MIDI Controller / Keyboard Piano Questions!!!

[superstardj]

Long time DJ here (trance, house mixer) that is getting into music production now just getting my feet wet with logic express.

As well as learning production, I am also going to learn to play the piano.

I would like to learn to play the piano by itself, normal piano music, playing the piano solo.

I would also like to learn how to integrate piano music with the music I produce - also using the piano as a MIDI controller for logic express.

I have looked at some M-Audio keyboards as well as some others and am not sure what to get.

I am willing to spend up to $1200-$1400 on the keyboard and am wanting something along these lines:

1. Weighted keys or hammer keys so it feels like a real keyboard
2. Something high end - I always buy high end equipment for my studio
3. Built in speakers is not important on the keyboard - it seems most high end ones do not have them anyway
4. 88 keys for sure, i want to learn the full piano for my trance productions
5. I would like to stick with Yamaha and Roland if possible
6. USB connectivity perferrably or can I buy a high end keyboard that just has MIDI out and buy a MIDI to USB converter to interface with Logic?

I guess 6 is the most important question, many keyboards I have looked at have USB and MIDI, I know I can go from MIDI to USB to the computer? but would rather have a direct USB interface from the keyboard to the computer - i was looking at the Yamaha CP33 and it states:

USB for computer connectivity

does that mean it can send MIDI through USB?

Please advise? I think I am on the right track but just want a really nice high end keyboard to learn on that will work in my music production as well.

Thanks,

~ssdj

 

[Liquorpuki]

What M-Audio keyboards were you looking at?

For an 88-key controller only (no sound), I use a Yamaha KX8 which I've been very happy with. It's weighted graded (bass keys have more weight). I've been playing the piano since I was 7 and the feel is great. It has a robust arpeggiator to help create riffs and a limited control surface. No aftertouch though. It's a few years old though, controller only and much lower than your price if you wanted to go all out.

Also, most modern controllers can do MIDI through either the MIDI port or USB. If you had a high end keyboard controller that couldn't, I'd be surprised.

 

[sullen]

I am willing to spend up to $1200-$1400 on the keyboard and am wanting something along these lines:

5. I would like to stick with Yamaha and Roland if possible

with 1200-1400 budget you can get a roland fantom X8 in near mint condition, will do everything you require and more.