Mini MIDI Controller for a DAW - which do you like? Using Studio One

[berman3313]

I’m using Studio One Artist which came with my PreSonus Audiobox 96. Nice integration, think I’ll stay with it versus say Ableton Lite (which also came with PreSonus) but seems more for the DJ’ing thing.

Two questions -
1) For basic input and parameter control which MIDI Keyboard device do you like for your DAW and why? Arturia and M-Audio seem to be leaders in the clubhouse for me. Novation looks like it leans on the Ableton DAW camp.

2) If you are using S1 Artist, would you recommend springing for the Pro upgrade - which is $200? I’m not looking to produce SoundCloud or CD quality material, just basic mix stuff - but do like some of the features on the pro.

 

[DirtDog]

Do you just want to plunk on notes and record them? Or perform? Will you get by with 25 keys or do you need something more. DAW integration?

 

[berman3313]

Yeah, I realize that more information needed.
“Plunk” more than perform. Maybe a better way to look at it is tweaking audio - enhance with some “synth” chords (from the keyboard) or MIDI files.
I can get by with the 25 key variety - I think.
As for DAW integration - yes,please! Trying to figure out if there is a “native” Studio One match. Advice I read is that “they are all fine”. I’m guessing that some integrate better than others.
Hope this helps.

 

[seamonkey]

IMHO
Roli Seaboard, The why is, bass players and guitar players show expression by bending and vibrato on strings.
The roli gives you much more bass player like expression than a plain old midi kb.
A common base lick is to pull a minor third up to a major an octave above the root.
That kind of stuff is just hard on a regular kb.

Otherwise, I like weighted keyboards as you can feel more from the hammer like action.
It's more like a real piano in dynamics.

Yes, on studio one pro, especially if you want to start to use a load of third party plugins.
I have Ableton and Studio One Pro 4
They both have their place.

 

[berman3313]

The Roli certainly is an understandable and interesting choice. As I said, I am more for enhancing audio arrangements or trying out parts. The audiobox cost about $85 with free Studio One. I think the Roli is easily 4 times that much. But, thanks for the cool idea. I’d like to keep the keyboard to near $200 as that would also be the price of an upgrade from Artist to Pro.

 

[filmtex]

Arturia MiniLab is a nice MIDI controller with 25 velocity sensitive keys. I really like the build quality and have been using mine for exactly what you're looking to do. Just over $100.

 

[seamonkey]

One other consideration is the Korg Microkey series
Not a weighted keyboard, but small size and keys work good if kb isn't your primary instrument.

 

[Aloe]

you'll need either Pro or VST add-on. owning a Pro for 5 years, I'd say: go for Pro if you can afford it. Pro comes with useful features like: Import Song Data or Multiband Dynamics. some folks like the Chord Track, my personal reason for going with Pro back then was the convolution reverb (but after all I prefer other reverbs though, didn't like it as much as I expected).

and yes, Pro comes with a Melodyne Essentials license, so basically you pay $100 for VST plugin-support, $100 for Melodyne and get some more extras from free.