IDEAL KEYBOARD FOR THE HOME RECORDIST??

[DannyB_KY]

I'm also a keyboard rookie, who's in the market for a keyboard. I took a few piano lessons back in the 90s.

I was looking at controllers to use with Sonar X1 LE that came with the BR80. The free VST mini moog is so cool!  But I have a lot to learn about MIDI.

I was looking at the Akai MPK61 and the Roland A-800. I can spend around $350 USD. I'm NOT completely sold on a controller. My laptop is an older Sony VIAO, 1.8ghz dual core with 3Gig memory and USB2. Maybe latency is not the issue it used to be???

I do like the idea of built in sounds with the keyboard. But frankly, I don't know for sure what I want, so I'm open to suggestions on where to start.

I read the thread suggested above, but the suggested keyboards are now too old.

[64Guitars]

M-Audio announced their new Axiom A.I.R. keyboard controllers at Summer NAMM which look pretty good. Unfortunately, they won't be available until later this year (possibly mid-October).

Here's the 49-key version:



It's also available in 25-key and 61-key versions, plus there's a compact 32-key version with mini keys.

I'm kind of interested in the 25-key version because I don't have much room near my computer.



I don't think prices have been announced yet.

[DannyB_KY]

Wow! Those Junos are totally BA!!! The new MA Audio controller lloks nice. The Korg PS60 synth with semi weighted keys is nice.

I suspect I'm going to have to move into the $500 range. A Juno can be had "like new but used' in that range.


So many choices and so much confused thought.........

[DannyB_KY]

Ok........you fellahs are such bad influences.............I just ordered a new Roland Juno Gi.      And there is a $100 rebate!

I was going to purchase a Roland 800 Pro keyboard. I thought it should be problem free with Sonar. But I decided I didn't want to be tethered to the laptop. The wife or daughter would never use it.


I dig the 12 touch pads on that A.I.R.!!!

[Geir]

Congrats on the Roland Juno Gi !!! Now I'm really getting GAS !!!!!

[Oldrottenhead]

i am so jealous, you will have lots of fun with that gi baby i am sure

[64Guitars]

I just ordered a new Roland Juno Gi.  

That's the one with the built-in recorder with 64 tracks and 8-channel mixing. Also comes with Sonar LE and can be used as an audio interface. Plus you can use the Gi to play software synths on your computer.

Excellent choice! I'm sure you'll love it.

While you're waiting for it, download the manuals and start studying.

http://www.roland.com/support/article/?q=manuals&p=JUNO-GI


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOB6Ef3p4ag

[DannyB_KY]

Thanks all!!

64, I have downloaded all the stuff on the Gi.

But right now, I'm moving my music area to another side of the room. This will give me more elbow space!
I bought a Z stand for the keyboard, so I needed a little more real-estate!

[Oldrottenhead]

as soon as you get it register it with roland, when i registered my di  i got an extended warranty.

[DannyB_KY]

I registered it last night, but I didn't notice anything from Roland. However, I bought it from Sweetwater Music, and they furnish a two year warranty on pretty much anything you buy from them.



Thanks for pointing that out. I'll log into Roland and see if I can find something!!