title. Just want something simple to control some of the synth software I have.

How many keys ya be needin' mon?

Synth action or semi-weighted action, and how much in the way of control features are you looking for? (Re: actions, synth action, think MicroKorg, semi-weighted think Alesis QS, for things I know you're familiar with. Though the QS8 might be full-weighted (piano) action if I'm remembering right?)

I'd give the Novation stuff a look. The control features are cool, plus the included Automap software gives you nice control over other plugins with little or no tweaks- tons of stuff is already mapped, stock. I have a Novation Xio, which has a hardware synth- essentially a Novation A-Station/Bass Station- on board, but the stuff that doesn't comes with the V-Station software which does the same stuff and'll load all the same patches. (The Xio doesn't support Automap, unfortunately, though.) They're really cool sounding, and I use mine a ton for dancier stuff. It also has a cool A/B/X/Y touchpad controller that can really fuck up filters in realtime.

I've liked the Akai controllers I've played around with as well. And anything with drum machine pads on it is good times. The M-Audio stuff, I've only really spent time with the real small ones, so I can't comment much there.

I was thinking something like this or similar to this.

http://www.guitarcenter.com/M-Audio-Key ... 1321388.gc

Eric: I like the fast synth action of the microkorg. Pretty sure the qs8 are full weighted.