Vienna Symphonic Library Forum
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  • Controllers For VSL

    G
    G

    Hello!

    What is the 88-key controller used in the video demo for the Vienna Imperial piano?

    What breath controller would you recommend?

    Thanx!
  • J
    J

    That's Guy Bacos playing a Yamaha P150, but the video is several years old.

    For breath controllers, those from http://www.tecontrol.se are becoming the new standard, or so it seems.
  • G
    G

    So, what are the keyboard controllers in use these days? I have an AKAI MPK 61, but the keys push back at you; very springy. The best synth feel I've ever come across is the "Original" DX 7.

    For weighted keyboards, the Rolands and Yamahas are nice, but they come with 1000 tones that I wouldn't use. [:(] [:D]

    In the mean time, those breath controllers look interesting. Thanx!
  • J
    J

    It depends on your priorities. For me a realistic piano action is the most important thing, and I use a Kawai MP10, but it lacks features as a MIDI controller. I think there's always some sort of compromise.
  • G
    G
    Yes, the feel is indeed important. I saw this, recently ....

    but, NO WHEELS!! Come onnnn, maannnn! Really?! [|-)]

    What keyboard do you use for synth stuff, wheels, breath controller etc?
  • J
    J

    With USB it's no big deal to add a small (and cheap) controller. I use a Kawai MPK 2 Mini. I merge it with my big keyboard using MIDI Ox (inside Windows) and send it to Cubase, which thinks it's all coming from a single controller.
  • M
    M

    Here's a thread about the Tecontrol breath controller.

    http://community.vsl.co.at/forums/p/34293/232055.aspx#232055

    When it comes to keyboard controllers, it's really important that you actually try them out before you buy one. The majority of the ones with tons of sliders and knobs are really geared towards the EDM and Rap crowd, and (from my experience) the keyboard action is either very stiff or very "synth like" and not at all like the action of a real piano. If the DAW you are using has one or more dedicated controllers for it, you maybe better off buying an 88 key keyboard that has the action and feel that you want, and using additional contoller(s) for editing.

    These are all very personal choices. Everyones work flow and budget is different so what works for someone else may not fit your style. It's best to try them out before you purchase anything, and if that's not possible make sure that the company you buy them from has a good return policy.

    I couldn't find my bookmark for it, but Dietz uses a very cool keyboard controller. I may be wrong about the details but from what I remember it is suppsed to have very realistic action and costs about $2k US dollars.

    Michael
  • G
    G
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    @mschmitt said:

    .... couldn't find my bookmark for it, but Dietz uses a very cool keyboard controller. I may be wrong about the details but from what I remember it is suppsed to have very realistic action and costs about $2k US dollars.

    Michael

    Could you at least remember the name, Michael?

    I played Kawai's MP-11 a few years ago, and it felt really good. The thing is, it has all these 1000 tones I don't need. With that in mind, I feel pretty confident, that the VPC-1 will feel good as well.

    synth-type work, and wheels, I bought the MPK 61, by Akai. I don't like it! The keys push back at you. I don't have the opportunity to "try before I buy", where I live.

    Come in Dietz [;)]
  • M
    M
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    @Another User said:

    For synth-type work, and wheels, I bought the MPK 61, by Akai. I don't like it! The keys push back at you.

    I ALMOST bought an MPK 61 too just based on specs alone. It looked great on paper. Thank god I found one in a store and tried it out before buying it. The keyboard action is awful! It took me 20 seconds of playing it to cross that off of my list of potential controllers!

    I haven't tried the other controllers you mentioned. I use a Yamaha KX8, which I believe is discontinued. I managed to snag a demo unit for $300 about six years ago. The action is like Yamaha's "Piano Lab" keyboards, a bit stiff compared to a real piano but very playable and expressive.

    Michael
  • G
    G

    Those LACHNIT keyboards make a good read, but they are out of my range, both price-wise and distance-wise. The shipping from Austria to the caribean would be painful!

    I'll probavly take a chance with the Kawai, for the piano feel, when I'm ready.

    One would think, that with the studio world having gone in the direction it has, that Yamaha, Roland or Korg (same parent company) would be  making good controllers. In my opinion, the best synth action was on the "original" DX 7 (I've probably said that here already; I say it all te time).

    Anyhow, let's hear from the other members. [:D]