Hey youse guys...Help me get the right controller / keyboard!

I don't need any sounds. I will mostly be using a scarbee rhodes plug-in.

Just a controller - no sounds needed?

In theatre world (where I occasionally play) - I see Oberheims and Kurzweils driving VSTs. I don't own either (too heavy for me) but I did consider this for running my VST rig (laptop + Kore).

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/nov9...s/oberheim.htm

They weight a lot but reliability must be good or they wouldn't use them for touring show.

BTW: For my laptop+Kore live rig I went for a used 76 key Roland A-33 on EBay - very light, fine for piano organ and synth (for me anyway - though no sliders for organ VSTs) - can run on batteries (for ages) if needed - cost £80 + £30 postage with a case I think. They're not expensive second hand. If you see one it's a cheap way to dip your toe into the world of VSTs. It's MIDI only - you'll need someway to plug it into your Mac.

That Kurzweil Elmwood is championing would be my choice if money really isn't a factor. You may not always want to set up your computer to play - just fire it up and stick in your headphones.

How about a yamaha mo88? I can get a great deal on one. Any midi compatibility issues (macbook pro). Not sure what recording software I will be using yet.

From what I've heard,Logic & Cubase work well with Yamaha keyboards.Don't know zip about Macs...never had one,never will.

I thought you didn't need sounds?If sliders,knobs,drums pads & an LCD screen is most important to you,you can pick up an Akai MPK88 new,for $799.

From what I've read,Akai is compatible with most software applications.


-Elwood

The mo88 will work great with macs!. the mo series is basically a striped down version of the motif es without sequencing and sampling. and its not nearly as heavy!