[Hellraizer]

So recently I have been toying with the idea of buying a workstation keyboard for studio use, however I am not a keyboard player at all, and I really have no clue about whats good or everything you can do with a workstation. This will be my first keyboard. I'm just not sure if what I have in mind suits my needs or is just overkill. Mainly what I want are some good piano, string, and brass sounds. I hate dance and techno music so all those kinds of sounds and fuctions will probably never get used. I need to be able to do some sampling, sub bass drops, and would like to be able to use the keys for a controller in EZdrummer. I really like the sounds on the Korg Triton but it seems these are discontinued, so I was looking at the Korg M3 88key, and the Roland Fantom X8 since these are sort of in my price range. I have pretty much ruled out anything but an 88 key board as I would like to have the weighted keys and it seems that is pretty much exclusive to the 88 key models. I have considered maybe buying an 88 Key midi contoller and using soft synths for all my needs, but I don't really want to have rely on my computer everytime I have an idea, I want to be able to just turn it on and play.

[darren]

If you already have a computer that you're using as a host for EZDrummer, i'd suggest just getting a USB keyboard and getting soft synths.

I don't know why anybody is even making hardware synths at all any more.

Most of the 88-key models with weighted keys are usually digital pianos.

Originally Posted by darren

If you already have a computer that you're using as a host for EZDrummer, i'd suggest just getting a USB keyboard and getting soft synths.

I don't know why anybody is even making hardware synths at all any more.

Most of the 88-key models with weighted keys are usually digital pianos.

Real-time knob movement to enhance performance.

[Whoracle]

I have a Korg Triton Le, the one with 61 keys, i bought it a used at a very good price and it works great as a midi controller for soft synths and it is also great for performance, I think for someone that is not a keyboard player (like me) i works just fine

[Hellraizer]

Originally Posted by darren

Most of the 88-key models with weighted keys are usually digital pianos.

I don't know a whole lot but I do know the M3 and fantom x8 are more than just digital pianos.

[Whoracle]

Originally Posted by Hellraizer

I don't know a whole lot but I do know the M3 and fantom x8 are more than just digital pianos.

oasys
fantom x8

[7 Dying Trees]

I'm not a keyboard player, so I just got one witha midi out and weighted keys yadda yadda. Something simple to muck around on, get 88 keys, some twiddly knobs you can assign to stuff and then use that through a bunch of soft synths, as you can then take the midi you record and quantize it and move it around, rather than having to learn to play keys or learning how to ssend midi out of you DAW into the keyboard to record it.

[nikki-k]

So many choices..

Another vote on the Fantom 8. Oasys if you have serious $$$.
Used Kurzweil K2600
Korg Triton

Or, you could find a nice controller, and then if you want soft synths, grab a Receptor (by Muse). No computer required for real-time/live use.

If you want weighted, I am curious as to why. If it is because you are simply used to that action, cool. Playing B3/Hammond type stuff "feels" better to me with "synth action" keys, but even then it is taste (of course). If you want weighted because you intend for mainly piano.. grab a nice controller that has some piano and maybe some GM stuff (Kurzweil and others have 'em). Basics in stand-alone, soft-synths with computer powered up.

[Hellraizer]

Originally Posted by nikki-k

If you want weighted, I am curious as to why.

I'm not dead set on weighted keys, it just seems to me like it would feel and sound more natural.

So what would be the advantage of a workstation vs. a contoller/rack/soft synth setup.

[Speedy Fingers]

It mainly comes down to your budget. If you can afford it, the new Fantom G8 is phenomenal. Easily the best workstation I've ever played. Not too far behind that is the X8. I really dislike the new M3 series so I'd say get a Triton Extreme 88 as a third, slightly cheaper option.