Keyboard Controllers-all The Same? Options

[booinec]

Are they all pretty much the same?
I want to layer in some standard instrument sounds, strings mostly to add some depth to guitar, vocals and percussion. I'll be using a software synth (not certain which one to buy yet).
Want to spend under $300.00 US.
Also, I notice some connect by midi, some by usb, and some both. Are there advantages to one type of hook up over another in pro tools LE/ G5 2.0. (Digi 002, or Mbox, not certain which yet.)
Thanks,
Boo

This post has been edited by booinec: Wed 11 Aug 2004, 21:34

[Riverdog]

No way are they the same...

First off is the feel... Are you a Piano player??? Then you're going to hate the oxygen8.... (Unweighted plastic keys)...

Then there's your software...
Nowadays if you're using software synths; It really makes no difference how many times your "controller" keyboard will split... Most high end hardware "true" controllers will split between 4 and eight different instruments...

BUT - If you have a software synth that allows you to split as many times as you want, it makes no difference that your "controller" can even split at all... You would just set that up in the synth - An example would be like Emagic's EXS 24 - You can split sounds all the way up the board if you want...

I use a Kurzweil SP76 digital piano as my main board with Logic 6 Pro...
I like the feel but this keyboard can only "physically" split twice...
Logic does the work for me on the splitting issue...

MIDI vs. USB doesn't really make a difference anymore...
I'm a traditionalist So I like the MIDI route....
I suppose the only deciding factor would be how much bandwidth you're already using if you record audio through USB or if you have a lot of controller data going down the pipe - But MIDI doesn't really take up that much bandwidth...

Final Suggestion?
Find something you like that feels good and will do what you want...
That's about it...

Hope this helps...

[booinec]

Thanks Riverdog,
I'm a guitar guy, not a keyboard player, so the feel and touch issues are not all that important. I will be hooking the controller up to a digi002 rack system and using it to layer in various instrument sounds as fill and accents. I have decided on the Edirol PCR 50. Seems to have enough bells and whistles to do the job I envision.
Both the Pcr 50 and the 002rack are on order and expected by fed Ex later today.
Boo

[Jaysee]

Hi booinec, if your still trying to make your mind up on the controller keyboard choice, I just read a fabulous review of a fully weighted (ie piano like action) 88 note new one from M Audio.... the M Audio 'Keystation'. The reviewer was almost comimg in his pants he was so impressed!! In addition to the superb action, it boasts a front panel just swarming with every assignable knob, wheel etc known to man (or woman)

Now here's the best bit....its £399.00, a snip!!

It wont be as portable as the compact Remote audio or Eridol kbds, but this new MAudio Keystation seems like the proverbial dog's gonads! Check out the review in October's Sound On Sound magaine.
Jaysee