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13 Aug 10 - 05:12 PM (#2964642) Subject: Tech: help getting a new MIDI controller From: GUEST,leeneia Sad to say, the dear little MIDI controller (3 octaves in size) which has been next to my QWERTY keboard for many years, is going to give out soon. I contacted Microcenter, which brags that have thousands of computer items, but they don't carry them. Their rep kindly suggested the sites musiciansfriend.com and m-audio.com. The first site has only two sizes, too small (25 keys) and too big. (49) At the second site, m-audio, I did a search for MIDI controller, and this is what they said: "The MIDI personality file 'Digi002' could not be found. If you wish to use a MIDI controller, please choose an existing MIDI personality in the MIDI controller section of the peripherals dialog." They also quote many references to MIDI controllers without letting me go to the section where I could buy one. (This helps explain where the F came from in RTFM.) If anybody knows where I could get a nice little MIDI controller, either on that site or on another, I would appreciate it very much. ======== I've seen the 25-key controllers, but they look too small. Sometimes I need to put both hands on the keys and play two parts. My present controller has 37 keys, and that's just about right. |
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13 Aug 10 - 07:39 PM (#2964721) Subject: RE: Tech: help getting a new MIDI controller From: IvanB I don't know what your budget is, but eBay has one here: Korg 37 key Here's another link to a new one, but it's pretty pricey as far as I'm concerned: PodStudio 37 37 key controllers seem to be the poor stepchild of the industry nowadays. 25, 49 and 61 are ubiquitous but 37's are few and far between. Another on eBay: ProdiKeys There are a couple Edirol R-30's on eBay as well. That's a 32 key controller. |
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13 Aug 10 - 08:19 PM (#2964755) Subject: RE: Tech: help getting a new MIDI controller From: The Fooles Troupe Actually, for cheapskates like me, you could try looking at some of the secondhand (pawn shops etc) for some of the various 'keyboards' - the big name commercial ones that have midi out. That's all I have - the smallest one I have was about AUD$60 - not with me but seem to remember it was about that key number size ... |
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13 Aug 10 - 08:23 PM (#2964760) Subject: RE: Tech: help getting a new MIDI controller From: IvanB After I posted I kept looking on eBay and ran across this: MusicStar I have one exactly like it in the basement but didn't mention it because I thought it only had 25 keys. I've been thinking of getting rid of it since I have keyboards both in Michigan and SC. When I went down to check it out I couldn't lay my hands on the power supply but I'm sure I've seen it in the not too distant past. I have the CD that came with it although I'm sure any drivers on the disc are far outdated. I bought this unit new, but connected it to my computer just once to test it, then did nothing more with it. If you'd like it, you're free to have it, just let me know where to send it. |
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13 Aug 10 - 08:59 PM (#2964783) Subject: RE: Tech: help getting a new MIDI controller From: The Fooles Troupe If all you want to do is enter music into your PC, then all you need is a box with key switches - :-) - all the other functions may be fun and useful for 'performance' - hence my preference as stated. |
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13 Aug 10 - 10:18 PM (#2964825) Subject: RE: Tech: help getting a new MIDI controller From: GUEST,leeneia Thanks very much for the help and the kind offer. I'm putting this project on hold because my husband thinks the problem is merely with the cables, not the controller itself. It's true that they have been pinched quite a few times. We are going to replace the cables and see what happens. Now that I think back, it was really a struggle getting the keyboard to work the last time I had my computer revamped. It is not a process I'm eager to relive. And what if I got a controller with an awful personality? (see first post) The one I own now seems quits amiable, if not completely reliable. |
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14 Aug 10 - 01:10 AM (#2964875) Subject: RE: Tech: help getting a new MIDI controller From: The Fooles Troupe "what if I got a controller with an awful personality?" "The MIDI personality file 'Digi002' could not be found" Leeneia, I know some people like that .... :-) |
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14 Aug 10 - 01:37 PM (#2965139) Subject: RE: Tech: help getting a new MIDI controller From: GUEST,leeneia thanks, f'troupe. It's good to know somebody understands. |