Getting into synths/midi controllers! WOOT!

So I'm new to electronic instrument (drummer)

I read the thread for the "rules" for new dudes, but I'm too much in a rush to search for answers, especially since I understand nothing.

I hope to not mean any disrespect for not searching :-(

i'll make it short/sweet:

-drummer

-wants to play cool electro dance indie/punk/fun rock.

--enjoys fat bass synths (MMMMM BASSSS)

--enjoys pitch bending/modulating

-budget under $150 USD (haha good luck punk!)

-i have a windows vista 2gb mem, 200gbHDD (MAIN LAPTOP USED*)

--also macbooks available via friends/band members

--why so little? minimal keyboard skills, more for fun/hobby for now (rarely any time :-()

now: I narrowed my search down to 5 choices, i'll give small reasons why, and maybe someone can help me out.

thanks in advance, and sorry again for being too much of a bum to search :-(

(no order pref)

1)m-audio keyrig25. ($99.99)

-8 assignable. knobs/buttons

-modu/pitch bend controls (con: buttons, not wheels)

-Ableton Live Lite (good?)

http://keyboards-midi.musiciansfriend.com/product/MAudio-KeyRig-25-MIDI-Controller?sku=702879

2)m-audio oxygen 8 vs 25 ($89.99)

-+/-4 octave trans

-8 MIDI assignable knobs, one assignable slider

-free Enigma software editor/librarian (good?)

-Includes Ableton Live Lite music production software

-pitch/mod WHEELS

-record right on the controller

http://keyboards-midi.musiciansfriend.com/product/MAudio-Oxygen-8-v2-25Key-Mobile-USB-Controller?sku=706310

3)behringer u-control UMX25 ($99.99)

-10 progam. controllers, 8 buttons

-50 virtual instrmnts.

-download free instruments from behringer

-Ableton

Used Novation Remote SL 25...it is end of life right now (new version is out) but it comes with the V-Station plug-in which is very useful.

Automap is very cool along with the dual displays...you might find one in that range used. Brand new they are going for around $250.

Part 2 of this video goes over the Remote...crazy host included: (the video is for the Remote LE..the SL is better...pic below)

Here is a site where you can get a ton of free VSTs...many are golden: http://www.kvraudio.com/get.php

Stay away from the Behringer boards, they are not good at all.

You could try the Xboard, I heard they are okay.

i havent tried all of those but i've always liked the feel of the emu controllers

The emu's are good, and have aftertouch.

I'd second the novation idea, they are great, but are going to shatter your budget (which is sometimes necessary!).

They can be had for around $150-200 if you look:

http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/msg/1451564838.html - $150

Question: Why just 25 keys? I would get something with at least 37..

Thanks for everything everyone!

You are all seriously helpful.

That Novation looks pretty sweet.

Thanks for warning me about behringer.

I'm going to decide between the xboard* or novation.

I only want/need 25 keys because its in my budget, and I plan on doing a lot of looping/sampling i guess.

Not actual live playing where I would actually need a bunch of octaves. :-)

Again thanks everyone, if you have anything else to toss in this thread, please do!