Keyboard For Soundtrack / Gargageband?, Best one for novice? Options

[edge]

I've been using Soundtrack for some time, will probably add GarageBand to the mix, and I want to expand the possibilities with an inexpensive ($200 or less) keyboard. Apple recommends two keyboards on the GarageBand page, so I'm currently looking in that direction, but I don't know if these or others are best for me.

They are:

1) M-Audio Keystation 49e USB Midi Keyboard ($79)
2) Edirol PCR-30 MIDI Keyboard Controller ($169)

About them:

- One has 49 keys while the other has 32 (does that matter to me?)
- One is titled a 'controller' while the other is not (whatever that means)
- One has more nobs and buttons than the other (but maybe these are not necessary and effects can be handled via software...?)

About me:

- I don't necessarily need/want to learn to play piano, just want to be able to create new melodies and loops.
- I played drums for six years so I have rhythm.
- I'm a music nut and know what sounds good.

Any recommendations? It's more a hobby, but partially for business.

Thanks ahead of time!

[zelen0]

controller means it just sends MIDI data, it has no sounds of it's own. this is cheaper and better, as long as you don't hope to use it without the midi host (computer). So go with controller when possible in your case.

I've played piano for roughly 12 years. I can tell you one thing, and that is if at all possible, get "weighted" keys. Keys on a piano that have some weight will allow you to feel the notes, allowing your brain to receive tactile feedback.

This is different from "velocity", which records how hard you hit each note. Some keyboards have velocity without weighted keys. But keep in mind that if the keys have no weight, you will have a difficult time telling how hard you hit each key.

In the end this may not matter if you're just playing around. But at least ensure your keyboard HAS velocity.

If you choose to go with weighted, remember that it will in almost all cases have velocity.

So if you can, get controller, weighted with velocity/sensitivity.

The number of keys depends on what you want to play. If it's just chords, and some leads, 32 keys is plenty. If you want to play full cadencas, you'll need more than 70 keys.

I have a Yamaha P-80, it's a piano replacement for me, but overkill for simple work.