MIDI Keyboards - Can you recommend any?

[itamar101]

Hey guys :)
I've been getting into recording electric music recently and lots of ambient sort of stuff as well... I think its pprobably time to get a MIDI Keyboard.
I don't really have a very high budget... £150 max.
I'll probably be buying from thomann.
I don't really need much... mostly a at least 46 keys, and good functionality and, of course, value for money.
A pitch-shifting wheel would be a nice addition too.

[JJretroTONEGOD]

I'm using the Edirol PCR-M30 but I'm sure there will be a 46 key version or similar, only paid £40 for mine and it's 32 keys has 8 faders and 8 knobs plus one of them mental modulation wheel things, it's been a very solid performer for years so can recommend it if you can find one second hand and should be well within your budget.

[itamar101]

I'm using the Edirol PCR-M30 but I'm sure there will be a 46 key version or similar, only paid £40 for mine and it's 32 keys has 8 faders and 8 knobs plus one of them mental modulation wheel things, it's been a very solid performer for years so can recommend it if you can find one second hand and should be well within your budget.

Thanks. That looks cool rather ideal. I cant find it on thomann though. Ebay could be a viable option...

Other suggestions are welcome... :)

[Frank]

Keyboards are better than guitars because they don't hurt your fingers. Phil Oakey said so.

I got an Evolution MK361 which is pretty good but I resort to a Roland GI-10 guitar to MIDI thing for doing basslines. Basslines played from a keyboard never sound right. Plus Roland guitar synths are just wai kewl.

[itamar101]

Hmm...
I've pretty much narrowed down the options to either the Samson Graphite 49 or the M-Audio Axiom 25 2nd-Gen.
Any recommendations?
The extra Filter option and the huge LED screen and 49 keys on the Samson are some nice advantages but on the other hand the M-Audio is more portable, I feel more "in control" with less keys and it has 8 drum pads rather than 4 on the samson.

http://www.thomann.de/gb/samson_graphite_49.htm
http://www.thomann.de/gb/m_audio_axiom_25_advanced.htm

So... what do you suggest that i go for or is there anything better (in the price range).

[Frank]

25 notes is a bit limiting, if you want to do a big chord then you'll have to record right hand, drop down a couple of octaves then dub in the bass notes.

Does the other one have full sized keys? Mini keys are a real pain if you have fingers larger than chipolata sausages. Also, do you want a semi-weighted keyboard?

[itamar101]

25 notes is a bit limiting, if you want to do a big chord then you'll have to record right hand, drop down a couple of octaves then dub in the bass notes.

Does the other one have full sized keys? Mini keys are a real pain if you have fingers larger than chipolata sausages. Also, do you want a semi-weighted keyboard?

Yes, I noticed... it  is something that could possibly be a pain in the ass...
The Samson does seem to have full sized keys and they're also semi-weighted.
I'd prefer semi-weighted keys but if they aren't it's not a deal killer.

[gwEm]

You could probably get a full-on synth for £150 secondhand...

[Modular1]

Concur with gwem.

The m-audio option would be good. Make sure whatever keyboard you buy has after touch on the keys. Synthesizers are much more fun with after touch sensitive keys.

[itamar101]

After researching long and hard about the MIDI Keyboards bs Synths in this price range I've decided to get a Samson Graphite 49 MIDI Keyboard.
The only synth that really got my interest in the end was the M-Audio Venom and it is more expensive, less versatile and cheaper feeling than the Samson according to reviews that I've read... Plus the keys aren't weighted.
There's also a really good deal on the Samson in my local shop... £115.

I'll probably get hold of it by Christmas at the latest. Probably earlier.

[FredD]

M Audio is the way to go.
I use a 61 note : full size weighted keys : after touch sensistive : blah blah model which cost me 'peanuts' !
It is well built and does 'what it says on the tin' !  8)

[itamar101]

M Audio is the way to go.
I use a 61 note : full size weighted keys : after touch sensistive : blah blah model which cost me 'peanuts' !
It is well built and does 'what it says on the tin' !  8)

Unfortunately, something like that is out of my price range. I'm low on money and I'm trying to discipline myself and I will not allow myself to go over my budget.
For the price, especially the price that I am able to get it at, the Samson definitely looks like the best option.
Thanks for the advice, though :)

[Modular1]

looks like a good choice mate. one thing i didnt like about the m-audio keyboard i tried was that the rotary encoders were notched. not a great feel when programming a synth. not sure if they are all like that.