DanRad Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 I've become quite the problem child when it comes to midi controllers. If you're like me, you use the QWERTY keyboard a lot for key commands and naming.. and maybe (like me) you also use it for usual computer duties like email and internet searching. So why can't I find a controller (or synth to use as a controller) where I can mount my QWERTY keyboard in a convenient place, right above the musical keys. Right now I have a DX7 which has a nice flat surface, but all the DX7s are getting pretty old and having problems (I'm on my 2nd borrowed DX7 since mine was sent to a farm where it could run free) I also have come to rely on the Mod and pitch wheels being located to the left of the keyboard (not above like some new controllers) as well as after touch as a modulation source. All the new stuff either has a bunch of knobs and sliders where I want to put my QWERTY keyboard or they don't have after touch or they're made by M Audio whose keyboards feel terrible to me. Any and all suggestions welcome. Dan Rad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ski Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 Hey Dan, I feel your pain re looking for a keyboard that has a flat top on which to place the computer keyboard 'n' mouse. No one makes one that's configured for this no-brainer criteria save for the folding 77-note VAX controller http://www.infiniteresponse.com/vkeybd.html . They only make a 77 note model and it doesn't have traditional pitch bend or modwheels It's one of the reasons I still use my Roland A-80. It has a relatively flat control surface over which I can place a computer keyboard. While this covers the LCD display, I only use one program on the A-80 so there's no real need for me to see the display. Some self-stick rubber feet attached to the underside of the computer keyboard allows it to clear the A-80's front panel buttons as well as prevent it from slipping from impact while typing. I have two, actually. One is a parts cadaver (though it's 100% functional). The only keyboard I've seen recently that has a flat top and traditional mod/pitch wheels (and aftertouch) is the CME Z-Key Master Controller ( http://www.cme-pro.com/en/news-detail.php?news_id=114 ). However, I'd steer clear of anything made by CME, which I believe stands for "crap made especially (4 u)". Finding a replacement DX7 shouldn't be too difficult. A quick look on eBay should bring up lots of listings. Last time I checked, they averaged about $500. And certainly parts shouldn't be hard to acquire. Would getting a new (used) one be an option for you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarlosUnderground Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 +1 Ski. The DX7 is a good board and, pretty available. It takes a beating and, nothing sounds like it, for good or worse. A tank of a instrument. They don't make em like that anymore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanRad Posted December 30, 2012 Author Share Posted December 30, 2012 Thanks guys... I'm glad I'm not the only one clinging to the past. (Oh how I long for the smoothness of Logic 7 and my 1974 Fiat 124, believe it or not, one of the best cars I ever owned) Someone really should make a controller with either a built in QWERTY (underrated and overused) or a dedicated non slip location for that. And a built in trackball or something similar.. though (in keeping with my retro-ness, I only use mouses-mice.. and only the standard Mac Mighty mouse which I have to replace every 10 months) So I may continue my search for a DX7 that isn't on its deathbed. My local repair place (AME) couldn't fix mine and I'm suspect that they all are about to expire.. but. I love it.. flat surface. breath controller built in (which I use all the time) after touch and I'm used to the action. Anyone in LA got a non trashed DX7 they'd like to unload??? Dan Rad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
offaxis Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 I completely sympathise with the problems of midi keyboard + qwerty keyboard setup. Never seem to quite find the right layout for them. I am currently coveting one of these beasts: http://www.cluboftheknobs.com/polyclavier.html v high price tag.. but a stunning piece of kit..with genuinely useful controls for actual musical midi performance [something that seems to be increasingly forgotten these days] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
n6smith Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 One of the frustrations for me, is that no one makes a reasonably priced and reliable 88key semi weighted keyboard with good controller features.. and room for a qwerty keyboard.... which is why I continue to use my Roland A90EX (after repairing keys etc.. thanks to Ski's tips!) despite the fact it has fully weighted keys... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ski Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 I completely sympathise with the problems of midi keyboard + qwerty keyboard setup. Never seem to quite find the right layout for them. I am currently coveting one of these beasts: http://www.cluboftheknobs.com/polyclavier.html v high price tag.. but a stunning piece of kit..with genuinely useful controls for actual musical midi performance [something that seems to be increasingly forgotten these days] OMG, that's GORGEOUS! (euro) 950 for the 5 octave model isn't bad considering... Very glad to know about this company, thanks for posting about it. Drooling now... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
offaxis Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 no problem Ski I have never bought anything from COTK so I can't vouch for them personally, but their kit looks amazing. I think they build the Polyclavier to order so lead times are quite long. They are one of the small group of new companies that are creating modular synth modules in the old Moog 5U format - i spend a lot of time drooling over their kit! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanRad Posted December 30, 2012 Author Share Posted December 30, 2012 Does anyone have a connection at M-Audio to suggest a controller with a QWERTY or a place for same? Am I the only one that finds their keyboard action objectionable? There are number of "simple" controllers that could be set up to support the QWERTY, but none that I have found with aftertouch. The ones that do usually have a bunch of knobs and fader thingies that would make putting the QWERTY there a bit challenging. Any other ideas or is it back to the future for me? Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
offaxis Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 hi Dan - you could consider the new Akai MAX49 http://www.akaipro.com/max49 the top right corner of the controller is pretty flat so you could get your qwerty keyboard on top of the touch faders there. Aftertouch is decent on the Akai kit too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanRad Posted December 30, 2012 Author Share Posted December 30, 2012 Thanks for the suggestion... but I really like my QWERTY in the middle AND the way I use mod wheels while playing two handed, I need it right next to the keys. I'm old school... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Nahmani Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 the way I use mod wheels while playing two handed, I need it right next to the keys. I'm old school... Never understood why AKAI placed the wheels behind the keys like that. IMO it makes it very impractical to use while playing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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