MIDI controller recommendations
 

Hi everybody!

I am new to musical instruments, so I have had a little trouble trying to understand which keyboard would be best for me as a beginner. I am a student, so with my limited finances I wanted to buy something I could use not worrying about changing it due to its low quality and my growing needs. I have spent probably a week trying to find as much information on all possible options and I now I have a list of keyboards of approximately one price range or class (according to built-in features). I was wondering what your opinions are about the following controllers. Also maybe you have some other options to suggest. I would greatly appreciate every response! And thanks a lot in advance!

Here is the list:

1. M-Audio Axiom 61 (seems to have more features than others)
2. E-MU Xboard 61 (I read the keys have the best feel on this one)
3. Korg K61P
4. M-Audio Oxygen 61
5. Behringer U-CONTROL UMX61
6. Edirol PC-80

P.S. I was also wondering how important would be presence of such components as Pads (as on Axioms), faders (M-Audio, Behringer, etc.)?

I used to have an Axiom 49. It was a great controller, seemed sturdy. Drivers were good and worked well with Ableton live. As far as the pads go, having used an mpc, i do not like the pads, but they are serviceable. The rotary knobs and faders were awesome!

yeah, go with m-audio. great value.

I have an M-Audio Keystation 49e that I bought 4 years ago for $99. I like it just fine, but I would like to have one with weighted keys.

Thank you for your answers!

After some more research, seems like the choice is between the two: Axiom 49/61 and Xboard 49/61. Still cannot decide, because the prices are almost the same.

I have checked all the Internet sources I could find for here (Toronto, Canada) and haven't seen Xboards anywhere on them. Should I maybe go with an online purchase? Or is it really inconvenient in terms of support, warranty and stuff?