Keyboard - MIDI only or built in sounds?

lincolnblue

I have an M Audio Oxygen 61 which I use within my DAW with virtual instruments. Whilst this is fine, the downside is unless I have it connected to my DAW I can't use it as a standalone keyboard.

Are there any decent quality keyboards which have built in sounds so I can record or play without needing to use VSTi? My budget would be limited so sadly things like Nords and stage pianos aren't an option. Would be funded mainly be selling my Oxygen.

stratman3142

As you already have a keyboard, a midi sound module is another option.

lincolnblue

stratman3142 said:

As you already have a keyboard, a midi sound module is another option.

Do they not need standard midi connections? My keyboard only has USB

stratman3142

lincolnblue said:

stratman3142 said:

As you already have a keyboard, a midi sound module is another option.

Do they not need standard midi connections? My keyboard only has USB

Not sure as I'm only aware of their existence and haven't used one. I quick bit of Googling shows some have a USB connection. But that's all I know as I have no direct experience.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/ammoon-Midiplus-MiniEngine-General-Generator/dp/B01DGAN3N6/ref=sr_1_8?_encoding=UTF8&c=ts&dchild=1&keywords=Sound+Modules&qid=1593765994&sr=8-8&ts_id=407865031

Keefy

lincolnblue said:

stratman3142 said:

As you already have a keyboard, a midi sound module is another option.

Do they not need standard midi connections? My keyboard only has USB

If you want to plug your keyboard straight into your module, then yes. But if you have an audio interface with a pair of MIDI sockets you can connect the module to those and use your computer to route MIDI data from keyboard to module.

midiman1962

A cheap solution would be yamaha PSR series, especially the old style Black Ones - PSR200+ has a set of GM or XG sounds and touch sensitive keys - usually can find them for £20 - £80 and have built in speakers. Also well engineered and have midi in/out

spark240

An older Roland XP series might work, if you have headphones or speakers...  they also have a sequencer  

maltingsaudio

You can get USB to midi adaptors which will work https://www.lightinthebox.com/en/p/usb-to-midi-keyboard-interface-converter_p313877.html and decent sound modules from a few years back tend to be dirt cheap

octatonic

For most people the fewest number of impediments required to make a sound is ideal.
You want to walk up to the thing, turn it on and play.

If you have to plug a bunch of different devices in, cable them, set up midi channels then that will all be a faff.

So I vote for a used 90's sample based synth.
Roland XP50 is good.
Or anything else in that vein- you could spend anywhere form £300 up, depending on spec.
I'd always suggest something with a hammer action but that will cost more.

Have some speakers/monitors on it, or patched into and audio interface, that are always on.
Many companies make monitors with a standby mode that turn on when they sense signal.

The easier you make it for yourself the more you will play.

I do most of my piano playing on a Yamaha clavinova upright- it is one switch and off you go.