Keyboards...

what about keyboards? Do you guys use them? Just wanted to know if it would be a good idea to get with the mpc? What is a good keyboard to use with the mpc?

do a search on this topic and you will get a lot of results....i think most people here use synths/sound modules, or basically just use the synths for there sounds (and sequence in the MPC). you can also buy a midi controller keyboard and hook that into the mpc via midi IN and instead of having to use the MPC pads to play the sounds you loaded you can play them on the keyboard.

"would be a good idea to get a keyboard".....well i think it would be a good idea to get a synth/sound module. i dont know what kind of music you write, or if you just sample everything. but it would make things a lot easier to write basslines and melodies if you had a module (or synth) full of sounds.

"good keyboard to use".....if you just want a midi controller you can basically use any keyboard that has MIDI outs. or you can buy one of those cheap midiman controllers (i got the oxygen 8 - i dont really like it, but a lot of others really like it for the price). but if you are in the market for a synth there are tons of them. MOTIF's, TRITONS, ROLANDS, EMU's....you basically have to test each one, listen to the sounds, and judge for yourself which one would be most useful for you. Or you could buy a sound module instead of a synth and either use the MPC pads to play the sounds or buy a midi controller. They make rack mount sound modules for basically all the big synths (triton, motif's, rolands, emu), and they are cheaper than buying the whole synth, but you will also have to invest in a midi controller.

also, keep in mind, that if you buy a synth, you will also need to have a mixer to hear both the synth and the MPC at the same time. Again, do a search on this topic and you will get lots of info and reviews on numerous synths/modules

See, I'm kind of new at this but already i've learned alot. So far, I have seen people sell their mpc for a keyboard/synth and vice versa. It seems like people like one or the other. I want to make my own music without sampling other sounds (maybe once in awhile). A synth would be nice to have also w/the mpc but do I really need to get one? Or is there a better alternative? I know that I want a keyboard but i'm not sure which route to take.

i have a Roland JP-8000 & a Microkorg that i sequence with my MPC ...
the beats i have as samples and the melodies and bass lines all come from synths or external sound modules (korg ER-1).... so take the time to investigate - look for synths that have higher polyphony (i feel very limited at times with my setup) ... it also depends on what sound you want to create ...

if someone could suggest a more versitile synth ... (i have been looking at the access virus c/ indigo) .... what are y'all using ?

peace

any keyboard with a midi in and out.

maddog....come on man, you have the internet obviously, research. Go to a search engine and look up Midi Keyboards. it will give you the specs or call your local music store and see what they have for your budget. What digital keyboard no days doesnt come with MIDI ins and outs??

maddog....come on man, you have the internet obviously, research. Go to a search engine and look up Midi Keyboards. it will give you the specs or call your local music store and see what they have for your budget. What digital keyboard no days doesnt come with MIDI ins and outs??