specific, Keyboard controller questions...

[JuanSOLO]

So I have been using Novation Remote SL keyboards for a while now.
I LOVE the feel of the keys, semi weighted.

I just sold my SL 61 on ebay to get a smaller keyboard to fit into my new hardware rig case.
Size is very important here, but so is the action on the keys, and that they are at least velocity sensitive, aftertouch is just a plus.

The only keyboard I have actually been able to physically put my hands, that meets my size requirements, is the Q49.
This will no doubt work, but if there are keys that are closer to Novation keys, I want to know.
For example, I would sacrifice a wee bit of size if the QX49 has different keys.

More importantly, I would like to know how the
Roland A49
Roland A500
Roland PC200
compare against Novation keys, and the Q49?

Anyone familiar with any of these?
I'm really trying to avoid all the extra knobs and buttons that come with the Novation gear.
However I was also eyeing the older Novation ReMote LE 49.

tips please
THANKS!

[login]

Maybe go out and try a Novation Launchkey, or a Novation Nocutrn KB (some store still have them).

M audio and akai keys suck, the Roland and alesis are better IMHO.

[JuanSOLO]

Yeah M Audio and Akai stuff is not my thing.
The Launchkey is cool, but it's too much on the top, I'm trying to give that part up and make this work together.

Bring the Tempest closer, set the Mixer flat, with a wee bit of room for FX, eventually ditch the APC40.

[UltimateOutsider]

Just this week I decided to ditch my AKAI MPK49 simply because it takes up too much desk space. I never once used the pads, knobs, or faders, so I was also looking for small, simple 49-key controllers to replace it. I ended up going with the Roland A-49 despite my reservations about that funky pitchbend/modwheel joystick. All of these boards are touch-sensitive, but I don't know how many support aftertouch (I never use that).

Here they are, with their dimensions reported in inches and price in USD:

• Samson Carbon 49 - 31.2x8.5x3.0 - $100
• Acorn Masterkey 49- 31.5x7.5x3.0- $80
• Alesis Q49- 32.0x7.5x2.5- $100
• Roland A-49- 32.9x7.19x3.31- $250
• Line 6 Mobile Keys- 32x?x?- $150
• M-Audio Keystation 49es- 39.0x9.38x5.63- $100

Note that there are TONS of negative reviews against the Alesis board (Windows 7 compatibility issues), and M-Audio in general can be shaky. (Their previous model, the KeyRig 49 also had tons of bad reviews, also Windows 7 compatibility problems.)

The only one of the above that's available in any of my local stores is the Line 6, and I didn't bother checking out how it felt... some reviews about build quality kept me away.

Unfortunately, key feel is super-subjective, and it's really tough to make a good purchase without the chance to try a board out in person. I'll report back once the A-49 arrives.

[whatisvalis]

In the same situation, so hard to find a good keyboard controller with a slim profile and no extra junk pads / pots etc.

Did think about a CME M key, but will check out the suggestions above too. How is that funky joystick on the Roland? Is it easy to send Mod wheel data without triggering pitch bend?

[login]

Arent the arturia Laboratory series slim? a little bit more expensive but maybe worth to try them.

[schlocktober]

The M-Audio keystation controllers are great bare-bones semi-weighted options.

At the moment, Sweetwater claims to have a 49-key version, but I can't find in anywhere else (not even the M-Audio website). The 61-key version is still pretty compact, since the only additional controls are pitch and mod wheels. Perhaps best of all, 49-key is $99 and 61-key is $149-169.

[JuanSOLO]

I watched another PUSH demo today, it's got me all fucked up again.
I keep trying to wrap my mind around Cirklon and all hardware, then I get sidetracked.
I feel like Push could provide a lot.

Haven't got to try the PUSH emulator for the APC40 yet, gonna do that tonight and find some answers.

The M Audio keys always felt stiff to me.
The Novation is perfect, just cant find one as slim as I would like.
Right now it's down to
Novation LE49
Roland A49
Alesis Q49
with PUSH on the brain.

thanks for the replies!

[UltimateOutsider]

Arent the arturia Laboratory series slim? a little bit more expensive but maybe worth to try them.

I like the way Arturia's keys feel. I have their 25-key deal, the Player, and it's great, except the PB/mod joystick literally does not work at all. All of arturia's bigger boards have separate traditional pb/mod rotary controls, though. The Laboratory's certainly slimmer than something like an MPK49, but it's around 2" deeper than most of the other boards already mentioned.

Not a bad option, though.

[artpunk]

Arent the arturia Laboratory series slim? a little bit more expensive but maybe worth to try them.

I like the way Arturia's keys feel. I have their 25-key deal, the Player, and it's great, except the PB/mod joystick literally does not work at all. All of arturia's bigger boards have separate traditional pb/mod rotary controls, though. The Laboratory's certainly slimmer than something like an MPK49, but it's around 2" deeper than most of the other boards already mentioned.

Not a bad option, though.

I have the 32 key 'Factory' (pitch bend & mod wheels work fine btw) it's certainly a solidly built keyboard and aftertouch is a nice addition on something this size. The feel of the keys is OK to me, but as has been already said, this aspect of keyboards is a very subjective thing. It works well as a controller, all knobs buttons & sliders fully mappable (but it sounds like you are just wanting keys predominantly) One thing I must mention about my Arturia is that it is seriously heavy! (and I am used to lugging around heavy, I'm a nurse) the weight of it doesn't bother me, but is worth mentioning. I see Arturia have a new model coming out, might be worth checking out:
http://www.arturia.com/evolution/en/pro ... intro.html

[login]

Arent the arturia Laboratory series slim? a little bit more expensive but maybe worth to try them.

I like the way Arturia's keys feel. I have their 25-key deal, the Player, and it's great, except the PB/mod joystick literally does not work at all. All of arturia's bigger boards have separate traditional pb/mod rotary controls, though. The Laboratory's certainly slimmer than something like an MPK49, but it's around 2" deeper than most of the other boards already mentioned.

Not a bad option, though.

I have the 32 key 'Factory' (pitch bend & mod wheels work fine btw) it's certainly a solidly built keyboard and aftertouch is a nice addition on something this size. The feel of the keys is OK to me, but as has been already said, this aspect of keyboards is a very subjective thing. It works well as a controller, all knobs buttons & sliders fully mappable (but it sounds like you are just wanting keys predominantly) One thing I must mention about my Arturia is that it is seriously heavy! (and I am used to lugging around heavy, I'm a nurse) the weight of it doesn't bother me, but is worth mentioning. I see Arturia have a new model coming out, might be worth checking out:
http://www.arturia.com/evolution/en/pro ... intro.html

The minilab looks gorgeous for a portable set up, 16! encoders (nothing with that much at that price) and 8 pads, IMHO with a proper script in live it will be wonderfull. I would get it If I wasnt debating about getting push.

But for OP it only has 25 keys and mini.

[JuanSOLO]

wow the minilab does look cool, just not what I am going for though.

[whatisvalis]

The M-Audio keystation controllers are great bare-bones semi-weighted options.

At the moment, Sweetwater claims to have a 49-key version, but I can't find in anywhere else (not even the M-Audio website). The 61-key version is still pretty compact, since the only additional controls are pitch and mod wheels. Perhaps best of all, 49-key is $99 and 61-key is $149-169.

I already have a 61 Keystation, it's too bulky.

[JuanSOLO]

I went back to guitar center last night.
I'm gonna settle for the Q49

It's good enough.