Maschine MKII Midi in/out with Keyboard

[LIVEMAU5]

Hey everyone

Im looking to get a keyboard to use with maschine, im a beginner producer and Im more comfortable with a keyboard than the maschine/laptop keyboard set up I have to use.

I have some easy questions for you guys:

1. To directly apply the current sounds/synth i want to use, do i have to use the midi out or midi in ports on the back of maschine to do so, or can it simply plug a keyboard into my laptop and work from that?

2. Any cheap but reliable keyboards to start with? I dont see myself needing anything too fancy since i have maschine so i just need something that will do that job and not fall apart after a year.

Thanks for all the help.

[botstein]

QuNexus is nice and small, and pairs nicely with Maschine.

I like Novation keyboards. If you're going to go with just some controller (not a synth), I would recommend the slmkii over the impulse over the newer launchkey (cheapest).

These days, since keyboard synths have gotten so cheap, it might make sense to just pick one up instead of a big controller. I know that I don't personally need a bunch of full-size keyboards that don't really do anything besides control MIDI stuff.

[LIVEMAU5]

QuNexus is nice and small, and pairs nicely with Maschine.

The Qunexus looks good, but Im used to playing an original keyboard styled midi, with simple piano styling.

I like Novation keyboards. If you're going to go with just some controller (not a synth), I would recommend the slmkii over the impulse over the newer launchkey (cheapest).

I was looking to get the launchkey, the SLmk11 and the impulse have loads more to offer but the pricing is more than i want for what i need.

since keyboard synths have gotten so cheap, it might make sense to just pick one up instead of a big controller

Now THAT sounds like a good idea, all i really need is a keyboard to easily use my maschine off... Can you recommend any in particular at all?

Thanks for all your help

[tekki]

I am more partial to the M-Audio Axiom keyboard.

[botstein]

My taste in synths is very expensive - fair warning.

Check out the Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 12 and the new Pro 2. It's pretty far down my shopping list, but I'm in the market for one or both of these myself after some friends become early adopters of the Pro 2. The external input and CV capabilities and sequencer are especially interesting.
Clavia Nord Lead and Nord Stage. (These are all digital, but sound (and play) fantastic). If you're a pianist, the hammer action models are very, very nice.

Therevox makes a very interesting instrument that now has MIDI capabilities but it isn't traditional keys like you're looking for.

There are some Moog options that can be used as a MIDI keyboard. The Voyager XL is nice and the phattys are cool too.

In terms of cheap stuff, there are some options but not ones that I would personally vouch for. A lot of people are into the Arturia minibrute and microbrute, but not me. These can be had for only a couple hundred bucks.

[botstein]

I am more partial to the M-Audio Axiom keyboard.

I've only had horrible experiences with M-Audio, especially when they belonged to avid. I don't like the keys, the style, or the plasticky feel either.