Upgrading from a Numa Compact 2. Yay or nay?

[GianfrixMG]

Hello everyone!

A little backstory: I wanted to start playing keyboards again after a long time. I actually grew up to really like workstation keyboards, but I didn't feel like spending that much money for something like a Kronos 88 when I'm just starting out again.

After a bit of research I ended up buying a Numa Compact 2. Mainly its ease of expandability drew me in, in order to morph it into a more capable keyboard later on (I was actually thinking on writing a touchscreen friendly UI for a VST host in order to create something like a Zynthian), but its plasticky build and the positioning of the keys' fulcrum that makes them a bit hard to hit them on the top kinda put me off, even if I quite like that the keys themselves don't feel cheap at all. For these reasons I'm considering selling it and buying something else.

 

The closest alternative that wouldn't cost a lot I think is the MODX8, which still is a bit beyond what I would spend for a new keyboard but it's still a bit expandable. I really don't know how would I feel about falling back to 76/73 keys, especially if they feel worse than the ones in my NC2. I also have some constraints on weight and size (e.g. I would like for it not to be hard to put in my car when needed).

Can you guys help me put an end to all those doubts?

 

Thank you in advance!

[AnotherScott]

The MODX has more expandability than the Numa... it has a gigabyte of user memory into which you can load your choice of additional sounds, whether from Yamaha, 3rd parties, or your own; and as a controller for adding external sounds via MIDI, it supports 8 external zones instead of 2.

 

The MODX8 has hammer action keys that feel more like a piano than the Numa keys. The MODX7 keys are more like the Numa's, and which feel better may be a matter of taste. Numa's keys feel more substantial, but the MODX keys feel more even from front to back, addressing your exact issue with the Numa. (Though the Numa has aftertouch, which the Yamahas and most other boards in this price range do not.)

 

Other non-hammer boards in this price range with above average actions include Vox Continental and Kurzweil Artis 7. Neither has expandable memory. Kurzweil has good 4-zone MIDI control. (Kurzweil also has the very capable PC4-7 coming out, but no one knows what it's action will be like yet.)

[allan_evett]

Welcome to the forum, GianfrixIfMG!

 

If you don't need a detailed tonewheel organ soundset - with drawbar-style controls, etc. - the MODX8 would be a good choice for you. It's relatively light (approx. 30 lbs), and not as wide as some 88-key instruments - as the pitch/mod wheel are mounted above the keyboard, vs. to the left of it. It also has a touchscreen, and a fairly generous interface.The only concern for you might be physical depth, as it's nowhere near as slim as the Numa Compact 2.

The Roland RD-88 is also a good choice. Like the MODX8 it has a large collection of sounds onboard, but it's foorprint is closer to that of the Numa Compact 2. A disadvantage of the RD-88 is the very minimal interface. It's okay to get around, but not at all intuitive; it recalls the majority of interfaces from the late 1980s - early 1990s.

The Casio PX-560 is similar to the RD-88 in cost and close in sound quality, but the interface closely matches that of the MODX8; it's also an attractive choice. Both of those have built-in speakers, which can be handy.

 

If you're considering spending the money to upgrading to an MODX8, the Kurzweil PC-4 warrants strong consideration. It's a solid, full coverage instrument for live and recording. Considering the choices available today, it's the one I've more-than-once considered as a replacement for a couple pieces I currently own.

[AnotherScott]

...and while the MODX8 doesn't have the organ capabilities of a clonewheel or other board with dedicated organ engine, it still beats the Numa Compact 2 for organ (which does not have the organ mode of the Numa Compact 2X).

[Fleer]

I"d pick between the RD-88 or PC4 depending on price. Or both. Yeah, both.

[GianfrixMG]

I've been away for a while! Sorry about that!

 

I'm still researching keyboards and right now the most complete option is still a MODX8. The only thing keeping me from buying it is the cost. I may save a bit with a MODX7 but I'd lose hammer action keys, albeit those semi-weighted keys apparently have a longer pivot than the Fatar TP9 Piano.

 

I've also looked at a local used MOXF8, but I feel like the interface is dated, there's less flexibility for live usage and there are no sliders.

