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Author Topic: Keeping it light: Midi Controllers  (Read 3783 times)

Offline fmason3

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Keeping it light: Midi Controllers
« on: December 02, 2008, 08:10:10 AM »
Does anyone here use midi controllers with a sound module or computer soft synth?  I'm not talking about using a workstation/synthesizer as your controller (e.g. Motif 8 midi'ed to a MKS...WHEW GLORY!)....but a dedicated midi controller.

I have the M-Audio Oxygen 61

I don't really like it.  It isn't touch sensitive.  Granted I only bought it to use with my Native B4 software because it has 9 sliders.  But the feel is horrible.  It's very stiff and tough to play "organ" on.

 I'm thinking about giving it away and buying an Evolution MK-461c. 


I'm all about portability.  I have a Yamaha S90ES and that joint never leaves the house.  It was a struggle getting home from Guitar Center!  :D  I bought a Yamaha Motif 7 classic about a year ago to take on the fly, but that joint is kinda big too.  It's not huge.  It's not a struggle to pack it up and go, but sometimes I just want to be able to grab my laptop in one hand and my controller in the other and roll. 

I use Reason 4.0 more and more in live settings now.  At first I was just using it to run drum tracks but now , if my drummer is running is own tracks, I can play keys through Reason.  Especially since I have the samples of Steinway and Yamaha grand pianos and the MKS-20 sound module through Reason. 

This is a picture of one of my software rigs.

In this picture, I'm using the MKS-20 E. Piano 2, a pad, and a steinway grand.

I can assign the sliders on my S90ES and Oyxgen 61 to control the levels on my software line mixer in Reason...

but I can't assign the sliders on my motif  >:(, which is what I'd use out and about...so I was considering purchasing one of these...

...to just be a controller for my sliders...since my macbook pro has two usb ports.

We'll see though.

What are you all using?

Offline rayjohnson83

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Re: Keeping it light: Midi Controllers
« Reply #1 on: December 02, 2008, 08:25:47 AM »
Well doc......since you thinking about giving it away.....I'll take it. lol :D :D :D :D ;D
just joking

Offline fmason3

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Re: Keeping it light: Midi Controllers
« Reply #2 on: December 02, 2008, 08:28:32 AM »
Well doc......since you thinking about giving it away.....I'll take it. lol :D :D :D :D ;D
just joking

If I get the Evolution, I would bless you doc...but you're kinda far....Tennessee?

Offline rayjohnson83

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Re: Keeping it light: Midi Controllers
« Reply #3 on: December 02, 2008, 08:29:11 AM »
If I get the Evolution, I would bless you doc...but you're kinda far....Tennessee?
yea I know......lol

Offline B3Wannabe

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Re: Keeping it light: Midi Controllers
« Reply #4 on: December 02, 2008, 08:46:34 AM »
I have an M-Audio Keystation 88 Pro. It's OK, but the CME brand is the top, if you ask me. Don't skim on your controller.

They have a synth-action one, but I can't remember the name.

When I purchased my MM8, they exchange rate here was really good (1430 won/dollar), so I could've gotten a the VX-8 (a $1K controller) for $850, or the UF-8 (a $650 controller) for $450!!! They also had a traditional Motif Rack for about $350! I was tempted to go the controller+rack route, but I opted for the MM8 instead. I still may buy it, since the rate is even better now(1480-1510won/dollar).

On a side note, I just bought 6 suits and 3 sports coats, CUSTOM MADE, for about $100 each!

Offline rayjohnson83

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Re: Keeping it light: Midi Controllers
« Reply #5 on: December 02, 2008, 08:48:36 AM »

On a side note, I just bought 6 suits and 3 sports coats, CUSTOM MADE, for about $100 each!
I need to shop with you :D :D

Offline ddw4e

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Re: Keeping it light: Midi Controllers
« Reply #6 on: December 02, 2008, 09:01:55 AM »
I getting another controller too. Probably be the Evolution as well just for the B4 software and Reason.  Geez Fred, I wonder how you got the mks20 on Reason? I think I should get that controller LOLOLOL!!!
MERCY EN!!

Offline ddw4e

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Re: Keeping it light: Midi Controllers
« Reply #7 on: December 02, 2008, 09:02:44 AM »
On a side note, I just bought 6 suits and 3 sports coats, CUSTOM MADE, for about $100 each!
100 each?? can't bet that at all!
MERCY EN!!

Offline fmason3

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Re: Keeping it light: Midi Controllers
« Reply #8 on: December 02, 2008, 09:06:54 AM »
I have an M-Audio Keystation 88 Pro. It's OK, but the CME brand is the top, if you ask me. Don't skim on your controller.

They have a synth-action one, but I can't remember the name.

When I purchased my MM8, they exchange rate here was really good (1430 won/dollar), so I could've gotten a the VX-8 (a $1K controller) for $850, or the UF-8 (a $650 controller) for $450!!! They also had a traditional Motif Rack for about $350! I was tempted to go the controller+rack route, but I opted for the MM8 instead. I still may buy it, since the rate is even better now(1480-1510won/dollar).

On a side note, I just bought 6 suits and 3 sports coats, CUSTOM MADE, for about $100 each!

You should have jumped on that motif rack!  Yes, the CME VX-8 is NICE.  I want an 88-key midi controller as well.  I don't like the keystation pro 88's feel.  The Yamaha KX-8 is very light and has a good feel, but has no sliders  >:(  WHO DOES THAT?!  And for like $100 more, you can get the MM8..

