Midi Controllers vs. simple electric keyboards: Can someone please explain to me the difference between getting a midi controller like this one or another electric keyboard?
802078
A MIDI controller does not produce its own sounds; it primarily controls MIDI information only. For example, I have a Korg N5ex keyboard and software instruments on my computer. The MIDI controller can control the sounds on either the Korg keyboard or the computer software, but it does not have sounds of its own. I could not use the MIDI controller as a stand-alone performance keyboard. One of the advantages of using a MIDI controller is that if you already have the sounds on another keyboard, sound module, or instrument software, you may only need the keys. You can easily save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars for just buying the controller. A fairly decent 88-key MIDI controller can be had for around $500, whereas an 88-key workstation or digital synthesizer/piano can run you into thousands of dollars.
2164648
It's a MIDI controller. Midi controllers allow a person to interact with music software to play notes, execute commands, and perform live. Look up "Launchpad Performance" on YouTube and you'll see what it can do, but it NEEDS a computer/iPad(there is an app) and software to do anything. It does absolutely nothing on its own.
784545
Hi , as a midi controller it doesn't make sounds on its own, all you have is rubber pads, just in case it helps if you're searching other midi controllers, cuz it's the same concept. ( unless it specifically mentions otherwise): synth & midi.
290627
It is NOT a midi device. It is a midi Channel. As such all it does is connect your PC to a midi device using the correct protocols. That's all it can do. See instructional stuff all over the web for understanding.
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Maybe this will help.http://www.musicradar.com/us/tuition/tech/the-beginners-guide-to-midi-controllers-179018
1871887
This is analog so the sound quality is FAR superior. There are no menus on here so you won't have to deal with any of those, that being said programming an analog synth will also take time and patience and some critical thinking ability. Also you can forget about saving your sounds for quick access, and going along with that the midi will only address keyboard functions, and cannot change the overall program. It's all about the pure analog sound.
445951
That is an accurate weight. Remember that a MIDI controller isn't actually producing sound, it is controlling settings on your attached computer. So there is very little internal hardware (as compared to a keyboard or synthesizer.) All the processing and amplifying is done by your computer, audio interface, and amp; and that is where all the weight is in your midi rig. The midi controller is useless without an attached computer (imac recommended for producing & mastering, but ipad or windows pc will work fine for casual users.) Hope that helps!
182964
Hi Doug, Let me start by saying I am a keyboard player and own several IK Multimedia products. The Total Workstation XL Bundle for PC, Sampletank, iGrand and iLectric Pianos for IOS, and iRig Pre for IOS. I have an extensive collection of virtual instruments and I'm very impressed with all of these products. I did try iRig MIDI and here are two issues I found. First; I need to use 2 keyboards in my live setup. I took a standard 5 pin MIDI cable out of one keyboard and into the MIDI input of the second keyboard. I then used the supplied iRig MIDI to MINI plug and connected the iRig MIDI to my iPad. I should have been able to set each keyboard for a different MIDI channel and trigger the sound set up on that MIDI channel in Sampletank for IOS. However, it would only allow me to use one keyboard, or input source, on only one MIDI channel at a time. Using a standard USB 'printer style' cable out of the second keyboard to the iPad Camera Connection kit(plugged into the iPad) solved this problem. I am mentioning this in case you might have two different trigger sources which you need to set to two different MIDI channels. This could be an issue. Which brings me to the second issue; there were supposed to be 2 of the special iRig MIDI to MINI cables which interface with iRig MIDI and 1 USB cable to connect to a USB power supply(which is not included). Problem was that they included 2 USB cables and only 1 special MIDI cable in the box. If I recall correctly there were @ 7 out of 11 reviewers that received the wrong cables, as I did. My best advice is to pick one up and give it a try to see if it will satisfy your needs. But I just wanted you to be aware of a couple of issues which might possibly affect it's overall performance.
1424680
You can get a midi to usb cable to do the trick. I have a TASCAM unit that I run my keyboard and mic thru though, because my mic needs phantom power. It came with the cable needed to connect to the PC. The biggest difference would be the price and what, if any other needs you may have.
1992558
Just to be clear, this is a midi controller, meaning there are no stored sounds inside the unit. There are no speakers on the unit either. It just controls your software. You plug this into a computer loaded with a software that has all of your sounds. You can transpose on the keyboard or in the software. As far as an external speaker you can run out of the computer audio Jack into an amplifier or mixer
36385
Hi, basically this model only works as a midi controller, you either connect your sound module, laptop, iPad ... What I do is connect it to a keyboard synth, with a midi air by Maudio, which is completely wireless, then straight to an amp, any further question, just let me know
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According to an excerpt from page E-34 from the instruction booklet: "You can connect the Digital Keyboard to a computer and exchange MIDI data between them. You can send play data from the Digital Keyboard to music software running on your computer, or you can send MIDI data from your computer to the Digital Keyboard for playback." My son hasn't gotten that far into things yet, so I can't say how it works first hand. I hope this helps you out.
2101741
Not sure about the first question because we midi through the keyboard. Second question, 1, we are a duo and we both have one. I would recommend it. Nice clean sound and not computerized.
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No not at all. It's a MIDI controller keyboard, not a standalone synth. The sound source is typically software-based running on a computer.
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Connecting it to the keyboard and getting it to work with it as a remote keyboard should not be difficult at all. With out having worked with the MM6/8 myself, I can say that in the past I have found that Yamaha tends to be slightly more complicated than, lets say Korg or Roland. (I sold professional keyboards and software for more than ten years.) Don't be surprised if there is not a slight learning curve to get it to perform program changes and such. The Vortex has been the easiest keytar I have ever worked with and I use it almost exclusively in my studio set up due to lack of space for a larger controller. It is a great purchase. Connecting it to the keyboard and getting it to work with it as a remote keyboard should not be difficult at all. With out having worked with the MM6/8 myself, I can say that in the past I have found that Yamaha tends to be slightly more complicated than, lets say Korg or Roland. (I sold professional keyboards and software for more than ten years.) Don't be surprised if there is not a slight learning curve to get it to perform program changes and such. The Vortex has been the easiest keytar I have ever worked with and I use it almost exclusively in my studio set up due to lack of space for... » Read More Connecting it to the keyboard and getting it to work with it as a remote keyboard should not be difficult at all. With out having worked with the MM6/8 myself, I can say that in the past I have found that Yamaha tends to be slightly more complicated than, lets say Korg or Roland. (I sold professional keyboards and software for more than ten years.) Don't be surprised if there is not a slight learning curve to get it to perform program changes and such. The Vortex has been the easiest keytar I have ever worked with and I use it almost exclusively in my studio set up due to lack of space for a larger controller. It is a great purchase. « Show Less
2210210
Both are excellent MIDI controllers.The Novation will work with iPads, as well as a Mac or PC.The MPK comes with more free sounds.The MPK has nicer feeling pads, but the Novation has more pads.The MPK has 8 knobs, plus a joystick, the Novation is just 8 pads.I think I'd prefer the MPK, but I would not be disappointed with either.
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Any soft with MIDI compare (cubase. logic. etc)Its mean you can use it not only with computer soft if you have MIDI connection and great desire to explore:)