Looking for controller recommendations. I use a hybrid rig with my Nord Electro as a sound source and a Roland AX1 keytar running VSTs.
I’ve been really into my Nord Electro lately but looking for a backup/alternate controller in case the Nord ever goes down (and maybe to fully replace it so I have mod/pitch wheels). I really like the Nord layout (drawbars, all FX laid out and accessible at all times) and like the keybed. But I’m not really looking to just buy an old Nord or anything. Want something newer (and hopefully cheaper) than a used nord. I play primarily (a lot of) organ and piano.
Budget is around $700-800. Looking for semi-weighted with enough sliders to act as Drawbars and buttons/knobs to activate a number of FX on the fly. Number of keys isn’t a deal breaker but 61 will do just fine (as long as I have octave buttons of course).
Any recommendations or thoughts would be more than welcome. TIA
Thanks for that link. Funny enough, I ended up finding a great deal on a YC61 on Reverb (one too good to pass up) so that should solve it on multiple fronts.
Novation updated their launchkey line of keyboards.
The 49 and 61 key versions have the sliders on the left side.
But, as far as I can see, no aftertouch, not even channel AT.
I have already commented on a YouTube commenting on the latest Arturia and Novation releases video with a little annoyance:
It’s crazy - new models from Arturia and Novation and none of them can really be used live. Without going into too much detail: missing aftertouch, missing or reduced pedal/button connections, fewer buttons without LED feedback… faders on the wrong side. No better with Native Instruments or M-Audio. Horrible keybeds.
Everyone just wants to sell their ecosystems, preferably exclusively. Is nobody going out on stage anymore?
Do we really need a Kronos, a Fantom or another ‘real’ instrument as a MIDI controller for Gig Performer (or Mainstage)?
Which is PRECISELY why I bought an S61 Mk2 and then replaced it with an S61 Mk3. My old Nektar P6 had 9 faders + 1 motorized 100 mm fader (which never worked properly, due to a bug in the sysex file). Inverting the MIDI to use them as B3 sliders was easy, but none of the software I had at the time supported soft pickup, so touching a fader following a preset change would cause that slider value to jump to whatever the fader was set at. I gave up and landfilled it when the color display failed. Sad, since I really liked the semi-weighted key feel. Now, I love the S61 Mk3. That update got rid of all of the Machine-specific knobs and buttons, added polyphonic aftertouch and supports NKS in Kontakt directly AND the key feel is excellent. Great build quality.