Recommendations for a 61 note MIDI controller

Posted by: leeboy

Recommendations for a 61 note MIDI controller - 01/16/20 01:46 PM

Hi everyone, I want to mount a 61 key high quality MIDI controller under my SX-900 (organ style). I am looking for recommendations on a unit with very high quality keybed similar to the SX-900, semi weighted synth style. It needs to have a 5 pin MIDI connector to connect with the SX-900.

Anyone have a recommendation to look at. I have looked at Sweetwater's site and see a few, but I would not know the quality from on-line, so looking for someone that has one...
Posted by: Dnj

Re: Recommendations for a 61 note MIDI controller - 01/16/20 02:20 PM

Check out Novation MK series controllers.. Great keybed
[video:youtube]https://youtu.be/7yPCnFhK3lk[/video]
Posted by: wrinkles303

Re: Recommendations for a 61 note MIDI controller - 01/16/20 03:59 PM

korg pa for sound source samson controller assigned to midi ch2, i was going to add a set of midi pedals(assigned to ch3. this gives me a organ setup. the samson has a low profile ,easy to program but noisey keyboard. at 129 dollars it wasnt too bad. i had problems finding a 61 note contoller that had 5 pin midi sockets that fit my set up.
Posted by: hammer

Re: Recommendations for a 61 note MIDI controller - 01/16/20 08:21 PM

Take a good look at the Roland A-Pro. I have used it for several years and have nothing but
good things to say about it.

Deane
Posted by: Uncle Dave

Re: Recommendations for a 61 note MIDI controller - 01/16/20 08:33 PM

This setup requires a very thin keybed, like this one:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/KeyStatn3-61--m-audio-keystation-61-mk3-keyboard-controller
Posted by: abacus

Re: Recommendations for a 61 note MIDI controller - 01/17/20 12:33 AM

there is nothing special about the SX900 keybed and it will be easily matched with most Midi controllers between $100-200 however you may wish to check here to see what they are using.

Bill
Posted by: Dnj

Re: Recommendations for a 61 note MIDI controller - 01/17/20 06:52 AM

Originally Posted By wrinkles303
korg pa for sound source samson controller assigned to midi ch2, i was going to add a set of midi pedals(assigned to ch3. this gives me a organ setup. the samson has a low profile ,easy to program but noisey keyboard. at 129 dollars it wasnt too bad. i had problems finding a 61 note contoller that had 5 pin midi sockets that fit my set up.


Wrinkles nice pic...but I have a few concerns ....
I am not a fan of "Single Braced" Kb stands especially with two KB's on top...disaster waiting ....
secondly when I see these kind of double setups I can't stop thinking that it's just trying to be a replacement of the "older wooden organs setups" from years ago just in a different way? No offense..
If I was ever going to go double keybed again it would have to be some kind of all in one scenario..Hammond SK2/SD90 etc,etc,..
at any rate enjoy your setup and please be careful
with that X stand...
I would recommend the Ultimate Support IQ-2000 X-Style Keyboard Stand with memory lock...love them.

IQ-2000 Ultimate Support X Stand
Posted by: wrinkles303

Re: Recommendations for a 61 note MIDI controller - 01/17/20 07:22 AM

you're right about the stand.i like the ultimate 48 pro used it for years. i would never use this on stage.actually i abandoned the project after i changed it over to a table top stand with the prototype cabinet i made due to the following reasons.
1. midi pedals were 499 -895 dollars
2. plus the cost of controller and stand.i could pick up a hammond A100 for the same amount of money invested.
i was looking for a organ(spinet) set up similar to the pa600 setup i found on a korg UK site. i miss my b3 .but logistics wont allow it to happen so thats why i gave up on the idea. its just an ol man missing his youth , 65 mustang, cute women , and b3. lol
Posted by: Dnj

Re: Recommendations for a 61 note MIDI controller - 01/17/20 07:32 AM

Originally Posted By wrinkles303
you're right about the stand.i like the ultimate 48 pro used it for years. i would never use this on stage.actually i abandoned the project after i changed it over to a table top stand with the prototype cabinet i made due to the following reasons.
1. midi pedals were 499 -895 dollars
2. plus the cost of controller and stand.i could pick up a hammond A100 for the same amount of money invested.
i was looking for a organ(spinet) set up similar to the pa600 setup i found on a korg UK site. i miss my b3 .but logistics wont allow it to happen so thats why i gave up on the idea. its just an ol man missing his youth , 65 mustang, cute women , and b3. lol


have you considers a setup including the SKX



Posted by: leeboy

Re: Recommendations for a 61 note MIDI controller - 01/17/20 07:54 AM

The On Stage Stands double is what I have it is very stable. It is a Z stand not X.

