Comments on: Entry-level music keyboard for a PC

Question: Entry-level music keyboard for a PC

tranquileye — Tue, 10 Jan 2006 12:30:46 -0800

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?

By: zerokey

zerokey — Tue, 10 Jan 2006 12:47:57 -0800

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.

By: slogger

slogger — Tue, 10 Jan 2006 12:51:49 -0800

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.

By: freudianslipper

freudianslipper — Tue, 10 Jan 2006 12:53:29 -0800

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.

By: freudianslipper

freudianslipper — Tue, 10 Jan 2006 12:53:58 -0800

oops...should've previewed :)

By: zerokey

zerokey — Tue, 10 Jan 2006 12:54:10 -0800

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.

By: atom128

atom128 — Tue, 10 Jan 2006 13:07:51 -0800

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.

By: Hankins

Hankins — Tue, 10 Jan 2006 13:07:56 -0800

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.

By: toastchee

toastchee — Tue, 10 Jan 2006 13:24:25 -0800

FLStudio is pretty cool and relatively inexpensive as far as softstudios go. However, I also have Reason 3 and much prefer Reason's sounds.

By: Jairus

Jairus — Tue, 10 Jan 2006 13:48:50 -0800

The M-Audio keyboards feel pretty cheap, and aren't as good (in my eyes) as keyboards in the same price range from Edirol.

By: krisjohn

krisjohn — Tue, 10 Jan 2006 15:17:32 -0800

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).

By: First Post

First Post — Tue, 10 Jan 2006 18:02:09 -0800

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...

By: TeamBilly

TeamBilly — Tue, 10 Jan 2006 19:20:55 -0800

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.

By: pyramid termite

pyramid termite — Tue, 10 Jan 2006 21:23:56 -0800

i don't know about abelton, but reason does not support vst instruments

By: Jairus

Jairus — Wed, 11 Jan 2006 04:40:43 -0800

Reason does not support VSTis. Ableton does, and will also make your grass greener, and whites whiter.