Author Topic: In the market for a MIDI Keyboard/Synthesizer  (Read 5156 times)

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KoRo

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In the market for a MIDI Keyboard/Synthesizer
« on: March 23, 2010 01:57 am CDT »
I've decided that it may be time for me to explore further this hobby of mine. Some of you may know that I'm extremely interested in the field of synthesized and commercial music production, but that I've lacked the proper tools to pursue this interest (first and foremost an adequate workstation. As it stands, I have a computer.) I guess the first question to ask would be...am I making a smart choice? That is, for someone of my extremely limited caliber and considering I've only just begun exploring the field, is purchasing a multi-hundred dollar item a good investment? If not, is there a better place to start?

With that out of the way, I'd like to ask anyone with experience in this field for suggestions on what to buy. I understand some of the basic features and differences which make some keyboards better than others for specific tasks. My interest is more towards making orchestral and realistic-sounding pieces of music. I don't want a MASSIVE keyboard; 2-3 octaves would be ideal, but again, if you have another suggestion, please enlighten me.

Other than that, I'm blind and don't know where to go. I have software which contains samples and mixing capabilities, but would I be better off with an external mixing device? It's little questions like this which I would like answered before I throw any serious money into this.

Thanks for your help.

ShortStuff102

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Re: In the market for a MIDI Keyboard/Synthesizer
« Reply #1 on: March 23, 2010 10:57 am CDT »
i hate people that do that synthesized music malarkey all of them are hippies...   at least in philly
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Particle

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Re: In the market for a MIDI Keyboard/Synthesizer
« Reply #2 on: March 23, 2010 06:54 pm CDT »
I can't give you much advice in the way of which one to get, but as for if you should do it to begin with, I say yes.  It's not like you can't resell the thing if it doesn't work out.  Likewise, you cannot properly explore the potential new hobby without the proper equipment.  The same is true of virtually anything, be it playing a clarinet, working on a car, or having a pet fish.  Some tools are required to do it right.
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ShortStuff102

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Re: In the market for a MIDI Keyboard/Synthesizer
« Reply #3 on: March 23, 2010 06:57 pm CDT »
i think youll be gayer josh
why dont you buy your girlfriend a razor so she can shave that malarkey off her lip

:-P
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Particle

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Re: In the market for a MIDI Keyboard/Synthesizer
« Reply #4 on: March 23, 2010 07:44 pm CDT »
Be respectful or don't post.
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ShortStuff102

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Re: In the market for a MIDI Keyboard/Synthesizer
« Reply #5 on: March 23, 2010 08:00 pm CDT »
hes knows im just breaking his balls
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KoRo

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Re: In the market for a MIDI Keyboard/Synthesizer
« Reply #6 on: March 23, 2010 10:02 pm CDT »
i think youll be gayer josh
why dont you buy your girlfriend a razor so she can shave that malarkey off her lip

:-P
Because I broke up with her a month ago, lol. Anyway, I like your point of view, Part. I never really thought of it that way. Thanks!

bungle

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Re: In the market for a MIDI Keyboard/Synthesizer
« Reply #7 on: March 24, 2010 12:06 am CDT »
Korg DS-10 if you wanna go cheap. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8sd05pQ3aw
I've done some stuff on it, it's pretty cool to just mess around with and get your feet wet.
Denkitribe is great... maybe he will help you decide. Go watch his videos. :D
« Last Edit: March 24, 2010 12:09 am CDT by bungle »
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KoRo

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Re: In the market for a MIDI Keyboard/Synthesizer
« Reply #8 on: March 24, 2010 01:18 am CDT »
I should point out that I'm interested in something that's velocity-sensitive. I'm not concerned with the knobs and such; I just want a controller keyboard.


M-Audio Axiom 49 -- I saw one of these on eBay for nearly half the brand-new price: http://cgi.ebay.com/M-Audio-Axiom-49-Midi-Controller-Keyboard_W0QQitemZ230451090790QQcmdZViewItemQQptZKeyboards_MIDI?hash=item35a7f49566

Any thoughts on it? Bidding ends in a day and a half and the more reviews I read about it the more I'm considering getting it.

bungle

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Re: In the market for a MIDI Keyboard/Synthesizer
« Reply #9 on: March 24, 2010 04:09 pm CDT »
I should point out that I'm interested in something that's velocity-sensitive. I'm not concerned with the knobs and such; I just want a controller keyboard.
Well if you learn the knobs, you can make your own sounds rather than sampling them. :)
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KoRo

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Re: In the market for a MIDI Keyboard/Synthesizer
« Reply #10 on: March 25, 2010 04:05 am CDT »
I would have thought sampling is a must if I want to create orchestral works. Having real instrument samples make it sound much more real.

Anyway, I read on another forum that what I'm looking for is a control surface; I don't need a synthesizer built into the keyboard.

bungle

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Re: In the market for a MIDI Keyboard/Synthesizer
« Reply #11 on: March 25, 2010 11:02 am CDT »
I would have thought sampling is a must if I want to create orchestral works.
eh?
k.
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ShortStuff102

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Re: In the market for a MIDI Keyboard/Synthesizer
« Reply #12 on: March 26, 2010 01:44 pm CDT »
look at muh face hoe
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bungle

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Re: In the market for a MIDI Keyboard/Synthesizer
« Reply #13 on: March 26, 2010 06:05 pm CDT »
Quote from: KoRo
My interest is more towards making orchestral and realistic-sounding pieces of music.
Whoops, I didn't see this. I probably should've read the whole thing before I said anything. sry. :(
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KoRo

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Re: In the market for a MIDI Keyboard/Synthesizer
« Reply #14 on: March 26, 2010 07:10 pm CDT »
lol, np.

Anyway, I guess I don't really need a SYNTHESIZER, as that's what I can have my computer do. What I need is a control surface, but I don't know how much a good one is.