For discussion about setting up your studio and advice on the gear and equipment within it.
By dtaa pla muk Fri Jan 06, 2012 6:28 am
my keyboard midi controller is embarrassing. it is and has been a broken radium49. it whines audibly when powered via USB. the keys respond erratically to consistent velocity and some of the faders/knobs send midi data without being touched.

i don't need much in the way of faders or knobs. definitely don't need drumpads.
pitch/mod wheel a plus, but not necessary. 49 key would probably be best.
User avatar
By dopedee Fri Jan 06, 2012 7:06 am
Here is a few on craigslist in our area, with similar features to what you desire.

49 Keys - simple as hell, and looks small and portable.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/msg/2782288676.html

Axiom 49 Key - I got the 61 of this. Its over kill as hell for me but keys feel decent.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/msg/2782282222.html
Part 2, this one looks cleaner
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/?are ... catAbb=sss

Another basic 49er
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/msg/2777590653.html

Cheap basic 61 key jump off (had a edirol 49 back in the day, was prob my favorite controller
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/ele/2775971886.html

Novation - these are pretty dope but a little costly
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/msg/2775202380.html

I got a little oxygen 8 (v1) and that one axiom above but 61. I wish more than anything someone made a 49 or 61 key weighted controller.

We have that one moster 88 key akai controller in the basement. That thing is incredible (but not mine)
User avatar
By distortedtekno Fri Jan 06, 2012 9:30 am
Nym wrote:my keyboard midi controller is embarrassing. it is and has been a broken radium49. it whines audibly when powered via USB. the keys respond erratically to consistent velocity and some of the faders/knobs send midi data without being touched.

i don't need much in the way of faders or knobs. definitely don't need drumpads.
pitch/mod wheel a plus, but not necessary. 49 key would probably be best.


The Alesis Q49 is perfect for what you're looking for, and for the price.

http://www.amazon.com/Alesis-Q49-49-Key-Keyboard-Controller/dp/B0038YX3BS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1325842121&sr=8-2

I was going to buy a Q25 and an MPD32. But haven't decide upon that yet. Anyway, the Alesis Q series feels like they're made well for the price.
User avatar
By W. Steele Fri Jan 06, 2012 10:55 am
distortedtekno wrote:The Alesis Q49 is perfect for what you're looking for, and for the price.


+1 . Just sold my Axiom a couple weeks ago cause I didn't need all the bells & whistles and got one of these . Just about as straight forward as you can get and it feels nice (especially for $83) .
User avatar
By tapedeck Fri Jan 06, 2012 4:26 pm
i wouldnt even bother trying to find 'the perfect controller' ... look around craigslist and just buy a cheap midi keyboard - it will work just as good, likely better, than a basic midi controller, and you get the bonus of a new keyboard.

for example if you can find an ensoniq eps for ~$100 - youve just scored an amazing sampler and a controller with aftertouch.

of course going this route you could lose usb.
By dtaa pla muk Fri Jan 06, 2012 9:02 pm
ensoniq eps for ~$100


gearlust function initiated.

Alesis Q49


weighted keys? durable? how do they compare to a M-Audio radium
remember, i only use C Major, and i just transpose it into whatever key my song is in.