Just got an Alesis Q61 keyboard controller. http://www.alesis.com/q61 It is just the right size and if it does what I want it will be perfect. I don't intend to try DAW control with it I just want to trigger and play soft synths. Being new, I think it will do the job... I hope. It seems to have enough synth controls and has pitch mod jog wheels rather than a joystick. No aftertouch but I have a Yamaha synth workstation I can use if I need aftertouch for something besides, I play keys just good enough to get by. I'll be mostly using it for piano and drums, maybe some Hammond or Rhodes sounds. I know aftertouch is a big deal for keyboard players but I am not sure I will miss it, I hope not.
 
I got this is for mobility and ease of use. At only 150 bucks, fits my budget too!
Anyway, I am happy with it so far but I just unboxed it... fingers crossed (that makes it hard to play).
 

 
Julien

I'm waiting for the Q62...

Hope you enjoy it.
 
Did you get a strap?

mike_mccue
Hope you enjoy it.
 
Did you get a strap?

No, no power adapter or a USB cable either. USB powered. Glad I have USB cables...
 
I hadn't thought about the strap. I wonder if Spacey could add some straplocks to it... hmmm. Oh wait, I even play guitar sitting down.
I did consider the QX61 for 50 bucks more but I really do not need five sliders, 4 pads, and some knobs. I have a performance pad, a Tranzport, and a whle box full of knobs.. I can stick a few knobs on it if I need to.
 
Did I mention it is a new TOY ?  
 
XMly Siriusly I think it is going to be great for what I want it to do, will find out today if this dang headache will calm down. Going to the chiropractor, doctor, and drug dealer pharmacy today... will be better later I hope.
 
OK, coffee and meds... brb.
 
Oh... and Mike... thanks for the strap idea.
 
@Craig... they just stopped making the Q62, times are tought. They are considering a Q59 for next year so...
 
Julien

:-)

Hi,
 
I have a M-Audio Oxygen 61 ... and it is nice ... on the Jupiter 8v software, I got all 8 sliders and 8 knobs hooked up ... and this way you can just play for fun and twist and shout the knobs and sliders to your heart's content!
 
Still can't do a whole lot with the Sequencer and the advanced stuff, because, (I THINK), it is designed to be used AFTER the fact, not during! Which is kinda weird and stupid if you ask me!
 
But if you figure out how to use that sequencer and make it work, let me know please!

There is a sequencer, lots of knobs, virtual drawbars, etc, etc... on my Yamaha. I never figured it out. Actually my first piece, when I decided to try to record something along with my guitar was a Yamaha QY-70... I never did figure it out, I finally sold it. That was one frustrating little box. I also have a 25 key O2 controller that I carry if I travel, it has more knobs and such but I just never use them. I set up the synth wo what I want and punk some drums or a little piano or something. I really try to keep it simple because with complex comes PRICE. The more I learn to do, the less I will be satisfied with and the more I will think I need and the more I will spend... then I'll look back to the simple and think... I didn't need all this.  
I have a really strong tendency to take anything simple and make it as complicated as it can get... after thousands of dollars in Guitar Center and Sweetwater therapy, I have learned to just keep it simple... just smile and wave. To be satisfied with what I have because if I am not, I will not be satisfied with anything I get. 
I blame the internet (and Bapu of course).
Until I got online I was convinced that my Peavey Delta Blues was a really great top line amp. All I needed was it and my Strat. Now, I wish I had it back... I like my other amps but it really does not matter too much what I play through, I always sound like me. I think it is the same with keys and synths, I'm going to tune in what I like no matter what I use. Hey, a velocity slider, a mod wheel, and pitch wheel.. and a sustain pedal are really all I want or need with this. A USB cable would have been nice too. I'll recheck the box, it was supossed to be in there, maybe it is in one of the foam thingys.
 
J

Nothing beats new toys! Congrats.
 
When I started recording with Jeff I bought an Axiom 61 so if he wanted to do some
key parts he could. He just wanted to sing so I messed around with it once or twice
and it's been wrapped in plastic since.
I noticed it's no longer available so I guess it's a (dust) collectors item. lol.

Found the USB cable in one of the foam protectors in the box. Says on the box I get free Sonitus virtual instruments... they are Roland, right? I guess that is good unless I already have them which don't really matter.
I got a bag of candy with it too!!!
 
J

I have its little brother, the 49 (61 was a bit too big for my luggage). I bought it to replace my old M-Audio Keystation which died on me in NY 2 years ago. (I can't say a bad thing about that one either, it would have been indestructible if I had been slightly more careful).
 
Anyway, the Alesis Q had the advantage of being more compact and lighter. It survived trips to Spain and Russia and flights here within the US. The mod wheel is off axis a bit but still works like a charm. One of the keys used to be a bit noisy but it fixed itself I guess.