Drumming on midi pads vs midi keyboard

[BillW]

I'm getting closer to buying a mini-midi keyboard (25 or 32 keys).

My budget for this is no more than $100. While I'd like as much functionality as possible, at that price point I don't' want to end up getting a lot of features, with the quality of any or all suffering.

For my own personal use of this, I really only need two things. Midi key input for sounds like piano, organ, strings, horns. To that point, pitch and mod controls are required as well.

Then drumming.

Sure - sliders and/or control knobs would be great, but I've not had a situation yet where I felt I was hampered not having them.

So - my question (and I do in fact have one):
Are pads on a midi keyboard typically better in any way for drumming than the midi keys themselves?

I suspect a dedicated pad device would be better - but to get a keyboard and a pad device pushes me well over $99. And a lot of reviews I read on the pads on the midi-keyboards say they are not as velocity-sensitive as you might think. That the keys themselves have better sensitivity playing and drumming.

I'm trying to spend as little as possible (I can get a keyboard alone for less than $99) and give up the pads and controllers and sliders. If I can drum no worse on that than the pads, that may be what I will do.

Not looking for suggestions on brands yet, but that would appreciated too.

[Rolling Estonian]

I just have the pads and knobs of this but I would've bought this if I had known what I needed at the time.

http://www.amazon.com/Akai-Professional ... ds=akai+25

M

[Perennial Jive]

yep,i know you said you dont wanna hear anything about brands but double thumbs up for the akai mini mpk...it has keys and pads.is under your budget and works a treat with mixcraft,have been using it for the last 4 years or so and its fabulous.

[BillW]

That's on my Amazon wish list, but did you note the shipping time? One to two MONTHS!

So i'm thinking of other options, and really wondering if drumming by tapping on the pads is really that much better than on the keys? Or is it even better at all? If the pads aren't really velocity sensitive, maybe I'd be better off buying strictly a keyboard (cheaper by $25 or so).

[Acoustica Greg]

Hi,

I'm always impressed with Chris's keyboard drumming in this video: Mixcraft 6 Mini-Tip: Using Acoustica Studio Drums, but he's a talented guy.

Greg

[BillW]

Thanks Greg -
I've watched that a few times (with amazement) and in fact it's that very video that has be asking "do I really need to spend more to get a few pads on the keyboard?"

Because as I said, my concern is I get something like that Akai or Novation or others only to find out the pads are "on/off" rather than truly velocity sensitive. Many user reviews give me reason to feel that may be the case.

My bulky Yamaha has velocity sensitive keys and works fine as a drum input device. But I'm looking at 25 key devices for portability. If the pads are better than keys for drumming, I'd spend the extra money. But if not, then I think i'd rather save that money for something else.

[Rolling Estonian]

Bill,

Check www.guitarcenter.com item #1395412411161 it's in stock.

M

[BillW]

Thanks Rolling E -
Unfortunately, I'm tied to Amazon since most of my funds for it are in the form of an Amazon gift card.

[Perennial Jive]

perhaps consider a step sequencer,-swing,randomisation,layering..

[Rolling Estonian]

Did you see this one? Not too familiar with Arturia but it gets good reviews.

http://www.amazon.com/ARTURIA-MiniLab-2 ... controller

M

[BillW]

Thanks for the suggestion Rolling E. I've looked at them all on Amazon. I'm actually getting leery of the "all in one" solutions like this and even the Akai and Novation etc. Especially when I'm beginning to think I don't need much.

Again - keys for short passages with whatever sound I choose in Mixcraft and simple drumming. In a very portable form so I can record at my desk rather than my basement where my large Yamaha is at.

The more I think of it, the more I think just a good 25 key midi controller without drum pads will do fine.

I'm simply worried that the pads won't be as velocity responsive and there not really an improvement over using keys. So I may just start another thread asking for experiences people have with pads.

[Rolling Estonian]

I have the Akai LPD8 which is the 8 pads and 8 knobs, they're pretty good in terms of velocity. Keep in mind you can alter the velocity in EZD to your hearts content.

M

[BillW]

Thanks Rolling E - I remember you posting a picture of your set up a while ago.

from what I'm reading a single contained unit may not be the way to go for me at least. It's the pads that have me concerned - as you can tell.

Since I've yet to feel a need for the controller knobs and sliders, I'm pretty sure I'll do this in two steps.

First - I'll get a 25 key midi device. Korg has one with decent reviews that is $75 on Amazon.

Then if it turns out that is not workign for drumming, I'll get pads. I've added your Akai to my Amazon wish list along with a Korg model (cheaper, but pads only).

Thanks -
Bill