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Trying to decide which way to go. I'd like to get an MX synth, a DAW controller that has drum pads and can be custom mapped to FL Studio, and 88 keys.
I can accomplish this with either:
1. An MX88 with a Nektar LX49+ OR 2. An MX49 with a Nektar LX88+
I live on a small Hawaiian island with NO music stores where I can get my hands on anything to demo. I am wondering which is the smarter way to go. 88 semi-weighted keys on the controller, or 88 fully weighted keys on synth? How do their actions compare? Will 88 semi-weighted be annoying to play piano? Will 88 weighted be annoying to play synth?
If I go with the MX88 that would leave the option of just taking that to a gig ... hard to get by on 49 keys although I could possibly add another option 3. MX61 with Nektar LX88+ ... or even a 4. MX88 with a Nektar LX61+ which would give me more synth keys if the weight of the MX88 is too heavy.
Any opinions on which way to go here?
Posted : 25/05/2017 8:26 pm
Hi Kevin,
I think you already know that the only real way to know is experience this yourself, and that no one will be able to tell you how it will feel to you. Only you can do that.
You've asked all the right questions? You clearly see the issues... this is not a right or wrong, it's a personal preference.
I love Hawaii, by the way, next time you make a trip to one of the larger islands, drop into the Yamaha dealer. Call ahead, let them know you're coming. The experience of playing a piano sound from the MX88 is sure to be, as you might anticipate, as good as it can be. Time and attention was specifically focused on how that particular piano sound reacts to the specific Yamaha Graded Hammer action... it is not going to be serendipity, like plugging in any controller via MIDI to any tone generator... is it going to good or not, with MIDI controllers you will not know until you try it. While the store may or may not have that particular controller, you can at least check out the MX88...
I think you'll find the direct playing of the MX88 triggering itself on piano completely compelling... of that I have little doubt... whether you'll like it for playing synth sounds, is still a valid, personal preference, type of question. And one that only you can answer. Call the local Yamaha dealer let them know that you'd like to try out an MX88...
It's the best way... you're making an investment in yourself. It's worth the trip.
Posted : 26/05/2017 12:59 am
Topic starter
Thanks for your response. Your "compelling" description of the MX88 keyboard being matched to the piano sound is ... compelling. I was thinking about just that very issue right after posting this question. A few minutes ago I was playing a virtual synth piano patch on an OLD Axiom 49 and that made the "serendipity" issue fresh in my mind.
Flying to another island to see an MX88 costs about $200 these days ... and my one and only sound board (Alesis 8HD) just started throwing fatal voice engine messages at me rendering it a 55 pound brick. I think I'll just go ahead and pull the trigger on the MX88 and decide whether to get the Nektar 49 or 61 when I can look at them on a trip to the mainland in July.
Posted : 26/05/2017 1:26 am
