MIDI Controller Keyboards <$150

[jay ratkowski]

I'm looking for something for recording use only. Small is good (ie - 25 keys) as my space is limited. I want something with a good deal of knobs/buttons for extra controls. I'm using all sorts of software... from GarageBand to Reason. USB interface is preferred.

Here's the kicker... I've had really bad experiences with M-Audio products. I've had more than one of their audio interfaces go bad on me. My best friend had an Oxygen series controller that gave him fits with driver bugs and eventually it stopped working all together. So unless someone can do an awesome sales job, I don't want one of their products.

I think my best option is the E-MU 7700(I've used their products in the past and had a good experience, features seem to be just what I want). Just curious if there is anything else I should be considering.

As the thread implies, I'm looking to spend less than $150. Would prefer if that were the new price.

[MacMusica]

M-Audio have an affordable range too.

[jay ratkowski]

Originally Posted by MacMusica

M-Audio have an affordable range too.

Originally Posted by jay ratkowski

Here's the kicker... I've had really bad experiences with M-Audio products. I've had more than one of their audio interfaces go bad on me. My best friend had an Oxygen series controller that gave him fits with driver bugs and eventually it stopped working all together. So unless someone can do an awesome sales job, I don't want one of their products.

.....

[jim777]

I'd check the Vintage Synth forum Jay. All my keyboards are synths; I have no controller experience.

[AceLuby]

If you increase your price by $100 you can get a really good 25 key MIDI controller. The Novation 25 SL (NOT the mkII) is a great little controller. It's $250 on Amazon, but I've never had any driver or hardware issues and I've been gigging regularly with it.

[jay ratkowski]

Jim - I'll check it out, thanks.

Ace - I appreciate the suggestion, and trust me, I've often been the type to say "just spend more money for something good." I'm new to this, so there is a fair chance I won't continue using whatever I buy. So I want something that's almost throwaway price, but hopefully won't aggravate me either. If I get really into it, I'll shell out the cash in a few months for something good. So primary objectives are cheap, semi-reliable.

[rgr]

Behringer? http://keyboards-midi.**************...keyboard&Nty=1

[DSS3]

The M-Audio Axiom actually feels quite nice, and won't break the bank. The pads and transport control also come quite in handy!