carter_ Posted February 24, 2010 Share Posted February 24, 2010 Problem: To add pitch bend / modulation control of soft synths to a wheel-less live rig. Rig: Nord Electro 2 (73) + laptop I use the Electro for its organ and piano but also to control a few soft synths from my laptop - which, without standard pitch or mod control, is a bit limiting. Options: (1) Add an inexpensive 2nd keyboard (like an M-Audio Oxygen) to control the laptop. I'm considering this, but hesitant as I really want a 2nd keyboard to be a weighted digital piano (like the new Yamaha CP 50 or upcoming Nord Piano) which also won't have mod wheels and I'm reluctant to consider an eventual 3-keyboard rig. (2) Add just a midi controller for params such as pitch and modulation. I'm looking for good alternatives here. Here are other postings on the topic: http://www.northernsounds.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-14997.html http://www.pianoworld.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Forum/6/topic/003572/Number/0/site_id/1#import The Killamix Mini looks greathttp://www.kentonuk.com/products/items/midicontrol/kmix-mini.shtml but is obviously expensive for what it is. It's the only solution I've found, however, that looks like it would fit well into a stream-lined live rig. (3) Get an 88-key weighted midi controller or workstation instead of a digital piano. Considering this also, but I'm unimpressed with the 88key midicontrollers (in terms of key action and portability) that I've tried and want to avoid hauling around a heavy keyboard (I have a Kurzweil K2500 and it never leaves home). The Nord Stage would obviously fill the bill, but they're a little pricey and I already have an Electro. . . . So that's my "problem". Anyone else in a similar situation or any random thoughts from anyone? Thanks! U1 | NP | NS3 | NE3 HP | K10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reidmc Posted February 24, 2010 Share Posted February 24, 2010 I'm interested in this as well, as I recently bought an inexpensive Casio that works great as a basic midi controller, but doesn't have any aux effects options. And all I do is some basic vibrato and leslie simulations that are already programmed in my sonic cell patches, so all I need is one little wheel or pedal. For the OP, I do have a very good 44 lb 88-key weighted controller for sale - an older SL-880 Studiologic. "The Doomer allows the player to do things beyond which are possible without the accessory." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burningbusch Posted February 24, 2010 Share Posted February 24, 2010 If you can do basic soldering, you might try the DIY route. http://www.analoguehaven.com/doepfer/wheelelectronic/wheelbox.jpg The Wheel Electronics is $60 Power Supply $15 Wheel Assemble $40 You would have to supply a box. http://www.analoguehaven.com/doepfer/wheelelectronic/ Busch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acidolem Posted February 24, 2010 Share Posted February 24, 2010 I had a similar situation. I bought a Privia 330 w/pitch wheel but now I find myself wanting a modulation wheel. You may be able to do it with a BCR2000 "The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench; a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. ............ There's also a negative side" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reidmc Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 Would this work? http://www.behringer.de/EN/Products/BCN44.aspx There are still a few around. "The Doomer allows the player to do things beyond which are possible without the accessory." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bloodyMary Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 I'd go DIY. Find a cheap used midi keyboard, 25 keys or so, open it up, take the circuit board and the wheels (maybe some knobs too), put them in a box. The whole idea is worthy if you manage to find a very cheap board, maybe one with damaged case or broken keys. Stage: MOX6, V-machine, and Roland AX7 Rolls PM351 for IEMs. Home/recording: Roland FP4, a few guitars Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carter_ Posted February 25, 2010 Author Share Posted February 25, 2010 Thanks - I'm looking into the BCN44 and if that doesn't work, may go the DIY route. Appreciate the suggestions! U1 | NP | NS3 | NE3 HP | K10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moonglow Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 The Wheel Electronics is $60 Power Supply $15 Wheel Assemble $40 Rockin' out with your self-installed pitch and mod wheels: Priceless "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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