Keyboard For Soundtrack / Gargageband?, Best one for novice? Options

[edge]

I've been using Soundtrack for some time, will probably add GarageBand to the mix, and I want to expand the possibilities with an inexpensive ($200 or less) keyboard. Apple recommends two keyboards on the GarageBand page, so I'm currently looking in that direction, but I don't know if these or others are best for me.

They are:

1) M-Audio Keystation 49e USB Midi Keyboard ($79)
2) Edirol PCR-30 MIDI Keyboard Controller ($169)

About them:

- One has 49 keys while the other has 32 (does that matter to me?)
- One is titled a 'controller' while the other is not (whatever that means)
- One has more nobs and buttons than the other (but maybe these are not necessary and effects can be handled via software...?)

About me:

- I don't necessarily need/want to learn to play piano, just want to be able to create new melodies and loops.
- I played drums for six years so I have rhythm.
- I'm a music nut and know what sounds good.

Any recommendations? It's more a hobby, but partially for business.

Thanks ahead of time!

[sethjacquay]

edge,

i don't know how much you know about soundtrack 1.2, but
it is not a midi sequencer, i just has a midi sync capability which
has to do with the timing of your audio, nothing to do with actually
playing notes or synth/software instruments.

Basically you won't be able to play a midi controller in Soundtrack,
because Soundtrack won't write down any of notes and does not
contain any synths. I am not sure if there are AUs (Audio Units) that would
allow you to do this though, although none are included with the package.

So with that said, Garageband does take midi input and turn it into
actual sound, only thing is most of the synth instruments are...
well...weak. I mean if you truly know what good music sounds like, you
will think that the software instruments in Garageband are cheesy, but there
are a few exceptions.

So purchasing a $140 keyboard just to play with Garageband doesn't make a
ton of sense, especially if it only has 25 keys and a ton of midi controls which
would be a waste in Garageband as they don't do anything (someone can prove me
wrong here I haven't really tried it.)

What I suggest, since you have a background as drummer and are good at
spotting quality music is for you buy the Oxygen8 and a copy of Reason 2.5 ($360).
Reason is my favorite app to play with and you will not be disappointed.

P.S. - I do use Soundtrack and Garageband regularly but they are limited compared
to more professional offerings and neither support Rewire and I am still deciding which
of those Rewire Support Apps to purchase. (Live or Logic Express). Soundtrack is a great
app for adding music mixes to videos it is just kind of limited as a Studio Production tool. Garageband is an excellent bargain of a beginner music tool. It really has some great
features for the price and it is a lot of fun.

That is my advice take or leave!