What is the pros/cons for both of these for use within Splat?
 
How well do these integrate when using Splat for composing music at a desk, with or without their fancy software.
 
I know the products from all the reviews and utube videos, but there is always so much hype around them, and most are not showing use in Sonar.
 
Do people working on complex projects keep using the knobs and buttons or end up giving up and going back to mouse to do most stuff anyway?
 
Basically what I am asking, are the gimmicks worth it, and if so which set of gimmicks?  Or for that matter would I be better off getting a electric piano with midi out and and xtouch?

Both keyboard are targeting Soft Synth control, throw own software. DAW control is at bare minimum, no special integration for Sonar (and no sufficient number of controls). I will think your Novation should do that part better.
 
X-Touch is reversed approach. It can not control Soft Synth at all (in Sonar), but can do good job for mixing.

Well that answers the without the fancy software bit, thankyou azslow3.
 
I will rephrase the other part of the question, the with fancy software bit!
 
Is the software integration useful enough when working with sonar as your DAW, assuming that NI open their architecture to use not NKS stuff like the AKAI, is the fancy software something you come to rely upon, or is it 'nice to have sometimes'.  Lets assume we are using a seperate control interface such as xtouch/nanocontrol/bcf 2000.
 
If its not, I will stop looking considering them and look at getting a 61+ key synth/piano with midi out.  I will probably start a new thread, which 61 key synth to get ;)
 
So if you are using one either the Akai Advance or NI Kontrol keyboards, do you think you would be better off with something else instead, or is the VST integration so good that you cant live without it?  ie would I be a fool not got get one or the other?
 

I do not have any of these boards. But I know how the "integration" works in Sonar. So I just want to add the following: the "fancy software" is not DAW dependent, so everything you see in the internet about these boards (except the part which control DAW parameters) is also true with Sonar.
 

Finally got to look at some of these boards, had to travel to Melbourne city for medical reasons.
 
Currently thinking I will get the AKAI mpk261, and later get a workstation synth for the lounge room, to swap in if I need 88 keys or to replace the ESR-333 that sits out there already, something like the yamaha mofx8.
 
I have been advised that the advance is ok with VIP, and if I really wanted that functionality to get a 25 key to use for the VIP function, and use the mpk261 or other keyboard for playing, basically relegating the advance to a vst control panel.
 
I talked to 2 sales people, and they seemed to steer me away from either the Kontrol, Advance or Nectar, towards either the maudio code 49, novation launchey or the mpk series, effectively downselling me to the cheaper products.
 
 

I don't know if you have seen my thread http://forum.cakewalk.com/FindPost/3368341
 
It deals in the main with using the NI keyboards with non NKS soft synths and Kontakt libraries. It is is alot more capable in that regard than NI would lead you to beleive. I don't really use it to control Sonar beyond the transport controls and soft synth controls within Sonar.

Had not seen your post, are reading it now, its quite detailed and not something to quickly glance over.
 
I will probably need to reread it tomorrow, as I am still tired from my city excursion.
 
Would I be correct in assuming that you are suggesting the s61 for actuating notes and a akai advance 25 for actuating key switching?

Siluroo
 
Would I be correct in assuming that you are suggesting the s61 for actuating notes and a akai advance 25 for actuating key switching?

The AKAI is small, simple mini keyboard that comes in useful for keyswitching on some instruments. I got the tip from Jordan Rudess demo video.

I would rather have a longer board of course, but I did not want weighted keys.

Keyswitching is where the NI keyboards excel and the light guide is very helpful. It works with almost all Kontakt instruments but in a few cases the developer has not chosen to use the key colour coding on the Kontakt virtual keyboard which corresponds to the light guide.

I have an Akai Advance 49 and I love it. Anytime on the keyboard is much easier and more intuitive that before. It's great to have a keyboard that lets you interact with your soft ware with out thinking about it. The knobs are and buttons become instinctive very quickly. I like being able to set up multis with different software brands and using FX as insert or sends is great too. Though there are only a few transport controls for SONAR it has made things easier, and  more instinctive. That's what I wanted and it has gone beyond my expectations.

I am shopping for a new midi controller keyboard as well.
 
Here good/bad about M-Audio Code 61 keyboard.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Code61
 
Has anyone played on this? Seems like the biggest issue is with its velocity style of piano style playing in that it does not provide super low midi volume triggers and a smooth range to the top.
It is now on sale at Sweetwater and with rebate I can get it for $299!
Just don't want to have issues with the velocity.
 
I have watched a few videos on it and it seems nice. I video showed a guy playing piano on it and I could hear the problem with velocity right off. He did to. Maybe look a the more expense Akai MTK?