[wanted] MIDI Controller with audio output for speakers\headphones

[Dos_Box]

Following on from this post here: http://www.edugeek.net/forums/av-multimedia-related/140974-electric-piano-5-pin-midi-out-speakers-how.html

I am still in the market for a reasonably priced MIDI controller to input a keyboard and output to speakers, so the device mist have a MIDI in and a method of audio output. Ideally we want to pay as little as possible but we shall discuss on a device by device basis shold any be offered.

Oh, and no USB controllers please as the fraction of a second lag is not good for piano lessons!

Edited September 1, 2014 by Dos_Box

[Davit2005]

As the previous thread this is just a MIDI controller, it will not produce any sounds on it's own.

 

You will need a MIDI Synthesizer/Sound Module of some sort and an external amplifier (or headphones).

 

Cost is going to depend, something hardware like a motif rack or similar which I've not had any personal experience or alternatively go the computer route ( MIDI interface, ASIO Sound Card and software with some decent plugins)

 

A look on ebay should bare some fruits.

Edited September 1, 2014 by Davit2005

[jinnantonnixx]

The most flexible solution would be to get a MIDI to USB converter.

 

Connected to a PC, you can use your sequencer of choice with synth plug-ins.

[Davit2005]

I've got a half decent M-Audio sound card with ASIO drivers sitting at home if if you can use it. PCI bus based, works in MACS.

 

It has a fly cable that has MIDI input/output, I used to use it before got an external interface>

Edited September 1, 2014 by Davit2005

[Dos_Box]

The most flexible solution would be to get a MIDI to USB converter.

 

Connected to a PC, you can use your sequencer of choice with synth plug-ins.

 

We got a USB MIDI adaptor last week, but the issue of lag is a big one. The free software you can get still leaves us with a delay of of about 1/5th second which is enough to be offputting for my daughter who is to have paino lessons (she's already done keyboards).

I know some higher end packages have the option to reduce the latancy. I have an old iMac here in the office with Garageband and will try that tonight.

Alternatively we have seen these:

 

Kawai K1R K1 R K1-R Synth Synthesizer Sound Module! | eBay

 

Roland / Edirol SD-20 USB / MIDI Sound Module | eBay

 

YAMAHA TG-100 TG100 TONE GENERATOR SYNTHESIZER GENERAL MIDI SOUND MODULE 350bl | eBay

[Dos_Box]

Thanks for the advice so far guys. If someone can let me know about the Kawai above it would be much appreciated. Edited September 1, 2014 by Dos_Box

[Davit2005]

No experience with these specific bits of kit but have had both Yamaha and Roland music equipment in past and never had any problems.

 

Maybe a YouTube for said pieces of kit might get you some idea of types of sounds available.

[theriver]

I've fond memories of the K1, but it was old when I was using it in the mid 90's! It's definitely a synth noise, you won't confuse it for a piano.

There's some demo stuff at Kawai K1 review

 

The TG-100 is that bit newer, it'd probably sound less cheesy.

 

Have you tried the computer with asio4all drivers? I've not yet failed to get an acceptable result with these (and I am saying that as a piano user).

Having said that, it's always going to be quicker and easier to turn on a couple of bits of gear rather than boot a PC, log in, launch the software, faff round with the audio driver etc etc!

[jinnantonnixx]

We got a USB MIDI adaptor last week, but the issue of lag is a big one. The free software you can get still leaves us with a delay of of about 1/5th second which is enough to be offputting for my daughter who is to have paino lessons (she's already done keyboards).

 

 

I haven't used Windows for music in a long time, but I remember that ASIO4ALL was good for low latency.

ASIO4ALL - Universal ASIO Driver