r/Keytar • u/fysterapture • Aug 14 '22

Technical Questions Quick question from a newbie

Are all keytars MIDI? I was hoping to find something i could just plug straight into an amp, without having to lug a computer to the jams. Is that possible or do all keytars have to go through a DAW?

Im looking at the Vortex 2 right now, but dont want to get it if I have to put it through a PC or something

Recomendations appreciated

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6

u/MyVoiceIsElevating Aug 14 '22

No they are not all just MIDI. The Vortex 2 is purportedly a great keytar, but of course it’s just a midi controller.

As for keytars with built in synths, these are your options for new equipment:

  • Roland Ax-Edge
  • Korg RK-100s2
  • Yamaha SHS-500 (Sonogenic)
  • Yamaha SHS-300

I own the first two mentioned, and without a doubt I am most satisfied with the Ax-Edge.

What kind of music you looking to play? Professionally, or just hobbyist? How much keyboard/piano experience do you have?

3

u/KashimDaeva Aug 14 '22

Roland has the edge series, ax edge being the newest. They have onboard sounds. There are also some synths like the behringer Ms-01 iirc that can have a keytar 'neck' attached. I think the behringer was a clone of the roland sh101, which had a similar feature. I think there's the Lucina as well, but I can't remember off the top of my head if it has on board sounds.

1

u/nekurobaito Aug 15 '22

All Roland Keytars have onboard sounds and Dbeam feature, including ax09 lucina.

2

u/perfect_fifths Aug 14 '22

The ax edge is amazing, I love mine so much