 

I'd scrap the RD-88 because it's not class compliant and I was counting on expanding with a Linux based mini pc if needed by using a single cable (so USB Class Compliant MIDI/Audio is a thing I'd like to use). The PC4 is nice but costs too much here!

 

Are there less expensive options or should I just turn to the used market?

[Coker]

Someone is selling a MODX8 on this forum!

[GianfrixMG]

Someone is selling a MODX8 on this forum!

I guess it's not feasible. Most of you are in the USA while I'm in Europe lol

[pawelsz]

Hello everyone!

A little backstory: I wanted to start playing keyboards again after a long time. I actually grew up to really like workstation keyboards, but I didn't feel like spending that much money for something like a Kronos 88 when I'm just starting out again.

 

Hello,

I think we need to know what functions you really need from an instrument you want to buy. If you know workstations you surely know what they can do.

[GianfrixMG]

Hello everyone!

A little backstory: I wanted to start playing keyboards again after a long time. I actually grew up to really like workstation keyboards, but I didn't feel like spending that much money for something like a Kronos 88 when I'm just starting out again.

 

Hello,

I think we need to know what functions you really need from an instrument you want to buy. If you know workstations you surely know what they can do.

Well, mainly I don't want to buy something that would be limiting in the near future and then sell it shortly after (btw in December I ended up selling the Numa Compact 2). For these reason I am excluding digital pianos from the choices.

 

First of all I would like for the keybed to be weighted, in order to have a better degree of dynamics control and to better build the muscles inside the fingers, but not with a feel that made it difficult to play things other than the piano.

I want the keyboard to have good sounds and a good degree of editing, because I like the idea of tweaking sounds. I would also love having knobs, faders and more than one pedal input.

Of course the keyboard would end up being obsolete one day, so expandability is a big plus, thus keyboards with an USB audio interface built in would enable me to fit something like a NUC in the case and run VSTs easily using only one extra cable.

I'd also like to learn how to play songs switching multiple sounds back to back. In this case something like smooth sound transitions would be a big plus. Also, using the NUC as in the previous point would enable me to better manage setlist with something like Camelot Pro or something custom.

 

These are the main features I would like to have. I think I may compromise on the number of keys (minimum 73/76) and on the weighted feel. Maybe a good semi-weighted action is better than a crappy weighted action. By the way I enjoyed the feel of the Fatar TP9/Piano in the NC2, even if it has a very short pivot. Unfortunately only Nord and Kurzweil use the Fatar TP8 keybed, which has a longer pivot and supposedly a more uniform feel from the front to the back of the keys. I'm quite indifferent towards aftertouch.

If I have to compromise on the features, then the USB audio interface is a must have; I don't really have a problem in using a PC live and I'm well covered regarding software and making it all stable. In the beginning I was also considering to buy a master keyboard and go all in on the soft-synth route. That would make me flexible as hell, but it's a long journey until I develop ad-hoc software the way I see it. Here the choices are easier: SL88 Studio (although its keybed falls on the heavier and noisier side), the ubiquitous NC2 or the Arturia KeyLab 88 (both MK2 or Essential).

[Mighty Motif Max]

If I were in your place I would save a little longer and just get the MODX-8. It's really the only board I can see that covers what you actually want that isn't over $2,000.

[FatFingers]

The PC4 has come down a bit in price at Thomann - £1358 at the moment.

[GianfrixMG]

If I were in your place I would save a little longer and just get the MODX-8. It's really the only board I can see that covers what you actually want that isn't over $2,000.

Yeah, right now it's my best shot, but I would be happier to spend less than 1000 . I saw a posting around that price for a MODX8 that is now unfortunately gone! Oh well...

One thing I noticed is that if the MODX8 was a few centimeters shorter it would also fit perfectly without any tilting through the trunk of my car with one back seat down.

One thing I forgot to mention is that the weight should be less than 15kg because I may move it around sometime.

 

The PC4 has come down a bit in price at Thomann - £1358 at the moment.

Here in Italy it costs 1859 . Almost 300 more than that price converted in Euros