Let's talk keyboards

[DerpyGrooves]

Howdy everypony. So my keyboard (Yamaha PSR-530) was effectively destroyed by dust/dirt after a tragic remodeling accident, so I'm looking for something new while I try to chuck it on craigslist.

Honestly, I'm looking at one of those Akai MPK mini keyboards, but I'd like to hear what everypony has got to say. TBH I'll likely be working mostly with electro textures, so I won't need that much range, and the knobs seems like they'll come in handy, but I want some wisdom dropped on me before I dump 100$ on a MIDI thing.

[Whitetail]

I've got a LPK 25 and it works I guess, I'm just too bad at keyboard for it to be useful for sequencing so I normally use it to test sounds and try coming up with lines. Problem being it only has a USB output, so it's inherently useless for anything other then DAW work.

[Aussie]

What a cowinkydink. I have an Akai MPK mini!

It's a good keyboard, no serious complaints. And yes, the knobs are extremely handy.

And it lights up. Lights are cool.

[Mundius]

I don't have one, lol. =D

[Bagpipe Brony]

I don't even have the workspace for a keyboard/beefy computer/ speakers setup. I'm on a laptop using earbuds with my bed as a desk. I use my keypad as a keyboard lol.
And I still kick ass! Very humble beginnings I suppose.

[Spirit]

I don't even have the workspace for a keyboard/beefy computer/ speakers setup. I'm on a laptop using earbuds with my bed as a desk. I use my keypad as a keyboard lol.
And I still kick ass! Very humble beginnings I suppose.

this is basically me although i'm saving up for some decent speakers. dunno whether i should just buy some 2.1/5.1 computer speakers or go a bit father and buy some proper monitor speakers. after that its deciding whether i go to replace my decks and mixer or buy a keyboard

[Stars In Autumn]

I have a yamaha clavinova I got many years ago when I was in high school. It wasn't until recently I got a MIDI cable for it. But it's pretty sweet, I just have to back up a bit and turn 90 degrees to the left and I can jam out for awhile.

[Icky]

I've got a LPK 25 and it works I guess, I'm just too bad at keyboard for it to be useful for sequencing so I normally use it to test sounds and try coming up with lines. Problem being it only has a USB output, so it's inherently useless for anything other then DAW work.

This. I also have the Akai LPK25 and I use it for exactly the same.

[Bagpipe Brony]

What does everyone mean when they say a keyboard is only good for DAW work? Forgive me, but I've never used a keyboard for anything other than piano practice. I click in all my notes and fix their velocities by hand.

[DerpyGrooves]

What does everyone mean when they say a keyboard is only good for DAW work? Forgive me, but I've never used a keyboard for anything other than piano practice. I click in all my notes and fix their velocities by hand.

They keyboard they're referring to is the LPK 25, a usb-based MIDI controller. Essentially, the device cannot make noise on it's own, and needs a computer in order to make sound. i.e. only good for DAW work. Presumably, a standalone synth or a proper digital piano would be more appropriate for other applications (live playing, etc...)

[Bagpipe Brony]

Oooooooooooooooh, so those were all MIDI controllers then lol. I know what those are, I wish I had a Keytar which is one as well. I just didn't know about the USB usage bit. but thanks for clearing that up dude! c:

[markingdude]

...

[Sugarholik]

I've got Kurzweil pc3x.
It's got a lot of sounds and effects and a whole bunch of hard and soft controllers and stuff. It takes a lot of time to figure everything out though... But it's very capable pile of metal and flashy lights.
Me gusta.

[ArtAttack]

I wish I had a Keytar which is one as well.

Yeah, it's a tad bulky, and a bit of a bear to set up, but soooo worth it in the end

[Kumquaticus]

I don't currently have a keyboard, but I really really really really want one

If it has midi output and velocity sensors then I will be the happiest person on the planet.

(Even better, my electric violin tutor who is awesome and a definite musical inspiration for me thinks he has a contact that is willing to sell exactly that, 88 keys, plus a whole bunch of awesome crap for just $100 USD. ABSOLUTE GLEE)

[bartekko]

I've got a LPD8, and aussie already said something about teh lightz.
Hell of a work to set up the four presets to be usable, but after all it's good stuff, confirmed by 10% of the mlr community that has that stuff.
pads have that kinda strange feeling, knobs are not full size, but rather flattened and feel kinda weak.
But for dat price...