Entry-level music keyboard for a PC

January 10, 2006 12:30 PM

My 16 year-old son is experimenting with electronic music. I want to get him a music keyboard that he can connect to a PC via a USB cable and will provide a direct means of getting notes into music software. What software would you recommend, and what affordable keyboard type/brand would work for this?
posted by tranquileye to computers & internet (14 comments total)

I would recommend one of M-Audio's midi controllers. They have a good range. While the action may not be so hot on their low end controllers, they are definitely a good start.

As for software, Reason is great for beginners as well as pros.

Ableton Live is good as well (I use both Live and Reason in my music work). But I would recommend Reason first.

Check local music shops - you can sometimes find package deals - an M-Audio controller and Live or Reason for a decent price.
posted by zerokey at 12:47 PM on January 10, 2006

I have the M-Audio Oxygen 8 and use it with Reason. Great combo, but the total price tage comes in over $400, which might be a bit expensive, unless you can find a good clearance deal or sale.
posted by slogger at 12:51 PM on January 10, 2006

Second zerokey on the m-audio midi controllers. A very simple to use but effective keyboard that is affordable is the oxygen8 from m-audio.
posted by freudianslipper at 12:53 PM on January 10, 2006

oops...should've previewed :)
posted by freudianslipper at 12:53 PM on January 10, 2006

Oh..one thing..I wouldn't purchase Reason or Live just yet. Download the demos of each (fully functioning - just can't save). See what your son likes best before committing.
posted by zerokey at 12:54 PM on January 10, 2006

Another vote for the maudio. I'm selling an ozone right now on ebay (can I say that?) but it was good to get me started.

And Ableton Live is awesome.
posted by atom128 at 1:07 PM on January 10, 2006

I have an Evolution MK-361, and I enjoy it. It was important for me to have a more full-size controller, as I never felt comfortable on a smaller, 25-key controller. I felt it to be a much more natural migration from piano than learning how to accomplish the same things on a smaller controller. Just something to keep in mind when considering his preferences. I'd also recommend PriceGrabber as a resource to scout out lowest prices.
posted by Hankins at 1:07 PM on January 10, 2006

FLStudio is pretty cool and relatively inexpensive as far as softstudios go. However, I also have Reason 3 and much prefer Reason's sounds.
posted by toastchee at 1:24 PM on January 10, 2006

The M-Audio keyboards feel pretty cheap, and aren't as good (in my eyes) as keyboards in the same price range from Edirol.
posted by Jairus at 1:48 PM on January 10, 2006

You might be able to pickup an old USB Roland Sound Canvas cheap from eBay. That would give you MIDI ports, then you just need to add any midi keyboard (and some software).
posted by krisjohn at 3:17 PM on January 10, 2006

This site has an amazing collection of free VST software, synths and effects galore.

Follow the annoying sidebar to Downloads->Free VST Plugins.

Of course you'll need some sort of software that hosts VSTs, but that's fairly easy to find.

If you've got a keyboard that's MIDI-capable already, you could always go for a USB-to-MIDI interface ($40 and up) or just get a $20 cable that goes from the MIDI on the keyboard to the joystick port on the sound card. Then you could just use the keyboard you already have...
posted by First Post at 6:02 PM on January 10, 2006

Correct me if I'm wrong here, but Reason does not support VST instruments, and Ableton does, right? Not to threadjack, but I'm interested in some soft synths m'self.
posted by TeamBilly at 7:20 PM on January 10, 2006

i don't know about abelton, but reason does not support vst instruments
posted by pyramid termite at 9:23 PM on January 10, 2006

Reason does not support VSTis. Ableton does, and will also make your grass greener, and whites whiter.
posted by Jairus at 4:40 AM on January 11, 2006