Slightly overwhelmed by options. I don’t really like using my Minifreak as a midi controller, I’d like full size keys. Integration with Ableton would be great and I suppose having its own power supply as I’d like to hook it up to synth modules.
I might get piano lessons soon too, so something to practice that on (though I don’t intend to become a virtuoso- just want to improve my skills.
Videos
I’m checking out the Roland A-49 and Arturia Keylab
as the title says : Im looking for a new 49 key midi keyboard. DAW integration is not really important to me. The keys need to feel premium though. Can't really find good weighted key solutions, except the S88, but it just doesnt fit on my desk.
You're not going to find premium weighted keybeds on a 49 key. Akai MPK controllers are semi-weighted, that's about as close as it gets. You won't get weighted keys unless you're buying an 88 key controller.
MAudio Keystation. Ugly as hell, but the keys are full size and weighted very similar to a piano. I ended up going with the Keystation 61. Go try it out at your local Guitar Center, you won't be disappointed in it, except for the look. I think the Code series has piano style keys at 49, not sure though.
Read the reviews on Amazon, people rave for how great it feels. My keys are slightly squeaky but I don't usually notice with headphones on. I got their sustain pedal too, feels very nice.
I can't stand "synth" keys. When I tried to learn piano more I couldn't use any smaller sized keyboard controller, which unfortunately is like 80% of them. The piano style controller for electronic producers is an under served market imo.
I'm a classical composer mainly, so most of what I'll be using the keyboard for is working out chords & writing in melodies & string pads and the like. I can't fit a full sized keyboard in my desktop setup, so a 49 or 61 key keyboard would be ideal. I mostly write in Sibelius but I do some work in Cubase also.
I don't particularly need any of the fancy features that most keyboards advertise, drum pads, faders, etc. I'm just looking for something that gets as close as reasonably possible to emulating an acoustic piano. Doesn't have to be super fancy hammer action or anything, just something that doesn't feel cheap - I'm aware I'm not going to be emulating a real instrument at this price point. Not against any fancy knobs and sliders of course, I just don't really need them.
My budget is ~£350 (~$450), either new or used. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
You won't get something that feels like an acoustic piano, in the sense of graded hammer weighted action, with that number of keys. A few have 73 or 76 keys, but most have 88. The main benefit of hammer action is if you are a confident piano player and are used to getting the velocity expression it offers; if not, where notes are what matter the most, I'd say synth action keys will be easier to get in your price and size range while also being perfectly usable for your purpose.
S49 for $650. Save up.
Want to hear from real users about opinions and feedback before making a purchase. 49 key is my sweet spot. Can't really take the AKAI MPK249 because of limited vertical space on my desk. So my options are:
Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 MK3 (or previous generations, I don't really know the difference)
Novation Launchkey 49 MK3
Nektar Impact LX49+
All are around $200 for new sales.
User case will be sitting on my desk and controlling Cubase for music production. Won't gig on it as I have an 88 key for piano style playing or recording already.
Question 1: new or used? I generally have positive experience with used synths, but didn't use midi keyboards a lot.
Question 2: are the software packages important? I already have my DAW so the Ableton does not matter anyway. I see the Arturia Keylab comes with their Analog Lab V and the Nektar also offers a few plugins. But since I already own a Komplete bundle, I wonder how much extra value they will actually add.
Thanks for your attention.
I'm looking for a good 49 key midi keyboard (USB preferably) under 100 dollars. I've never owned a midi keyboard before, but know how to play piano. If anyone has any recommendations, please let me know. Thanks!
Hey, so I'm looking to buying a new MIDI Keyboard for both learning keyboard and possibly produce new music with it, and I need some recommendation right now. I'm looking for MIDI Keyboard with 49 keys with price between 200$ - 300$. I'm not looking for deep integration with FL Studio and stuffs, I just need it to work well with FL Studio and customizable if it can.
I was considering between Novation Launchkey MK3 and Arturia Keylab Essential, since they're both looks nice and Keylab seems appealing with the software bundle. But I don't understand much about the features it self, so uh, please help recommend some good keyboard. Thanks in advance!
