Keys, Synths & Samplers

[yzf125]

Hey guys, Im looking into getting a Yamaha XS Rack and need a Midi board controller to use with it, Any good recommendations ?

Thanks !

[ElectricPuppy]

Help us help you by narrowing down your needs a bit. Otherwise, it's a bit like saying, "I need to drive, can someone recommend a car?"

Do you have a budget?
Will you be using it solely for the XS Rack, or do you have other plans?
Etc, etc.

[yzf125]

Just for use with the XS Rack, Not looking for something expensive but would like to have what options I need to use the XS Rack to its fullest.

[MikeyParent]

I am still loving my Axiom Pro 61

[anotherscott2]

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yzf125 wrote:

Just for use with the XS Rack, Not looking for something expensive but would like to have what options I need to use the XS Rack to its fullest.

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Still depends on what you need. How many keys? Preference for weighted (ideal for piano/EP) or unweighted (ideal for organ/synth) action? One sound at a time or splits and layers? (Splits and layers can also be programmed into the rack, but it can be easier to be able to do that from the keyboard via multichannel MIDI control, especially if you want to do these things "on the fly".) What kind of sound manipulation controls would you like? (i.e. pitch/mod wheels, aftertouch, pedals) 

[ElectricPuppy]

This.

And, you mention about "getting the most out of the XS Rack"...  If you have visions of fully programming the Motif from a generic MIDI controller, then prepare for frustration and disappointment.  If all you want is maybe to be able to tweak a handful of parameters while playing live, then a controller will be fine for that.

[yzf125]

My use is just for home recordings, I dont need it to control everything under the sun, I will just need a pitch wheel,Mod wheel, transpose button, Sustain pedal connect. I would say 49 keys is fine but could also be 61.

I just want something thats quality and proven.

Thanks

[RoadRanger]

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yzf125 wrote:

My use is just for home recordings, I dont need it to control everything under the sun, I will just need a pitch wheel,Mod wheel, transpose button, Sustain pedal connect. I would say 49 keys is fine but could also be 61.

I'm happy enough with my Samson Carbon 49 I bought for $67 shipped. Has what you listed plus one knob that I usually use for program change and a volume fader.