Best controller build quality

bangladeuce · Joined: Aug 30, 2011 Posts: 2 Location: Canada

Hey all,

I just started teaching music tech at a high school and I'm told I can buy some new midi controllers. The old ones are mostly m-audio oxygen 49 key controllers, and they all break within about 3 months of students use apparently. I'm hoping for some suggestions on some fairly inexpensive (around $200) usb midi controllers that are built to last.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

bangladeuce · Joined: Aug 30, 2011 Posts: 2 Location: Canada

Oh, and if it helps, we'll most likely be purchasing through this store, so something they carry would be best.

Thanks again!

EdisonRex · Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2011 2:29 pm Post subject:

Hi.

FWIW, the Akai MPK stuff is pretty durable. They're built with metal, they're pretty heavy, and have extra MIDI controller features such as pads, sliders and knobs. Might be at the top of your price range but they are quite roadworthy which might translate into less abusable.

Just a suggestion.

echoer · Joined: Dec 10, 2009 Posts: 40 Location: lawrence, ks

Just bought a couple UF series CME keyboards. I got the 49 key and the 88 key. Great keyboards. Paid $120 each and thought I did a great job. They are re-releasing the UF series as the "UF Classic" but not sure at what price.

The big issue nowadays is if the keyboard will send midi over an actual midi cable. It is common to just send midi over usb and not through a dedicated MIDI Out Port so you need to check that.

Good luck. MIDI Composition (and the scholarship I got for my performance in that class Cool

) class was instrumental in my career and I applaud you for taking the time to teach newbies what's what.