I have the Keystation 49 (100€), and although it does not have that nice piano feeling, I'm quit satisfied with it. But like you, I'm looking for a new Midi controller but with 88 Keys, maybe I'm going to get an EPiano...
I own a NektarSE49 and it only costed me $100 USD
My main goal is to get into music production. I want to create beats like Kaytranada, Fred Again. However, I also want to learn piano so that I can play music from movies, shows, follow any sheet music and allow me to better understand music theory and fundamentals.
By browsing here here and in other subreddits I understood that getting a weighted 88 key keyboard is optimal, and I did want to get the Arturia KeyLab 88, but my budget for now is around $250.
My current options are:
Arturia Keylab 49 Essential Controller Keyboard
Novation Launchkey 49 [MK3]
Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 Controller Keyboard
Should I go for a 49 Key MIDI Keyboard now or wait a year and get a weighted 88 key MIDI like Arturia KeyLab 88 a year later?
If I learn piano on a MIDI keyboard, will it help me get attuned with the MIDI Keyboard more fluently? Or should I go about learning piano and music production on separate devices.
Should I increase my budget a little and get a 61 key version? How much of a difference will this make for me in learning piano?
If anyone used MIDI keyboard to learn piano, I would love to know about your experience and any recommendations on resources.
Ideally between the $100-300 range.
I realize there is a lot of posts and writeups on this, but I wasn't sure if something more recent has come out...]
Candidates seem to be...
MPk49 vs. Novation Impulse 49. Of the two I'm leaning towards the impulse...
Seems like opinions on forums of this go back and forth forever.
I'm an ableton user, and I think my biggest concern is compatibility with Ableton, as I realize in this price range the build quality and key quality is gonna be a bit compromised. I tried setting up my buddies Arturia with Ableton and it was like 3 hours of hell and it never got working properly.
Suggestions? Any other candidates that have popped up? Thanks.
My MPK249 has served me well so far and is very compatible with Ableton. It actually has an ableton preset for key mapping and such.
SL MKII, for luxury of the keybed and additional features. Automap templates are quite in depth, and it works REALLY well with the Ableton plugins. You can see each of the parameters and page through the blocks or groups. Some stuff isn't feasible, like changing or drawing waveforms in operator, but the overall integration and support of 3rd part vsts won me over. The transport and mixer controls are also nice, as you can adjust individual sends, pans, and overall levels with the faders.
Its also a really solid keyboard, can be had for pretty damn cheap, and has enough tweakability that you can get lost in it. I've already managed to make custom templates for my JV-1080 and JD-Xi, which were painful to make only because sysex is mean.
The only problem, I guess, is that you do have to put the effort in to learn to utilize and learn this hardware. Its worth it, especially since you use ableton, but it can be a bit annoying to have to try to learn your hardware.
There’s something about the Roland A-49 that seems meh to me…the NI Komplete is ok, but not sure if it’s compatible with all DAWs…Novation prolly feel cheap too right?
Hi i am looking for a 49key midi keyboard for music production and in the future something i can use to make live performances. I saw it was possible with the akai mpk mini but the amount of keys is a turn off since i also want to learn to play keys i already know some music theory. I digress. Any recommendations on a good midi keyboard something that will last me for years ? I only want to buy once
I know playing on a 49 keys keyboard is heresy for you, and I totally understand that! However:
I am an electronic music producer but I am a beginner in the art of playing the piano, so I will play beginner's pieces
I don't have a lot of room at home
I'm a DJ and I want to take my keyboard on stage to improvise over my songs
The issue I have is that all the quality keyboards recommended on this sub are 88keys. The other thing is that I had master keyboards for 10 years and I recently play on a Roland FP-10 and it was magical. Although, I didn't use the 88 keys at all since I played only beginner stuff.
Price range: under 550$ (I expect to buy second-hand at ~350$)
Could you help me? Thanks!
