[Search for users] [Overall Top Noters] [List of all Conferences] [Download this site]

Conference napalm::commusic_v1

Title:	* * Computer Music, MIDI, and Related Topics * *
Notice:	Conference has been write-locked. Use new version.
Moderator:	DYPSS1::SCHAFER

Created:	Thu Feb 20 1986
Last Modified:	Mon Aug 29 1994
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	2852
Total number of notes:	33157

216.0. "Remote Keyboard Controllers" by DYO780::SCHAFER () Mon Jan 20 1986 13:58

Does anyone have any experience with keyboard controllers?

     I'm about to substantially upgrade my system, and am trying to
     decide whether I want to fool with a remote (like the RK-100) or
     stick with my old Arp-with-a-strap set up. 

     How about master controllers?  I'm pretty much going to rack
     mount stuff, and want to get away from three stands full of crap.

     I've read up on both types - what I need is input from someone
     with experience with them.  What kind do you like?  What kind
     don't you like?  Why? 

     Thanks in advance. 


Brad	8^)

T.R	Title	User	Date	Lines
216.1		SAUTER::SAUTER	`Mon Jan 20 1986 15:38`	11
	I'm not familiar with the RK-100, so maybe I am misinterpreting your request. However, if by "keyboard controller" you include a floor-standing piano keyboard, I like the Roland MKB-1000 (10000?) that Ted Czotter has. Although I used it only briefly it seemed to do all the things that I wanted it to do. Depending on your equipment you may want something that can send messages to a wide variety of equipment. I think there is a keyboard out that will let you specify what many of the knobs send, but I don't remember its name. John Sauter
216.2		ERLANG::DICKENS	`Mon Jan 20 1986 19:13`	12
	Yamaha has a lightweight keyboard controller with a "neck" that has the mod. * bend wheels and pushbutton on it for your left hand. I believe it is also velocity sensitive. It also has a breath controller interface. I saw it demoed out in Worcester last fall by some midi-wizard whose name I can't recall. He was amazingly expressive with the thing. Check it out. -Jeff
216.3		DYO780::SCHAFER	`Mon Jan 20 1986 19:30`	27
	Re:.1 I've played the MKB stuff - it's ok but it's also kinda spongy. Does it loosen up with time? What about the Yamaha master controllers? Has anyone compared them to Roland? I know the Roland has "more" features than the Yamaha stuff, but how often do you really use all the Xtra bells? What about Oberheim controllers? Most music stores in Ohio can't even spell it, let alone carry their equipment! Re:.2 The RK-100 (name?) is a Korg (gulp!) controller. I've also seen both Yamaha units (mini-keys and big keys) but have not played. I've also seen and played Roland remotes. I've never tried any live, though. Which of the features are most useful? I've got access to pitch-bend and mod on my Arp-on-a-strap. Are there other things you find useful in performance? What are the ramifications of having to deal with midi presets during a solo vs the variableness of a "real" synth (such as the Arp)? I like to mod things on the fly, depending on what the mood dictates. Sponging for input ... Brad
216.4		ORACLE::WATERS	`Mon Feb 10 1986 12:58`	15
	Re: Roland and Yamaha keyboard controllers: I own the Yamaha KX88, but I also looked at the Roland. The Roland MKB1000 costs more, has real wood keys, and a slightly better feel. A KX88 goes for about $1300, has plastic keys, and I find the action quite useable. (Sure, it's not a Steinway.) As far as I know, the Yamaha has far more MIDI gizmos on it than the Roland. But it's never enough. Fortunately, the market for these full-size controllers is getting hot! I heard mention of new models from Roland, and Kurzweil is also selling their action without the sampling electronics. The new top-of-the-line 88-wooden-key controllers from Roland and Kurzweil will both be close to $2K (Kurzweil $2200 list?). Haven't looked for them in the stores yet... GW