Hi, guys. It's time for me to finally break down and buy a keyboard controller. For now I just want a small 25 key unit for data input and general controls. When I have more room and use for a larger one I'll probably get an 88 key.

I think I've pretty much decided on the M-Audio Oxygen 25 (V3) but wanted to double check to see what (if any) problems people are having running them with Sonar. I know about the weird driver issue that won't allow Sonar to shut down and I'm prepared to deal with that. Doesn't seem to really hurt anything. Just annoying. It looks like my regular retailer has it for $100 so that seems to be a fair price considering this type of thing usually costs more up here in Canada. Here's one on Amazon just for reference...

http://www.amazon.com/M-A...ds=M-Audio+Oxygen+25V3

So what do you guys think? Wise choice or should I keep looking? Thanks. Hope you are all having a good day.

No experience with M-Audio keyboards. I have used a very cheap 49 key keyboard for years andcould not imagine working on such a 25 key keyboard for long. I have heard good things about the Alesis QX25.

@scook... Yeah, I thought long and hard about the 25 vs. 49+ key issue and have finally decided that I really REALLY need something right away to do some basic input. I can't play around with all the fancy synths properly which I'm kind of aching to do. Also the little transport and parameter options should help quite a bit even when I'm tracking my guitar. If I get a bigger keyboard I won't be able to fit it on my desk easily and I would be forced to get a 49 key to save space which I think is too small for my purposes. If I'm gonna get something big I want to be able to play full piano pieces so I decided I need two separate units. One more for general stuff and one for actual piano/keyboard performances. I was surprised to see I can get 88 key controllers for a little over $100 (Keystation, Oxygen, Alesis). I was also looking at some of the Alesis 25 key options. They are in the same price range and seem to have all the same feature (and more) but to get the appropriate price I think I'd have to order from the US which would end up costing more in the long run and be a real pain if I have to return it. Anyway... it doesn't look like I'll be able to order it until tomorrow unless I can get some money moved around today. Just thought I'd check for any deal breakers in the meantime. Cheers.

Something else for you to read http://project5.technetos...hannelize-guitar.shtml
It is for Project 5 (an old CW DAW) but it should be easy to apply to current SONAR.

Heheh. I think I'd better hold off on the MIDI guitar mayhem for now. I've got enough to confuse me at the moment. I would like to get a hex pickup system eventually though. I could do a LOT with that kind of tech. Cheers.