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Experience on using mobile midi controllers for live performances
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makus
Overdream
Started Topics :
82
Posts :
3087
Posted : Mar 7, 2010 13:39:58
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I'm thinking to change a bit my live performance and want to get a new midi controller. The main requirment is mobility: light weight, small sizes. I don't want to use it in the studio (except live rehearsals) but it should have 25 keys and some knobs or faders. Plain work horse. Also i wouldn't mind if the price isn't too high 
I used X-Station for performances, this device was really handy, but it weights too much, and you have to bring a suitcase or big bag even to local parties, so I sold it.
On the other hand I tried Nano Korg series, but honestly I did't like them. They aren't comfortable; more like toys. If you want a keyboard AND knobs you have to waste 2 precious USB ports for that.
I know there are plenty of such devices; and there are plenty of artists who travel. Please share your thoughts, experience and advices. Both usb and firewire are acceptable (btw are there firewire midi controller there at all?)
 
www.overdreamstudio.com |
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sento
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
26
Posts :
88
Posted : Mar 7, 2010 18:08
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Sorry my friend, but I think u made a mistake selling the X-Station. It's actually the best, most portable controller/audio-midi interface and eff processor.  |
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makus
Overdream
Started Topics :
82
Posts :
3087
Posted : Mar 7, 2010 21:01
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Well, agree that X-Station is a good controller, though I'm not sure this is the only option.
And its synth sucks (imo).
www.overdreamstudio.com |
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Suloo
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
87
Posts :
2822
Posted : Mar 8, 2010 02:17
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i like the edirol pcr 300 the most..
its keys are almost like the ones of expensive hardware synths like moog or dave smith poly evolver or something similar..
the knobs are smooth not rastered..and not endless wich i even prefer..
well the drumpads are little small but i just use them to activate fx or something similar, not for actual drum patting..
if you got the chance to check it somewhere i would recommend to do so..
cheers
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Axis Mundi
Axis Mundi
Started Topics :
75
Posts :
1848
Posted : Mar 8, 2010 14:52
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Unfortunately, if you want anything with a decent amount of buttons/knobs, including keys, the controller will inevitably end up being bigger than a normal backpack. A MIDI controller's weight usually comes from it's semi weighted keys w/ aftertouch.
To me, personally, the Novation SL Mk II looks promising. You can also get a backpack from Novation that holds any of their 25-key controllers, a laptop, and some cables. Not too bad. If you don't need keys, Novation makes a version of that controller with no keys, also, which brings the size and weight down.
If you're using Ableton, then the APC40 seems to be hands down the most versatile controller for that platform. It too is big but not very heavy (weighs about the same as my m-audio axiom 25) and might fit into a 17" laptop bag, but currently not my normal backpack. Still, if I had to pick between the two for a live set I'd definitely choose the apc.
My axiom 25 has served me well so far in lives. I have my eyes on that SL mk II, right now, though.
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Suloo
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
87
Posts :
2822
Posted : Mar 8, 2010 15:01
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i got the axiom 49 for about 3 years now, and it just stopped sending out midi messages..
repair would cost me like minimum 100euro..and would take up to 4 weeks..
i would never recommmend anyone to buy anything by m-audio at all..im actualy really annoyed by this company..
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Upavas
Upavas
Started Topics :
150
Posts :
3315
Posted : Mar 12, 2010 05:06
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Cactus Division
Started Topics :
1
Posts :
31
Posted : Mar 12, 2010 20:31
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Faderfox is very good 4 live. No USB or Firewire, very small, high quality, no AC needed. |
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A.Rosengren
Solid Snake
Started Topics :
266
Posts :
4139
Posted : Mar 13, 2010 16:20
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I've been using the Novation Nocturn because it is very flexible but the knobs does not like being stuffed into a bag and dragged to another continent. I have not been able to find a fitting hardcase for it and to be honest the knobs are quite annoying because encoder acceleration makes it almost impossible to go from 0 to 127 in 1 "tweak", so if you have a loop you want to use with perfect sync/volume you have to assign it to one of the buttons on the nocturn. I am also looking for another solution but I have said it before and will say it again, NEVER EVER GO M-AUDIO their products are utter shit and will break or give you problems.
I was also looking into the korg's and yes they look like toys but if they do the job why not? I will order one of the korgs with some sliders and knobs and see what they can do they are only 50 euro or something like that while the nocturn is 100.
cheers,
A
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Upavas
Upavas
Started Topics :
150
Posts :
3315
Posted : Mar 14, 2010 23:13
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A.Rosengren
Solid Snake
Started Topics :
266
Posts :
4139
Posted : Mar 15, 2010 01:45
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Suloo
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
87
Posts :
2822
Posted : Mar 15, 2010 02:01
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akai stuff is solid quality
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A.Rosengren
Solid Snake
Started Topics :
266
Posts :
4139
Posted : Mar 15, 2010 02:36
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I already ordered it, we will see how it feels 
A
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supergroover
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
39
Posts :
1505
Posted : Mar 15, 2010 11:08
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Quote:
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On 2010-03-14 23:13, Upavas wrote:
so one would need a midi ctrl where you can push the knobs in, so they don't stick out and break. I have seen this somewhere. Wondering why nobody does it. Maybe I should
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That is a brilliant idea! Might be a bit costly to produce it but in the end people would definitely buy it if it works!!!
submit that idea to Korg and trade it for and cool hardware
soundcloud.com/supergroover |
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GyPsynate
GyPsy
Started Topics :
29
Posts :
687
Posted : Mar 15, 2010 18:08
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