MIDI controllers?

[DaveL60]

I'm considering whether to add a MIDI controller to my setup. I've got a Kurzweil stage piano that's a great keyboard but have virtually nothing by way of controls. I was debating adding either a 25 or 49 key controller, or something like a Korg NanoKONTROL (which would stack easily on top of the Kurzweil. I've never worked with any sort of controller before, so I don't have a good feel for what advantages I'd gain from it. Would appreciate any advice or insights folks might care to share.

DaveL

[Peter Widdicombe]

I guess the real question is - what exactly do you want the add-on to do? Are you looking for a way of layering instruments (i.e. add strings or horns periodically...), or simply start/stop/play/record functionality; or something a little more serious?

I'd been looking into getting the CME XKEY as a "portable keyboard" with polyphonic aftertouch... but it has no controls of any kind, so have to dig more seriously.

[DaveL60]

I guess the real question is - what exactly do you want the add-on to do?

For me the real question is more "what can it do for me?" Got no hands-on experience, not really sure whether it would be a meaningful improvement. I think the first two things I'd look to do would be manipulate VSTi / VST parameters, and try it out for transport control.

I just feel very uninformed.

[metrognome]

http://www.korg.com/us/products/control ... okontrol2/

Very useful for drawing automation curves of any parameter of your choice.
Configurable to suit your needs.

I use one and love it.

Or, if you need a keyboard and a controller:
--> http://www.m-audio.com/products/view/ox ... IidrdXF_84

Both are inexpensive.

[Peter Widdicombe]

Just got the CME XKEY. Tracktion seems to have issues with it - but I think it's the polyphonic aftertouch. A short session with MIDI-OX showed me the midi stream was really continuous with key pressure change messages. My ancient VFX behaves much better with the polyphonic aftertouch, and if you hold it steady, doesn't stream out pressure change message (only when I intentionally change pressure levels).

Tracktion wouldn't hang up, but would force me to exit and restart to get the XKEY going again. If I turn off the aftertouch, I seem to have much better results.

[DaveL60]

Interesting. At this point I'm leaning toward a NanoKONTROL paired with my existing keyboard. Physically easier to integrate with my setup, as I'd have to re-arrange considerably to accommodate another keyboard.

I don't think my digital piano has aftertouch and I don't much play fast, so drowning the DAW in MIDI data isn't likely to be an issue for me!

Thanks for the additional info.

[Winstontaneous]

Just got the CME XKEY. Tracktion seems to have issues with it - but I think it's the polyphonic aftertouch.

I have the XKEY, it comes with an editor that lets you adjust a bunch of AT parameters including Poly/Channel pressure, first AT value, AT follows velocity curve, AT delay & period. I don't recall having any XKEY issues with T5.

If the XKEY settings don't help, something like Insert Piz Here's MIDI Curve should let you set a threshold/range for AT messages.

[Peter Widdicombe]

I played briefly with the xkey and added it as a controller. If it's basic transport you want, it looks like you COULD use anything that sends midi data to do basic controls (play, record, rewind, jog, etc).

I'm thinking of setting the XKEY's "hidden" lower register (i.e. 2 octaves down) for these. Play normally, it plays. 2 taps on the "octave down" button, and it can do all these functions. It appears unmapped keys will play normally through T5.

[DaveL60]

nanoKontrol2 ordered and on the way. We'll see how this goes.

[SuitcaseOfLizards]

I've used this with T5 succesxzfully:

http://www.fullcompass.com/product/422757.html

..currently using a QuNexus for key input, not so much for controls.