Midi controllers and setting up a studio

[Jwar]

Yea, yea. I know. Should be in the sub forum for recording. Blah, blah, blah. More traffic here bruhs.

I'm getting all geared up for recording and have almost everything I need save for studio monitors and a full range midi controller.

I've got two mics (both great), an interface, mic stand, pop filter, preamp, drum pads (this is a question coming up) and an M Audio midi controller that is 25 keys.

I started playing around with Garage Band (eventually I'll commit to Ableton or similar) and realized after a few uses that I am simply missing some functionality that I feel like I need.

So, I started looking at 49 key midi controllers and see the Akai MPK249. Looks like it has almost everything including drum pads. I currently have an Akai MPD218 but am still in the window to return it.

My question is this. What would be the best midi controller with similar controls and functions for the money? Something with super responsive drum pad or ones you could change the responsiveness of. Faders....etc.

I'm not a great keys player but I understand how to play enough to build music. I'm going to mostly be using it to create textural background stuff but also will be using it for synth parts in a project I'm working on.


Second question. Reasonable and good response Monitors. I lack monitors and only have headphones. Obviously it'd be nice to hear things both ways. I would need monitors that can handle low lows and also be good with highs. My headphone monitors are really good but I need to hear it differently if that makes sense?

So, any input would be greatly appreciated!!!

[Olin]

What's your budget? What kind of acoustic treatment have you done/are you prepared to do?
No point blowing a few grand on speakers and putting them in the corner in a bare room, speaking of which, what size and shape room are you doing it all in, where will the desk be?

[_themissingshade_]

Olin raises a good point, but assuming you're ready for monitors I would suggest looking at Yamaha HS8s as a starting point. I remember (from my lurking days) that a few people on here dislike them, but they are not super expensive and have a decent reputation in general.

[manymanyhaha]

Haven't had a keyboard midi controller in quite awhile so can't help you there. Used to use an Caxio CZ1000

Monitors: I can recommend JBL LSR305 (cheap, sound really good and have an excellent sound stage) and Neumann KLH 120 (more expensive but also a great value).

[Jwar]

I made a response to this but it disappeared? Oh well.

Currently I'm recording in my office which is part of my downstairs that has an open floor plan. We do have ideas to encapsulate he area (we've thought about barn doors (which would be cool as fuck IMO). I have not put up any foam boarding yet because I haven't made it that far. So, My plans is to have a few pieces throughout in specific places to create a closed in sound. That being said, I want to record things that sound more raw, so I'm not going to go over the top. Studio quality but a more non processed sound (at least for bass and vocals).

My desk is on one side of the room, piano on the other and my laser machine (for Acid Splash is in there too). I'm actually thinking of selling the laser and that would free up a ton of space. I have a bass cab sitting in one corner as well with my amp head on top of my desk.

I like the idea of the midi controllers suggested. I saw a really, really cool one that is super fucking expensive, but man...I want to see how it works. I might go back to GC just to try it. It's the Roli Songmaker. That thing seems soooo cool. Cutting edge IMO.