Replacing my Oxygen-8? Behringer, Edirol, something else?

[8O]

Hi,

I'm getting bored with my M-Audio Oxygen-8, it still works as well as it did when I bought it, but the build quality is still rubbish and it just feels so plasticy and lightweight and cheap. So I'm looking round for a replacement, still 25 keys, but slimmer/lower profile and a bit less cheap-feeling than the Oxygen. Knobs etc not so important; compact and solid are important.

My short-list so far is:

BEHRINGER U-CONTROL UMA 25S


EDIROL PCR-M1


Maybe a Korg K-25 if I can track one down in Germany...

Any other candidates for the list that I shouldn't overlook?

Any recommendations for the above 3?

Thanks in advance for any advice...

[Lo-Fi Massahkah]

I have an Axiom 49. In your case I'd go for an Axiom 25.

.m

[33tetragammon]

novation remote sl compact 25(if you want instant control over mixer/plugins etc,or better: use nocturn to control the mixer/fx and the remote for plugins),the remote sl compact 25 cost around 230 euro,nocturn about 80 euro at http://www.dv247.com (thats in the UK, they ship to europe via UPS,never had problems with them......ordered stuff(last year) that was in stock on tuesday,had it on the next friday......)

[8O]

Cheers, but I already have a UC-33e to control stuff and will probably buy the APC-40 when it comes out, so I just need a solid keyboard controller for the 25 keys really, and I think the Axiom and Remote SL Compact are a bit of overkill for what I need and are also a bit bigger to accommodate the extra pads and stuff.

Keep the suggestions coming...

[pulsoc]

I have the EDIROL PCR-M1 and it works very well. I have had it about a year, no problems, keys feel better than the Oxygen-8, which I also own. The one possible issue, which is well documented if you search around, is that the contacts for the keys on the Edirol are known to wear down and become unusable. But I haven't had that happen.

[Anubis]

If slim and lightweight is what you want then nothing beats the PCR-1/M1. Although the keys on it are rather small and have no weight whatsoever. I have one but wanted more control options so I got the Axiom 25 for the pads.

[bosonHavoc]

anyone have the cme u-key?

http://www.cme-pro.com/products-list/pr ... ground.jpg

i have been eyeballing those for a while but i have not had my hands on it yet.
but thats 49 key

i've also been considering Yamaha KX-25 25-key.
same issue though.. the music stores don't have them in stock.

[8O]

Oh, that CME looks nice - now you've got me considering 49 keyers! Damn it! Too long to fit in my rucksack, I guess, but... hmmm....

[pulsoc]

Once again, practical considerations give way to gearlust.

[SubFunk]

stay away from behringer!!! if you dislike the m-audio rubbish built you will get even worse.

novation, cme, korg... something along those lines is decent.

the cme u-key is wicked, played around with it at FMM 2 years ago...

[8O]

If I stay away from Behringer, my choice is really only the Edirol, which is fine, but I really thought there'd be more choice on the market. The Korg.de site lists the K-25 as discontinued... So basically a choice of one?!

[jamester]

I'm *this close* to ordering a Novation Compact SL 49, personally. Never M-Audio, ever again...

[swishniak]

stay away from behringer!!! if you dislike the m-audio rubbish built you will get even worse.

novation, cme, korg... something along those lines is decent.

the cme u-key is wicked, played around with it at FMM 2 years ago...

i have the m-audio version of that behringer (called keyrig, or something). . its still kicking, suprisingly after a year and a half.

one of the best things about m-audio gear is that you can always pick up a new one (for cheap) at the local music store whereever you are when the old one craps out.

[dhilsabeck]

The axioms have a hammer action so keep that in mind.

I like the edirol. It has a nice feel, being a roland product. Plus aftertouch if that's your thing.

I also love the feel of the novations. In my opinion this has the nicest action of a synthy controller.

I have a Korg and to be honest I think edirol and novation feel better and are better built.

You're in Berlin, go somewhere and try them out.

[dhilsabeck]

The edirol PCR 300 has 32 keys so that's a nice in betweener. My friend has one and he likes it if you're still considering more keys than a compact. It will fit in your rucksack assuming your rucksack is a little on the long side.