Daniel,
Thank you for the webinar on Pro Tools (and Logic).
I’m thinking about upgrading from Garageband; maybe getting a keyboard controller to trigger the synth sounds on the computer: any suggestion about the keyboard controller?
thank you again for your support and explanations.
Hey there!
If you’re upgrading from Garageband, check out this page on Logic Studio. Version 9 is on it’s way. Make sure that if you buy version 8, that they include the upgrade to version 9 for free. Otherwise, I’d just preorder version 9, though you may have to wait a bit for it to be released. The upgrade cost is $200! Don’t get caught in that trap, regardless of who you purchase Logic from.
Well, there’s a few ways to go on a MIDI controller. The first thing to consider is whether or not you want a controller that has the feel of a real piano (or close to it). Weighted keys cost more money, or course. From the sound of it, you probably aren’t interested in that, but if you are, let me know. I can give you a few more suggestions.
You can get a basic MIDI controller for very cheap. The big questions are: how many keys (25-88), do you want drum pads on the controller, and do you care about “automap” features (more on that in a bit). Again, if you’re a piano guy, then you’d most likely want more keys. Here are a couple of options.
Novation Remote 37
These are normally $500, but there are a few “Factory resealed” ones at Zzounds for $400–going fast. Still pricey, though, but for a reason. These controllers have 37 keys (though there are larger versions), drum pads, and also have a cool “automap” feature. When you open up a synth or plugin, the controls on the Novation (knobs and sliders) automatically map themselves to relevant parameters on the softsynth, giving you easy control over parameters. Of course, you could just use your mouse to change these parameters. If the automap thing isn’t appealing to you, then there are cheaper MIDI controllers that will work just as well as this one. If you like the automap idea, I can give you a few other controllers which do the same thing.The MAudio Axiom Pro is one. They tend to be a bit pricey, as is the Novation.
MAudio Axiom 61
These are very common/popular. They come in several different sizes: 25 key, 49 key, and 61 key. The 61 is the largest and most expensive–$299. Still, not a bad price. These have faders and knobs which can be assigned to parameters in Logic (if you do a little programming), and they also have drum pads. I’ve used these quite a bit.
MAudio Keystation Pro
This is a full-size, semiweighted 88 key controller, with tons of assignable knobs and slider. If you don’t need a very large keyboard, then pass on this guy. I’ve used them–their pretty good, especially given that they only cost $400.
Now, if you really don’t care about have a bunch of knobs, sliders, and drum pads to assign to parameters in Logic, and you really don’t care about having weighted action on the keyboard, then you can pick up a controller for a little over $100.
MAudio Keyrig 49
49 keys (no knobs/sliders)….$100. The 88 key version is $199–semi-weighted keys. The quality can’t be very high for this price. But, honestly, it’s a MIDI controller…you press a key and it sends out a note. Pretty simple. This keyboard (and the one that follows) lack a MIDI feature called aftertouch. Honestly, it may not matter to you at all, though. With aftertouch, as you hold down a note or chord, the controller sends out messages describing the pressure you apply to the keys (as you hold them down). This information is used in some synth patches to add an extra degree of feel. For example, the volume or filtering of the sound may change as you press harder/let up on the keys.
MAudio Oxygen 49
Same as the Keyrig 49, except with assignable knobs and sliders. $139 The 61 key version is $169
And lastly,….My favorite drum pad controller is the Korg PadKontrol.
I don’t get the impression that you’re looking to program/play drums, but if you are, this controller is fun. You can do snare drum/cymbal rolls on the X/Y pad, which is pretty innovative and very realistic sounding. There are a number of different types of drum controllers though. Check them out here!
If you have any more specific questions, let me know!
Thanks,
Daniel
The Online Audio School .com
lessons@theonlineaudioschool.com
