First Time Keyboard Buyer

[TazarYoot]

As you can tell from the title I am new to buying Keyboards. To help me select a model I will give the requirements I will need the keyboard to perform. If its possible, can I get a few models to select from. I like the look and design of the M-Audio Oxygen 49.

1. I will need the keyboard to play samples. For example I purchased the samples of a Vox Continental Organ and wish to play the samples through the keyboard.

2. I don't know how important the control tabs are such as pitch etc. But if those are essential to having a good sound then please factor that into your suggestions.

3. As most musicians I am on a budget, so please suggest models which fall under $200.

Thanks for your time and hopefully this will help me decide.

 

[The Y_man]

So let me clarify - in "keyboard-speak" you are really after a USB controller?

i.e. the keyboard itself doesn't make any sounds - it just acts as a "remote control" for a virtual synth on a PC

Is that right?

The Y-man

 

[TazarYoot]

I believe I'm seeking a MIDI controller. That can control sounds from my PC

 

[The Y_man]

If you can stretch the budget a little bit, I'd get a 61 key, not a 49.

I fear you will outgrow a 49 quite quickly - nothing more frustrating than "running out of notes" or no being able to split the board (play two instrumnts with different "halves" of the keyboard)

Maybe something like
http://www.turramusic.com.au/pages/CatalogueItem.aspx?CIID=2970



The Y-man

 

[TazarYoot]

Ok thank you. The sample banks I've obtained, Vox Continental with 49 samples and Mellotron with 35. I only wish to play one at a time. Would you recommend the 49key M-Audio? Thanks

 

[TazarYoot]

I have narrowed it down to these Keyboards. Please include your opinion on my selections. Thanks!

1. M-Audio Oxygen 49
http://www.guitarcenter.com/M-Audio-Oxygen-49---USB-MIDI-Controller-105629984-i1478112.gc

2. M-Audio Keystation 61es
http://www.guitarcenter.com/M-Audio-Keystation-61es-USB-MIDI-Controller-102791126-i1155202.gc

3. M-Audio Oxygen 61
http://www.guitarcenter.com/M-Audio-Oxygen-61---USB-MIDI-Controller-105629976-i1478138.gc

 

[The Y_man]

Ok thank you. The sample banks I've obtained, Vox Continental with 49 samples and Mellotron with 35. I only wish to play one at a time. Would you recommend the 49key M-Audio? Thanks

It's not about what you want to do now - but some time not too far in the future.

61 keys just gives you so much more flexibility later on.

The Y-man