Bill thanks, really can't tell what the lower is from the photos, I might e-mail them.

Thanks to everyone, some real good choices.

Donne, Yes a organ of the past with all the new tech is what I want, remember I play at home, so no worries on transport.

One good reason I want to do this is with a lower kbd I get a much larger area for Left sounds and chords...plus I can use the right of split on the lower for right 3 if I want...a very cool setup. OR I can use right of split on lower to play a sound module.
Posted by: Dnj

Re: Recommendations for a 61 note MIDI controller - 01/17/20 08:07 AM

Originally Posted By leeboy


Donne, Yes a organ of the past with all the new tech is what I want, remember I play at home, so no worries on transport.

One good reason I want to do this is with a lower kbd I get a much larger area for Left sounds and chords...plus I can use the right of split on the lower for right 3 if I want...a very cool setup. OR I can use right of split on lower to play a sound module.


I am seriously looking at the SKX and Ketron SD90 combo..
could be a perfect fit...
Posted by: Uncle Dave

Re: Recommendations for a 61 note MIDI controller - 01/17/20 08:09 AM

Originally Posted By Dnj

I am seriously looking at the SKX and Ketron SD90 combo..
could be a perfect fit...


Better wait till after you get your THIRD EA-7. rotfl
Posted by: Dnj

Re: Recommendations for a 61 note MIDI controller - 01/17/20 08:15 AM

Originally Posted By Uncle Dave
Originally Posted By Dnj

I am seriously looking at the SKX and Ketron SD90 combo..
could be a perfect fit...


Better wait till after you get your THIRD EA-7. rotfl


confused1 I have a 3rd already where have you been Dave.. ?

http://www.synthzone.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/487033/For_Sale_ROLAND_EA7_Like_New#Post487033
Posted by: leeboy

Re: Recommendations for a 61 note MIDI controller - 01/17/20 09:52 AM

Too bad Hammond never did adapt the overhanging and slightly tilted down upper. I had it on my Thomas and Yamaha's and it was great...especially when bridging upper to lower...they were REAL close.

Donny, If you get that combo you will be back in the 60's with a organ and a SIDEMAN, remember those??? That was before styles!

I would not want to have to use the SD90 itself, but have a MIDI controller with lots of sliders, switches knobs etc on the controller....then, look at all the setup work...
As they say in the NE...forget about it!

I don't think the Hammond would make a good controller kbd at all.
Posted by: wrinkles303

Re: Recommendations for a 61 note MIDI controller - 01/17/20 10:06 AM

3000 dollars , way out of my price range. if i was still playing yes but im retired living on one third of what i use to make.
Posted by: Dnj

Re: Recommendations for a 61 note MIDI controller - 01/17/20 10:08 AM

Originally Posted By leeboy
Donny, If you get that combo you will be back in the 60's with a organ and a SIDEMAN, remember those???
That was before styles!


Playing without styles for 25 years
was a "GLORIOUS TIME ON STAGE"
Less Tech and MORE creative Playing loved every minute of it.
oh yes how I remember "sigh".....

Lee, I am confused to your direction your going in...
can you elaborate more in detail on what it is you are trying to accomplish musically playing keyboard?
Posted by: leeboy

Re: Recommendations for a 61 note MIDI controller - 01/17/20 10:57 AM

Donny...pretty much standard arranger playing the songs I like....would like 76 key so have more room on the left, but instead I am going to use lower kbd, after all I used to play organ....The SX-900 really is excellent.
Posted by: squeak_D

Re: Recommendations for a 61 note MIDI controller - 01/17/20 11:59 AM

What’s your budget? It can be hit and miss with a few brands. M-Audio is very popular, but depending on the model there are some issues to look out for. Another member mentioned the Samson Carbon, but I would honestly advise to not buy this model. So many reported problems with it regarding build and reliability. I personally know two people that purchase them, and both ended up failing.

Sqk
Posted by: Uncle Dave

Re: Recommendations for a 61 note MIDI controller - 01/17/20 03:30 PM

Originally Posted By Dnj


confused1 I have a 3rd already where have you been Dave.. ?


Yikes - miss a few posts, and you miss alot around here.