Hi all,
so I’m planning to get a MIDI keyboard controller for interfacing with both Sonic Pi, and my Volca FM2, and I’m looking at the following:
Novation Launchkey; M-Audio Oxygen Pro; or the Behringer MS-1.
Main criteria are 5-pin MIDI out, customizable pads and sliders/pots. I looked at the Behringer as it is a simple synth clone (SH-101), but not really a dedicated MIDI controller.
Anyone got a preference? The reviews all seem fairly similar, esp around the £150 price range.
Thanks
PD-Pi
Looking to buy one as well in the near future. leaning towards the oxygen pro because of the full size keys and the after-touch. Haven’t decided yet. The akai mini plus mk3 looks good as well.
I am wondering if fixed or endless rotor nobs are going to be a problem, because else the novation impulse is looking mighty fine as well.
I don’t have a piano background, but leaning towards at least 32 to 39 keys minimum. seems like that would be a better fit to play 2 handed.
Hi
looks like we’re both after something similar - it’s a shame AKAI don’t seem to do a 32 or 37 full size keys option, the MPK249 is a bit beyond my meagre budget. Okay, I’m no Chopin or Rachmaninov, but the Oxygen Pro looks like my preference. I don’t need/want another synth, but the MS-1 is REALLY cheap right now, sooo tempted!!
PD-Pi
I have two Novation Launchkeys, one full size for my home studio and one small one for on the go. Works great on Linux and Mac. I don’t have experience with the others you mentioned but I did like the launchkey enough to buy a second one and used them for years now.
Good GRIEF!! Looks like I might need to wait ten years until manufacturers sort out this type-A type-B TRS nonsense 
I have an M-Audio midi kybd, which does not work with my Volca FM synth. Am I right that Novation uses type B midi? Cos Korg use type-A afaik
PD-Pi
I had no idea what you were talking about so I had to look it up. My “big” controller is a Novation Launchkey 61 but I have a MK 1 so I don’t even have a MIDI port on mine.
Hi
I too was unaware of this hardware issue. My problem stems from the fact that the only hardware synth I own is the Korg Volca FM2, which uses trs in/out for midi, and for weeks I thought my midi keyboard wasn’t working, as it didn’t trigger the synth (via midi to trs cable). It’s a really basic M-Audio keyboard. But it works fine with Sonic Pi, Pure Data etc.
So, before i buy a Novation, Akai or M-Audio keyboard controller, I’ve ordered some simple type-a to type b converters, to ensure all midi ins and outs are working. If the cables I already have weren’t sealed in plastic, I’d just open them up and rewire them myself.
There’s a great video explanation of the issue here Type a versus type b midi
PD-Pi
Solved!
The M-Audio keystation was in usb-midi ONLY mode 
Still gonna buy a new controller tho’, need/want sliders n pads n stuff.
PD-Pi