Midi keyboard controller

[Rrsparger]

I have seen allot of posts on midi keyboard controllers that people have problems with Pro Tools. Is there a line of recommended affordable keyboard controllers that have no issue with Pro Tools?

Thanks

[JanuS]

Very good question!
I think none... A Eucon midi keyboard controller (with plugin mapping) would be best

[JFreak]

I am using Novation Launchkey and have not had any issues. It would be even greater if the faders and knobs would be touch-sensitive, but it would at least double the price.

[Ben Jenssen]

Originally Posted by Rrsparger

I have seen allot of posts on midi keyboard controllers that people have problems with Pro Tools. Is there a line of recommended affordable keyboard controllers that have no issue with Pro Tools?

What problems exactly are you worried about? I've heard of issues with sustain pedals, but in my experience PT handles midi input devices just fine. Even my old Command|8 is solid with PT2020.

[JFreak]

Originally Posted by Ben Jenssen

issues with sustain pedals

To be more exact, problems with midi merge, but it is most apparent when using sustain pedal. Should be fixed already, and I do not remember which versions the problem was most apparent

[albee1952]

There's a bit more to learn here, so some general Midi "help":
1-Eucon has little or nothing to do with midi. Eucon is not needed for simple Midi recording from a midi keyboard, trigger pad or electronic drum kit.
2-Eucon IS needed for Transport control from a midi keyboard(if the keyboard in question has transport buttons).
3-nearly any keyboard with a Midi output can be used with Pro Tools for recording Midi to a Midi/Instrument track(for triggering a VI(Virtual Instrument) plugin(such as MiniGrand, EZDrummer, Kontact, etc)
4-Any controller will need to be configured in the Setup>Midi>Midi Studio menu(inside Pro Tools). The crucial detail there will be the Input Path(where PT will "look for" incoming Midi data). How the keyboard connects also matters(USB vs. Midi cables to the interface), but most any connection method should work.

From my own experience, I have had success with all the following:
Yamaha Motif es8
Ensoniq Mirage(don't laugh, it cost me $50)
M-Audio Trigger Finger
Roland TD-10 electronic drum kit
Akai Advance 61(without the VIP software)

[Rrsparger]

Excellent answer albee1952,JFreak, and JanuS. I will be using it mainly for virtual instruments and laying down keyboard synth tracks

[Eric Lambert]

I'm not aware of inherent PT/controller MIDI issues. There was a point when MIDI was placed late or early due to delay compensation problems but I believe that's been fixed for quite a while. I've used a Native Instruments S88 for years and it's been fine. The keybed is a bit noisy and the action is slightly heavier than I'd prefer, but their non-weighted controllers are solid.

[JFreak]

Originally Posted by Eric Lambert

There was a point when MIDI was placed late or early due to delay compensation problems but I believe that's been fixed for quite a while.

Yes, working as it should. However the inherent problem of MIDI timing is that MIDI 1.0 specification from 1983 says 24 pulses per quarter note. Let's assume normal 4/4 composition with 120bpm tempo, it means two quarter notes per second, or 48 pulses per second, or one pulse per 1000 samples in 48kHz session. That is exactly how sample accurate MIDI is.

[DonaldM]

I'm considering a new controller. What I'd like is one that is a full 88 keys that are either weighted or semi-weighted, with touch pads, and the ability to set up zones. And of course assignable sliders and dials. I know there's a bunch of different ones out there. I just would like some thoughts on which ones you might recommend I consider. Thanks