MIDI Controller recommendations

[marksealey]

I'm interested in composing classical music - mostly with the Score and Step editors.

 

Currently I use an (obsolete) m-Audio 61es MIDI controller.

 

Of course, I do not need the synthesizer functionality of a new Controller.

 

Nor am I aiming to play the instrument!

 

Just the best input I can afford. With Velocity, Aftertouch etc.

 

Any suggestions, please?

 

Novation?

 

Other M-Audio controllers?

 

Thanks so much!

[Kent Sandvik]

Go to the nearest Guitar Center and try out, they have a bunch of controllers.

 

Talking about controllers is like dancing about architecture.

[David Nahmani]

I've used tons of different MIDI controllers, and finally settled on using an M-Audio Axiom Pro. The new M-Audio Axiom is great also, and if you want to spend less money the new entry level M-Audio are good.

 

But as Kent said, controllers are personal. Only by trying them out will you figure out if you like the layout, the pads, the knobs, the feel of the keys, etc...

[marksealey]

Thanks, Kent and David!

 

I guess what I don't know - and really need to - is how much the quality of the electronics (as opposed to the mechanics) will affect entering MIDI events into Logic.

 

Since I don't intend to 'perform' as such, does touch, play matter - as long as the best quality of note gets transmitted into Logic?

 

Or am I not understanding how MIDI controllers work?

[David Nahmani]

MIDI doesn't have a "quality", it's binary data, it either works or it doesn't. And most (all?) of the keyboards on the market today perform great on the electronic side, nothing to worry about really.

 

So all that's left is the features, the mechanics, the layout, the feel etc...

[Kent Sandvik]

Me thinks most of the controllers are function-wise equal with the exception of more controls versus less controls. But the feeling for the keys are different, weighted, semi-weighted, light. That's where you need to try them out as you will pound on that keyboard for many years.

 

I tend to prefer plasticy-feeling keyboards, the curse of playing Roland synthesizers long time ago...

[ski]

What's wrong with what you have now?

[David Nahmani]

What's wrong with what you have now?

 

Excellent question. Don't feel compelled to upgrade just because there's new stuff out. If you know exactly what you need and why you need it then by all means get it, but if you're not sure, maybe that's because... well you don't need anything more than what you currently have?

[Kent Sandvik]

... I'm using a 15 year old Yamaha CS1X as my controller . Works fine.

[Nublu]

Nor am I aiming to play the instrument!

 

Just the best input I can afford. With Velocity, Aftertouch etc.

 

Any suggestions, please?

 

My suggestion is simply to accept the fact that you will be glad that you took your time to find a controller, that you do enjoy playing. Even just working everything in an arrangement off of a well played melody or bass can produce an economy of effort in the production, elevate the enjoyment throughout, and garner satisfaction with the end result.