Toying with an idea, and looking for some suggestions to dig into.
I have the Keystep 32 already, and it is great as a travel keyboard. The primary function I use on it is the ability to quickly switch the MIDI channel output, so I can use it to control multiple different synths in quick succession, mostly for inputting sequences into my Elektron sequencers. Nice enough keys, but no knobs, faders, or pads. However, there are times when I want it to be a stand-alone synth as well. My inclination is to pick up the Nanobox Fireball and just dual-lock tape it to the Keystep, pretend it is a self-contained synth. But then I'll be dealing with a bunch of cables and an external battery and I know it won't actually be that portable.
So I'm thinking, perhaps I should get a similar sized keyboard that can function as a nice MIDI controller for my main setup (which is Digitone, Syntakt, Blackbox, and sometimes Typhon), that can also stand-alone as a synth for a simpler setup. Thanks to the Blackbox MIDI host capabilities, I can use USB MIDI, but I still prefer having the option of 5 PIN or TRS MIDI too.
I've tried this once before with the Reface CS, which wasn't that great as the faders couldn't send MIDI CC, and changing MIDI channels was difficult indeed. So great synth, not great MIDI controller. I assume the rest of the Reface series will be similar.
Others I'm curious about, as they seem like the right size and shape:
- Hydrasynth Explorer (perhaps a bit large, but probably the best synth in this category
- Cobalt 5S
- Microfreak (unconventional keys but seems robust and portable)
- Maybe something older like a Microkorg?
As far as synthesis capabilities, I probably won't be too picky, as I already have all the synthesis depth and methods I could ever want with the Digitone and Syntakt combo. So I'm seeing this more as a MIDI controller with standalone synth capabilities as a little bonus feature.
Nice to haves:
- USB power option
- audio over USB option (without terrible ground loop noise)
- USB MIDI
- arpeggiator
- nice mod/pitch wheel or touch strips
- internal battery option
- decent onboard effects
- MPE stuff?
Stuff I don't care about
- Onboard sequencer (I won't use it anyway)
- Aftertouch (I've never found much use for it)
Anyone using a compact synth primarily as a MIDI controller and liking it as much or more than a dedicated MIDI controller like the Keystep?
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