Need advice on budget MIDI controller

[Atmospheric]

I'm thinking of picking up an M-Audio Oxygen 25.

I just need something to trigger drum samples or play simple parts realtime. I program more complex stuff.

The Oxygen looks like it will fit the bill and is pretty reasonable, but it doesn't have pads. Is there another budget controller in that price range with pads?

Any experiences (good or bad) with the Oxygen?

Thanks.

[forestryguy]

My son does some nice work in his budget studio with the M-Audio Axiom 25. It is more costly than the Oxygen, but has pads. He tells me, however, that he doesn't use the pads that much.

[Amp360]

I have had a thrift store casio for years. Cost me $5.00.

I'm not a piano player so I don't care about the action. Plus I have nice rack stuff (Kurzweil, Yamaha, Korg) and VIs to trigger.

[Atmospheric]

How much I would actually use the pads.

I suppose that I could always pick up a Korg Nanopad later.

Thanks.

My son does some nice work in his budget studio with the M-Audio Axiom 25. It is more costly than the Oxygen, but has pads. He tells me, however, that he doesn't use the pads that much.

[Atmospheric]

Although, I don't have a DIN MIDI port. I need something USB.

I have had a thrift store casio for years. Cost me $5.00.

I'm not a piano player so I don't care about the action. Plus I have nice rack stuff (Kurzweil, Yamaha, Korg) and VIs to trigger.

[mcwhip101]

I have the Axiom 25. It's great. Much better quality than the Oxygen. I would say that's where the value is.