Offline fmason3

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Re: Keeping it light: Midi Controllers
« Reply #9 on: December 02, 2008, 09:09:11 AM »
How much does the VX-8 weigh?  I'm not about to buy a midi controller that weighs as much as my S90!!!

I need to shop with you :D :D

Call me when y'all plan the shopping trip!

I getting another controller too. Probably be the Evolution as well just for the B4 software and Reason.  Geez Fred, I wonder how you got the mks20 on Reason? I think I should get that controller LOLOLOL!!!

This music genius put me on to it!  :D


Offline B3Wannabe

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Re: Keeping it light: Midi Controllers
« Reply #10 on: December 02, 2008, 09:26:19 AM »
The websites say that the VX8 is heavier than the S90, but it felt lighter to me....or at least it felt lighter than my Keystation, which is almost the same weight as the S90--just two pounds less.

Offline fmason3

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Re: Keeping it light: Midi Controllers
« Reply #11 on: December 02, 2008, 09:58:11 AM »
The websites say that the VX8 is heavier than the S90, but it felt lighter to me....or at least it felt lighter than my Keystation, which is almost the same weight as the S90--just two pounds less.

So they're both heavier than your MM8 right?  The MM8 seemed pretty light to me.

Offline B3Wannabe

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Re: Keeping it light: Midi Controllers
« Reply #12 on: December 02, 2008, 10:11:58 AM »
Yea. The MM8 is light....no sliders though.

Probably because the case is plastic, whereas the others have metal.

Offline themidiroom

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Re: Keeping it light: Midi Controllers
« Reply #13 on: December 02, 2008, 11:52:40 AM »
Does anyone here use midi controllers with a sound module or computer soft synth?  I don't really like it.  It isn't touch sensitive. 
I have a M-audio Radium 61 and I don't like it either for the same reasons.  It's better than nothing.  I bought a Roland A30 a few years ago and I thought it was nice but mine was defective and had to be returned.
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Offline B3Organist_007

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Re: Keeping it light: Midi Controllers
« Reply #14 on: December 02, 2008, 06:21:53 PM »
I have an M-Audio Keystation 88 Pro. It's OK, but the CME brand is the top, if you ask me. Don't skim on your controller.

They have a synth-action one, but I can't remember the name.

When I purchased my MM8, they exchange rate here was really good (1430 won/dollar), so I could've gotten a the VX-8 (a $1K controller) for $850, or the UF-8 (a $650 controller) for $450!!! They also had a traditional Motif Rack for about $350! I was tempted to go the controller+rack route, but I opted for the MM8 instead. I still may buy it, since the rate is even better now(1480-1510won/dollar).

On a side note, I just bought 6 suits and 3 sports coats, CUSTOM MADE, for about $100 each!



B3Wannabe,

I heard that the CME had buggy drivers; this is why I have been having second thoughts about buying one.  Did you have any problems with the CME controllers?

Offline B3Wannabe

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Re: Keeping it light: Midi Controllers
« Reply #15 on: December 02, 2008, 07:37:04 PM »


B3Wannabe,

I heard that the CME had buggy drivers; this is why I have been having second thoughts about buying one.  Did you have any problems with the CME controllers?

No. I don't have one, but I hear they fixed it.

...at least it says so on their site.

Offline chevonee

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Re: Keeping it light: Midi Controllers
« Reply #16 on: December 02, 2008, 08:03:57 PM »
Ok so let me git dis scr8, a midi controller is only spoda be used to make midi file correct? I still don't know nuffin bout dem lil keyboads...LOL!! ;D ;D ;D Seriously though, I did like the price of the M-audio midi controller. But I have my eye on the M-audio Axiom or the EMU Xboard. Has anyone tried either of those?
Strike while the iron is hot!

Offline B3Wannabe

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Re: Keeping it light: Midi Controllers
« Reply #17 on: December 02, 2008, 08:17:44 PM »
Ok so let me git dis scr8, a midi controller is only spoda be used to make midi file correct? I still don't know nuffin bout dem lil keyboads...LOL!! ;D ;D ;D Seriously though, I did like the price of the M-audio midi controller. But I have my eye on the M-audio Axiom or the EMU Xboard. Has anyone tried either of those?

That's funny! I'm guessing it was a joke.

I know someone that has an axiom. For me M-Audio is like Casio: some of their stuff is good, some of it is bad. Yamaha is like that too.

Offline SirTJ

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Re: Keeping it light: Midi Controllers
« Reply #18 on: December 02, 2008, 08:35:57 PM »
Well, I have a question. I haven't quite figured out all of these 'technical' aspects.

I've watched DD's video of running the Roland MKS-20 digital module through Reason, but is it possible to also run it through Fruity Loops? I have Fruity Loops, but I've never really messed around with Reason.

Offline under13

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Re: Keeping it light: Midi Controllers
« Reply #19 on: December 02, 2008, 08:38:09 PM »
Well, I have a question. I haven't quite figured out all of these 'technical' aspects.

I've watched DD's video of running the Roland MKS-20 digital module through Reason, but is it possible to also run it through Fruity Loops? I have Fruity Loops, but I've never really messed around with Reason.

I dont know, but all this talk about Fruit loops got me feignin for some cereal
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