desktop keyboard or midi-controller

[ThePaintedCow]

Hello,

I am looking for a suitable (and affordable) desktop-keyboard or MIDI-controller that I can link to my PC to play. I also need a virtual sampler/synth.

The idea is that I am missing my (big) keyboard at home and in my current flat there is no space for it, so I am looking for a smaller alternative (49 keys or less).
The keyboard/MIDI-controller + synth should reproduce sounds in real time so I can play at least melodies without delay or stopping up. I have a (monophonic) windows-gadget, but the delay is just awful.

The processor is an Intel i7 Q720 @ 1,6 GHz and my soundcard is labelled NVIDIA High Definition Audio (I suppose it is on board).

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanx in advance ( in my language: på forhånd takk)

 

[Burn4Him]

what is your budget?

 

[ThePaintedCow]

Good question. I am living in Norway and I'd say approx. 1000 NOK. Roughly, that would be 200$.

 

[Burn4Him]

i would recommend trying to find a first generation axiom, i think you can find one for about 200 bucks, however that leaves you still needing software.... you could try a m audio keyrig 49 for under 100 dollars and then go and find a lite version of some software. just a thought.

 

[ThePaintedCow]

Wow, the axiom looks nice.

As far as I know my local store offers the m audio keyrig 49WITH 4 stand-alone samplers/synths. So I think I am going to go for that one.


EDIT:
I just looked a little further and found this:

http://www.intersalg.no/product/418359/Behringer_UMX490.html

Any expieriences with that one?

 

[Burn4Him]

ive never used that but i have had problems with almost everything Behringer i have ever used. so i really try to stay away from them. but ive never used their keyboards.

 

[ThePaintedCow]

Shame.
It lokked like a really nice offer: affordable and a whole bundle of software along with it.
I have also read a review about this one and well..... "The plastic casing is crap. It bends and creaks whenever you move it. "

( http://www.harmonycentral.com/products/63662 )