I'm looking to purchase a USB MIDI controller since the mod wheel, pitch bend, and assignable faders have all decided to stop working on my Roland XP30. I have a Yamaha digital piano that I use to trigger Addictive Keys, but I'd like something to control the Rapture and Dim Pro synths that allows me to adjust the filters and whatnot in realtime. I'd like something with a USB out so I wouldn't have to use my MIDI-USB converter anymore. 61 keys is preferable, but I think 49 would be ok. So far I've taken an interest in the Novation Impulse 61 and the M-Audio Code 49. If anyone has any feedback on these or other comparable controllers I'd certainly appreciate it!

Joel

I'm using the Novation Impulse 61 and I haven't run into any issues with it. It can be configured to integrate directly with SONAR (assuming that's what you're using) or any other DAW. I use it with both SONAR and Studio One 3.

At this point, if you just need something to control plugin parameters, I would have to say the top choices would be the Akai Advance, or the M-Audio CTRL-49.  I have an Alesis VX-49, which has many of the features of these Akai and M-Audio keyboards, but in a less expensive package. 
 
The main advantage to these keyboards is the dedicated hardware integration with the Akai VIP software plugin >> http://www.akaipro.com/products/new-products/vip
 
Here is a list of many other options available today.  I have a Roland A-Pro controller which works well, but it is a bit dated now.  I have also heard good comments about the Nektar Impact line.  So read the reviews, ask questions, try demos at the music stores...
 
https://www.musicradar.co...oller-keyboards-618207

DON'T buy an Alesis; they have the worst keybed money can buy, seriously. I've tried MANY, and by far the best for playability is the Korg Taktile series. They're not being made anymore, but you can still find used ones on Ebay or Reverb.
 
R

eikelbijter
DON'T buy an Alesis; they have the worst keybed money can buy, seriously. I've tried MANY, and by far the best for playability is the Korg Taktile series. They're not being made anymore, but you can still find used ones on Ebay or Reverb.
 
R

Alesis is part of the same inMusic group that sells Akai and M-Audio.  They have several levels of gear and they probably get their keybeds from the same places.
 
I have an Alesis VX-49 (VIP compatible) and that is a step up from the old M-Audio Axiom-49 I had for years.
 
I probably wouldn't want to gig with an Alesis, but for home studio users it should work well, and it does fit a lower budget point than the more rugged gear.
 
I have an old Alesis QS-6 synthesizer, and the keybed on that one is solid as a rock.  But obviously it is no longer the same Alesis company that made that one back in the 90's.  inMusic has bought up a lot of companies and is now trading on the names and trademarks of historically significant music equipment manufacturers. 
 
Comparison shop carefully and try them out in stores if possible, or at least purchase from a company that allows returns.
 

mrpippy2
I'm looking to purchase a USB MIDI controller since the mod wheel, pitch bend, and assignable faders have all decided to stop working on my Roland XP30. I have a Yamaha digital piano that I use to trigger Addictive Keys, but I'd like something to control the Rapture and Dim Pro synths that allows me to adjust the filters and whatnot in realtime. I'd like something with a USB out so I wouldn't have to use my MIDI-USB converter anymore. 61 keys is preferable, but I think 49 would be ok. So far I've taken an interest in the Novation Impulse 61 and the M-Audio Code 49. If anyone has any feedback on these or other comparable controllers I'd certainly appreciate it!

Though not the least expensive option, Native Instrument Komplete Kontrol S-61 (2nd gen version) is one of the best 61-key MIDI controllers that I've seen/played.
The features are excellent (knobs, buttons, screens, aftertouch, touch-strip, pitch/mod wheels, etc)
The build quality is almost top-tier "workstation" (not cheap/flimsy).
Significant improvement over the 1st gen S-61...
 

An Akai Advance 61 is a good one. very solid.