Hello,
I am using a keyboard of the brand Novation Impulse with 61 keys so it ranges from C2 to C7. The reason for not having an 88-key version is that I simply don't have enough space for such a wide keyboard. This worked fine so far because most instruments only use 3 or 4 octaves so I have 1 octave left over to assign keyswitches. For example, the violas start at C3 so I have C2 to B2 to assign keyswitches. The cellos start at C2 so I assign the key switches from C6 to B6. For very low instruments such as the bassoons and the double basses I transpose the midi track an octave down so I can press the C2 key and hear C1 while the keyswitches are on the highest octave. Similar for high instruments such as the piccolo, but the other way round.
Having 12 keys for the keyswitches worked fine until now. For most instruments I work with 2 matrices of size 5x5 so I assign C to E for the horizontal switch, F to A for the vertical switch, Ab and A for the A/B switch, and Bb and B to switch between the 2 matrices.
However, I'd like to add more matrices, possibly of larger size than 5x5 so I don't have enough keys anymore. I know I can switch matrices with program changes, but I don't like to use program changes. I also don't like to use other CC to move through the matrices themselves. Keyswitches are my preferred way to work. So, I am now considering to buy a small 25 key keyboard which I will put on a small desk next to me, perpendicular to the larger keyboard. Does somebody have experience with such a set-up? Would it be best to connect both keyboards to a separate USB slot, can I use a USB splitter, or would it be better to connect the small keyboard with a MIDI cable to the large keyboard? (in case it's relevant to know: my DAW is Cubase)
As I will only use it for keyswitches and not for actual playing I don't need weighted keys or things such a pitch or modulation wheel. Nor any other CC. Just the 25 keys and the possibility to transpose octaves up or down would be sufficient. My eye fell on a cheap AKAI LPK25. Can somebody recommend this or another keyboard for my purpose? Any other advice for this set-up is welcome.
Thanks,
Arnold