Hi folks
I'm looking for a relatively inexpensive 49 key MIDI controller keyboard (non-weighted keys) that behaves nicely with Sonar X3. Doesn't need to have too many bells and whistles - just something basic, compact and of decent quality. Any recommendations would be gratefully received!
 
Thanks 
YC

Do not get a Korg Micro Key if you have a lot of other midi devices.

Fatar also
 
I got a real good deal some years back on an 88 keyer that just has two wheels.
 
- now if only I could play it.

I have an oxygen 49 and a graphite 49 (based on an anderton review) and both work quite well. Under $200 each. The one thing about the graphite that irks me are the rotaries which are speed sensitive endless encoders. It does have aftertouch though which is unheard of in the price range. The drawback to the oxy is its usb bus powered only. I snapped the usb port out a few months back and had to replace it but waiting for the part knocked me out of commission for a bit. The graphite can be powered externally and has a midi out plug which is nice. It also has four midi ports over usb which means you can control up to 64 synths (4x16 channels per port). I'd recommend both.

The Graphite sounds a lot nicer than my Alesis Q49. I wanted a cheap simple 49 key w/ external power and std MIDI connection, the Q49 fit the bill at the time.

I looked at the q49 as well. It was multiple ports on the graphite that sold me because i use reason as well and each port showed up as a separate controller which is necessary to record multiple synths in reason. Which non-reason users won't understand.
But for kontakt you can have one instance of the standalone loaded with 64 instuments across the 4 input ports and switch between them all with the graphite. Though this is something i only do in cases of self assured narcissistic moments of uninspired tweaking.

Funny the hosts didn't move this to hardware yet,
Best feel of all the small ones I tried is the Roland A 49. 
Best of all it came with Sonar! 

johnnyV
Funny the hosts didn't move this to hardware yet,

Well it keeps this forum lighter right now not being a NEW Sonar thread.

The roland/cakewalk Apro 300/500/800 are made to integrate with Sonar. I have the Apro 500 49 keys. The knobs are already programmed to Channel Panpot and faders to Volume fader. When your focus on a Cakewalk synth or plugins it would immediate linked to the important parameters. It's weakness however is poor documentation and is difficult to reprogram.