PaulThePlug Posted October 16, 2021 Share Posted October 16, 2021 (edited) YO! The Basschat Massive... Youngest has been arsing about on an old Aldi or Lidl Synth Thing... Plink Plink.... So want to get him a Keyboard and some software for his computer, make a change from Mindcraft, Portal, Half life, Starwars etc. What should i be looking at, is it a case of a simple USB connection K'bd? Or is a special soundcard etc needed? Budget Recommendations or your leftovers please... Nektar SE25 MIDI keyboard £45? Akai LPK? Reading a bit i think i'd like a normalish size 49 key, rather than a midi. Anyone upgraded and got something to move on at a bargain price? Plus i want some of that early Hawkwind Ring Mod noise! Edited October 16, 2021 by PaulThePlug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulThePlug Posted October 17, 2021 Author Share Posted October 17, 2021 Anyone... any pointers? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpondonBassed Posted October 18, 2021 Share Posted October 18, 2021 Paging @Bridgehouse... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bridgehouse Posted October 18, 2021 Share Posted October 18, 2021 Well now. How far do you want to go down the rabbit hole? I’d get a USB keyboard controller like an m-audio key station 49 or equivalent and then pick a digital audio workstation piece of software to play, record etc. Most of them come with instruments built in, and you can add to it later with others both free and paid for. The other option is a proper synth that still plugs into the PC but has built in patches and can be played live without a PC. More expensive but you get the option of taking it out and about to play. 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulThePlug Posted October 18, 2021 Author Share Posted October 18, 2021 @Bridgehouse Google has found a Refurb M-Audio KeyRig 49 Key USB for £25 + £2 postage (24 months waranty)... Twas looking at the Akai but my Son mentioned mord keys and normal size, so was thinking Nektar SE49 Is this an earlier version of the keystattion? Should i go for this as toe-in-the-water? Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bridgehouse Posted October 18, 2021 Share Posted October 18, 2021 2 minutes ago, PaulThePlug said: @Bridgehouse Google has found a Refurb M-Audio KeyRig 49 Key USB for £25 + £2 postage (24 months waranty)... Twas looking at the Akai but my Son mentioned mord keys and normal size, so was thinking Nektar SE49 Is this an earlier version of the keystattion? Should i go for this as toe-in-the-water? Cheers As long as it acts as a USB controller it will be fine for a start. The biggest price jumps come from semi-weighted and weighted keys, and then other controller buttons and pads on the device. Most importantly you need a decent software package - have a look at Reason or Ableton Live for starters and go from there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulThePlug Posted October 18, 2021 Author Share Posted October 18, 2021 (edited) Thanks... I'll get this, then look for some hopefully freebie software... It's his first try at this sort of thing, doesnt actually play piano as such, but i want to encourage albeit on a budget! Edited October 18, 2021 by PaulThePlug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bridgehouse Posted October 18, 2021 Share Posted October 18, 2021 If you have an iPad plug it into that and use GarageBand - it’s excellent to start with 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bridgehouse Posted October 18, 2021 Share Posted October 18, 2021 (You just need an iPad breakout cable) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulThePlug Posted October 18, 2021 Author Share Posted October 18, 2021 (edited) No iPad... It will be PC... Thanks for your help. I've orderd the KeyRig49. I might be back... more than likely! Edited October 18, 2021 by PaulThePlug 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulThePlug Posted October 18, 2021 Author Share Posted October 18, 2021 I have just found that this is 1.8m / 6' long! Will have to rethink and go for a 35 mini key version... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bridgehouse Posted October 18, 2021 Share Posted October 18, 2021 30 minutes ago, PaulThePlug said: I have just found that this is 1.8m / 6' long! Will have to rethink and go for a 35 mini key version... Mini keys are harder to play imho. I’m pretty sure the standard 49 key is a lot shorter than that!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geek99 Posted October 18, 2021 Share Posted October 18, 2021 41 minutes ago, PaulThePlug said: I have just found that this is 1.8m / 6' long! Will have to rethink and go for a 35 mini key version... Wouldn’t that be a full sized 88 key at that length ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ambient Posted October 18, 2021 Share Posted October 18, 2021 You often get software like Ableton lite bundled with kit that you buy. