MIDI Controller, Brief Explanation Please?

Pretty much what the thread title states. I think I kind of understand it's use, although I'm not entirely sure. Can someone please elaborate on a MIDI controller, I plan on purchasing one to use along with FL studio. Also, if anyone can tell me any good brands that are not very pricey that would be great.

Thanks!

What kind of MIDI controller are you looking at?
Keyboard, nobs and sliders?
Also, what's your budget?

a MIDI controller is hardware to control your software

get an M-Audio

Looking for a keyboard. My birthday is rolling around soon and plan on getting a huge wad of cash, around $600-700.

Thanks!

Another question, a bit irrelevant. I plan on buying a different sequencer than FL studio. I've heard great things about Cubase as well Logic, but I'm not sure what the better of the two are. Which sequencer would be the overall better purchase?

get Acid Pro

Download demo's of both Cubase and Logic (you have a Mac right?) and see which one would suit you.
You can pick up some good MIDI keyboards for under $500.

Have a look at these:

Akai MPK 49-key (also has pads like the MPC/MPD)
Akai MPK49 49-Key MIDI Controller from zZounds.com!

CME UF60 61-key
CME UF60 61-Key Controller from zZounds.com!

M-Audio Keystation 88 Pro 88-key
M-Audio Keystation 88 Pro 88-Key Controller from zZounds.com!

Novation 61SL 61-key
Novation Remote 61SL 61-Key USB Controller Keyboard with AutoMap from zZounds.com!

Wow, thanks! No, I don't have a Mac :(. Did some research and found out that Logic is exclusive to Mac, so that's out of the question. Wish I had the money to drop for a Mac.

^^^thats what I got^^^
get that!!! best keyboard for the price, my dude was trying to trade me his Triton for it...

if your looking for a good multi-track recording sequencer I would say go with Sonar, but only if you have a good computer. if not I would say get Acid Pro... its all really personal prefrence & up to you...

LOL
His Triton?
He could sell it and buy one.

yeah he could sell it & probably buy 2

Thanks for all the information guys, really appreciate it. One last question, can anyone link me to a thorough explanation of MIDI. I was advised by a another production website not to purchase anything unless I do extensive research for it. I would like to get a firm grasp of what MIDI is and it's function.

As far as sequencers, I think I may end up getting Cubase, but I'm still experimenting and doing research.

Once again, thanks! Big help

Sorry for the double post but I found this MIDI controller:

M-Audio KeyRig 49 from zZounds.com!

Good? I mean, it's $99 compared to the one's you had listed for me haha. I mean, I'm willing to for over my entire budget, but if I can save $400 with this one then I would be happy. I'm not looking for the cheap way out haha but in the same sense, I'm a novice. Appreciate it, thanks.

Haven't used that, so I can't really say if it's good, but it will do the job just fine.

Here's a good explanation of MIDI:

MIDI 101 by TweakHeadz Lab (really good)
MIDI overview

Alright thanks a bunch man. You guys have been great. Expect some stuff outta me in the near future!