Hey guys, so right now I’m using an Oxygen 25 MIDI Controller which is a 25 Key MIDI Keyboard with 8 Drum Pads. I recently got into learning Music Theory and have been practicing on it but in my opinion it’s too small for my liking (only has 2 octaves of Keys). I was wondering if you guys could point me to some Good/Cheap MIDI Keyboards that have 49 Keys and Above so I could have more range when making melodies & practicing. Thank you!
Hey guys , lately i have been getting good at arrangement but the one thing i think i lack in is creating melodies spontaneously , as far as my music is concerned , i mainly use chords programmed on midi and notes from a scale chart that is pasted in front of me , i would like to get into a little more organic and natural way for producing music .
So basically should i buy a 49 key , in what ways will it benefit me from a 25 key and lastly i have shortlisted these 2keyboards , if you have had any experience with these , please do share some insight ;(It will be my first piece of hardware after my Headphones and Laptop )
Nektar Impact lx49
Novation Launchkey 25
Akai Pro MPK mini 25
M-AUDIO audio keystation 49es
Dude! You need a keyboard! Wayyyyy better and can expand your music abilities! I have the Novation Launchkey 49 and I love it. It's so big that you don't have to change octaves and the best part is when you link the mod and pitch wheels so you can get dowwwwwwnnnnnn on the sound!!!!
Always go for the biggest one you can afford IMO. Having more room to fool with voicings and etc is really nice. I went from a 25 key mini to a 61 key full size and it effected my creativity significantly more than I originally expected it to.
I'm looking to spend around $200-$240. The three keyboards I've been researching are mainly the new Alesis VI49, the M-Audio Axiom 49 and the Launchkey 49. I was really excited about the new Alesis V/VI line, but the first reviews seem to be disappointed in the cheapness of the keys.
I currently have the Akai MPK25 and the M-Audio Axiom Air 32 Mini and I like both quite a bit. I would like to stick with Akai, but the new MPK249 is almost $400 so it's a bit out of my price range.
Of three above, which would reddit recommend? Or is there another choice I am missing?
I just remembered I had Ableton installed on my laptop, and I'm ready to lay down some sick beats as well as jazzin' it up. HOWEVER, I am lost and I have no idea what I am doing or what I am talking about. I was hoping you guys could help me out and give me some advice and help me avoid stupid mistakes.
I want a solid MIDI keyboard to help me create music. Beat pads are preferred. I would like to have 61 keys, because I intend to use the controller to properly learn piano. Preferably less than $300 as well. Any recommendations are appreciated.
Maybe an Arturia Keylab? Don't sleep on used gear either. That way if you dont like it, you can sell it for the same price you paid.
what do you mean beat pads? You want a MIDI keyboard and a beat pad in the same device?
$300 is a lot too. You should be able to get a weighted keyboard and a separate beat pad for around that price
Hey everyone, I'm currently looking to get a 49 key MIDI keyboard. One question that I'm having is whether to get an all-in-one keyboard, with keys, pads, knobs, etc., or to just focus on getting a quality keyboard only and then buy a pad controller separately, which are the two things I'm mostly interested in (plus the knobs as well).
Basically, what I'm looking for is recommendations on what you consider to be the best all-in-one keyboards or keyboard-only + separate pads/knobs controllers combo. I have a budget of 250€ for everything together. The controllers I currently have listed down are:
All-in-one controllers:
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Alesis V49
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Alesis VI49
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Novation Launchkey 49 Mk2
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Arturia Keylab Essential 49
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Nektar Impakt LX49+
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M-Audio Oxygen 49 Mk4
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M-Audio Code 49
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Novation Impulse 49
Keyboard-only controllers:
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Roland A-49
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Nektar Impact GX 49
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Alesis Q49
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Swissonic EasyKey 49
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M-Audio Keystation 49 Mk2
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Korg microKEY 49 MkII
Pads/knobs controllers:
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Akai LPD 8
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Akai MPX8
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Arturia Beatstep
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Akai MPD 218
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Korg nanoPAD 2 | Korg nanoKONTROL 2