Keyboards - MIDI Keyboards compatible with Tracktion 7

[m.f.]

Hello, I am in the process of buying a keyboard or MIDI Keyboard to use with Tracktion 7 as I have been using just a computer keyboard and mouse for composing tracks for the last year. While researching various keyboards online I have come across keyboard specs that indicate that they are compatible with certain DAW's but haven't seen a mention of whether they are compatible with Tracktion 7 or Waveform. I know Tracktion/ Waveform DAW's are less known but I was concerned that since only certain DAW's are mentioned in regards to compatibility that certain keyboards may not work well with Tracktion 7. I have read that some people have struggled to fully integrate certain keyboards to Tracktion 7 or Waveform in regards to mapping issues I believe. I was considering buying Arturia Minilab MKII 25 key and down the road I am considering Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61. I prefer to stay with Tracktion Waveform DAW's as I like the work flow they provide. Is anyone aware of compatibility issue between Tracktion 7 and any keyboards? Have you had good or bad experiences regarding this issue. Any information or personal keyboard experiences would be greatly appreciated.

[FigBug]

I have a Komplete Kontrol S61, works no issues with Tracktion / Waveform. However the screen and extra buttons won't do anything fancy in versions before W12. I think they send MIDI CC as well, so you should be able to configure them using custom control surface, but it won't be as slick.

[Peter Widdicombe]

Decisions, decisions. What do you really want, need, have budget for, have space for, need to carry around...
Have you tried and used mini-keys and will you be likely to go back and forth to a full-sized keyboard? Have you tried (and liked) the keybed feel? Do you need backpack-transport capability?

If composing, will 2 octaves be enough? Yes, it will be better than the QWERTY keyboard and will have velocity, but may quickly find you need more keys even for simplistic piano use (37 or 49?).

Also, WILL you be restricted to a recommended vendor? Arturia does supposedly integrate well with THEIR suite of VST's for tweaking.

[m.f.]

Thanks for your response FigBug. Thanks for confirming that KK S61 is compatible with Tracktion Waveform. I know that I will need to upgrade my DAW from Tracktion 7 to some version of Waveform to be able to access more features. I am far from being tech savvy and have been putting the upgrade off because I need to get more oriented and organized with the backup of all my projects in my Tracktion 7 DAW before I upgrade... just in case something goes wrong in the transfer of all the data.

[m.f.]

Thanks for your reply Peter Widdicombe. I think I am getting struck by analysis paralysis... too many keyboard options, so many opinions and YT video's.
My plan was to buy a smaller less expensive KB first to get a feel for it and later choose a full keyboard (Considering NI Komplete Kontrol S61 as I have heard good things about it online) The smaller keyboard would come in handy when travelling.
You make a good point about number of keys on the smaller KB's causing limitations. I have considered purchasing the Arturia Minilab MKII 25 key as I have heard good reviews on the quality of the Arturia brand keys compared to other brands. Also in regards to the limited number of keys being an issue I have considered the Arturia Keystep 37 keys KB but I don't think I would want to go bigger as I would like one keyboard small enough for occasional transport.
I did reach out to Tracktion Waveform support online and they mentioned that Waveform will work with pretty much any midi keyboard and or device.
Peter Widdicombe if you don't mind me asking, have you had a good experience with any particular smaller keyboard in regards to the quality of the keys. I believe the Arturia keys are semi weighted and mid sized in their smaller KB's, where as I know some other KB brands have small keys which would not be my preference.

[Peter Widdicombe]

The only "small" keyboard I have is the original CME XKEY (25 "full size" keys with full poly-aftertouch), but I wouldn't recommend without trying. The aftertouch is "odd" to use, although it is highly tunable. Really small, but few controls; and even the pitchbend and modulation are hard to use precisely. (It does seem surprisingly durable if you keep the box, and does look beautiful). I rarely use it, except sometimes when travelling.

At one time when some of my ancient synths started to act up, I got a Casio CTK-3200 (sale at Bestbuy) and it actually was 61 keys, velocity, USB connected; just to have that I could play with no computer (while watching TV); or use as a MIDI source. Surprisingly, it has nice keys that feel decent (better than most synths) and respond better than I had hoped. It is really only portable within the house, though; but is light and easy to toss around.

[m.f.]

Thanks again Peter Widdicombe for sharing some of your experience with KB's.
In regards to poly-aftertouch I have read form reviews that it can definitely be an adjustment.
I will be watching a few more Youtube video's on KB's and then will make a decision. Whatever I purchase it will be a big step up from my computer keyboard.

[Peter Widdicombe]

Yeah, velocity in a keyboard really makes a difference with most VST's out there. Do make sure you're OK with mini keys though, in a portable.

[m.f.]

Yes, I think I will stop by local store and do some physical keyboard comparing before purchasing. Thanks again.