one more controller

[Steve Nathan]

I'm sure this is well worn territory but I'm not doing well with the search function, so here goes.

I have lots of controllers, but I'd like one I can self carry to the low budget sessions that are so commonplace these days.

In a perfect world, it would have the following features.

1. "hammer" action for VI Piano playing

2. Light enough for me to carry (and I'm clearly not as young as I once was )

3. CV pedal input (plus sustain of course)

4. Some sliders for when I'm forced to play "organ" with it.

 

I've been looking a little. I thought there might be something from Casio that would fit the bill. Plenty of light weight options, but it seems I find action, weight, and sliders but no CV, or action, weight and CV but no sliders.

If I've missed something, I'd love to know.

 

Other manufacturers also appear to provide some but not all of my desired features (too heavy, or no sliders mostly).

 

The Arturia Keylab88?? Never touched one, but perhaps it's the ticket.

 

As always, I appreciate the guidance I've come to count on from fellow KCers.

[CEB]

KeyLab may be your best bet if you need something lighter. That is what I would get. The build is not that bad.

 

If you can handle 43 lbs the most functional 88 key controller is the Physis K4.

[davinwv]

Studiologic Acuna 88 + Ocean Beach Drawbars.

[aronnelson]

So wait. If the Casio had an pedal input it would be fine?

[Noah DC]

I haven't tried one, but a common recommendation on the boards for adding slides to a controller is the older model of the Korg Nanokontrol. Usually in the $40 range used. Could open up the number of weighted controller options that fit your criteria (i.e. adding the ones without built-in drawbars).

[Steve Nathan]

So wait. If the Casio had an pedal input it would be fine?

 

Yeah, I think so. The PX-5S is like 25lbs, hammer action, 6 or 7 sliders. Is there a work-around for the CV pedal?

Similarly, the PX-560 is only missing sliders (and the idea of finding an Ocean Beach unit might be acceptable, though not ideal).

[Tusker]

Steve, if you don't mind giving up a USB port, check out this thread:

 

https://forums.musicplayer.com/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/2736368/Searchpage/1/Main/183164/Words/logidy/Search/true/Re_Laptop_rig_Mainstage_and_co#Post2736368

 

I use the logidy and would recommend it, but there also other similar solutions for you.

 

[AnotherScott]

Assuming your sounds are in your computer, yes, something like a Korg NanoKontrol will allow you to add sliders to a board that doesn't have them, or you can add the Audiofront MIDI Expression adapter to add an expression pedal input if your board doesn't have one.

[Markay]

Steve, your quest is similar to one I have been on. I have decided 2 light weight controllers is the cheapest solution. Something like an 88 note Casio for AP, and a 61 note like an Axiom or Novation for B3 and synth.

 

Gets around the lack of CV and 9 sliders on a Casio but you the get the best available low end AP action and the 61 note gives you all the controls plus CV mapped the way you want it in MainStage.

[MurMan]

You can use the MIDI Expression Quattro to add an expression pedal input to the PX-5S. Inexpensive and light weight.

[DulceLabs.com]

So wait. If the Casio had an pedal input it would be fine?

 

Yeah, I think so. The PX-5S is like 25lbs, hammer action, 6 or 7 sliders. Is there a work-around for the CV pedal?

 

Yes. Yes there is. This MIDI pedal by Reflex is just what the doctor ordered. It is $219.00, but when you consider the weight savings PLUS all sound engine, etc you get with the PX-5S... well... You do the math:

 

http://www.fullcompass.com/prod/279125-Source-Audio-SA163?utm_source=googleps&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=googleps&st-t=googleshopping-all_products_low_bid&vt-k=&vt-mt=&vt-pti=279125&gclid=CNGJ9PbZl9ACFdgMgQodM34CZQ

 

** HOPE THAT LINK WORKS ^^^^

 

If not, Google "Reflex MIDI Pedal"

 

CHEERS!

 

[Steve Nathan]

Yes. Yes there is. This MIDI pedal by Reflex is just what the doctor ordered. It is $219.00, but when you consider the weight savings PLUS all sound engine, etc you get with the PX-5S... well... You do the math:

 

http://www.fullcompass.com/prod/279125-S...CFdgMgQodM34CZQ

 

 

Serious pedal, but maybe overkill if this will do what I need at 1/5th the price.

http:

//www.audiofront.net/MIDIExpression.php

 

The PX-5S looks very appealing with just the addition of a $49 pedal

[AnotherScott]

maybe overkill if this will do what I need at 1/5th the price.

Keep in mind that the $219 Reflex includes the actual pedal. The $49 MIDI expression still requires that you supply a pedal... which makes it, say, $89 if you add a Yamaha FC7. Though you may already have a pedal you can use.

[Phil Aiken]

So wait. If the Casio had an pedal input it would be fine?

 

Yeah, I think so. The PX-5S is like 25lbs, hammer action, 6 or 7 sliders. Is there a work-around for the CV pedal?

 

Yes. Yes there is. This MIDI pedal by Reflex is just what the doctor ordered. It is $219.00, but when you consider the weight savings PLUS all sound engine, etc you get with the PX-5S... well... You do the math:

 

http://www.fullcompass.com/prod/279125-Source-Audio-SA163?utm_source=googleps&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=googleps&st-t=googleshopping-all_products_low_bid&vt-k=&vt-mt=&vt-pti=279125&gclid=CNGJ9PbZl9ACFdgMgQodM34CZQ

 

** HOPE THAT LINK WORKS ^^^^

 

If not, Google "Reflex MIDI Pedal"

 

CHEERS!

 

I have and use one of these. It is extremely useful, well built, and has a very nice firm resistance.

[George88]

Keylab 88, Steve. I love mine.

[Steve Nathan]

OK, I thought I should post an update to my little quest.

I realize I am "late to this party", but I'm here to say that I am now solidly among the ranks of Casio PX-5S fans

It's perfect for my needs. First off, I can carry it under one arm!

Second, as a controller it just feels great. The velocity response is adjustable and I found my sweet spot in no time. I've been siting with it, playing Ravenscroft endlessly and I am thrilled with the way it feels under my fingers.

I'm also pretty impressed with the internal sounds, even though my intention is to primarily use this to play laptop sounds. Last night I DLed a new set of Mike Martin's patches and he's got a lot of great sounding stuff in there. His organ patches through my Burn pedal sound awesome. If I had to, I think I could get by on some things with just the PX. I totally get why people love this board, especially for "one board" gigs.

Nice job Mr. Martin

[Doerfler]

We are lucky to have so many choices these days. Good for you Steve.

[PianoMan51]

I can carry it under one arm!

 

That's the ticket. Not so much about weight, but about the ability to carry it without hurting yourself. This implies that the depth and height are low enough to get your one arm around it and put the center of gravity close to your waist.

 

I have an old Privia (26lbs), a CP4 (37lbs) and a VAX77 (39lbs) but they all fit under my arm in a way that the weight difference is minor. Carrying cases just make this worse.

[Steve Nathan]

Not so much about weight, but about the ability to carry it without hurting yourself.

 

At my age, it is kinda about the weight

though a good center of gravity always helps.

[Steve Nathan]

So wait. If the Casio had an pedal input it would be fine?

 

Got my Audiofront pedal device and it works like a charm. This is one fine feeling controller, (and did I mention it weighs 25lbs)

I am one

http://www.happycampertrailers.com/images/happycampertrailers-logo-img.png