Recommend cheap and simple midi controller?

[Silence]

Hi

I'm about to upgrade to PT9 to use with my 003 Rack Factory on a Win7 PC.
I've never really used the soft synths and so on because I haven't had a controller - just pencil written basic stuff in the midi track, pretty tedious.

Can someone recommend a cheap/basic keyboard controller that is easy to set up? I'm not a keyboard player but know the keys etc., just need something to do simple sound washes and experiment with the soft synths a bit for fun.

A priority is I just want to be able to plug it in and know that it's going to be compatible and work - tired of trying to be creative only to spend all my time trying to make things work - hence a new PC and a fresh start.

Hope someone can help and thanks in advance!

Cheers
Lyndon

[BradLyons]

Lyndon,

There are many options on the market, however if you just need simple note playing and entry I can't imagine anything more basic than the M-AUDIO KEY RIG:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/M-Audio-...19-i1321388.gc

This was designed for exactly what you're asking for. I design a lot of school labs and have sold hundreds of these things over the years for that very need. Check it out!

[albee1952]

Great suggestion above. I went even cheaper as I found an old Ensoniq Mirage for $50. Anything with a MIDI out can be pressed into service, depending on your needs(mine are simple).