Midi controller question...

[BassIsPrettyCool]

Hey everyone. I'm looking to buy a cheap midi controller to use with programs I have on my computer. I have a Mac and I want to spend as little as possible, so I'm probably getting the M-Audio Oxygen8.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/MAudio-Oxygen8-v2-25Key-Mobile-USB-Controller?sku=706310

What I was wondering is if I could play this keyboard through an amp like a regular synthesizer. Does it only work if it is plugged into a computer and controlling midis? Sorry if that makes no sense, but if you get what I mean, any responses would be appreciated. Thanks.

[We_Love_Lime]

It does only work if plugged in a computer ( I have it ).
But theres a input that says MIDI Out, so I don't know what that can do for you (Sorry I'm not more knowledgebale)
That said, it's a very good controller for the price.

[BassIsPrettyCool]

^Thanks for the help.

[Thanks]

It's just a controller. Like a mouse or a keyboard, it tells your computer what to do. Also, it can send midi messages to other midi-enabled instruments, such as modern (post-1984) synthesizers and drum machines via the "midi out" port.

[Glimmer]

I have my Roland 76 key controller midi-out cable going through an Edirol USB sound module which is then output to whatever amplification is desired (at the moment Yamaha PC speakers & sub).

Here's the catch....

My A33 controller is quite old and only sends General System (GS) codes to the module so I'll only get that limited soundset if I just use the controller on its own.

However because the sound module is General Midi 2 and XG compatible I can use a laptop with midi software (Cakewalk in my case) to tap into extra banks.

If you do get a controller second-hand try and make sure its GM2 compatible at the very least to make life a bit easier.

[mutant!]

To answer your question: the Oxygen is literally just a keyboard, a set of keys that do nothing except send note data out the MIDI and USB ports. To make it make sounds, you need a sound module. If the Oxygen is plugged into your PC, then some piece of software is your sound module. If the Oxygen is plugged into a synth, then the synth is the sound module.