I want to hook up a piano keyboard to my Mac. Which one's the best and why? The more like a real piano it feels, the better.
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M$2 Answers
If you are looking for a keyboard that will offer you a similar experience to a real piano, your first priority should be weighted keys. You just cannot get the same feel without it, so that is really a must.
That being said, it will be difficult to find one that is economically friendly. Unfortunately, if you want good quality music equipment you should be prepared to drop some cash.
-Consideratiions-
1. How important are weighted keys for you personally.
2. What size do you really want? A typical piano has 88 keys, if you are looking for a piano like experience, go this way. Otherwise you'll be messing around with switching octaves with a smaller keyboard such as your Keystudio 49 stated above. It all comes down to what you are using it for.
Is this to learn piano, or add piano parts in a studio setting?
If you can, go for the full size (88 keys).
3. Do you want a MIDI controller (like the Keystation of Keystudio) or do you want a keyboard that has capabilities to be connected to a computer, including MIDI control?
I suggest that you look for the latter. This way you are able to play without the need of a computer near by. I'm not sure how much you know about MIDI but all the M-Audio's will do is send a MIDI signal to the computer, then the computer itself actually produces the audio output.
-Experience-
-Keystation 61es-
I have used had the opportunity to use the Keystation 61es that you mentioned earlier. It is an okay product, but it is really lacking in the control section. The whole device is very light (not in a good way), I like my equipment to have some heft to it... especially in the keys.
61 keys I admit, is definitely a better choice than 49 though.
The problem I am having with this question, is what sounds like your lack of a budget. Like I said earlier, its just really hard to find quality equipment for cheap.
But here are some suggestions that I hope should work.
-Candidates-
M-Audio Oxygen 61 - $169.97
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Oxygen2-61/
I know its not 88 keys. But its one of the better "cheap" and smaller sized controllers you can find.
The downsides include, non-weighted keys though.
M-Audio Axiom 61 - $299.97
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Axiom61/
Again a 61 key.
Semi weighted and velocity sensitive keys
Much more options for controls, including sliders and trigger pads.
My friend has one of these, and I we both really like it for a cheap controller.
These are just two suggestions that I think may fit your needs and budget. Of course these are not the top of the line products. If you are able to drop $1,000-$3,000 on an amazing weighted 88 key controller go for it.
If you want go check out:
www.sweetwater.com for more options.
These guys are great and offer amazing customer service.
Personal Experience
Piano player for 13 years
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M$You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
Very interesting, thanks for the answer! I'm wondering how much I will end up caring whether or not the keyboard is semi-weighted. I want to learn the piano, but I'm not so good at it yet that I *need* something like semi-weighted or fully-weighted just yet, so this answer helped out a lot. Velocity sensitive is very important to me, though, and it sounds like the KeyStudio 49 does have it. My only other concern is whether to get the 49-key or the 61-key because I'm not so much interested in recording music as I am playing live, and I can see a need for the physical octave range (as opposed to the virtual one that you can activate by adjusting some settings).
in that case, u should get the 61 key if for the octave range only. what software would u be using?
I'd be using GarageBand.
Great answer. Thanks for helping a newbie out. My budget is indeed pretty low for something like this, as I am a musician by heart (not by trade) and just want to learn to play the piano as a hobby because I enjoy the sound, the ease of being able to provide an instant party, and the opportunity to one day play in hotel lobbies during business/pleasure travel. Budget is probably below $300; I'm not looking to take it anywhere outside of my house or go on tour or anything like that... just want to practice inside my house, then venture out to a real piano and try my hand.
After reading your comment on the previous question about playing live, I strongly urge you to go for an 88 key. Really you need it.