How to use my keyboard as midi controller

Discussion in 'Soundgear' started by demberto, Jan 2, 2020.

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  1. demberto

    demberto Rock Star

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    I have a Casio SA-47. It is like a toy - you can only play the crappy sounds in it. There were a few tutorials on youtube and on internet, but they all require electronic engineering phd. Is there is any other easy method :dunno:
    Of the 32 keys I will be able to use only 25 if i use soldering.
     
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  3. Baxter

    Baxter Audiosexual

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    Naw. Don't bother. Get a cheap and/or used 25-keys MIDI keyboard instead.
     
    Last edited: Jan 4, 2020
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  4. dingoday

    dingoday Member

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    Baxter is right
     
  5. demberto

    demberto Rock Star

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    1. Korg nanoKEY2
    2. Nektar SE25
    Which one?
     
  6. tun

    tun Rock Star

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    agreed. if you dont want to mod it then just buy one. you can get one for not much more than the cost of the tools you would need to mod it anyway.
     
  7. tun

    tun Rock Star

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    i have had problems with korg, so i would say nektar, but tbh im one of few.
    also i dont like the keys on the nanokey
     
  8. orbitbooster

    orbitbooster Audiosexual

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    I'm personally happy with M-audio keystation mini 32. Key Velocity implemented, of course NO aftertouch.
     
  9. demberto

    demberto Rock Star

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    Out of budget
     
  10. Pinkman

    Pinkman Audiosexual

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    Check out local pawn shops. Just make sure to test every key, encoder and/or fader. I found an AKAI MPK25 for $55.
     
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  11. tun

    tun Rock Star

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    what is your budget and where in the world are you? you might be able to find something with knobs or faders too if you watch ebay etc.
    or maybe you only want keys idk.
     
  12. SmokerNzt

    SmokerNzt Rock Star

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  13. Polomo

    Polomo Guest

    If you like crazy things

    play your Song on the Casio

    record it with any device

    use
    https://www.bearaudiotool.com/de/mp3-to-midi

    It will not perfect for sure but that’s the best you can do without opening your Casio.


    If you want the more PhDish way




    it´s similar to the things you had to do if you want a midi out from your casio.

    So far I know there are no other ways. Except for buying a new device.(maybe used from Craigslist or Kleinanzeigen or what ever depending from where you are)

    And from the 2 called Nektar SE25 is much better imho
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 3, 2020
  14. demberto

    demberto Rock Star

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    Okay forget the korg i mentioned above.
    1. Nektar SE25
    2. Akai Professional LPK25
    Which one is better? Both in my budget:wink: @tun

    No Craigslist here and eBay imports everything from US. AliExpress is russian, so I better not trust it. We have Olx and Quikr both show things out of my budget. Not too many sellers I guess.
     
    Last edited: Jan 3, 2020
  15. Polomo

    Polomo Guest

    I would say the akai if you like the arpeggio integrated
    But the Nektar has a micro USB port .... mostly used USB cable for Smartphones which is a pro.

    But if It has to be a low budget MIDI

    I would try to get at least this
    https://www.thomann.de/de/swissonic_easykey_25.htm

    Pitchbent, Modulation Wheel. Midi out port ,Pedal bus and only 10 bucks more.

    If my budget were so low(>50$) I would go for the akai and if I had enough for the swisssonic.
    or for a used https://www.thomann.de/de/akai_mpk_mini_mk2_white.htm or something with pads knobs and some sliders .
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 3, 2020
  16. Polomo

    Polomo Guest

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  17. tun

    tun Rock Star

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    I have never used either of them, so i wouldnt like to guess on specs alone.
    Other people will advise you better than me but i felt compelled to reply because you tagged me :)

    I can give you some advice though.
    It sounds to me like you are still early on in your music venture, so probably anything will be fine for now. Save your money towards something you may need more later down the line.
     
  18. bluerover

    bluerover Audiosexual

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  19. Smoove Grooves

    Smoove Grooves Audiosexual

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    ^This!
    Be patient. A warrior chooses his tools wisely. Research exhaustively. Then wait until what you want arises; on Ebay etc!
    Use the time inbetween to practise piano-roll editing or something!
    Plus, if an older model of MIDI keyboard/controller doesn't have a controller template in your newer daw, there is nothing to worry about. MIDI is older than all this, and the basis of any daw, so MIDI prevails.
    Remember, you will only find Aftertouch on expensive models, but you can always automate it anyway.
    You can't always try out every key/pot etc, so an Ebay seller is expected to tell you of any imperfections. Start messaging him prior to bidding if you need to. So, apart from return-postage, Ebay has you covered as a buyer. :wink:
     
  20. demberto

    demberto Rock Star

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    Out of stock but pretty cheap.

    Its very far from where I live. Better to buy a new one always. I can't trust if it works.

    I had seen it earlier but will it work with FL?
     
  21. demberto

    demberto Rock Star

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    Amazon is cheaper than eBay here. I think eBay just stopped selling used goods in India and the import cost is more than the actual cost.

    1. Swissonic EasyKey 2
    2. Akai LPK25
    3. Nektar SE25
    These are the only options and they all are pretty near to 5000
     
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