Hello to everyone. Im very new into the digital music scene. A few years ago I messed around with fruity loops on my old windows machine, but that was about it. Now I really would like to get back into it full force, but am not really sure where to start.

I looked around at Sam Ash, and they had a Korg MIDI controller, with software for 99 dollars. I am wondering if that is what I should buy. Correct me if I am wrong, but does the keyboard part just connect to the computer, so you can control whats going on on-screen?

Im looking for where to start. I would like to be able to play synth pop style music, but also be able to do drum and bass every once in a while. I would like to have the freedom to play without my laptop, but also be able to connect to it. (Macbook, OS-X)

I have been going up to Sam Ash and playing around on the Micro Korg with the Vocorder and that thing is just sweet. Could there be something similar to that, but cheaper?

Like I said before, Im very new to this all and would appriciate all of your help. Thanks again.

Hey, I'm not sure which Korg MIDI controller you saw, but if you're diggin it, for starters at $99, it sounds like it would do.

MIDI controllers are things that you plug into devices that use MIDI data. So, with a MIDI controller you could plug into a hardware synthesizer, or in your case, a laptop (given that you've got the right plugs [does this Korg controller use USB or Firewire? If not, you may need to also purchase an audio interface]). You're right, you can use it to control notes and other things in the software you're using so long as the software supports it. Since the controller you were looking at is bundled with software, you're probably alright there.

If you wanted to look at a few alternatives to the MicroKorg, check this site out: http://www.vintagesynth.com/

It's probably most important to start playing around and seeing what happens with what you like. There is a limit, but you can do a lot with simple tools.