From ken@kenhall.ca Thu Apr 03 08:13:47 2008
Subject:Re: OT: Midi controllers (was: Problem with Roland A-30)

Hi Cliff,

I recently bought a Novation X-Station 61 and I'm quite happy with it. It
weighs very little, has very extensive programmable controller features
including 9 sliders which can be configured as drawbars, semi-weighted
action with after touch, pitch bend, mod, touchpad, etc., etc. And as an
extra bonus it contains a full blown Novation synthesizer which sounds
very good. This is an excellent complement to my Nord Stage. I bought it
new (store stock) for less than $500. Of course, YMMV, but I'm pretty
happy with this rig. Oh yeah, it can also function as a sound card for
your computer and has audio ins that can be sent through it's onboard
reverb and effects as well as buttons to control your DAW. Pretty amazing
bit of technology for the $$$$.

Cheers, Ken

> I have already arranged to return the keyboard to the seller. I don't
> want to have to starting messing with mechanical stuff - not my forte.
>
> I actually went out and bought the M-Audio Keystation Pro 88. When I
> got home I carried it from my car to my studio. At that point I
> decided "right, this is too big and too heavy to carry around" and I'm
> gonna return it today. I'm new to buying a midi controller and I'm
> amazed at how difficult it has turned out to be. I thought my needs
> were simple:
>
> 1. action suitable for piano and synth (semi-weighted)
> 2. pitch and mod wheels
> 3. program change buttons
> 4. at least one continuous controller for volume control
> 5. shouldn't weigh a ton
>
> I'm coming up zilch. I am going to start researching old obsolete
> controllers, but so far, so bad. I could do something like buy the
> M-audio Keystation 88es, but then I'd need something like the Novation
> remote to run it. The whole point of this rig is to have as few parts
> as possible.
> -c
>