Midi Controller 2011

[Dzanjin]

What's up DSF?

Looking at getting my first midi controller! I checked the production bible and the last post in there was a looooong time ago. I also did some searching on other sites and got a mix of people using a HUGE variety of midi controllers.

Anyway, wanted to get some opinions from some people - I'm thinking about getting a M-Audio Axiom 25 2nd Gen 25-Key Midi Keyboard Controller.

Here's a link to it: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/keyboard ... controller

I want something that has semi-weighted keys along with pitch and mod wheels next to it and has a decent amount of knobs and pads. I want something that isn't going to make me feel so constricted in the studio. I'm also looking at playing live at some of my local bars and clubs towards end of this year/beginning of next year, so I want something that I might (MIGHT) be able to use kinda like a kontroller or trigger finger or what have you - just for starting out. I'll most def. upgrade to a huge controller or something when the time comes, but 'til then something that is going to give me some options.

I think that axiom has a really nice balance of what I want, but like I said, this will be my first so I don't know that much about companies and their rep.

What is everyone using right now? What are your opinions of the axiom?

Thanks guys!

[benjam]

Ive got an mpk49 its really solid and feature packed but I prefer the keys on my gaia ( same keys as the cakewalk midi controllers) for recording melodies.

[ARTFX]

The Axiom series is very very good, I own a Axiom 49 and never had any problems with it, very solid.. Now if you also want to play your melodies to record them I would look into getting a 49 key instead of a 25.. Just my thought..

[Depone]

yeah the Axiom range is solidly built. I would go for the 49 key version, as you will quickly realise that you need more keys!

[Dzanjin]

Took a look at the Akai and it seems pretty solid.
I think a 49 key would be great, esp. since I started playing piano at a very early age. But how do you guys lug that thing around with you? Haha.
I would love to have 49 keys but I want something very portable I can slip into a backpack or gigbag.

What does everyone usually take to play live? I guess I'm asking kinda like amoeba's "What's in your bag?".

[stinjee]

i run i remote sl 25. the automap function is quality. solid build niceish keys and tonnes of contol options

[benjam]

Took a look at the Akai and it seems pretty solid.
I think a 49 key would be great, esp. since I started playing piano at a very early age. But how do you guys lug that thing around with you? Haha.
I would love to have 49 keys but I want something very portable I can slip into a backpack or gigbag.

What does everyone usually take to play live? I guess I'm asking kinda like amoeba's "What's in your bag?".

Ahh Id forget trying to lug an mpk49 around it weighs tonne haha might be worth checking out mpkmini though same features just smaller and lighter.

[Dzanjin]

Saw the axiom PRO 25 at my local music shop.....$400! I read up on the diff between that and the 2nd gen axiom and really it boils down to the PRO having "Hypercontrol Technology"....basically showing you real time knob movements on the lcd screen and a lot more auto mapping...
Anyway, I think I'm going with the 2nd gen axiom.

Where do you guys trust to buy from online?

I usually look at musiciansfriend...Any other site have better deals? BESIDES ebay and all that, I want to be able to send it back if I have any problems.

[narcissus]

my friend has lent me an axiom 25, can't go wrong with that sorta thing, but yee 2 octaves is pretty small depending on what you want... and honestly i don't like the velocity sensitivity it has, but maybe i just haven't figured out how to turn it off....
i actually kind of hate the weighted keys tho... cuz half the time i'm banging out drum patterns, or rhythmic synth patterns.. i just want something i can tap, not have to smack halfway to hell, like the weighted keys n pads..

not to jack the thread
but ANOTHER friend came over w/ a korg nano 25 key lil usb thang... i thought it was very cool, and it's so small and light that i could it haul it around in my backpack w/ my netbook ..... and be a mobile music unit.. they can be found for $50 new.... but I wonder if anybody knows an even cheaper, no frills, 2 octave USB kb? I'd really like to stretch my dollars here

[Elkie]

the korg one sucks balls, get the Akai one if you want something that small!

[narcissus]

appreciated. i kinda liked the korg one tho. i'll have to get my hands on the akai one and check it

[blinx]

def get a 49 man for studio stuff, i bought a axiom25 right away and regretted not having real playability like you get from a 49 key. So i had to buy another controlelr the keyrig49. I wish ihad weighted keys but having the 49keys period is better than the 25 keys anyday. I still use the 25 for live gigs, but it is only good for running lead/bass lines.