Basic midi controller for beginners

[Muncey]

I know this thread must have been done a billion times and i've looked through loads of threads and most are from like 2009 and haven't been updated since, a lot of the ones recommended i can't find online. I've tried searching everywhere for recommendations but really struggling so i'm hoping some of you can point me in the right direction.

Basically i want a decent midi controller to start out on, i've been playing with fruity loops and im basically learning some music theory first to start me off before i dive in and play around. I've already realised the huge advantages of having a midi keyboard and i'm looking to spend no more than £100 for a decent one to begin with, i really don't mind too much if in 6 months i want to upgrade to something a lot better if i do get really into this, but at the same time i dont want something too expensive incase i give up or lose interest (if i spend the money it'll give me a lot more motivation to stick at it).

Any recommendations would be brilliant, again sorry this has been asking so many times but all these lists i've come across just seem very outdated.

Thanks

[billybuxton]

I brought the M-Audio Oxygen 25 V2 off ebay a few months ago for around £35 and I'm happy with it...

Check it out
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/M-Audio-Oxyge ... 500wt_1413

[sinister87]

I would recommend either an Alesis QX49 or an M-Audio Oxygen 49, these are both affordable midi controllers and will have all the features you need to get the show off the road.

[Pulp]

I recently got a Korg Microkey, an Akai LPD8 and a Korg Nano Pad, all great

[VirtualMark]

i've got the oxygen 49, it has all you really need. some sliders and knobs that can be midi assigned to parameters on synths, pitch and mod wheel, option to plug in a pedal if you decide you need it. Also has an octave switch if you need more range from it, although i don't really use that. but yeah, its good for beginners and for advanced users.

[Phase Down]

I got an oxygen 49 for sale in working condition, needs a bit of a dust but works perfect..just thought I'd drop that here just in case.

[Randomic]

I'm about to get a Novation SL 25 MK2. A friend of mine has one and he has never complained. Perfect for live, perfect for everyday use, resistant knobs, confortable keys, automap, etc etc. Look it up, I recommend

[legend4ry]

I just ordered the Alesis QX49 like 20 minutes ago; when it gets here i'll tell you how it is - all the reviews say its great for the price though.

[Muncey]

Thanks i may look into buying the Oxygen 49, it's a bit pricey so i'll have to do a bit of saving first! Although it is a bit pricey for me i think if i do get it the price will force me to stick at it.

[ascent]

my oxygen 49 has treated me well although I don't use it as much as I would like to because I just don't have the space right now

[antman]

I went with the m-audio oxygen 25.

At the time I didn't have a job and needed something cheap but man this thing is kickass. I payed about 60$ for it.

[Elytra]

Oxygen 25 or 49

[Fowles]

I just got the MPK mini, and its good.

[Anne Droid]

i LOVE my MPK

i highly reccommend it

I have the MPK25 and have zero complaints... pads, knobs, keys, it does everything and its plug and play easy to set up

[RandoRando]

i got a axiom25 (it was the 1st gen, but it only lasted 3 years till the motherboard went out), but now i have an AKAI MPK49 and i love it, i can play real piano tunes to practice on my piano skills, its not too big, 8 knobs, 8 sliders, 12 drum pads, and it automatically syncs to ableton!

[legend4ry]

I JUST got the QX49 today. playing around with it now.


Keys : a little cheap feeling (for the price, its expected) but great velocity sensitivity; a pleasure to play!

Sliders: Probably the best "feeling" thing on this - they're stupidly smooth - a light 1 finger push is all you need to control it (no need to "pinch" it like other sliders ive tired on budget keyboards.

Pads : while most reviews say these are a little unresponsive - if you play with your thumbs & middle fingers they are ultra responsive and since theres only 4 of them; you don't exactly need more than your thumbs and middle fingers.

Knobs : bit to close together for my liking (prefered the spaciousness of my M-audio MidAir) they're a little thin too but have a nice curve response on them and will do the trick for automation.


Overall : A wise purchase for 100 pound; surpasses my M-Audio MidAir 25 which cost me 60 when I bought it (but that was ex-display with a large chunk off) it feels better than a 40 quid upgrade.


Worth the buy.. 8/10

[Brothulhu]

I love my MPK mini, the knobs really help for sound design imo and having the pads to knock out some drum patterns is awesome too.