I have the m-audio axiom 49. I like the weighted keys and after touch, but it doesn't seem to play well with Sonar, and the MIDI input is very delicate.

Does anyone have a favorite controller?

Thanks, 

Mike

I am using a Roland PCR 500 has 18 pads and the act preset has more options than you would have with a competing companies board. Home team advantage I guess. I am just creating the act preset myself I added a few options in the preset like using the buttons/pads to move to previous and next markers as well as insert markers, automation snapshot, exclusive solo, loop on off, and I am only on bank1 still have 3 more to use for sonar there are about 200 + functions you can use buttons to activate and 18 pads as buttons x 4 banks is a lot of control. You can set one of the buttons to act as a shift so that when you hit shift you can access even more commands without having to switch banks. If you can find one used they are the best controller to use with sonar. Like most keyboards the USB is fragile and plastic so get a midi cable and power supply you can find them cheap on ebay instead of getting the oem model. There is transport control there is a data knob that can act as a jog wheel etc, There are 9 rotary knobs and 9 sliders a sideways slider with 3 switches and numerous function buttons on the left that are not programable. The xy mod wheel is cool as well. The ins and outs are on the side which is a lot easier to get to than on the back. The editor software I never used because of ACT integration and its out of support on win 7, The extra buttons over the A series makes this one a better unit from my perspective.

I use and like the Roland/Cakewalk A-800 PRO. It's very nice for the money!

I'm an Axiom 49 user.  The ACT is very fickle but takes time to program in.  Once you are set, you should be good to go.  Maudio's site makes you think you get "great" integration with protools...but I actually get just as good with SONAR X1 as I do with PT. 

It *used* to be Novation-everything, from pre-Novation ReMotes on up.  It still is, to a certain extent, but they're a little beat-up over their long lifespans.  Something about the synth-action keys and the aftertouch, plus the control features in the various models.  I've liked using an Alesis Ion for the control aspects, but miss the aftertouch in the keybed.
 
I have an Akai MAX49 on order, after a lot of research.  The plan is that I can combine the features of a number of my current MIDI devices all on the same 'board.  And the "real MPC feel" was near the bottom of my 'ideal MIDI keyboard controller' feature list.  No zones, though, which is weird.  Especially considering the depth of the rest of its feature set.

mleghorn


I have the m-audio axiom 49. I like the weighted keys and after touch, but it doesn't seem to play well with Sonar, and the MIDI input is very delicate.

Does anyone have a favorite controller?

Thanks, 

Mike

I have an Axiom 49, and I get along well with it, as does Sonar.  Granted, I don't use its knobs, sliders, buttons and pads extensively for controlling plugins, but the times I have tried it, it seemed to work okay.  For a basic keyboard, it's hard to beat, and I like the fact that the pitch and mod wheels are on the side of the keyboard, instead of above like the Akai.  The Akai or one of Roland's offerings are probably better bets overall, but for basic keyboard input the Axiom works well.

If your able to, go to your local GC or Sam Ash or any other music store and try them out. Each one has a different feel to it. What may feel right for me may not feel right for you. Alright, enought with that dirty talk!!

Cj

CJ, You may be onto something: controllers shaped for adults only.

I have the akai MPK 49. nicely built but useless IMO. ACT is still flaky , I have to reset the usb everytime to get it work correctly . next keyboard I would be looking into Nektar Panorama P4. Even though I dont use reason. Its jammed packed with some nice features.

John,

We have a LOT of the same gear! ;P

I somewhat agree with you on the MPK49, though I get enough of what I need out of the unit.