Hi Everyone....

[Huntinator]

Hi everyone... Joined to gain some insight from people in the know before making a purchasing decision.

I am looking for a setup that I can quickly sit down at the keys and record/save ideas when practicing WITHOUT having to use my laptop. I have Cubase LE and can fumble my way through it but I don't wont to have to use it until I have a firm idea that is worth firing it up for.

I would like to have something with 88 keys and a graded hammer action keybed. A good piano sample would be the most important as far as sounds. Realistic drum samples/rhythms are next probably as that is my starting point most of the time.

I have spent countless hours looking for a workstation that has a decent sequencer but unless I am willing to spend $3,000 there doesn't seem to be any. The Korg Krome seems to be the closest with a reasonable price but after watching the sequencer tutorial I think it would actually be more of a pain to use than using Cubase! Looks really clunky as far as navigating and editing in the piano and drum roll which is what I do alot of ie; step recording.

There just doesn't seem to be any options, maybe because DAW software has made workstations less practical... dunno.

Any ideas or insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

[happyrat1]

Welcome aboard.

What's your budget? What style of music? Is 88 keys a dealbreaker or can you live with unweighted 76 or 61 keys? Would you consider using an iPad instead of a built in sequencer for your brainstorming? Give us an idea we can work with.,

Gary

 

[happyrat1]

If 88 weighted really is a dealbreaker my suggestion would be the Casio Privia PX-360 or PX-560. Otherwise I think it meets most of your needs around the $1000 USD range.

Gary

 

[Huntinator]

If 88 weighted really is a dealbreaker my suggestion would be the Casio Privia PX-360 or PX-560. Otherwise I think it meets most of your needs around the $1000 USD range.

Gary

Did Rich jump ship from Korg to Casio? Hey HR1... That looks like an option... 88 keys with graded hammer action is what I would prefer, so it looks pretty sweet. I'm not a keyboardist really, though I am trying to learn that's why I like to step things in the piano roll.

As far as budget is concerned... I would like to stay around $2,000.

I like a lot of 70's music like Rush, Steely Dan, Yes, Pink Floyd, as well as some 80's bands like Tears for Fears, and Eurythmics... Stuff I grew up listening to. Been playing drums and guitar since around 12 and I'm 48 presently. I just miss being able to grab my guitar, turn on my drum machine and start playing. I know my way around the computer just fine but it just seems to sap all of my inspiration trying to setup/figure things out in the DAW software. Cubase is something that would take me a lot of time to really learn properly. Thats why I am looking for a keyboard that can serve as a good drum machine and sequencer to get ideas down quickly while I still remember them... <---- Old.... .

What do you think about a NI Machine MK3 and a nice NI 88 key Controller? That and some cheap studio monitors could get me out at slightly more than the Korg Krome. I like the Idea of being able to create drum tracks with a more more tactile approach and I could use the sounds from the NI Machine as well.

Thanx for a fast reply happyrat1.

 

[happyrat1]

I have no experience with Native Instruments' stuff so I can't say yea or nay on the controller and the module, however, if you need some drum tracks take a look at the Roland Juno DS88 and the Roland FA-08 workstation.

DS88 would be my first choice but it lacks a full blown sequencer. It does have multiple arpeggiators and a step sequencer with built in sampling and vocoder functions. If all you want is a musical scratchpad to lay out a few beats and accompaniment it may be ideal for you. It comes in priced at $899 to $999 USD typically, saving you a bundle.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1186585-REG/roland_juno_ds_88_88_note_synthesizer.html

If you feel like spending more for the on board full sequencer then the FA-08 would be the logical choice. Competitively priced compared to the Krome and IMHO with better sounds.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1025051-REG/roland_fa_08_88_note_music_workstation.html

$2000 buys a hell of a lot of gear these days if you know where to look

Gary

 

[happyrat1]

BTW, Rich Formidoni did exactly that in 2015-2016. Jumped ship from Korg to Casio. No honor amongst thieves

Gary

 

[Huntinator]

The Roland does look nice... I started to watch that video awhile ago but I didn't get to the good parts. My attention span is short anymore. The sequencer looks much more user friendly than Korgs. Thanx for your help and advice. I have some options that I can mull over now.