I’m using a DN as a synth for my DT (awesome pairing!). But I’d like to get a midi controller to control and play the DN as well. I was initially considering the Alesis V49, the reason being that it has 4 selection buttons and knobs, which I can map to the 4 synth tracks of the DN, and then switch easily while playing (also has pads which I can map to whatever). However, I realized that the Alesis has no MIDI out, only USB, so I guess that won’t work right, because I need to connect a keyboard to the Digitone via MIDI necessarily? Or is there a way to use the USB out to somehow i) power the controller, and ii) control the DN, maybe using some adaptors? I’m a bit of a newbie on all this routing/connecting business. Otherwise, if I need a MIDI out, I’ll get an Arturia. And I’ll take any recommendation on a 49 keys controller
USB requires a “host” - a device that is the brains of the USB connections involved. Usually it’s a computer (or a tablet/phone), but there are some (a very small amount) standalone devices that can be a USB host too. Unfortunately the Digitone isn’t one of them.
So to use a USB keyboard with the Digitone, you’d need to use it via a computer (or tablet/phone/standalone host).
You could look into something like this:
I’ve no idea how well it would work for your proposed setup.
Otherwise you need to use the standard MIDI 5 pin DIN connection.
I can suggest the Roland A49, which has a good synth-action and is very lightweight.
Some drawbacks : not a lot of controls + the mod wheel is a joystick that gets back to its initial position when you leave it.
My favorite 49 key controller is the Akai Max49 if you are cool with touch faders over knobs. I love it, but I am using DSI MEK as controller due to limited space and love of Evolver
I have the same. SL mk3 is fantastic in the studio!
With the Keystep and one of my Elektron boxes, Blofeld or Pulse 2 plugged in to the battery below I can sit in the garden with a pair of headphones and noodle in the sun.
Tu m’avais déjà convaincu devant la bête, quels sont les inconvénients ? Oups. English only.
You already convinced me in front of the beast, what are the caveats?
Channel and poly aftertouch?
Does DN uses channel or poly aftertouch
What about older versions?
I already have a Taktile 49 and a SSL90, but I’d like aftertouch.
I own an Arturia BeatStep Pro and it’s amazing; tons of knobs, all assignable to different midi channels. The main downside is not being able to sequence poly. From what I can tell, the Keystep packs a bunch of similar functionality and the KeyStep Pro even more (but fewer knobs vs the BSP).
Of course if you’re just looking for 49 keys and a bunch of knobs, it might not be as exciting for you, but I’m a huge fan of these newer Arturia sequencers.
Hi gang! Reviving this thread. I’ve just purchased a new Digitone and am looking for a compact 4-octave keyboard controller that I can use with it (as well as with other synths and gizmos).
I was originally going to purchase a Korg MicroKey-49 or a M-Audio Oxygen49. And I see someone earlier in this thread suggesting an Akai Max49. However, it seems like none of these will work with the Digitone, right? They all send MIDI strictly via USB-B, not via 5-pin DIN – and so I think they would need a USB “host” such as as computer or ipad in order to work as a Digitone controller.
The best option I’ve found is the Roland A-49, which has a DIN out – so I am guessing it will work.
Questions for y’all:
• Am I understanding this correctly?
• Can you suggest any other simple controllers that might fit my needs?
I would like to advocate for the A-01. which is small, but very close to the same height of the DN as well as having 5 pin MIDI. I find using auto channel is perfect for my jamuary needs.
