MIDI controller recommendations (low quality, Hang, behringer)

RomaZu · 08-09-2008, 12:32 AM

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.)?

t1mp · 08-11-2008, 01:52 PM

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!

cardboard adolescent · 08-11-2008, 02:37 PM

yeah, go with m-audio. great value.

SATCHMO · 08-11-2008, 07:10 PM

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.

RomaZu · 08-12-2008, 04:13 AM

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?

08-09-2008, 12:32 AM	#1 (permalink)
RomaZu Groupie Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 2	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.)?

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08-11-2008, 01:52 PM	#2 (permalink)
t1mp Groupie Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Concord, CA Posts: 4	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!

08-11-2008, 02:37 PM	#3 (permalink)
cardboard adolescent ;) Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: CA Posts: 3,503	yeah, go with m-audio. great value.

08-11-2008, 07:10 PM	#4 (permalink)
SATCHMO Al Dente Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 4,708	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.

08-12-2008, 04:13 AM	#5 (permalink)
RomaZu Groupie Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 2	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?