(New?) compact, inexpensive keyboard controllers
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 20
  1. #1
    Tech Guru Lambox's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Chicago
    Posts
    1,245

    Default (New?) compact, inexpensive keyboard controllers

    It's about time again where I start looking to buy some new gear, and after a quick search on Musicians Friend, I found a couple what I think are new midi controllers (specifically keyboard controllers).

    I was wondering if anyone has any experience with these.

    The Akai looks especially cool. Keys, pads and knobs for $99!?

    (In no particular order)

    Alesis Q25 - $99

    http://keyboards-midi.musiciansfrien...ler?sku=H68165

    Akai MPK Mini Laptop Production Keyboard - $99

    (Looks like it's not available til later this month.)
    http://keyboards-midi.musiciansfrien...ard?sku=H68164

    Kork MicroKey USB Midi Keyboard - $99

    http://keyboards-midi.musiciansfrien...ard?sku=H68510
    LamboxMusic.com
    Newest release: A Pimp's Overture in B-Flat Minor
    Check out my free "Robo Rhythm" EP: Here

    Soundcloud - Facebook - Twitter

  2. #2
    Schreiberie Meister Afterhour Ali's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Tekki's crotch
    Posts
    1,598

    Default

    I can recommend the MPK Mini. The keys are nice for a device of that size.
    What do you want to do with the keyboard.

    I also love the (much bigger though) Axiom 25:

    DJDiscourse.com — the new DJ community

  3. #3
    Tech Guru Lambox's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Chicago
    Posts
    1,245

    Default

    The Axiom is definitely something I was also considering! A little bit outside my price range at this point, thought.

    Quote Originally Posted by HedgeHog View Post
    What do you want to do with the keyboard.
    For the most part, I'll be using it for production, putting together melodies, that kinda thing. Knowing scales and keys and using the piano roll works, but it's not the most natural thing in the world.

    There's also a possibility that I would be using the controller in live settings.
    LamboxMusic.com
    Newest release: A Pimp's Overture in B-Flat Minor
    Check out my free "Robo Rhythm" EP: Here

    Soundcloud - Facebook - Twitter

  4. #4
    Schreiberie Meister Afterhour Ali's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Tekki's crotch
    Posts
    1,598

    Default

    In a live-environment everything with more than 25 or 37 keys would probably end up being too big.
    For production at least 49 keys or more should be better for you. This is a tough one. I'm selling my Korg Kontrol49 on eBay right now and now playing one hand after another in productions with the Axiom 25.
    I can recommend the Axiom. The keys feel very good.
    DJDiscourse.com — the new DJ community

  5. #5
    Tech Guru Lambox's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Chicago
    Posts
    1,245

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by HedgeHog View Post
    In a live-environment everything with more than 25 or 37 keys would probably end up being too big.
    For production at least 49 keys or more should be better for you. This is a tough one. I'm selling my Korg Kontrol49 on eBay right now and now playing one hand after another in productions with the Axiom 25.
    I can recommend the Axiom. The keys feel very good.
    Ideally, it would be nice to have a full-size keyboard, but it really isn't necessary for me. For one thing, I'm no keyboardist. I just want to be able to play out some simple (one handed for the most part) melodies. I can add in any harmony later on.

    Maybe I'll just have to suck it up and drop the money for the Axiom.
    LamboxMusic.com
    Newest release: A Pimp's Overture in B-Flat Minor
    Check out my free "Robo Rhythm" EP: Here

    Soundcloud - Facebook - Twitter

  6. #6
    Schreiberie Meister Afterhour Ali's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Tekki's crotch
    Posts
    1,598

    Default

    What does it go for currently?
    DJDiscourse.com — the new DJ community

  7. #7
    Tech Guru Lambox's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Chicago
    Posts
    1,245

    Default

    Hmm... Looks like they're about $250. A far cry from the $99 price tag on the Mini Akai.

    http://www.guitarcenter.com/M-Audio-...66-i1532543.gc
    LamboxMusic.com
    Newest release: A Pimp's Overture in B-Flat Minor
    Check out my free "Robo Rhythm" EP: Here

    Soundcloud - Facebook - Twitter

  8. #8
    Schreiberie Meister Afterhour Ali's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Tekki's crotch
    Posts
    1,598

    Default

    Ugh, thats a lot. I got mine used for 120€ one year ago.
    You need to decide ultra-portable and cheap or portable and real keys.

    My mom always said: "You have to be able to afford buying cheap stuff"
    Its a German saying and I really don't know how to transfer it properly into English.

    It also doesn't really fit in here, because the quality of the MPK Mini is also good, but the Axiom is better playable.

    Have you also looked into the M-Audio Oxygen? They are dirt cheap and should be ok for the start.
    DJDiscourse.com — the new DJ community

  9. #9
    Tech Mentor
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Duluth, Minnesota
    Posts
    139

    Default

    Akai MPD24
    150$
    16 pads
    6 faders
    8 360* knobs

    ----
    my bad, didnt realize you needed the keyboard.

  10. #10
    Schreiberie Meister Afterhour Ali's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Tekki's crotch
    Posts
    1,598

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by ChrisEPIC View Post
    Akai MPD24
    150$
    16 pads
    6 faders
    8 360* knobs
    Have you read the topic's title?
    DJDiscourse.com — the new DJ community

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •