(Part 2) Best products from r/synthesizers

I'm guessing you mean hardware, but there are some fantastic software synths out there. 80's pop music is largely made from FM synthesis, which is completely out of your price range for hardware.

Dexed is modeled after a series of popular Yamaha FM synths and is free https://github.com/asb2m10/dexed

FM8 is a top-tier software alternative http://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/synths/fm8/

If you really want hardware, the Microbrute is a good option. They're great, some people on this sub hate on them for no good reason. If you watch studio tours of famous electronic musicians the Minibrute is probably the most common instrument in them.
Microbrutes are capable and fun. They're also pretty much one knob per function which is particularly good for beginners.

Another option is the Waldorf Streichfett http://www.juno.co.uk/products/waldorf-streichfett-string-synthesizer-with-the-waldorf/526565-01/
This synth was designed to emulate 70's and 80's synth pop sounds and falls into your price range nicely. It does not come with a keyboard, however, so you'd have to get one of those (small ones are really cheap/easy to find) or play it with your computer.

I'd go with the Streichfett. And this http://www.guitarcenter.com/Keith-McMillen-Instruments/K-Board-USB-Keyboard.gc or this http://www.amazon.com/midiplus-AKM320-MIDI-Keyboard-Controller/dp/B00VHKMK64/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454053448&sr=8-1&keywords=mini+midi+keyboard but used so it's a bit cheaper. That should be close to $300.

Well, you have a massive leg up on a lot of people in terms of music theory and chops. I'm going to assume you can read a fake book, a chart and are probably a better player than me. Jazz especially will align with composition, voicing and other stuff. Even though classical gives chops, I think (without explicit work) it leads to something that synths or production might not use.

The good thing is, it's not as much practice. It's a lot of toying around, reading and learning. But it's not like playing. You see the opposite problem with people that make a lot of noise but then want to start on composition or music theory. They have all this gear but they don't finish stuff. That's fine for some, just fool around but then there's not much growth. That's pretty much the end game. So what you're going to discover is a universe of TIMBRE. New sounds that are very dynamic. Modulation, timber over time. The problem is, a lot of this stuff won't exercise your chops. Maybe that's ok with you.

Do you have a DAW or a computer to record with? The cheapest way for almost anything is software. U-he makes great plugins and they have Hive as an intro synth. It's no toy either. It just has "
"accessible" priorities. They are releasing a new version soon so maybe wait on that. You're going to need a VST host to go that route. Maybe you have something already. Reaper is free to try. And you'll need a sound card. Almost anything is fine. Behringer has a cheap USB thing for $130: https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UMC204HD-BEHRINGER/dp/B00QHURLCW/

That'd be fine for a while. You'll want to upgrade it if you want to improve recording sound and/or complexity in projects (latency).

Barebones for a software synth:

• midi keyboard for input, you'd probably want 61+ keys for two hands
  
• a computer
  
• a DAW program like Reaper (free to try forever), $60 to buy it
  
• a synth like Hive
  
• a soundcard
  
  Otherwise, you could go hardware. In which case, getting the Korg Minilogue is a great intro synth. It only has four voices which might be frustrating. It would teach you the basics of oscillators, filters and ADSR envelopes. Almost anything synth will (including software). If you want more voices, maybe an 8 voice Korg prologue.
  
  Flying Lotus and Jon Hopkins is more about production and layering in which case you probably want to learn a DAW pretty well. That's heavily produced and processed music which might not have a lot to do with "the synth". The sound you're after might be many layers of drums and effects. Hard to say. You'll need to learn plugins, mixing and how to work quickly.
  
  For playing with a live band, I'd only use a hardware synth.
  
  Another way to practice textures and having control over it is something like this.
  
  
• Make a laser sound. It would be used in a sci-fi movie.
  
• Make an ocean wave.
  
• Make a bass drum and a bad sounding snare drum. Now make a decent electronic hi-hat.
  
• Now find a gif (meaning silent) on the internet and layer many new sounds to create a sound effect track to go along with it. It might be footsteps with breathing and keys jingling.
  
  That's kind of the practice type material/goals you might take on. Then making "that bass sound you heard" is going to be way easier. There's also another synth subreddit /r/synthrecipes/ where people ask for tips on things they heard. I don't know much about that subreddit. Hope this helps ... ask questions ...

Edit- Thanks for clearing that up! One is on the way! (3-6 months from now...) Yeah, they're 79.99 on amazon and a bunch of other sites, if you don't mind waiting this looks like a really freaking good audio interface if you're reading this and you don't have one. I have read that usb 3.0 and the drivers from behringer are required. Also apparently macs will handle this puppy without drivers I think. Yay!

Again, thanks for all the help you guys! I'll pin this sucker to my fridge lol ;P

Original post:


Yeah so I have plans to do a live show, triggering audio and midi clips from the launchpad and possibly soloing/talkboxing live when the midi to the synth isn't playing. I don't want to get a whole bunch more equipment, I'm looking to get just the behringer umc 204hd (currently on sale on amazon right now for less than the 202hd)

I've tried explaining this just via text before but really i'm more a visual kind of guy

I want the audio to go into the daw without also going out live through the back end, so that I can apply sidechaining and mixing eq effects to it and end up with a finished master channel that is more polished and much more controlled than just trying to mix in the synth outside of the daw.

Being able to put a master compressor on everything and know that it's gonna sound dope as hell as it comes out is basically what I want to do. Make a live experience that is super polished and took a lot of work to set up, but is also flexible enough to not feel "prerecorded", everything is just a little bit more planned out than a dj set may be.

Also if you could recommend a similar audio interface which can do all I ask of it, as stated above, that would also be great.

Cheers and thanks for trying to decipher my chart/diagram! I spent all of 30 minutes making it as neat as possible with just a mouse.

Hi

I got $700CAN maximum to buy a Synth/Keyboard

Tommorow I'll go to the music store to try some and decide if I want to got for Hammer Key, Semi Weighted or non weighted key

I'm upgrading from an PSR-172(61key) and a M-Audio mini 32
I'd love to have the full range but I feel like 61 key might be egnuff for what I do

I love using it as a midi controller through some vst on ableton as I compose music, but I must admit I just been completly blown away by some KingKorg video on youtube not long ago and those kind of synth look great!

I want a pitch wheel, 61Keys + and the ability to sit in front and switch sound quickly would be a +

Right now I only found https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00SHCDMRQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&psc=1

Thanks Much

Hi! Looks like the perfect place to ask for recommendations.

I'm looking for a small keyboard and I'm a bit lost. My goal is to have something to visualize music theory on, try out some chords progressions and simple melodies, and maybe work the synchronization between the two hands. I'm a guitar player ( trying to learn theory) and I think that could be great to practice some concepts.

Looking at forums, they say 61keys is the minimum to learn piano. But I'd like a smaller keyboard, 60cm length or something, something easy to just sit on my bed or in front of my computer and try out things. What is the minimum amount of keys you'd recommend? Is 37 keys enough to work on synchronization between hands? I saw this one and the size looks nice ( maybe something cheaper though).

I think having built-in sounds would be nice, since having to plug a midi keyboard to my computer will stop me from playing sometimes. However I don't need 150+ sounds, with fancy ding-ding sounds. Just 3-4 nice sounds will be enough. Looks like the one I mentionned previously has that. But it's a bit expensive for me to start on.

Any suggestions?

If you want a book-length answer check out I Believe in Music by Ikutaro Kakehashi http://www.amazon.com/Believe-Music-Hardcover-Ikutaro-Kakehashi/dp/0634037838/ (founder of Roland - I feel like I've recommended this book on here once a week since I finished reading it :)

Short answer is that after WWII they were never going to catch up to traditional instrument manufacturing so instead looked toward the future, invested in research and came up with some amazing things since they weren't tied up with any super traditional ways of building instruments. Electronic instruments could be smaller, more versatile, easier to ship to other parts of the world. Also apparently Japanese people fucking LOVED Hammond organs and other electric organs so a lot of things kind of fell out of developing home organs for the Japanese market. They also had two different types of home power, 50 cycles on one side of the country and 60 on the other, which meant they had to have two totally different sets of Hammond tonewheels for each side of the country which led them to develop circuits designed to replace the physical tonewheels so they could sell one product to all of Japan.

I use an Alesis Coda Pro as my main controller. It doesn't have the knobs and buttons of a regular midi controller, but it has hammer action keys that feel great, and are very close to a real piano. It has Midi out, along with midi over USB, and Aux input. It also sounds pretty good on its own with some different electric piano and organ sounds built in. The speakers are good enough to play to a room of people without an amp.

The RockBand controller for Nintendo is a very good midi keyboard.
It's $30, too. Velocity sensitive keys with a ribbon for mod and pitch, and octave shift buttons. The keys feels better then some syths. Of course it's not weighted keys but they are good.
I never thought I would wear it like a keytar, but actually I've been putting it around my neck, and as I walk around my studio playing other keyboards it's great to be able to reach down and add some more notes to the mix wherever I'm standing (needs a longer midi cable for this, but still).
http://www.amazon.com/Rock-Band-Wireless-Keyboard-Xbox-360/dp/B003RS19N4

I'm a curious newb that's been doing my best to soak up as much information as possible researching about synths and keyboards. A lot of this new jargon has been challenging to say the least. I have a question and I suppose I could've made a new thread but I feel like it's a dumb question so didn't want to draw too much attention.

I know it may not be fiscally or practically sensible but lets say that I want to get a Yamaha Reface CP as a mostly on-the-go-jam instrument but I also want to learn how to play keyboard in my room; so I decide that I want to have a master keyboard (lets say something with 49-88 semi-weighted keys w/ touch response) to play the Reface CP. What are my options? What constitutes as a master keyboard?

If I understand my research correctly, a MIDI keyboard controller with a MIDI dim (such as the Alesis Q61) plugged into the Reface CP won't act as Master.

I've seen discussions that mention using a powered MIDI USB host (such as a Hobbytronics MIDI Host) to make digital piano/keyboards with USB MIDI act as Master to the Reface CP but I don't understand which part of that equation makes that possible. Is it the fact that the digital piano has onboard sound or is the powered MIDI host playing some larger role besides merely extending the MIDI out signal from USB to MIDI dim?

Or to put it another way, would using a MIDI host with a MIDI keyboard controller (equipped with either USB or MIDI dim out) cause it to act as Master to the Reface CP when all plugged in together? This is of course assuming all of the components are compliant/compatible.

My instinct is that the device intended to act as Master always needs to have onboard sound and I'm letting the stuff I read about extenders over-complicate what is admittedly a pretty convoluted idea to begin with.

> I have the USB cable, yeah. no need for audio interface then, I mean, obligatory? is it just for more fidelity?

Audio doesn't come out of the USB port on the Blofeld--only the audio outs. So you'll have to get an audio interface, if you want to get audio to go to (and come out of) your computer.

If you don't care about integrating your computer at all, you can just get a decent set of monitor speakers. Plug the left audio out into the left speaker, right audio out into the right speaker. I use JBL LSR305's. I bought a used pair off Reverb for about $200 and they sound phenomenal. You could also buy one standalone, powered PA speaker for the same price as two of those monitors. I bought one of these in 2015 to use with my band and it's all I need (I used to play a Blofeld live with it, too). If you want to play with a band, or live anywhere, a powered PA speaker is probably your best bet. Looks like you can't buy that particular model new anymore, but anything similar should be good.

If you decide to use an amp of some sort, it'll color the sound of the Blofeld (depending on the EQ settings and whatnot). Monitors and PAs are best for synths because the audio isn't (usually) effected by the speaker. Also, if you want to use multiple instruments with the same speakers, you can just get a decent mixer to plug everything into, with the audio going out to whichever speaker you choose.

Hey, I'm new to the hardware world of keyboards and synthesizers. I'm looking for a hardware keyboard that's capable of synthesizing instrument sounds (piano, organ, strings, trumpets, etc) and capable of synthesizing sounds from scratch (oscillator, filters, LFO, portamento, etc). I don't care whether the synthesizer is a true analog synth or a virtual analog/analog modeling synth. Does something exist that is capable of doing both of these types of sound synthesis in one device? Or do I need to buy 2 separate devices?

I currently own a midiplus AKM320 (32 key usb midi keyboard), but I'm finding the number of keys limiting while trying to learn music theory. Would it be feasible to buy a larger keyboard such as the MicroArranger then feed it into another synthesizer like the microkorg/MS2000 Rack Mount to achieve both types of sound synthesis?

Thanks for the help!

I own a Yamaha 76 key, and about a month and a half ago bought a novation launchkey 25 key. With both I use Ableton, and I feel I'm starting to get a proper hang of the program and playing keyboard in general. I'm looking into buying my first synthesizer, I want to get a physical analog one. I'm considering getting this one - https://www.amazon.ca/Korg-VOLCAFM-Digital-FM-Synthesizer/dp/B00CAKSVTU/ref=sr_1_6?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1542940922&sr=1-6&keywords=synthesizer&th=1

- But I'm not sure how playing my keyboards with it will work. Basically, I'm hoping it'll be as easy as plugging it into my computer and loading it onto Ableton and play sounds I make off it using my keyboards. I know it might sound silly, but since I'm still new to all this, I just want to make sure I understand.

I was also considering saving up a bit more, and getting something like this instead -

https://www.amazon.ca/Arturia-MicroBrute-Analog-Synthesizer/dp/B00G31YMVS/ref=sr_1_9?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1542940922&sr=1-9&keywords=synthesizer

- The only downside however is it would replace my Novation midi keyboard, and I bought that only a month and a half ago.

​

I appreciate any help. I'm really looking forward to getting into synthesizing.

I recommend getting a dedicated 1/8" Stereo to 1/4" Mono or dual 1/4" stereo cable. If you're running from the stereo main 1/8" out on the Boutique to a single 1/4" mono in its good to convert from stereo to mono (more details: http://sound.stackexchange.com/questions/25577/stereo-and-mono-cables-and-jacks-what-happens-when-you-cross-them ). And, I was using an adapter for a while myself, on the end of a normal instrument cable, so there was this big relatively heavy thing hanging off a single 1/8" jack (on a $400 box) that I began to get paranoid about breaking. Get something like this https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-CMP-105-inch-Interconnect-Cable/dp/B000068O3F with its nicely flexible cable and small, light 1/8" jack and never worry about that again.

I picked this one up recently. I has hundreds of beats from all genres even some outside electronic/dance.

It's geared towards ableton but obviously you could apply the beats to anything. Each beat is literally just a linear representation of how you would see the beat in a DAW or midi file and a short description.

Josh Bess beats

Also the makers of vst Microtonic have a great random beat generator on their site. I believe it's free

Rockband Keytar it has a dedicated midi out, mod/pitch bend on a touch strip, and while the keys aren't great, they are surprisingly good for $25. As a bonus it comes with a strap and you literally become Chick Corea when you put it on.

The Four Element Synth by Rob Papen is an excellent book that covers subtractive synthesis in depth, with many of the concepts being applicable to the Sub 37. The included DVDs are especially useful.

I also learned a lot by watching how-to videos on YouTube, even if they're for other synths. Generally you can create a similar patch on the Sub 37 and get similar results. It'll also help you find ways to set up modulation in useful ways.

Thanks. I found a used Alesis QX61 for ~$120. You think that's the best bang for my buck that I can get?

EDIT: Also found this. A bit more expensive, but seems higher quality and has semi-weighted keys, and it's only $50 more than the above for new. Doesn't have any/many MIDI knobs, but that's not too important. Also only $10 more for an 88 key version, which seems like but space would be a bit tight. Do you think that's worth it?

AmazonBasics Ventilated Adjustable Laptop Computer Holder Desk Stand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WRDS8H0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9d.gDbCQWX3G0

Fits perfectly and is inexpensive. I love it.

> iOS midi interface

would this interface work? It says it's on sale at $19 but I'm not sure if it's just Amazon trickery.

Are iPad Airs better than regular iPads? Sorry, I'm way behind when it comes to this. I looked them up on the Apple online store and they seem to be discontinued. They're still on Best Buy's online store though.

I'm using this small mixer for the Volcas and random small gear:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000KGYAYQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1408515182&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40
It's probably not a the best mixer but it sounds good enough to me.
To get a stereo sound from it you need this $3 adapter as well http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003DBTAZ4/ref=pd_aw_sims_2?pi=SL500_SS115&simLd=1
You would then also need at least three 3.5mm stereo male to 3.5mm stereo male cables to connect stuff to it, as well as 3-5 of this http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000068O3T/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1408515974&sr=8-3&pi=SY200_QL40

> I also have one and they're the best of the three boutiques imo.

i agree, though i'm close to getting a jp-08 to complement it.

> You will just need an adapter 1/4" female to 1/8" male, you can get these just about any electrical retailer nowadays.

it would be recommended to get a stereo to mono summing connector though, since the ju-06 (all boutiques) output stereo signals. like this.

People who like this might also want to check out this one: https://www.amazon.com/Electronic-Dance-Music-Grooves-Hip-Hop/dp/1480393762/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1549558817&sr=8-1&keywords=electronic+dance+music+grooves


It covers more modern styles and is basically a TON of example beats that break down exactly why each one "works" or why certain hits are important to the groove. Also comes with a CD with the MIDI files (set up as an Ableton project) so you can follow along and edit the patterns yourself without creating every pattern from scratch. Highly recommend for producers who don't have a background in drumming.

I'd recommend avoiding the cheap, no-name ones like this. Sometimes they just don't work at all, or sometimes they'll work for certain things (note-on) but not others (SysEx dumps, sequencer data, etc.). I actually had one that I connected to one of my synths, and it sent a bunch of garbled MIDI data that caused me to lose some patches.

If you can afford it, I'd recommend something like the $35 iConnectivity mio. I've had 3 different iConnectivity interfaces, and all have been rock solid and dependable. This doesn't require any drivers, whereas I think the equivalent cables by Yamaha, Roland, M-Audio do.

That is a great book! You could also try the sound on sound articles on Roland;
http://www.soundonsound.com/music-business/history-roland-part-1
Part 2
http://www.soundonsound.com/people/history-roland-part-2
Part 3
http://www.soundonsound.com/music-business/history-roland-part-3
Part 4
http://www.soundonsound.com/music-business/history-roland-part-4
Part 5
http://www.soundonsound.com/history-of-roland-part5

I think they have other extensive articles about other companies while you're there.

The r is for Roland book is good:
http://www.electronicbeats.net/rolandbook/

"I believe in music" by the founder of Roland;
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/0634037838/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1485909197&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=Ikutaro+Kakehashi&dpPl=1&dpID=51D8AM2MW9L&ref=plSrch

No stupid questions. You have to think of the synth like a stage instrument (because thats what it's designed for). It was made as a performance instrument, and they usually use the 1/4 jacks. There are two ways to go about this:

• You can get something like this and plug in headphones or computer speakers or whatever and be done.
  
  OR
  
  
• You can spend a little more cash on what /u/drsteve103 suggested and be set up to plug in multiple other instruments, have solid quality monitors, and the opportunity to record your instrument.
  
  If I was in your shoes I'd buy the cheap adapter, get my feet wet, then invest in a basic mixing/monitoring system as you get more experience. Good headphones, and good monitors go a long way though.
  
  Edit:I was confused. It has a headphone jack, just not a 1/8" one.

I bought an Akai MIDIMix specifically for Lumen. Works great. If I had my absolute top controller for it, though, it would be a Behringer BCR2000. So many endless rotaries!

Okay cool, good call out!

Found this one with decent reviews and it appears to have a midi connection.

https://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Keystation-61-II-Controller/dp/B00IWX2SR0/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1473097404&sr=1-1&keywords=M-Audio+Keystation+61+61-key+MIDI+Controller

If you only want mono you could go with something more like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-CMP-110-3-5mm-Interconnect-Cable/dp/B000068O3D

It's that extra black ring on the 1/4 side of your adapter which is causing your sound quality issues so this one having the plain mono connector on the other side would take care of it.

If your controller has an input for a continuous pedal (these usually look like standard 1/4" jacks), then you can plug one of these or these in.

Note that this won't work in a keyboard's "Sustain Pedal" input, which is designed for a basic off/on pedal. You need a jack that is designed for a continuous pedal.

Depending on your MIDI controller, you should be able to assign this pedal to control expression (11), volume (7), modulation (1), or any CC. But some controllers may limit your options.

If your controller has MIDI IN, you could also get a knob controller like this one, and control any number of parameters. The BCR also has pedal inputs but I can't remember if it accepts continuous pedals.

Yup, anything MIDI capable will - I use my MicroKorg to play everything I own.

One thing you might need with the Craft is a ground loop isolator like this if you power it by usb: https://www.amazon.com.au/Mpow-Ground-Isolator-Stereo-System/dp/B019393MV2/ref=asc_df_B019393MV2/?tag=googleshopmob-22&linkCode=df0&hvadid=341774517583&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9231468523261452727&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9071459&hvtargid=pla-314762789448&psc=1

I’m not sure if the effects are stereo, but if you don’t care about going mono, you can use one of these: Hosa CMP-105 1/4 inch TS to 3.5 mm TRS Mono Interconnect Cable, 5 feet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000068O3F/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_MWqIAbCJBXKEC

Edit: But yes, a 3.5 mm (1/8th) TRS to dual 1/4 TS Y cable would work. Just don’t forget to hard pan each of the channels on the recorder.

Rockband keytar: $30 for new old stock on Amazon, built like a tank, battery powered, full size keys. Use the remaining budget for a gift certificate if you wanted to spend more, or you can get him two, one for each Volca, for less than the keystep.

What gear are you connecting the iPad to? But like u/slujj-vohaul said, you need the Camera Conection Kit and either connect directly to the USB port of your synths or use something like this.

This is what I use. It's cheap and it works. Someone here recommended it. Thanks whoever you are!

Has anyone had any luck with the adapter OP tried? I bought one ages ago, totally useless.

A midi thru box just takes incoming midi and splits it to many outputs... so if you already have a midi adapter like this that plugs in to your camera connection kit, the answer is yes.

The iConnect midi is essentially combining the camera kit and midi adapter into one product.

I have 3 boutiques on a hub, I use these to eliminate noise. They work perfectly.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019393MV2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_wlV6BbMD2CMZ8

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

[https://smile.amazon.com/dp/9081964305/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_RBjJzbWS9EKHX]](https://smile.amazon.com/dp/9081964305/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_RBjJzbWS9EKHX])

---

^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

I've put my minilogue and my drumbrute on one of these to great effect:

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Ventilated-Adjustable-Laptop-Stand/dp/B00WRDS8H0/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1501511133&sr=1-2&keywords=mesh+laptop+stand

A lot of noise here. I recommend this thing, that I found in a bunch of reddit threads and it helps me a lot with my OP-1 noise reduction, when I record it directly to my soundcard

https://www.amazon.com/Mpow-Ground-Isolator-Stereo-System/dp/B019393MV2

Don't, get a BCR2000 and just map all the parameters and label them. Can be done for $150 and does the exact same thing as a vintage controller without all the vintage prices.

I did it with my AJ2 (not a far stretch from the JX8P) and it works brilliantly.

Amazon has one new for $149. I'm very tempted but usually when something is too good to be true...

Try this! http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-BCR2000-B-Control-Rotary-Controller/dp/B000CZ0RJC

I have a friend who used it for a D-20. Map it how you want it and print some labels. Cheaper than a PG and customizable to any synth.

i've got the m-audio 61 semi-weighted controller. it feels amazing and i think 61 keys is the perfect balance of size and playability. i really couldn't have fun using anything smaller, i'd feel cramped and would get bored quickly. i'd have to learn how to play the octave switch in addition to the chords i'm playing..

it's not slim keys, but it's a bit smaller than 73 slim keys would be..

https://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Keystation-61-II-Controller/dp/B00IWX2SR0/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1500057997&sr=1-1&keywords=M-Audio+Keystation+61

I found Electronic Dance Music Grooves really good. Covers everything from Techno to HipHop to Mombatoon.

https://www.amazon.com/Electronic-Dance-Music-Grooves-Hip-Hop/dp/1480393762/

The Four Element Synth. The DVD is very helpful.
https://www.amazon.com/Rob-Papen-Four-Element-Synth/dp/9081964305/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492730081&sr=8-1&keywords=4+element+synths

How about something like this?
https://www.amazon.ca/Behringer-UMC204HD-Interface-Microphone-Preamplifiers/dp/B00QHURLCW/ref=pd_cp_267_4?pd_rd_w=bUqCt&pf_rd_p=64a84aa4-b549-4445-9bf3-48bdeed5f24a&pf_rd_r=FX3NWDPM2P6N3N7MHKJS&pd_rd_r=ae0536b5-3968-11e9-bc35-6d37620f0add&pd_rd_wg=vjeUk&pd_rd_i=B00QHURLCW&psc=1&refRID=FX3NWDPM2P6N3N7MHKJS

There's a solderless MIDI out mod for the Volca FM that is very reasonably priced: http://usbtri.be/usbtribe_volca.html#fmline. Preeeetty sure it will output MIDI clock but I'm not positive on that.

