88 Key MIDI controller suggestions?

Im running Ardour 8.7 with Ubuntu. Im looking for suggestions on an 88 key controller that works with Ardour, with minimal fuss or setup. Preferably with semi weighted synth action style keys. Extras like DAW control or drum pads are welcome. Any models I should be looking for? Any to avoid? Thanks

I don’t have much experience with MIDI hardware, or MIDI in general, but any USB class compliant device should function on Linux. I have an older model M-Audio Axiom 25 controller with semi-weighted keys and some pads, knobs, and record/play/stop buttons on it, and it seems to work as expected in Ardour on Linux. Admittedly, I haven’t done much with it beyond the basics, so take that at face value, but the keys sound notes, the pads play drums, and the buttons start and stop the transport. M-Audio’s Keystation 88 model is class compliant and could be an option for you, but I have no firsthand experience with it and cannot vouch for that model specifically. I can just say that my old M-Audio Axiom 25 is still hanging in there, no worse for wear, so depending on your needs that manufacturer could be one to consider. Others will surely chime in with more educated opinions, but those are my two cents.

A link to a review of the model I own, written in 2006:

While looking for 88 key controller with semi weighted keys and some drum pads, I’ve come to two interesting options: Novation Launchkey 88 and Nektar Impact LX88+. Both are good options, but I’d choose Launchkey because I like it’s design better, and Ardour has support for other Novation products (Launchpad).
As GuntherT said, any USB class compliant device should function on Linux

Hello,
If it is not for professional use, maybe you can give an eye to studiologic, the stuff is quite solid, with somehow, a correct feel under the fingers and the prices are in a « hobbyist » range.
Otherwise, if it is for working, it seems that most part of the people around me are using Roland in studios and Nord lead on stage( though the Nord lead has also internal samples)
Just my two cents.

I’d hazard a guess that “minimal fuss or setup” means you want to maybe select a MIDI map (so that you could use e.g. transport controls) once and never do it again.

As far as I can tell, we have no ready-to-use MIDI maps for 88-key units of any manufacturer. That said, creating a MIDI map is trivial, so any class-compliant MIDI keyboard should generally be ok.

Personally, I only have experience with Novation and Arturia. Both are generally ok and have 88-key models.

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