Hey everyone,
I'm sure this had been asked a million times before.
As I am finally making steps to getting my controller under control lol, I'm finally feeling like I've made a decent choice in purchasing it. Its an Akai MPK261 btw.
Now, a friend recently got a new PC, an audio interface, Sonar Professional and for the controller, choose a (used) Novation Launchkey MK261.
Personally, I'm feeling like he's made a poor choice in the Novation. (Just like i did with my M-Audio Code61).
We can't even get the Novation to send a MIDI signal to Sonar at all. Let alone try and configure it.
So, without going into details about the Novation, the age old question i want to ask is, what are/is the cool keyboard controllers out there that work well with Sonar? Who out there has found a controller that they feel is a good choice?
I've heard good things about Bheringer...

Personally I have resisted Controller Keyboards and have relied on a basic Novation Launch Control combined with my keyboards.
 
Agree with your comments about Novation not being easy to setup I ended up using MidiOx to make sure that it was working then configured it in Sonar through trial and error!
 
My interest here is that I'm thinking that something a bit more powerful would be good but don't really have space for a large controller so may need to rethink Controller Keyboards.

Mine is an 88 key Fatar I got for a song on clearance some years back.
It has a 5 pin midi which is welcome here and a pitch / mod wheel.
 
I suck most royal on keyboards so naturally I love it.

SL88 Stage is brilliant!

I use the Alesis Q25. Works like a dream, no fuss, very simple. Pure plug and play. 

I write everything by hand in the Piano Roll.
I used to use a controller to get the basic ideas down but now I have become a master at editing midi
(sure I know, im blowing my own horn :-)
But I use a Mackie control for faders, knobs, shuttle, exc.
 
Once you get good in the PRV there is nothing that can stop you. Its all about shortcuts, snap shortcuts, dock hiding (I work with audio as well) I find by doubling every 4 string bass track with a synth it sound stacks the bass and brings it right to the front.

I happen to have just picked up 2 new midi controllers - Behringer UMX61 and a Nektar LX61+.
 
Both controllers are great, and are class-compliant so need no drivers installed - they just work.  I will mostly be using these for live performance, but work fine within Sonar, as well.
 
The Behringer was $179, and the Nektar was $199.  
 
Bob Bone

BassRocket

Personally, I'm feeling like he's made a poor choice in the Novation. (Just like i did with my M-Audio Code61).
Who out there has found a controller that they feel is a good choice?

 
BassRocket,  
 
Take a look at the link below to see how to configure the Code 61 how to work well as a midi controller for Sonar Platinum.
 
check out the Sonar Hardware Forum
 
Look halfway down the page where you see the Code Series Support Resources entry. You will start to see azslow3 entries for the fix.
 

It must not be all one world. I've never had or tried a Launchkey, but, I am very happy with my Novation Impulse 61.
As I recall, the setting up required just plugging it in and turning it on. No drivers to install......simple.  Works perfect with Sonar. The feel of the keyboard is my favorite among controllers.

I picked up an Arturia KeyLab 88 late last year for my second location across the room from my Yamaha S-90.
The Arturia has more control with lots of faders and knobs and a stiffer action.
Both are 5 pin midi and both work great.
Arturia support is pretty bad, their forum is useless, their manual is vague and incomplete and the mindset behind the internal workings of the keyboard is unnecessarily complex but once it's all figured out all is good.
They both work great with Sonar.