MIDI keyboards help and advice

[jo_trev]

Hi,

I am about to purchase a Nord Stage 2 and want a Midi keyboard to use as a second keyboard. This will be for gigging rather than use with a computer. I currently play with two keyboards so want the same setup. I understand you can control the midi keyboard through the Nord, so it plays Nord sounds. My two questions are:

1. If I buy a midi keyboard with its own functions eg drum pads etc, will I be able to use them live or will I simply be able to use Nord sounds through it? I know some just have midi output and no audio out, so does that mean it cannot be used as a stand alone keyboard in a live setting without going through the Nord (or through a computer)? I won't have a computer on stage.

2. Any advice on a good Midi keyboard to get? Either one with basically just keys (if you can't use any other function live) or one with other stuff on it too (if you can use that live)

Thanks in advance

[harmonizer]

There are some "keyboard products" which are only a MIDI controller - these products produce no sounds on their own, but merely send information (via MIDI) to some external device which tells when a key was pressed, how hard it was pressed, and when that key was released. This "external device" could be a standalone synth module (sound generation device) that has no keyboard, or could be a combination device such as the Nord Stage which combines both the "MIDI controller" and sound generation functions in a single device.

Most combination devices (such as the Nord Stage) can also serve as a MIDI controller with an external sound generation device. If you used a Nord Stage as a MIDI controller (only) with an external sound generation device, then the built-in sound generation capabilities of the Nord Stage would be completely bypassed.

I don't have a Nord Stage, but my understanding is that you can connect an external MIDI controller to it, and program your Nord Stage to create certain sounds only when the keys on the external MIDI controller are pressed, but still have your Nord Stage create a second set of sounds when the keys on the Nord Stage are pressed. But you can also set up some keyboard splits on your Nord Stage, to accomplish a similar result without needing a second external keyboard.

The reason most people buy a second keyboard is because they want different actions - they want a weighted keyboard for playing acoustic piano, but also want a very different lighter action keyboard for when they play organ sounds. There are Nord Stage models available with both types of action. Have you decided which one you want?

I suggest that you start by figuring out how important (or not) it will be for you to have keyboards covering both action types, decide which action you want in your Nord Stage, and take notice of the different key ranges that the different models of the Nord Stage offer, and what these different models weigh (you said this will be for live gigging). After considering this and the Nord Stage split capabilities, this might help you decide if you still want a second keyboard, and if so, what type of action you would want on it.

[jo_trev]

Thanks for that! Yes, I am going to be getting the Hammer Action 76 key Stage 2 and am after a smaller, semi-weighted keyboard on top. Ultimately, I want it to play as a second (or third if I split the Nord Stage) keyboard. If it can only be used to play sounds from the Nord Stage, then there is little point getting a separate MIDI keyboard that has other functions eg Arturia Keylab and may as well just get a simple keyboard eg M-Audio Keystation.

[harmonizer]

You *could* use the sounds generated by a second keyboard - if you took the audio out from that second keyboard and connected it to your keyboard amp (or powered speaker, which is what most folks are getting for their keyboards these days). Most keyboard amps or powered speakers have at least two inputs. I'm not saying you *have* to do this, just that it is possible.

[gudardo]

Hi jo_trev!

I just bought Nord stage 2 ha76. I also have an idea to by midi keyboard which will be in use as second keyboard connected via midi cable to nord stage. First reason is that it will reduce overall weight of my equipment. Second, it's cheaper to buy midi keyboard.
I had idea to by korg triton taktile 49 keys as a second keyboard.
Do you guys thing this kind of setup will do the job?
I also play songs that sometimes need three or four sounds in a song.

[anotherscott]

I had idea to by korg triton taktile 49 keys as a second keyboard.
Do you guys thing this kind of setup will do the job?

It depends on what you want to do. One important thing to be aware of is that that Korg has a MIDI Out jack, but no MIDI In. That means you'd be able to use the Korg to trigger a sound in the Nord, but you would not be able to use the Nord to trigger a sound in the Korg. If you'd prefer a 49-key board that can be used either way, look at the Yamaha MX49.

[gudardo]

Thanks on your quick replay!

I usually play wedding and venue gigs with bend. I want to be able to play all sounds in song without programming during the playing that particular song.
For example, when I play "September"-Earth, wind and fire, I have three sounds that I use constantly. Those are piano, strings and brass. I want to control brass sound on midi keyboard (sound from nord) and other two with A slot on Nord Stage.
Good thing with these new "cross over" keyboards, as this you have mentioned (yamaha - didn't knew for it!) and this korg - taktile is they have their own sounds which is pretty good bonus!