Recommendations for a USB/MIDI controller keyboard please!

[Stevie G]

Hi guys
I'm after getting a USB keyboard to hook up to my PC for music. I've seen three similar ones that all look good, but has anyone got any experience of these, or can recommend another? They all seem to have sound libraries with them, but I guess they're not an essential factor as there are loads of VSTi plugins that can be used with most sequencers.

The three I've seen are
Behringer UMX-61 - http://www.soundslive.co.uk/product~name~Behringer-UMX-61~ID~4818.asp
EMU X-Board 61 - http://www.soundslive.co.uk/product~name~Emu---XBoard---61~ID~4985.asp
M-Audio Oxygen 61 - http://www.soundslive.co.uk/product~name~M-Audio-Oxygen-61~ID~5024.asp

I want something that's decent build quality, and has a good and easy to use interface.

Cheers.

[DeadYankee]

I use a Novation X-Station which is very good. I'd have thought the line 6 toneport keyboard would have been your best bet though

[Stevie G]

That actually looks really cool! Not seen it before! Unfortunately, not really ideal as I was looking for a keyboard with 61 keys, or at least 49. Great idea though!

Novation X Station looks great, but way out of my budget I'm afraid!

[DeadYankee]

As it is MIDI then you don't need a large keyboard as you just change the octave of the notes you are inputting. Unless you are Richard Clayderman then you don't need 61 keys. Given the chance to start again I wouldn't have bought a large keyboard as it is just unneccesary IMO.

[Stevie G]

Ha ha! Thing is, it's as much for my girlfriend, and she can play. I just want one for basic basslines and chords, etc, but she wants to be able to play like a normal keyboard.

[DeadYankee]

Fair enough. Then your consideration needs to change as she'll hate playing a cheap MIDI keyboard. You need weighted keys or she'll go nuts. I'd recommend that you find somewhere where you, or rather she, can try them out. Easier said than done though I know

[ekinsh]

i have an Oxygen 49 and find it to be very useful so i would not hesitate in recommend the 61 key version (though it doesn't have weighted keys)

[Stevie G]

Yeah, I think we'll try to get into town so she can have a try of a few. Just thought it worth narrowing down a few first.

[KeyserSoze]

The M-Audio Axiom gets good reviews. COnsidering one myself. The keys are semi weighted and reportedly feels quite solid. You get drum pads as well!

[Stevie G]

Cheers guys. I went for the M-Audio Oxygen in the end after being able to see one in town. Should be delivered tomorrow :)