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[Bildocube]

As the title suggests this is a moronic question but I thought I'd ask it anyway. I'm looking into getting a Roland MIDI Controller (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=key/search/bigpid/base_id/54345/) to use with, you guessed it: GarageBand. Now there are also some nice keyboards out there I want also. So, as the title suggests, what is the difference between a MIDI Controller and a Keyboard?

 

[Argyle]

As the title suggests this is a moronic question but I thought I'd ask it anyway. I'm looking into getting a Roland MIDI Controller (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=key/search/bigpid/base_id/54345/) to use with, you guessed it: GarageBand. Now there are also some nice keyboards out there I want also. So, as the title suggests, what is the difference between a MIDI Controller and a Keyboard?

Isn't a controller just a controller, where as a keyboard would probably also have some kind of sound generation hardware in it? (that is - a controller has to be hooked up to a synth, but a keyboard has the synth built in...)

 

[DopeyFish]

a midi keyboard is a controller.

 

[UtadaBarkley]

a midi keyboard is a controller.

True, but there are reasons why they make keyboards with built in midi functionality, and there's a reason why they make "midi controllers".

If you're REALLY into your music, and you're taking it seriously, you're probably going to want to invest in a controller instead of just using your keyboard as a controller. Why? Well to put it simple, controllers have a much smaller footprint, and can sit in you lap while you compose your work on whatever audio sequencing program you're using -- in your case Garage Band. You don't knwo how irritating it is to work on a song for hours on end, while standing or sitting in front of a monstrosity of a keyboard. It's easier to just place a controller in your lap, and go to town.

Midi controllers also have features specifically designed around inputting information into sequencing programs (ie pads, etc). I recommend a controller over a keyboard. If money is a problem, and this is just something you're playing around with or experimenting with, using a keyboard is fine. You can always invest in a proper controller at a later time.


BTW I recommend the controllers from M-Audio, fine pieces of work they are.