Cheap vs expensive Midi controller keyboard s

[MusicalGlenn2022]

Hi everyone.

Wanted to hear peoples thoughts on entry level midi keyboards vs higher priced ones. I'm not so much interested in a midi controller that can do the things your digital Audio Workstation can do, more in the quality of the build itself. In my time I've owned an M-Audio, Alesis, SubZero (Avoid), Nektar and other 100 ueor/dollar range keyboards.

I did a check on the best rated midi keybaords and the winners were Aturia, Akai, Roland and Native Instruments. All of these come in at the highest prices. I guess my question is, have people found there is a discernable difference? For me, I've just lost my Nektar 49 key that cost 100 Euro after having it only a few days. The little white plastic box that holds the four data and power pins in place on the USB type B port came out and wedged itself in the cable. I insert these cables carefully, without force and remove them the same way, The online music store just emailed me to say Nektar blame me for it so they are not issuing a replacement and my warranty doesnt cover it. This amazes me as it's equally posible the mold for the USB is a cheap part or badly soldered as it is that I pulled on the keyboard with a cable atatched (I didn't).



To surmise:

Akai, Roland, Arturia,Novation, Native Instruments - Good
M-Audio, Alesis - Fair
Nektar, SubZero -Avoid
My best keyboard, a Novation launchkey MKIII has never had such issues. So I'm wondering should I stick to the more expensive brands? has anyone else bought cheaper keyboards only to regret it?

 

[happyrat1]

Out of the brands you mentioned, Alesis has a pretty good track record with prosumer equipment.

The best MIDI controller I've owned (dumb controller) is made by or at least branded by Monoprice. Solid and reliable.

Unfortunately they seem to have discontinued the line.

 

[Biggles]

One of the benefits of buying from Amazon is the free returns.

I have never had any problem with returned items.

Even within the same brand different models look and feel very different.

The M Audio Oxygen keybed is average but the Oxygen Pro is very different, more robust in its build and an excellent keybed.

NI, great keybed, but flaky if not using their software.

Roland, can be a sod to set up on a Mac.

Tried a few cheap ones, soon returned each and every one.

I did like the Launchkey III when I last was in my local store.

Early last year I bought an M Audio Oxygen Pro 25 to play with our MacBook whilst recuperating from an operation that laid me up for three months. I did try most of the makes you list but the M Audio Oxygen Pro had the keybed feel that appealed to me.

good luck

 

[nakeyer]

If I would talk about simple and chief MIDI keyboard not for pianists, but for regular musician - I prefer Roland A-49!
Why? Because:
1. It "understand" the sustain semi-pedal
2. It produce aftertouch
3. It has very good keys! Really!

 

[bill5]

I'd be curious to hear more from folks who have owned the more budget-friendly 61-key keyboards and what they did/didn't like about them...

 

[happyrat1]

This one. Will serve you well for a lifetime.

Monoprice SRK49 49-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 8 Velocity-Sensitive RGB Pads, 8 Assignable Knobs, 5 MMC Buttons - Stage Right Series : Amazon.ca: Musical Instruments, Stage & Studio

Monoprice SRK49 49-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 8 Velocity-Sensitive RGB Pads, 8 Assignable Knobs, 5 MMC Buttons - Stage Right Series : Amazon.ca: Musical Instruments, Stage & Studio

www.amazon.ca

Amazon.com: Monoprice Midi Controller (625889) : Musical Instruments

Buy Monoprice Midi Controller (625889): MIDI Controllers - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Only available in Canada apparently

 

[bill5]

Thanks but that's only 49 keys...I tried looking up the 61-key version but yeah they either don't carry them or they're not in stock in the USA.

 

[Biggles]

Arturia Keylab Essential 61, what a load of dross. Total variance with the keybed feel, very flaky once set up. Arturia support none existant. Sold of fleabay.

Roland A800, great keybed, would not set up on our Mac but a guy on another forum sent me chapter and verse on sitting it up. Once set up it worked very well but as I want to play and not learn MIDI or a DAW it was sold.

I have a small M Audio Oxygen Pro 25 key, keybed is the same as the 61 key version. It is great and I use it with Mainstage when my back is bad and cannot sit at my Korg.