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Novation-Launchkey-MIDI-Keyboard-Controller/dp/B086N4W81X/ref=mp_s_a_1_13?dchild=1&keywords=midi+keyboard+ableton&qid=1634595948&qsid=258-2841329-2559210&sr=8-13&sres=B0038YX3BS%2CB002M8GBDI%2CB08D6YNZMW%2CB08R63H9LD%2CB01EN0FWUU%2CB0886ZPWC8%2CB08QKHNSZ2%2CB00IJ7FGSC%2CB01BDMKK1W%2CB086N4W81X%2CB00IWVWUWA%2CB01MF9EJPG%2CB07DDN4PYD%2CB0952ZV659 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulThePlug Posted October 18, 2021 Author Share Posted October 18, 2021 (edited) Thanks again all... Damn Amazon... I think it should be 80ish not 180ish LOL! I think it comes with Abelton Lite... and some KeyRig synth stuff... Gonna be a fun 2 week end of term break! Edited October 18, 2021 by PaulThePlug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowdown Posted October 19, 2021 Share Posted October 19, 2021 This is bundled with a lot of very usable software...plus, the NI keyboard(s) are great to play. https://www.gear4music.com/Recording-and-Computers/Native-Instruments-Komplete-Kontrol-A49/2NU7?origin=product-ads&gclid=Cj0KCQjwtrSLBhCLARIsACh6RmgWqDVs1H3vucFOkMus-yA7TMhLxFHNvrb3pTl_jxBHhKmQe2LU_8saAgjbEALw_wcB There are a couple of free DAW's out there. Cakewalk/Sonar springs to mind...I think Reaper has a reasonably priced license fee. When you start on this journey you will need an Audio/Midi interface. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulThePlug Posted October 19, 2021 Author Share Posted October 19, 2021 The above couple are over my budget for just giving it a go so went with the M-Audio KeyRig49 / Abelton Lite. Is he gonna need a seperate soundcard or will it work with the motherboard and headphones... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bridgehouse Posted October 19, 2021 Share Posted October 19, 2021 What sort of PC is it? It should work with on board audio Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulThePlug Posted October 19, 2021 Author Share Posted October 19, 2021 (edited) Thats good news... Twas New Last year... from Palicomp Purchased mainly as a gaming PC so mid-spec-ish... Edited October 19, 2021 by PaulThePlug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulThePlug Posted October 21, 2021 Author Share Posted October 21, 2021 Just got an email... CEX can't locate the item... and cancelled the order... I'll keep looking Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman666 Posted October 22, 2021 Share Posted October 22, 2021 (edited) I bought my son the maudio keystation (he loves it) , then just get a lite free version of tracktion/waveform or whatever that has built in synths etc . As said before small keys is a mistake to learn on…it will put him off…. ps ..just noticed you got one…good choice! Edited October 22, 2021 by Musicman666 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulThePlug Posted October 24, 2021 Author Share Posted October 24, 2021 On 21/10/2021 at 23:18, PaulThePlug said: Just got an email... CEX can't locate the item... and cancelled the order... I'll keep looking After a message to CEX Customer Services, they have now located said item, so i re-ordered we are back on! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulThePlug Posted November 2, 2021 Author Share Posted November 2, 2021 (edited) After Mucho Messin'... CEX are bobbins! 😞 I got a Alesis Q49 listed on Gumtree but no discs... pluged it in via USB and the octave and midi select buttons light up when pressed, so fingers crossed (which will make playing harder!) it works Registered the product and am able to download a copy of AIR Music Tech's Xpand!2 software... presume this is synth noises?.. from the Alesis site. The Q49 is meant to come with Ableton Live... Presume this is the DAW? But it is not listed on the Alesis site to download... and no serial code? Any pointers or recomendations for any other free synth drum instrument or DAW software for a PC? Edited November 2, 2021 by PaulThePlug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Velarian Posted November 2, 2021 Share Posted November 2, 2021 59 minutes ago, PaulThePlug said: After Mucho Messin'... CEX are bobbins! 😞 I got a Alesis Q49 listed on Gumtree but no discs... pluged it in via USB and the octave and midi select buttons light up when pressed, so fingers crossed (which will make playing harder!) it works Registered the product and am able to download a copy of AIR Music Tech's Xpand!2 software... presume this is synth noises?.. from the Alesis site. The Q49 is meant to come with Ableton Live... Presume this is the DAW? But it is not listed on the Alesis site to download... and no serial code? Any pointers or recomendations for any other free synth drum instrument or DAW software for a PC? Hey Paul, I have an Alesis keyboard which came with a downloadable software bundle which I’ve not used and don’t need as I have Logic. If you want I can dig out the URL and serial number and send it you if you want. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulThePlug Posted November 2, 2021 Author Share Posted November 2, 2021 If it is not needed that would be great! Thankyou. I've had the lid off and given it a good clean out of dust, fluff 'n general crud on the inside and a Sticky Stuff Remover and Mr Sheening on the outside... looks like new... had an old printer USB in the loft... looks like i'm sorted! Found it listed on Gumtree FREE for collection from an Arts Studio Workshop Space near Hackey... that was a Journey on the Scooter... Couple of roads, pull over, check the phone sat nav, couple of roads... repeat... but looks like i'm on a winner! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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