The Yamaha KX8 USB Keyboard Studio features 88-keys weighted GHS keyboard. The KX8 Midi Controller is ideal for music production in studio environment. The KX8 incorporates dedicated DAW control section, a built-in arpeggiator with more than 500 pre-programmed phrases, assignable synth control with templates, impressive software bundled like Cubase AI software, editor software and HALion One, VST instruments ( like guitar, drum, bass, keyboard to minimize the need for complex manual MIDI data programming).
The Yamaha KX8 midi controller is compatible with USB bus power, and can be simply plugged into a USB port and used without a separate power adaptor. The Yamaha KX8 was designed to support creativity and MIDI music composition without getting in the way. Therefore, it is very simple and there are not many features on this keyboard. It has a nice little built in menu though, aside from adjustments for the ARP function and a selection of 5 velocity curves. There is an interesting place in the menu where it enables you to choose which DAW you intend to use, including Cubase AI, Sonar, Logic, and a few others. The knobs, buttons and wheels are solidly built and you get nice crisp feel when you press on the various buttons on the front panel.
Overall the Yamaha KX8 is very simple and it has a nice comfortable key feel. If you’re looking for a complete music production solution or if you are a studio owner, producer or engineer in search of expressive control over virtual instruments, then Yamaha KX8 is a good choice. Imagine being able to create complete compositions with just one finger. The Portable Keyboard weight 15.1 kg.
The New Novation Nocturn is a professional keyboard controller. The Nocturn features 25-key and 49-key keyboard, with velocity sensitive. This intelligent sequencer controller features high quality ‘Fatar’ keyboard, 33 MIDI assignable controls, 8 velocity sensitive drum pads, latest version of Automap, 11 segment LED rings, 8 touch sensitive LED-ringed encoders, a speed dial and back-lit buttons, which will furnish you with instant visual feedback for every physical control.
In fact, what actually distinguished Novation Nocturn Keyboard from other brands is the Automap control software. It acts as a software interface for the controller, allowing you to map parameters in your software plug-ins straight to dials and buttons on the controller by a simple click on a parameter, then touching the controller. The Automap feature also enables you to keep track of assignments completed. Instead of the usual LCD screen, Novation Nocturn Keyboard displays control information right where you want it – on your computer monitor. The Automap software graphically displays Nocturn control surface. The controllers themselves also tell you what is going on: LED rings around the 8 encoders show their current settings, and LED’s behind the buttons tell you if they are on or off. The portable keyboard can be set up for use as a serious DAW/sequencer controller, including its ground-breaking Automap control of all VST/AU/RTAS/TDM plug-ins. The Midi Controller keyboard is powered by USB-saving valuable plug sockets. It can also be powered down without being unplugged, preserving battery power in laptops.
The new Novation Nocturn Keyboard‘s 25-key version weight 2.4 kg whereas the 49-key weight 3.8 kg. It is a fantastic controller and it is like a killer package, with everything you want right where you want it while the Automap takes care of the software and plug-ins, and the keys feel good.
The M-Audio Oxygen 61 USB MIDI Controller features 61-key keyboard with velocity sensitive. Though the sensitivity is adequate but may not satisfy the most discerning pianists. The Oxygen 61 is solidly built, compact and portable, making it ideal for both live performances and production. The Oxygen 61 features excellent pitch and modulation wheels, a USB interface, extra MIDI in/out ports, 3 Octaves up and down, programmable buttons, faders and panners, 6 transport controls (Record, Play, Stop, Rew, FF, Loop).
The M-Audio Oxygen 61 allows users to download Cubase profile from a third party site and immediately use the 9 faders to control the master volume and the 8 tracks. And both the faders and transport controls work flawlessly. In fact, this portable keyboard works great with almost all software and has some built-in settings to help interface with programs, which helps speed up the learning curve and makes it user friendly.
The M-Audio Oxygen 61 is also an excellent choice if you want a versatile midi controller for garageband or Logic Studio because you can convert your Mac in many great synths. This portable keyboard weight merely 7.5 lbs and with the most features at this price range.
Digital Pianos
