Advice on MIDI keyboard

[Mick_C]

Hi all,

Just looking for a bit of help choosing a MIDI keyboard for PT 12.4.

The reason I ask is because I have read that for some MIDI controllers people have had to download their version of PT or operating system, which I obviously don't want to do.

I'm rather average when it comes to technology so am looking for a MIDI keyboard that will require minimal set-up (ie works automatically with PT), is very intuitive, and very musical (maybe doesn't exist I know). Was looking at AKAI MPK225, M-Audio Oxygen IV series, Novation Impulse.

If anyone has any experience of using these, or other MIDI keyboards, with PT 12.4 that can suggest either one I'd love to hear from you!

Cheers!

Mick

[guitarist9891]

I use my yamaha p155 digital piano as my controller. Works great. I connect to Motu micro lite midi interface - and the interface to the computer through USB. Seems to work good in pro tools. Really good feeling 88 key weighed keybed.

[Undead Goat]

I have an M-audio Oxygen 88 and I'm not a fan.

I think that M-audio makes great keyboard pedals, but that's about it imo. The biggest thing I can say is to look at the keyboard action. If you're mainly going to stick with synth plugins then there are plenty of budget-friendly synth action keys that will be perfect. But if you're trying to emulate piano then you probably want something that's fully-weighted.

The reason why I said I didn't like my M-audio was because I've had many strange anomalies happen when I've used it. Things like, how certain notes feel like they cancel out... I've not even been able to figure out exactly what's causing it, so it's not like it'll apply to every scenario. Maybe m-audio will work out better for you. But that hasn't been my experience, so I can't say that I could recommend it.

[guitarist9891]

Originally Posted by Undead Goat

I have an M-audio Oxygen 88 and I'm not a fan.

I think that M-audio makes great keyboard pedals, but that's about it imo. The biggest thing I can say is to look at the keyboard action. If you're mainly going to stick with synth plugins then there are plenty of budget-friendly synth action keys that will be perfect. But if you're trying to emulate piano then you probably want something that's fully-weighted.

The reason why I said I didn't like my M-audio was because I've had many strange anomalies happen when I've used it. Things like, how certain notes feel like they cancel out... I've not even been able to figure out exactly what's causing it, so it's not like it'll apply to every scenario. Maybe m-audio will work out better for you. But that hasn't been my experience, so I can't say that I could recommend it.

Make sure midi merge is not on when recording midi performances.

[Undead Goat]

Originally Posted by guitarist9891

Make sure midi merge is not on when recording midi performances.

Midi merge isn't the problem.

I've talked about it on other forums. I think the keys trigger the same note twice at the exact same time which causes phasing issues. The result is a very strange soft warble that sounds almost as if there's a flanger on the keyboard.

I went into the midi editor and confirmed this. There are tiny notes "hidden" behind the ones that I've just recorded.

My particular Oxygen keyboard just isn't reliable. This wouldn't be the first time I've had problems with M-audio hardware, either. (their usb microphone crashed my pc on numerous occasions). I have only disdain for M-audio.

[hakofred]

I'm a keyboard player and use M-audio keystation 61 on PT 12,5.
I like the keys, (semiweighted) on that keyboard) I also use it live with Mainstage. In my opinion you dont need fully weighted keys because it will limit the pracitcal use of the keyboard, especially when you play organ and synths. Why pack the keyboard with a lot of knobs and levers?
You dont need that in Protools

[hakofred]

Originally Posted by Undead Goat

Midi merge isn't the problem.

I've talked about it on other forums. I think the keys trigger the same note twice at the exact same time which causes phasing issues. The result is a very strange soft warble that sounds almost as if there's a flanger on the keyboard.

I went into the midi editor and confirmed this. There are tiny notes "hidden" behind the ones that I've just recorded.

My particular Oxygen keyboard just isn't reliable. This wouldn't be the first time I've had problems with M-audio hardware, either. (their usb microphone crashed my pc on numerous occasions). I have only disdain for M-audio.

It sounds like you should turn the "omni" button off in "preferences, midi"?
I have experienced that funny performance with other keyboards:)