Midi Controller Keyboards...

[deg0ey]

So my dad's given me his old work PC that noone ever claimed back to use for my music processing. It still can't go in the right place for doing the actual recording, but I'm gonna have it in my room with a copy of "Reason" on it, so I can record on the Tascam thing I was gonna get (and still intend to get), and then export the tracks in WAV format to the PC and run them through the mastering and stuff one can do with that...

The other thing I wanted to use Reason for was the making some drum tracks, and other virtual instruments, maybe bass and some orchestral type things.

To co-ordinate all these things, I thought that a Midi Keyboard was the way to go - as it means I can input some musical type stuff, and I already play the piano so it seemed the logical thing to use. My question for you people in the know is this: If I were to buy this Korg K-61 thing, which says it is "USB/MIDI", would it do the job I want? And also, does "USB/MIDI" mean that it can do the MIDI controlling bit through a USB port, so I wouldn't have to change the soundcard for one supporting a MIDI connector?

I'm trying to keep the cost down as much as possible while still getting half decent results - Which is why I would prefer to leave it with the soundcard it already has...

Thanks in advance for any help :drink:

[Skybone]

This one's cheaper, and although it's a smaller keyboard, it is definitely a USB connection. http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/options.php?id=67456

If the PC has a sound card (generic SoundBlaster type), it may have a "games port" on it, the one you would use for a joystick. This is also a MIDI port. You used to be able to get "Games/MIDI" cables, which not only gave you a port to plug your joystick/pad into, but also had a MIDI In & Out plug, so that you could connect up to your MIDI device (be it keyboard or sound module). Don't know if they're still available though. Years ago, I bought a cheap controller keyboard from PC World for about £25, only about 2 octaves, but as a non-keyboard player that was plenty!

Have you looked into software recorders instead of buying hardware? Or is having a hardware recorder a priority (for band demo's/portability etc)?

If you're planning on using Reason to master etc, why not use a software audio recorder as well and cut out the amount of kit cluttering up your workspace. I have an old version of Cubase on my PC along with a multi IO sound card (M Audio Delta 44) that works really well, and through some serious shopping around at the time I got it all, I saved myself a hefty wad of cash too. There's some great, affordable packages out there, such as Cakewalk Guitar Tracks Pro 3, Cakewalk Home Studio, Cubase SE and others that are all under £100, and give you more multi-track flexibility than all but the higher end hardware recorders. Then you could also upgrade your PC with more memory & more disk space (always highly recommended if you're looking into any PC based audio work).

[deg0ey]

Well, that would be the ideal set up - doing it all by PC. The problem I have, however, is that I can't find a room that has space to fit both the PC and my Amp on a long term basis. This means that I would either have to lug my amp upstairs whenever I want to record (not fun, it's heavy)or take the PC downstairs - which is not practical...

Therefore, at least while I'm still living with my parents (and probably when I clear off to uni also) a hardware based recorder is going to be the only viable option...

It should provide everything I'm likely to need until the time comes that I can expand, but if I already have something I can record with, the upgrading can come gradually over time. If I needed to record a whole band situation, one of my best mates has a very high end home recording studio in his loft, and said that I'm welcome to use it if I ever find something I can't manage myself.

The whole "Reason" thing came up because that same mate has it, and said that I can make a copy of it if I want to - so I wouldn't even be paying for it, but if there's something that would do the same thing better then I know what to buy in future...

After further reading (Midi Keyboard Buyers Guides), I think I have discovered that "USB/MIDI" would work without the midi port, so I don't need to worry in that respect :drink:

[Peter Antal]

Should you decide to go software-based: http://line6.com/toneport/kb37.html
MIDI keyboard + Toneport UX2 = perfect tool for home recording. 8)

[Dakine]

Or a standalone like my Zoom MRS8 which can do ya own drum tracks/sampling on etc. and take a sd card to PC.