As for the audio, you just need a 3.5mm TRS to 1/4 in TS cable like this.

Just sell your controller and get one with a sustain pedal input.

You can get one for like $100. Just do it.

Edit: Here’s one for $35

midiplus 32-Key Midi Controller 32-Key AKM320 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VHKMK64/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_fwmvCb4C9XS6G

This is the best cable for your problem. i use it with all my lil korg boxes. 3.5mm Stereo to TS Mono.
http://www.amazon.com/HOSA-CMP-110-Mono-Interconnect-3-5mm/dp/B000068O3D

The correct cable 3.5 stereo to dual 1/4 mono.. like this

https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-CMP-159-Stereo-Breakout-Cable/dp/B005HGM1D6

Then plug one of the 1/4 into your interface. The other end doesn't need to be plugged in since the kick has no stereo features. 3.5 to 3.5 stereo or rca will work as well.

3.5 stereo to one 1/4 mono summed is not correct and can cause issues. this cable is not correct

https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-CMP-110-3-5mm-Interconnect-Cable/dp/B000068O3D

3.5 to 1/4 trs will not work on mono input devices either. this cable is not correct for mono input devices

https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-CMS-105-Stereo-Interconnect-Cable/dp/B000068O35

Maybe some grounding issues. I have a similar problem with my op-1 and this does the job Mpow Ground Loop Noise Isolator for Car Audio/Home Stereo System with 3.5mm Audio Cable (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019393MV2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_JqeCCbQD68W2T
I bought a boss noise suppressor as well but it mostly compresses it but it does the job well for $50

I have a few of these, they work well for the money. AmazonBasics Ventilated Adjustable Laptop Stand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WRDS8H0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_69zgzbHFQKQ6R

you do know they're on sale right now at amazon, right? http://www.amazon.com/Arturia-MicroBrute-Analog-Synthesizer/dp/B00G31YMVS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408524508&sr=8-1&keywords=microbrute

From my understanding, the iTrack dock is just an audio interface designed for iPad. So yes, you would send the output from the Bastl Dude into the input of the iTrack dock to record into the DAW.

You probably know this, but if not: to do this, you'll need a 3.5mm cable with a 1/4 instrument adapter to line in to the iTrack dock, or one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-CMP-110-3-5mm-Interconnect-Cable/dp/B000068O3D

This one, from Amazon.
Hosa Cable CMP105 1/8 Inch TRS to 1/4 Inch TS Cable - 5 Foot https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000068O3F

Non-mobile:

• http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KGYAYQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1408515182&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40
  
• http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003DBTAZ4/ref=pd_aw_sims_2?pi=SL500_SS115&simLd=1
  
• http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000068O3T/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1408515974&sr=8-3&pi=SY200_QL40
  
  ^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?

The Rock Band 3 keyboard is one of the cheapest controllers with a MIDI Out port.

You need one of these cables.

Is this really a good sale or is it always 20 bucks?

OH that might actually be it!

I had this trash before: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ACGMOA6?keywords=midi%20to%20usb&qid=1458419401&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

Do you think this one will work? http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JLU26W?keywords=midi%20to%20usb&qid=1458419401&ref_=sr_1_4&sr=8-4

I've never had 'general output problems.'

One thing to note, they made the output of the Microgranny "dual mono" so you could plug in headphones and jam on the train or whatever. If you're plugging into audio gear, you need to plug in a 1/8" TRS cable that splits into two TS on the other side, OR a cable that is specifically designed to sum the signals into a single TS. Anything else could potentially short the left and right channels together and give you problems.

Basically you need to use the same kind of cable you would use with a Korg Volca, like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-CMP-159-Stereo-Breakout-Cable/dp/B005HGM1D6/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_267_tr_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=X0DVX8ZD0WCRK39S2CEW

OR (my preference)
https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-CMP-105-inch-Interconnect-Cable/dp/B000068O3F

Use one of these 1/8" mono to 1/4" mono. MS20 Main Output to 1/4" input on the Behringer. Skip using the headphone jack. It does have a small amount of amperage to drive headphones and it's not the best way to get audio to a line level input.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000068O3D/

Mad Catz makes a Rockband 3 keyboard controller for the Wii, PS3, XB360.


You can connect any MIDI keyboard or controller to your XB360 with this