QUESTION: re controller - setting up a work station

[funsongs]

From the tech-challenged:
I was given a CASIO CA-110 ToneBank keyboard.
Would it work as a controller - or even be needed - going old-school-simple?
Currently collecting gear & setting up a home recording work station.
(I also have available a Yamaha PSR-530 & PSR-GX76).
Components I already have:
Mac Mini w/Cinematic screen & CD/DVD box
JBL 305s
focusrite 2i2 bundle

In advance, thanks.

[cassmcentee]

Hey Peter
Looking in it's manual, I don't see a Midi output.
So I don't think it can be a controller.
Your Yamaha PSR-530 does have midi out, so it could?!?
I use an X-Key with it's USB cable http://www.cme-pro.com/
relatively cheap as well and takes minimal space on my desk

[funsongs]

Hey Peter
Looking in it's manual, I don't see a Midi output.
So I don't think it can be a controller.
Your Yamaha PSR-530 does have midi out, so it could?!?
I use an X-Key with it's USB cable http://www.cme-pro.com/
relatively cheap as well and takes minimal space on my desk

Yes - the PSR-530 (had it since about 1998) is midi-capable.
No sure if it will beam-me-up, Scotty...though...
but... I do use it in recording drum loops, and organ patches.
Thanks
(edit - the X-Key thing looks way slick!)

[Len911]

Peter, the problem is that the Yamaha keyboards probably don't have usb midi, so you'd need a
converter http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/UMOneMk2 and they're like $40.

The starting price for usb midi controllers is $50
http://www.sweetwater.com/c513--MIDI_Co ... s/low2high

The cme xkey $100
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Xkey

[funsongs]

Peter, the problem is that the Yamaha keyboards probably don't have usb midi, so you'd need a
converter http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/UMOneMk2 and they're like $40.

The starting price for usb midi controllers is $50
http://www.sweetwater.com/c513--MIDI_Co ... s/low2high

The cme xkey $100
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Xkey

Good info - thanks, Len; I appreciate it.
Finally getting close to having all the components - then I'll need a hands-on Tutor,
most likely. At least the Lava Lite is up and running just fine!
Cheers!

[TimWalter]

Peter dont know if this helps, but my midi controller is an Maudio Oxygen 61. I bought it at the local Guitar Center in North HOlly wood for $70 used. I assume that is a market price, but dont know. I decide to purchase it because the same model (although a later version) was on every workstatoin at the Cre8 Academy I attended for the month of Feb, so I assumed it was good quality. It USB out, so need for $40 or $50 conversion packages. It has two wheels (pitch and modulation), and a bunch of other controls that I havent programmed yet, including transport controls. I tend to use shortcuts on my keyboard. It works wonderfully for its purpose. Not sure if that helps or if you already made your purchase, but if you can find a suitable item used, for 70 bucks I think its a good investment. All the best to you.
Tim