If you're shopping for a new MIDI keyboard controller, you probably have done your research on what to look for in a good model. You also know what type of controller will fit your needs best. Before you head off to make a purchase, though, you should look into the most user unfriendly models out there.
Knowing which models are widely considered unusable will give you a good starting place for things to avoid, as well as an idea of what to look out for in other models. Here are three models to definitely avoid and why you should steer clear of them.
Edirol PCR50
The Edirol PCR50 is a compact, supposedly versatile keyboard controller. However, user reviews speak volumes to the opposite. This inexpensive model has been reported to have a toy-like feeling to it. From the keys to the knobs, the unit offers little in the way of sturdiness or stability.
Aside from the fact that users report the unit feels like it will fall apart at any moment, it doesn't offer any excellent features that make up for its structural deficiencies. Quite to the contrary, the PCR50 has simple components, like an alphanumeric screen, that provide the most basic level of performance.
To add insult to injury, many users have complained that the unit begins to die within months of purchase.
Behringer U-CONTROL UMX25
This entry level controller isn't marketed as anything excellent. Rather, it's offered as a straightforward, inexpensive solution for musicians with mobile needs. Unfortunately, like the PCD50, the UMX25 seems to interpret "mobile" as "flimsy". Users have stated that, while it's light and portable as promised, it is also incredibly ill made. On top of the poor construction, the keys are susceptible to bending (or breakage) by being pushed just a hair too hard.
If the quality of the unit wasn't bad enough, it's apparently nearly impossible to connect to a computer. Once you're successful, though, it works just fine ? aside from the bendy keys. The UMX25 also has a nasty problem of randomly transmitting no signal, which can be a problem if you need to use it.
Korg nanoKEY 25-Key USB MIDI Controller
Like the UMX25 and the PCD50, this controller comes up short on the quality construction department. Users complain about its poor quality, from the shell to the keys to the knobs, although some say it's a fair trade off considering the price. The keys are too small and incredibly easy to jam or pop off. While it's reported to be incredibly easy to set up and use in a pinch, the low quality of the keys make it hard to use accurately.
While the nanoKEY is a marketed as a portable unit, many users have reported a very bizarre propensity for breakage from simple usage. The USB connector is less than stable and prone to disconnecting at best or snapping the connector off inside the unit at worst.
The possibly most devastating problem is the difficulty of the initial installation, especially with Vista. The not-so-computer-savvy may box it up and return it out of pure frustration.
From amateurs to professionals, avid musicians have become increasingly aware of the usefulness of MIDI keyboard controllers. These devices, unlike other types of electronic keyboards, are used in all forms of digital music creation to synthesize instruments and beats. Electronic keyboards, on the other hand, replicate (or digitize) the sound of a piano.
MIDI controllers often resemble electronic keyboards to offer the full range of notes and also have a series of knobs and buttons that can be used to manipulate and alter the resulting sounds. With these controllers and specialized computer software digital musicians can add a wide variety of sound alterations on the fly.
While nearly any MIDI controller will be an improvement over other methods of music creation, there are certain features that are more beneficial than others.
Pressure Sensitivity
Like electronic keyboards, MIDI controllers have varying sensitivity to their keys. The more sensitive the key, the lighter the touch that is required to activate it. The less sensitive the key, the heavier touch required. This lends itself to triggering unintentional sounds or missing beats completely. Excellent keyboard style MIDI controllers should have keys with roughly the same sensitivity of a well tuned piano. This will allow for the most intuitive, accurate use.
Number of Octaves
The best MIDI controllers offer more versatility with the number of notes. Five octaves, or 61 keys, is the most common and flexible keyboard layout. While smaller controllers are more portable and convenient for on the spot performances, the wider range of notes in larger controllers allows for more extensive sound creation.
Simple Setup
A MIDI controller won't do you much good if you can't figure out how to map it to your virtual instrument. High quality models will include easy to use software that will help you set up your controller quickly and easily. Another important feature is built in settings that will allow easy integration with other software. Both these features will help amateurs and experts learn their new controller and put it to the best use possible.
Flexible controls
While the number and sensitivity of keys and the ease of use are key features, the ability to manipulate sound is equally important. The main benefit of MIDI keyboard controllers is the option to alter the sound as its synthesized. The availability of modulation and pitch control knobs and sliders, as well as their usability, should be a major deciding factor before purchase. The best control knobs (or sliders) will, like the keys, be just the right sensitivity ? not too easy to spin but not too hard ? and offer a wide range of levels for the specific feature.
When the time comes to make a purchase, your application will make the most difference in your choice. Other options, including USB power and built in sound reproduction, are available to fit the needs of any digital musician.
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