MIDI kEYBOARDS

[sixstringbing]

Hi Everybody
I am hoping to start programming my own midis in the future but i need some advice on what sort of keyboard or midi controller to bu ;)y I will be using Cubase for the software and would appreciate any advice or info, what a great site keep up the good work guys.

[rogerch]

Sixstringbing,

I'll give you my 2cents anyway. Most keyboards are controllers. I use a Korg M1, but it's old and the patches are limiting, But I also have a Korg NX5R that I use at my gig's, it has I think around 2000 patches.

As far as sequencing, You can buy a midi controller (keyboard) that is cheep around $150.00US and then get your self a nice tone generator for around $300.00US and be all set.

If you plant to use midi at gig's and your not a keyboardist then you most likely don't want to haul around a keyboard(as in my case), so the tone generator is my output device.

Where you will be limited will be your tone generator, the more tones it has in it(instruments) the more flexibility you will have on both playing other peoples sequences and setting the instruments for your own sequences.

You have GM XG & GS formats, the GS is used now most from what I see on the professional mid's that are created. GS is from Roland and you can get the Edroil tone generators now that can add cards for more tones.

Hope this help you along your path.

[sixstringbing]

thanks rogerch your 2cents worth is much appreciated, I have seen a cheap midi controller called an M- Audio it has 64 keys can you recommend a tone generator as i am unsure what this is. I have a Roland SD35 sound canvasser if thats the tone generator.? once again thanks for the imput and advice.

[rogerch]

Sixstringbing,

The M-Audio is the one I was thinking of, as long as you have a module your all set and yes the sd is a module.
I'm sure the sd will work, here is the basic difference between the one you have and the one I have.

The SD35 has 233 on board 16 bit sounds including 38 sound FX, and eight drum sets. Ideal for on the road giggers or in the studio, or even just for home enjoyment. Plays 3.5 inch floppy discs,and holds up to 99 songs on a single disc. Allows you to transpose song keys up or down as well. It can play whilst it reads between songs,great for live use.


The feature set of the Korg NX5R
· A massive library of 2,365 sounds: The AI2 tone generator provides 1177 sound programs (128 of which are RAM-enabling the user to store edit locations), 512 combinations (128 are RAM), and 31 drum kits. The XG tone generator provides 676 normal voices (programs) and 21 drum kits.
· Multi-timbrality: the AI2 has 32 part multi-timbrality, and the XG tone generator has 16 part.
· Polyphony: 64 note for the AI2, and 32 note for the XG (equaling 96 notes total)
· High-capacity PCM ROM (12 Mbytes of waveform memory for the AI2, 4 Mb for the XG) for high quality sounding programs.

[sixstringbing]

Thanks for the reply Rogerch I fear theres a bit more than your basic difference betwen your korg and my Roland( your Korg being far superior)and I know the SD35 is really dated but it will hopefully get me started and with people like yourself with a wealth of knowledge , technical know how and good nature I,ll see what happens

[sixstringbing]

I had a look at the Korg Nx5r on their site my SD35 is prehistoric compared to rogerch's tone generator looks like I'll have to save a few more pennies to catch up on everyone

[rogerch]

Sixstringbing,

What you have will get you started, and could work just fine for what you need. The NX5R is out dated also, it's like 5 years old. We will help you in any way that we can!

Roger

[sixstringbing]

Many Thaks rogerch It,ll be a while yeat what with giggin and minding my baby daughter but your support is appreciated and if i can do anything for you just contact me.