Great DIY Controller Keyboards?

[Geoff Grace]

Yamaha's CP300 wasn't designed to be a controller keyboard, but its action is nice for using as a graded action controller keyboard, and its tabletop surface makes for a great area to place dedicated controllers.

 

An option I'm considering is buying a Yamaha CP300 and then Velcroing a Euphonix MC Mix and MC Transport on top.

 

http://homepage.mac.com/musicproduction/.Pictures/CP300&Controllers.jpg

 

Are there any other keyboards you would nominate for this purpose? Weigh-in below.

 

Best,

 

Geoff

[timwat]

So I'm assuming it's either for studio use or you don't mind the 71 lb. weight? Kawai's MP line comes to mind (all have 4-zone controller functions built in), but none of their models has as large a "table top" surface if that's a deal breaker.

[Geoff Grace]

Yeah, it would be primarily for studio use; but I might occasionally gig with it too.

 

I have a slight preference for the action of Kawai's MP line; but the action of the CP300 is the next best thing IMHO and its table top surface is very appealing.

 

I suppose that I could simply buy a keyboard without the table top surface and scoot it under a table. But then, I'd still at least need a keyboard without controls on top, like a Kawai MP 8 II or a Korg SV-1 88. (The SV-1 doesn't have pitch & mod wheels though -- not good for a controller.)

 

Best,

 

Geoff

[allan_evett]

Intriguing concept: The Uber CP300; though I'd keep it in the studio most of the time, as Geoff indicated...

For live use though, I was thinking recently about combining an Evolution UC-33 with a Nord Stage compact; or was it a Korg nanoKONTROL with an M-Audio ProKeys Sono 88... Sheez: amazing that we have to go to these lengths.

 

Let's see: Roland created the A70, then via Edirol, the PCR-800. So, the technology is there to produce a multi-zone, programmable light/medium weight controller with multiple knobs, sliders, and buttons for soft-synth and MIDI control. Any one of the big manufacturers could do it; at least one has 'tried', so to speak. (The new Yamaha K-Series, which were truly the Swiss Cheese of controllers, IMO.)

 

I think that perhaps Kurzweil, who's PC3 series is the only thing out there that offers these controller features, should create a cost effective set of controllers based on the PC3 line. Just eliminate the sounds, lighten/slim down the keyboard (high impact plastic casing would do just fine), and price it to be competitive with the Akai MPK series.

 

Once again, feels like I'm

[Ian Benhamou]

Let's see: Roland created the A70, then via Edirol, the PCR-800. So, the technology is there to produce a multi-zone, programmable light/medium weight controller with multiple knobs, sliders, and buttons for soft-synth and MIDI control. Any one of the big manufacturers could do it; at least one has 'tried', so to speak. (The new Yamaha K-Series, which were truly the Swiss Cheese of controllers, IMO.)

 

I think that perhaps Kurzweil, who's PC3 series is the only thing out there that offers these controller features, should create a cost effective set of controllers based on the PC3 line. Just eliminate the sounds, lighten/slim down the keyboard (high impact plastic casing would do just fine), and price it to be competitive with the Akai MPK series.

 

Once again, feels like I'm

 

+1000000

 

 

[humannoyed]

Seeing Geoff's CP300 pic above reminds me of an idea I had a few years ago of a "modular" controller. You could start with a very stripped down unit hardly bigger that the keyboard itself. You could upgrade with built in soundboards and/or controller surfaces. I had considered a hinged folding back key cover that had controller knobs, sliders, buttons, whatever... (iPad-like lcd touch display?) mounted on it's underside. That way the unit itself could remain very compact and portable when folded up, even with all expandable options added.

 

For just the studio, that big flat surface on the CP300 looks ideal for roll-your-own.

[jarrell]

Seeing Geoff's CP300 pic above reminds me of an idea I had a few years ago of a "modular" controller. You could start with a very stripped down unit hardly bigger that the keyboard itself. You could upgrade with built in soundboards and/or controller surfaces. I had considered a hinged folding back key cover that had controller knobs, sliders, buttons, whatever... (iPad-like lcd touch display?) mounted on it's underside. That way the unit itself could remain very compact and portable when folded up, even with all expandable options added.

 

For just the studio, that big flat surface on the CP300 looks ideal for roll-your-own.

Nice if you could take blocks of keys and move them around, so that you could have the lowest note be E, C or A - I hate the 76 note choice of E over C or A, and would prefer a 73 note C to C (for playing left hand bass).

[burningbusch]

A) V-Piano. I played one the other day and was very impressed. That large flat surface could hold a computer monitor, controllers, lots of things.

 

B) Korg M3-88. The flat aluminum surfaces are movable along the rail on the back. You could, for example, move the main module all the way to the right giving you a fairly large section on the left. The M3 is a more sophisticated controller in a DAW setup with more faders which act as controllers, aftertouch, KARMA, 16 MIDI zones, etc.

 

C) Studiologic Numa has an aluminum back panel that pulls out for more desktop space. I've never played one, so I can't comment beyond info on the web.

 

Busch.

[Geoff Grace]

Great examples, Busch.

 

The V-Piano would probably do very nicely as a controller except for its lack of pitch and mod wheels. I'd bet its action is great!

 

The Korg M3-88 seems to offer the most options -- especially if you add the PCM Expansion volumes. I had forgotten that the M3 comes in an 88-note version. I only wish it had pitch and mod wheels instead of a joystick, but others may prefer it the other way around.

 

The Numa looks like a very good and cost effective solution, but its pitch wheel on the side and lack of mod wheel may be a deal breaker for some people.

 

Addendum: Speaking of pitch and mod wheels, I should be looking at which keyboards offer expression pedal options as well.

 

Best,

 

Geoff

[Geoff Grace]

I started a similar thread in the V.I. Control forum:

 

Your Controllers: Keyboards and Mix Surfaces

 

Best,

 

Geoff

[Geoff Grace]

The Korg M3-88 seems to offer the most options -- especially if you add the PCM Expansion volumes. I had forgotten that the M3 comes in an 88-note version. I only wish it had pitch and mod wheels instead of a joystick, but others may prefer it the other way around.

Also, I had forgotten that the M3 has XY mode via its color LCD Touchscreen. Nice touch! (No pun intended. )

 

Best,

 

Geoff