• Hardware
  • Midi Keyboard Controllers (p.2)
2018/08/06 12:39:44
dcumpian
Mosvalve
Thanks you're comments are very helpful. I'm not a piano player but can play enough to get by on my own songs. I have an old Fatar TMK 88 controller and I'm just not happy with the way playback sounds. I think getting a newer controller with weighted keys and newer technology will produce better results with the newer softsynth piano's, strings etc.

I'm looking at this Roland, Roland A88 88 Key MIDI Keyboard Controller or something like it maybe a little cheaper but it has to be 88 keys.

https://www.americanmusic..om/Item--i-ROL-A88-LIST


Any recommendations is helpful.

Thanks




For the price, I would recommend the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88. Same 88 weighted keys, but you also get aftertouch and 8 rotary controllers that can send any continuous controller message.
 
Dan
2018/08/06 14:41:57
mettelus
Just a couple quick comments toward purchase (not specific to product):
  1. If you are not familiar with hardware, going to a music store and actually playing with one (or several) will let you know how the keys respond. You cannot test workflows typically, but can get a feel for boards (action, etc.).
  2. When you do purchase, be sure to buy from a place with a 30-day return policy, since "on paper technically" vs "reality" might not mate for you.
2018/08/06 14:53:54
azslow3
Find a place to test several keyboards. After some "research", you can test DPs instead of pure MIDI output devices. Simpler to test and normally you can find a DP with the same action as targeted controller.
 
There are several producers: Fatar, Roland, Yamaha, Kawai, Korg, Casio and PRC native producer known under many names. Most (all?)  devices from respectful companies not int hat list (f.e. NI) use Fatar. "No name" sometimes use entry level Fatar, sometimes PRC native keys.
 
Each producer has several action types (all have lightweight", "normal" and "with wood", Yamaha and Kawai have models with real instrument mechanic). All of them are different (toward to the "top end", own piano skills required to notice that difference). There is no universally the best action. F.e. technically the best Kawai VPC1 (real mechanic) is still typical Kawai action (in "lightness" and the shape), which some people can find worse then less realistic but more "heavy" and traditional in shape Yamaha "normal / with wood" actions.
 
But with exception of "no go" actions (f.e. M-Audio Keystation Pro, PRC native and some entry level Fatar), I do not think the difference for not pure piano music (just occasional melody/chords/arpeggio) can justify a dedicated piano controller. Good synth actions (without hammer mechanic) can produce reasonable results with a piano VST, while are simpler to use for all other instruments. The key point is how good particular person can keep the velocity on particular device under control. That is the person specific, even for devices which technically allow that (most controllers from known producers). 
2018/08/07 23:17:45
Mosvalve
This is all great information and will help me decide the best controller for me. I greatly appreciate your help.
2018/08/08 13:33:51
Jim Roseberry
Mosvalve
I'm looking at this Roland, Roland A88 88 Key MIDI Keyboard Controller or something like it maybe a little cheaper but it has to be 88 keys.

https://www.americanmusic..om/Item--i-ROL-A88-LIST



The Roland A88 MIDI controller is popular with composers.
 
+1 on Dan's Komplete Kontrol S88 recommendation
 
 
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