Keyboard Controller with best DP integration?

[seamonster]

HI Folks,

I was somewhat active on the old Motu-Mac list as "Hoagie" 15-20 years ago, but haven't been online alot since then (howdy James!).

I'm looking for a keyboard controller that integrates with DP 9.X on Mac OS 10.7 PowerMac system (because that's the latest OS compatible with my Apogee Ensemble - firewire). Not having an easy option to go play a few, I'm overwhelmed by the hypothetical choices. If you're a DP and keyboard maven, I'd like to know your opinion. My ideal unit would be:

• 49 keys, or possibly 61 if the case is not too deep front to back (to fit where my mixing desk has been).
• semi-weighted keys -- not sproingy "synth keys" (my Alesis QS8 has decent weighted keys, but won't fit at my desk).
• Integration with DP 9.x and VI plugins, if possible.
• Compatible with Mac OS 10.7 (Lion).

I notice that Novation has implemented an HUI emulation. But I'd guess that probably wouldn't work in OS 10.7. If full integration with DP is dicey/impossible due to my OS 10.7 limitation, then I'd still like to know what 49 or 61 key controller comes closest to having a "piano-y" feel (knowing that none come terribly close).

Cheers,
Hoagie
aka Kraig

[Michael Canavan]

I notice that Novation has implemented an HUI emulation. But I'd guess that probably wouldn't work in OS 10.7. If full integration with DP is dicey/impossible due to my OS 10.7 limitation, then I'd still like to know what 49 or 61 key controller comes closest to having a "piano-y" feel (knowing that none come terribly close).

Cheers,
Hoagie
aka Kraig

There is not reason why HUI implementation wouldn't work on 10.7, unless Novation requite a driver that doesn't work on 10.7 and that should be pretty easy to look up. Beyond that Novation is an excellent choice, great keyboards, I've owned three, a 49 key synth controller, audio card combo, and two 61 key versions of the SL series.

[seamonster]

Thanks, Michael.

Novation's website has a "compatibility checker" that shows compatibility starting with OS 10.8 for several controllers – Impulse, SL MkII, etc.

https://resource.novationmusic.com/supp ... ct=Impulse

So that's not encouraging. But if my main interest is simply in having semi-weighted keyboard input (i.e., I don't necessarily need to be running the transport or VST from the controller), then I suppose pretty much any USB MIDI controller would be recognized by some basic driver built into MacOS of any version since the advent of USB controllers(?)

[Michael Canavan]

Thanks, Michael.

Novation's website has a "compatibility checker" that shows compatibility starting with OS 10.8 for several controllers – Impulse, SL MkII, etc.

https://resource.novationmusic.com/supp ... ct=Impulse

So that's not encouraging. But if my main interest is simply in having semi-weighted keyboard input (i.e., I don't necessarily need to be running the transport or VST from the controller), then I suppose pretty much any USB MIDI controller would be recognized by some basic driver built into MacOS of any version since the advent of USB controllers(?)

Not necessarily, some MIDI controllers require drivers, MOTU devices do for instance.

Novation SL MKIII does not require OS integration for it's operation so I would bet that there would be no issues. It's a lot of hardware for what you want though. Another bet is Akai, they don't work for transport controls but the keys are not flimsy, and the knobs and sliders all send MIDI, plus there's a build in bank of about 20 patches for various MIDI settings. Arturia makes some decent 49 key controllers these days, (you get transport controls in DP with them), but I don't know how flimsy their keys are or not?

At some point you're going to want to ditch that Apogee. I have to say it made it firm in my mind to never buy from them when they stopped developing drivers for a perfectly fine piece of hardware like that. If you ever do, RME are by far my favorite, MOTU is pretty great, but RME are far quicker at putting out new drivers for old gear. I'm on my hands waiting to see whether they step up and support the MTP/AV on Apple Silicon or if I'm going to have to get a new MIDI box.

[seamonster]

I found a half-price deal on a new-in-box Novation Impulse 61. Basic keyboard integration with DP 9 in OS 10.7.5 works fine, and while the semi-weighted keyboard isn't fabulous, it's better than "synth keys."

I have yet to try to install Automap to enable more functionality. Fools errand in OS 10.7.5? I'd be happy to get the transport controls working; I sort of doubt I'd need the faders or encoders, as my habit is to write in mix automation point by point.

[Michael Canavan]

I found a half-price deal on a new-in-box Novation Impulse 61. Basic keyboard integration with DP 9 in OS 10.7.5 works fine, and while the semi-weighted keyboard isn't fabulous, it's better than "synth keys."

I have yet to try to install Automap to enable more functionality. Fools errand in OS 10.7.5? I'd be happy to get the transport controls working; I sort of doubt I'd need the faders or encoders, as my habit is to write in mix automation point by point.

Yeah don't bother with Automap. Novation have depreciated that software for at least 4 years now. You can put the Impulse into HUI mode and get fader, mute, solo and transport controls.

[seamonster]

Thanks for all your helpful comment, Michael. If I run into any interesting terrain I'll post again, otherwise all is good for now.