NOOB'in Aint Easy!

Ok, so here's the deal...I need to stop fck'in around and gain experience with MIDI. I have my DAW and my MPC. Sometimes I like to create without samples and Im past due for a keyboard controller. I cant afford to just buy the biggest and the best as Im on a soup can budget, but I want something to get the job done. Here are my questions and concerns...


What are some decent keyboard controllers that aren't too expensive?
Opinions on the Akai MPK Mini?

Do I really need a audio interface? If so, which one is best suited for a tight budget that will get the job done?
(As far as my set up Im looking to use the keyboard controller with my DAW and my MPC with it occasionally. Would love to connect both to DAW and not have to bother with any connections until I graduate from nOOb status)

When many of you export your creations from your MPC's do you just let your choice audio program record them and call it a day? I guess those of you who really have an understanding of the technical aspects probably edit/mix your creations in your DAW's?


I've been avoiding dealing with midi and other technical aspects for quite awhile and it's time for me to come out of the dark ages and embrace technology as well as the other responsibilities that come with production. I have a few months of freedom on my hands and I really want to spend it gaining knowledge and experience in aspects of production Ive been hiding from for years. Any and all input greatly appreciated.

I have the MPK mini, and I must say that I like it quite a lot. Especially the small footprint. But there are also a lot of people complaining about it's weak built quality.
Take it with me on the road quite often.
Note that it's really a computer/ laptop keyboard. So you won't be able to control your MPC with it directly.

For a 150 you can get a Qnexues, it's not that cheap but it can do some amazing things.

Lampdog I swear you are the Oracle, my dude!

Menco wrote: it's really a computer/ laptop keyboard. So you won't be able to control your MPC with it directly.

The keyboard controller is for my DAW on my pc. I just thought there might be something that would let me connect it and the MPC with my PC so when I need to play keys I have the controller and when I want to mix something I create on the MPC it would be already linked to my DAW. I think I may understand what I need now. If not, I'll soon have an item or two for sale on ebay lol

Most controllers these days connect to your computer over USB. The MPC cannot send or receive MIDI over USB so you will need some way to get it to talk to the PC. They make USb to MIDI adapters and a lot of audio interfaces will have mIDI ports built in that you could plug the MPC into. So make sure you keep your eyes open for that kind of thing when doing your researching :::ahem cough cough, read all of lamp's links cough cough:::

electric dragon wrote:Most controllers these days connect to your computer over USB. The MPC cannot send or receive MIDI over USB so you will need some way to get it to talk to the PC.

Some of the MIDI keyboards, that have both USB ports and MIDI In/Out ports, use the MIDI In/Out ports on the keyboard as an external MIDI interface for your computer, when connected via USB.

You could use those to connect the MPC to the computer, if it has them, and does that.

to all above...UNDERSTOOD!



USB Keyboard controller with midi in/out locked and loaded!

Lampdog wrote: it wasn't a mere soul-less suggestion but it was something I would do for myself.

All is well, I didnt take it that way.




Now for yet another question for anyone who wants to answer....external audio interface or PCI audio interface? Opinions?

Btw, other than what Ive already mentioned, the only other device I will be adding to my set up (occaisionally) will be Pioneer CDJ for scratches and a microphone.