recommendations for keyboards

[dj]

Hi, nj:

Notation Software products are aimed at creating traditional notation and not so much at producing the musical sounds. You need a synthesizer/sampler of some kind as a sound source.

A midi controller keyboard like the Keystation line is not going to be the best solution for Notation Composer, as it has no sound engine of its own.

Also, I would think that the "mini" of the Mini32 you tried implies small keys, which don't work well when you're playing and recording live.

For about the same price, you could find a consumer oriented keyboard (Casio, Yamaha, etc.) that lets you do midi input and playback and provides a variety of decent General Midi sounds. Look for 61 full-size keys, midi in and out and headphone or line-out jack you can record from.

If you check garage sales and Kijiji, you might be able to find one for $20 or so.

Good luck.

David