Receptor Keyboard Controller Recommendations

[mrhudson]

Good morning, I own a Receptor 2 Pro Max and actually had been playing in a band where I was using the guitar player's Kurzweil SP88x as a controller. With that band project winding down, now I have a Receptor without a controller and am looking for some recommendations. Well, I have a big digital piano at home that I use as a controller when doing music at home, but not suitable for gigging to be sure.

One option I was looking at would be to get something like a Nord Electro 3/73 - not a piano action but good enough for many of the live jam, improv, kind of music that I tend to play. Of course, don't really need the Nord's internal sounds, but it is a nice, very light option.

Also peeked at the Kurzweil PC3 series, with the two action options. Really solid looking midi control capabilities it seems.

Again, though, with both of these, I feel like I'm paying for quite a bit more than I need. What do I need? (i) an action that will withstand some serious use/forceful playing, (ii) good midi control capabilities to drive the Receptor, and (iii) light would be a bonus.

Other than the very expensive VAX77 that I've read about, any good controller recommendations that folks have paired with the Receptor?

There's always the keytar..........(can you paint those new ones?)

[demierra]

Hi,

Here are a few models you might be interested in:

- Akai MPK88
- M-Audio Keystation 88
- Fatar Studiologic Numa series
- CME midi controllers series

None of these have internal sounds. They are only Midi controllers and their price is not "too high".
You might also be interested in older products that you can find second-hand on the internet:

- Roland A-70 or A-90
- Oberheim MC-2000 or MC-3000
- Yamaha KX-88
- ...

Of course it will depend on what you exactly want (weighted or semi-weighted keys, 61, 76 or 88 keys, some midi controls and zones, ...)

good luck in your research

Demierra

[looneytunes]

Hi Mr. H,

Your question can be narrowed somewhat by the application of the keyboard (eg. Keybard type).

For gigging:

For Piano-like applications (requiring a weighted keyboard), I use a Yamaha S90 as a controller (actually, I use this both as a controller, and for its internal sounds).

For Synth-like applications (requiring a semi, or non-weighted keyboard), I use an Emu XBoard 61. This has a nice key action, and has lots of controller features (I use MIDI zones to switch between instruments and presets during a song).

For project studio:
I have a CME V7. I'm not too fond of the action, and I often go back to using my S90 as a controller too.

Hope this helps, Regards,
Kevin L

[u802513]

I use a VMK 176 at home - I love the feel - it has some sliders and buttons and knobs - but it does have a couple of problems - sometimes the sustain pedal midi message stops transmitting - and it seems like the black keys are a little more sensitive than the white keys - but I love the action. I am not sure I would bring the VMK out on the road - so I have been thinking about a PC3 or PC3X - when it comes to Midi I feel it has the most robust functionality - if you want to control Receptor AND another midi module.

[Meo]

Hi there,

I aslo use the VMK-176, but I had two main concerns when making this choice:

-Piano action
-76 keys (lighter)

I'm very happy with it, but midi is very basic on this controller.

The fatar keybed feels very realistic. I wanted a piano on stage and it does the job. I can map different areas to different plugs. The result is great. The velocity doesn't seems to be spread evenly accross the keys, but nothing major.

It was the best compromise in my situation.

If I may add, I wouldn't use this keyboard in a complex midi environment. Changing programs requires to much hand work. I manage by mapping different areas of the keyboard, and changing patches mostly between songs (in snapshot mode).

[kashmir95]

I currently use a Roland A90 and an AKAI Mpk61.

I am looking at replacing the A90, have tried a bunch of new controllers....most of the ones mentioned in this thread.

Only one that stood out in terms of price, action and build quality was the Numa Nano.

Really good value for $1000 AU

[Edford]

I am currently using a Roland A90 and I believe that I would find it hard to consider any of the newer controllers much of an "upgrade" over the A90. I still like the action very much and the controller features are superior to most of the new units out there today. You can find them on Ebay for a reasonable amount. I guess I'm just gettin old, . . . hey . . no I'M NOT. . after all, I do own a Receptor.

[iamthetrees666]

I currently use a Roland A90 and an AKAI Mpk61.

I am looking at replacing the A90, have tried a bunch of new controllers....most of the ones mentioned in this thread.

Only one that stood out in terms of price, action and build quality was the Numa Nano.

Really good value for $1000 AU

Hi, i've been chasing a Roland A 90 for a while, have you sold yours already?