I have an Alesis QS 8.1 . You can buy them used for between 300.00  and 500.00 . It has a Fatar tp 20 key bed which is weighted and hammer action. It has 4 sliders that are assignable. It's a decent controller but it a little lacking in the velocity scaling...only like 3 or 4 scales and I can't find a software nor electrical scaling for the aftertouch on it.. My other main controller is a Kurzweil Midi board - great because it has real poly aftertouch. but only 2 assignable sliders and a few button assignments. Very old school but very well made.

I'm loving the key action on my Roland A-88 but no sliders.

jeffb63
I'm loving the key action on my Roland A-88 but no sliders.

I wonder if the A-88 combined with the Nectar Panorama P1 would be a good setup.
 
Nectar doesn't mention Sonar, but wouldn't basic midi and transport control work ok ?
 

Paul P

jeffb63
I'm loving the key action on my Roland A-88 but no sliders.

I wonder if the A-88 combined with the Nectar Panorama P1 would be a good setup.
 
Nectar doesn't mention Sonar, but wouldn't basic midi and transport control work ok ?
 

Looks interesting.

Paul P

jeffb63
I'm loving the key action on my Roland A-88 but no sliders.

I wonder if the A-88

It looks like I have to correct my previous post since A-88 has Roland "standard" action. I personally have not touched it assuming it has Alpha II, but that is not the case.
 

combined with the Nectar Panorama P1 would be a good setup.

It can be used with SONAR using ACT MIDI + Generic surface plug-ins combination. With all related limitations.
 

88 keys (Ivory Feel-G keyboard with Escapement) on the A-88.

Check out today's Stupid deal of the Day at Musicians Freind, A Casio 88 key for $300. 
Don't knock Casio. They make solid Piano's that are as good as any brand. Don't judge them by the home keyboards.
This link will expire 
 
http://www.musiciansfrien...p=true&src=3TP3DRR

The Studiologic controllers are reportedly similar to a piano action, but they do not have a lot of controllers built in (sliders etc). Might consider getting a good keyboard for input and using a MIDI control surface for mixing, unless you plan to be doing keys and sliders at the same time in performance. The price might not be much higher than a keyboard with all the gizmos.
 
Or maybe this?:
http://www.musiciansfrien...uvGmwcMCFYWFfgody3YAIw

slartabartfast
The Studiologic controllers are reportedly similar to a piano action, but they do not have a lot of controllers built in (sliders etc). Might consider getting a good keyboard for input and using a MIDI control surface for mixing, unless you plan to be doing keys and sliders at the same time in performance. The price might not be much higher than a keyboard with all the gizmos.
 
Or maybe this?:
http://www.musiciansfrien...uvGmwcMCFYWFfgody3YAIw

I considered the VMK-188 Plus but It's weight of 21Kg put me off compared to the A-88 at 15.9Kg. Not an issue if you only want it for studio use but I use mine live and I'm not getting any younger!
I use a Korg Nanokontrol 2 for knobs and sliders. Fits in my back pocket.

Nektar Panorama series is pretty sweet but they have not developed any Sonar templates yet... The Nektar LX series DOES have Sonar templates and they work well (I have an LX 61)
 
The Panorama is a much deeper instrument and supposedly they are working on templates for various DAWS... Started with reason, and have added several since them.  Apparently they did look at Sonar and will be doing so for it at some point in the future.