My choices in MIDI keyboard, DAW, and piano samples (and why)

Fresh from the mailbag! Theo thoughtfully asks:

I'm wondering what midi keyboard(s) you use to create music. I see that it's a full sized M-Audio in the "How to play romantic piano" video.

I've purchased a M-Audio Axiom 49 and have been having a lot of fun with it, and now I'm considering an upgrade. Can you give me some suggestions? I use FL Studio and play around with different software instruments (orchestral, synth, etc.) But recently I've been learning to play the piano (from your videos!) and would really like a full-sized one. I understand that good ones can be a little pricey, but if it's worth it I'll be willing to spend a couple hundred.

I stumbled across your videos on YouTube and have watched a lot of your video tutorials. Thank you for the videos – they've inspired me to create music!

First off Theo, I'm glad my videos have inspired you — that's exactly their purpose, to unleash your creativity. And as I've done before, I'm happy to share what equipment I use, and as time passes, I'll likely be providing updates.

That controller is an M-Audio Keystation 88ES.

As with any equipment buying decision, why this particular model? How does it match me? I was looking for a semi-weighted, 88-key controller that had NO fancy knobs or sliders. I've a few external slider/knob boxes and I use the cheap (US$50-60) Korg nanoKONTROL a lot. I currently don't gig live, so flexibility is more important to me than all-in-oneness (at the other end of the scale, Open Labs' rigs).

I'm peculiar in that many people with 88 keys also want hammer-graded action — they're looking for a piano-like experience. If you're practicing for strength or simply want that heavy feel, then yes, that's the way to go. Also ask yourself why you want more keys over the Axiom; if it's because you're playing ambitious arrangements, that's a fine reason. If possible, test before you buy, and buy from a place with a good return policy. "Hammer" feel varies greatly from one model to another and it's highly individual. (Over a decade ago, I had an Alesis QS8 which was the most affordable in its class, but its keys gradually got wonky over time and don't compare to, say, the latest Yamahas and Rolands.)

Also related which may be of use, my appreciably controversial article from earlier, "Pianos cost too much? Get a synth!"

That being said, unless you find an exceptional deal, full-sized (88 keys) controllers with weighted action tend to be in the US$500 range or more. I'm aware M-Audio introduced the Keystation Pro 88 several years ago which has approached $200 on eBay; I only touched it briefly but I wasn't charmed by its action or overall size. And measure your workspace before you get this new addition to the studio, or it may interfere with your computer keyboard and other stuff.

I have no experience with FL Studio, and have only heard of artists who enjoy it greatly.

I chose Ableton Live,

in part because of their company culture, which reflects on this DAW's unique paradigm. I look deep into an individual or company's personality before I commit to buying, and Ableton's minimalist approach to user interface has been the most amenable in terms of getting ideas down fast, which is one of the most important things for me. (Maybe I'm starting to sound suspiciously Wendy Carlosian.) Again, flexibility strikes here, because Live allows — as the name suggests — so much realtime tweaking and experimentation. Being able to group tracks, preset management, macro handling, MIDI mapping, and more in Ableton Live 8 Suite (which I have) are so in tune with my own style. It was still a mental shift from my fave sequencer of the 90s, Opcode Studio Vision, but I've made the transition. I tried Logic for awhile but unlike some esteemed peers, just couldn't sit with it for long periods of time. I don't put blame out there, I just find tools that suit me and hope I can help their makers make them better. (I file bug reports, do beta testing for some software, etc.)

Live is also lovely for mashups and remixes as I've done. All those were made in Live.

Like controllers and DAW choice,

piano samples are highly individualistic.

I grew up on a real Yamaha grand so of course my ears are biased towards that. I also like bass-heavy 9-foots and and out-of-tune uprights. My current 3 fave piano sounds are:

1. Native Instruments Akoustik – Mostly for the Bosendorfer grand; the Bechstein is too brittle for me. I like ample key click and pedal release noises. This is part of the awesome Komplete 5 $399 bundle that's still on for a little while.
2. Imperfect Samples' Braunschweig Upright – Used all over Holidium. A personality so strong that I regard it like a master comedian — remember every punchine. The guy who made it, Matt Stedeford, is very helpful. Naturally, I endorse it.
3. Live's bundled Ballroom Piano – I think this is what it's called, part of the EIC? Surprised me that the dynamics on this could ring out. I did some Rachmaninoffian tones and they sparkled with a great concert reverb, and it has a macro control which can detune it. Again, character.

And coupled with those, even the best piano sounds are incomplete without space. I have this deep, intense passion for Audio Ease Speakerphone. It's one of the more expensive plugins out there for the pro-turned-hobbyist like myself (music used to be my fulltime thing), yet indelibly exquisite. This thing does versatile environment simulation so beautifully, plus many "dirty" effects from vinyl warble to background murmurs, and I often put my pianos in one of its spaces to travel myself.

Despite the many choices out there, the best tools for you are the ones you flow with, that you can find your happiness and creativity through. There is simply nothing less worth settling for! And, hope this helps.