Connecting a keyboard to reason

Yeah sorry for being a huge noob but i'm asking for a midi keyboard for xmas, i'm thinking something portable like 2 octaves, and i'm going to connect it to reason.

If i just get something that has a usb connection will it all work out or is there more i need to know about keyboard types etc?

again sorry for my extreme incopetency

USB is fine.

alright sick, any brand reccommendations? I want something half decent quality really just something that isnt going to flake on me

my edirol pcr 90 was like 80 quid and has done me fine for years.

word, i have an edirol too.

Yeah Edirol's are fine, a little plasticcy but unless you're particulary heavy handed (or knock them on the floor like the fucking idiot I am with the slightly more expensive PCR-500) you'll be grand.

m-audio oxygen also a good option. also a bit "plasticcy", but it comes with plenty of knobs and will do what you need it to do.

whatever controller you get, you will need to make sure that you have the latest drivers installed. the controller should come with a cd-rom containing the drivers. you can also get the from the mfr's web site (which is better because they will likely be more recent than whatever comes on the cd).

after that, all you need to do is go into "preferences" in reason and find and assign your keyboard controller.

have fun

the new Akai pro controllers look sexy... but may be pricey.

do not buy an m-audio keyboard, i have owned 3 and all of them have had the power cable connection come un-soldered from the board

mine is usb powered. haven't had any problems

yeah who the hell uses the power conection

yeah, I just got an Oxygen 49 for Christmas, and I'm super stoked to start using it. Word to LOL Alzado's comment: you have to go through Reason preferences and recognize the controller, or it will not work (learned this the hard way making a track with a DJ friend in Denver)