MIDI Keyboard Contoller
Billy F. Staggs
I am interested in getting a keyboard controller for use with a MIDI sound
module (Yamaha MU50). I would like it to react as close to a piano keyboard
as possible (react to the speed and force used on the keys). I know they
used to talk about "velocity sensitive" and "after touch" but now I notice
some manufactures are calling their keyboards "touch sensitive" . Someone
want to explain these terms so that I could understand what to look for? I
would like to spend as little money as possible, but if I can't get an
acceptable unit cheap then that's fine too. Would I be better off buying and
older syth with sound and just using it for a controller? Forgive my
ignorance but I am really just a guitar player. :-)
Thanks,
Billy F. Staggs
bst...@brightok.net
Marc Sabatella
In article <6jfcot$rpq$1...@sooner.brightok.net>, "Billy F. Staggs" <bst...@brightok.net> wrote:
>I am interested in getting a keyboard controller for use with a MIDI sound
>module (Yamaha MU50). I would like it to react as close to a piano keyboard
>as possible (react to the speed and force used on the keys). I know they
>used to talk about "velocity sensitive" and "after touch" but now I notice
>some manufactures are calling their keyboards "touch sensitive" . Someone
>want to explain these terms so that I could understand what to look for?
The terms "velocity sensitive" and "touch sensitive" refer to the same
thing - the fact that when you hit a note harder, it sounds louder.
Virtually every keyboard that is not a toy bought at K-Mart will have
this feature. What will differ between keyboards is in *how* responsive
they are - exactly how much the volume increases for a given amount of
increased force. Since you say you want it to react like a piano, you
will need a "weighted" action, meaning that something besides simple
spring resistance is used to govern the amount of force required to
strike the key. Weighted controllers will all run you >$1000 new, and
most are more like $2000. The difference in feel between them is almost
entirely subjective, so you will need to try them out for yourself if
you really care how much like a piano it feels. But if you aren't a
pianist, I kind of wonder why this is so important to you.
--------------
Marc Sabatella
ma...@outsideshore.com
"The Outside Shore"
A Jazz Improvisation Primer, Scores, Sounds, & More:
http://www.outsideshore.com/