Simple standalone midi solution?

March 20, 2006 7:58 AM

I have a nice keyboard midi controller that I connect to my pc. However my wife would like to use it without having to muck about with a computer. Is there a simple (and cheap) solution to let her use the keyboard as a piano without too much hassle? A small box with one or more patches and the ability to connect to a stereo or powered speakers would be ideal.
posted by beowulf573 to Technology (6 answers total)

The realm of dedicated sound modules is generally not an inexpensive place. Do you just need piano? How good does it need to sound? How much are you looking to spend?
posted by tumult at 8:06 AM on March 20, 2006

Response by poster: If I could find a dedicated piano module for around $250-$300 that sounds decent, I'd be happy. Much more than that, then I'd probably be better off just saving for a bit and buying a used upright piano for her.

I've found lot's of nice, expensive sound modules; none of which I can really justify spending the money on right now.

Thanks for any suggestions. If even letting me know if I'm outta luck.
posted by beowulf573 at 8:19 AM on March 20, 2006

Best answer: You can probably find a used E-Mu ProFormance pretty cheap. They were not all that expensive back in the day. Look, here's one for $75 shipped.

There are probably better piano modules now, but really, that one is not at all bad. I used to have one.
posted by kindall at 8:34 AM on March 20, 2006

Here are reviews of the ProFormance by the way.
posted by kindall at 8:45 AM on March 20, 2006

Like the Emu ProFormance, there's also the Alesis NanoPiano (ebay search). Ahh, the days of the tiny MIDI module.
posted by todbot at 8:48 AM on March 20, 2006

I've got a NanoPiano and a Korg X5DR, both of which will do what you want. I think the NanoPiano would make the most sense for you. It's got a ton of nice piano sounds, plus some so-so organs and lead synths and things like that. Very simple, very compact, no programming or complex knob-twisting neccessary.
posted by Espy Gillespie at 10:22 AM on March 20, 2006