't like it at all. There was a black special edition of the 49 version that looked much better. But the keys, sliders and knobs felt everything but premium. The Native Instruments one felt far more professional. BUT the one I really enjoyed playing the most was the Akai Advance 61.. Anyone used that one with Sonar?

you should probably read this thread also
 
http://forum.cakewalk.com...or-Splat-m3460121.aspx

rivers88
S-series keyboard capability as a control surface with Sonar is very minimal, and personally I would not recommend any of the current NI S-series keyboards if your primary purpose is control surface integration. However, a basic control surface like the Presonus Faderport makes a GREAT companion for the S-series (and many other) keyboards, and having both available makes for a VERY cool integrated setup, especially if you're planning on using a lot of NKS-enabled soft synths!

This is the path I think I will end up taking, maybe with an X-touch or Korg Nano control, either that or use ableton or cubase as my main DAW.  I have essentially given up on finding a midi controller to intergrate properly into Sonar on its own.
 
Oh, you might wish to look at the Roland a-88, if you start looking at 2 part solutions
 

Good to hear the PCR800 works.  I have a PCR500 and don't use it much.  Need to get it out and see if it too is working with the Anniversary update.   I had to modify the Roland driver to get it working when Win 10 came out, since Roland isn't officially supporting Win 10.

Happy with my Kontrol S49 and Nektar P6 but I would love to get my Roland/Edirol PCR-50 (a predecessor of the PCR-500) talking to Logic Pro X in El Capitan (or Mavericks).
Anyone?

I won't consider Roland when I do get a replacement.  Roland Zapped me twice, they won't get a third chance.  I had a Roland Octa-Capture.  The small Headphone I/O board is bad but Roland will only sell a package of internal boards for $250, not the Headphone I/O board alone.  I mentioned "Had" as it is gone.  Now the Roland Edirol PCR500 will be gone since they will not support Windows 10.  That rids me of Roland gear.

I found a new home for my PCR500.  A person in Alabama that is still using Win 7. 
Now to find a new MIDI keyboard. 
 

I don't use a keyboard that much.  The task is to find something relatively inexpensive.  The PCR500 was like new.

After using my PCR-800 for many years as a midi keyboard and control surface, I replaced it this past week with the Behringer X-Touch on my Win10 system. Very happy with my decision. The long throw motorized faders make a huge difference for writing automation to my tracks. The rest of the board is very intuitive. The keyboard and mouse are getting used less each day. The PCR will continue to be used for my midi keyboard only.
 
I deleted the PCR control surface and midi ins/outs when I installed the X-Touch. After reading this thread, I wanted to check if my PCR still works. I re-enabled the PCR for midi keyboard. No problem. Then I re-created the PCR control surface. Transport, faders, knobs, buttons...it all works fine on the PCR (using ACT), even with the X-Touch. In fact, I can move the faders on the PCR and the X-Touch faders respond, along with the faders in Sonar.
 
So, the PCR-800 will work with Win10. I'm connected via usb using Roland PCR driver 1.0.1.0 dated 9/30/13. Haven't tried any newer ones. Metz, sounds like you also have yours working too. Just thought I'd throw this out there as another option to separate your midi keyboard and control surface.
 
8/20/16 Update: No control surface function on the PCR-800 after the Win 10 anniversary update today.  Connected my PCR to my interface via midi and the PCR-800 is working fine with Sonar and X-Touch. Just can't use it as a control surface. MIDI is all I need it for now anyway.

I found an inexpensive M-Audio keyboard ($100).  Basic 49 key model.  Just right for my limited use.

musicroom
I'm glad you guys are discussing this. I'm on the lookout for one of these too. Any opinions or experience with the Samson Graphite 49? I can get one for a great price.

Would like to know this myself :)

I am thinking of joining the dinky club also, I was about to buy a Native Instruments 61 key, but are now thinking that I can live without afterouch, and just get a cheapy, and like mentioned above, if I need something a more serious use a 88 key digital piano, I am going to upgrade to a Casio Privia PX-5S next year I think.
I am watching for demo stock deals at a couple of online stores for a 61 key synth action, at the moment its likely to be Nektar lx61, but might go an lx88 since it has midi out on it.  Either way I get to save 600+ AUD, to spend on a nice instrument library or other gear such as an xtouch.
When I first purchased Sonar, my plan was to get the Akai Advance 61 or the NI 61 model, but now that I understand what they do, I would rather advoid them and get something more generic and risk proof, that way if they go the way of NI's Kore, well, I can just go spend a 100-200 and get a working replacement.

beltrom
I'm guessing the PCR's would (in principal) work over a midi-cable even without the driver on Win10? How much functionality would be lost if someone had a midiport over and could use that method?

Correct.  If all you want is the basic functionality from a midi keyboard (keys, pedals, pitch, mod), you don't need to install the drivers.  As long as the keyboard has AC power and a standard midi out, you're in business. 
 
... Unlike the newer keyboards with only a USB connection, which are totally dependent on the drivers.... If the drivers don't work (or are nonexistent), then you have a doorstop with a bunch of knobs and sliders... 
 
My ancient CME uf5 keyboard has knobs, sliders, and transport controls -- none of which have worked absent working drivers... but because of the midi connection, it's still a perfectly usable keyboard with pitch and mod wheel.