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  4. Master Keyboard recomendations please??

  • Master Keyboard recomendations please??

    J
    J
    H,

    I've relied for far too long on an Sy77 keyboard to input my midi. I'd like to look at a new Master keyboard - no sounds just input/control.

    Wish list is : 88Keys, very pro + reliable. pitch bend, mod wheel, volume wheel? perhaps a few sliders for midi control and extremely easy plus quick to change midi channels. A fully weighted keyboard isn't a prime requirement neither would it be a do not buy reason. I really feel I spend too puch time navigating software menues so as direct an interface as possible would be good.

    Suggestions welcomed

    Thanks

    julian
  • P
    P
    This is the one I just went for.

    http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/ContentDetail/ModelSeriesDetail/0,,CNTID%253D48793%2526CTID%253D,00.html

    Can't find anything else that would suit me right now. Alright - it does have sounds. [[;)]]
  • M
    M
    A few months back, I purchased the M-Audio 88 key. Four hundred and some change, American dollars. But its,worth its weight in gold.
  • J
    J
    I went for Doepfer (LMK4+): just like the keyboard in the VSL video demonstrations.

    http://www.doepfer.de/home_e.htm

    It's expensive tho': the only UK stockist (as far as I know) is EMIS in Bristol

    http://www.aues21.dsl.pipex.com/

    There is a cheaper alternative in the LMK2+ though whether you'd consider that acceptable I don't know.
  • J
    J
    Thanks for the suggestions - keep em comming! Yamaha looked up the right street - just wouldn't want to pay for the piano sample part as in my use it would be redundant.

    Julian
  • C
    C
    I have the Keystation Pro 88. Some have reported inconsistencies with the key action on these models. Mine is great.

    Yamahas have the best action. (P80, P90, etc.)

    MAudio has sliders, etc. and is the better deal.

    Clark
  • D
    D
    I think you won't get around trying out some keyboards in a music shop - after all, the action has to fit your playing, and you've got to see whether you get along with your partner before booking the honeymoon [[;)]]
    Also, it depends on your need of controllers - with current software and VSTIs and stuff like that, the M-Audio really might be a good choice.

    Regards,
    David
    VSL manuals
  • M
    M
    i use a vmk-88 simply because it could be taken apart easily and built into the dimensions of the console. it is inexpensive, but doesn't have the greatest feel. in spite of it that, I'm happy with it and it has exhibited no problems in a studio that has had the luxury of pretty good capitalization; we could have afforded much more. perhaps another point of perspective is that i was traineed as a keyboard playeer so you would think action would be a big consideration. i've been able to accomplish 100% of what i've needed to do with it without really noticing.
  • P
    P
    I have the CME-UF8 and for me it's a great improvement of my old rusty DX7 [:D] It's great to finally have a piano-like feel and all the 88 keys.

    But!

    The transport buttons require the USB connection and the USB driver simply does not work for most customers. Stuck and missing notes, etc. Lots of complaints on the CME forum, but they simply haven't released driver updates sinds July... So I have to use the Midi output.

    So if you expect to use the additional play/record functionality you'll be disappointed.

    For the rest, I haven't played any other master keyboards, so I just can't compare and recommend.