# Keyboard for Production **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Tags:** production, akai, keyboard, equipment, music\ **Created:** [August 2, 2013, 9:49pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/keyboard-for-production/59326 "2013-08-02T21:49:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Nitrotix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/67e7ee/32.png) [@Nitrotix](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/Nitrotix)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2013, 9:49pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/keyboard-for-production/59326/1 "2013-08-02T21:49:33Z")
**Keyboard for Production** So I am slowly moving into production as I have many ideas for song beats in my head. I am looking for beginner midi keyboards, but don’t know much about them. I know that i want at 25 key or 49 key keyboard, but nothing bigger. I also have a budget of $400. Any suggestions or advice would be great! 😃 I also have a AKAI APC40 and a AKAI EIE IO PRO 🎉 ---
**Author:** ![Erik\_Mitchell](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/erik_mitchell/32/12745_2.png) [@Erik\_Mitchell](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/Erik_Mitchell)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2013, 9:58pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/keyboard-for-production/59326/2 "2013-08-02T21:58:58Z")
You might be interested in a Roland A49. Pretty minimal design. I don’t think you would need any additional faders, pads, or knobs since you already have an APC40 Less than a couple hundo ---
**Author:** ![DJMutagen](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/djmutagen/32/10340_2.png) [@DJMutagen](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/DJMutagen)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2013, 7:14pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/keyboard-for-production/59326/3 "2013-08-03T19:14:00Z")
Dude, I started with an M-Audio Keystation 49e. Basic, $129 when it came out, got the job done. If you want a 49 key that is just that, I’d suggest this one. ---
**Author:** ![botstein](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/botstein/32/14075_2.png) [@botstein](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/botstein)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2013, 7:45pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/keyboard-for-production/59326/4 "2013-08-03T19:45:39Z")
I like Novation keyboards. I have not had a good experience with M-Audio and would not recommend any of their products. The SL mk2 is their top-of-the-line: Novation 25 SL mkii Then there’s the Impulse: Novation Impulse 49 Novation Impulse 25 Then there’s Launchkey, which is new and affordable. Novation Launchkey 49 Novation Launchkey 25 There’s also QuNexus from KMI, which is a little different, but very flexible, powerful, and a lot of fun. Enjoy! ---
**Author:** ![Nitrotix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/67e7ee/32.png) [@Nitrotix](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/Nitrotix)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2013, 8:25pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/keyboard-for-production/59326/5 "2013-08-03T20:25:33Z")
Yeah, I was looking at the Novation Impulse & Launchkey, Probably gonna go with one of those. Looks great as an intermediate keyboard. I used to play, years ago, but the notes are somewhere in my head so it shouldn’t be that hard learning them again. 🎉 Thanks! I will post pictures of my updated studio > **[Nitrotix Bedroom Studio / Workspace](https://forum.djtechtools.com/showthread.php?t=72156)** > > Hello! > > I started getting into DJ'ing last year and since then I have put a lot of wok into the effort. I re-did my desk space to create this basic studio/mixing station. :D > > I recently purchased the EIE Pro as well as a Numark 4Trak. I also got... Once I get decide what to get! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![rdej47](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/rdej47/32/16175_2.png) [@rdej47](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/rdej47)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2013, 9:09pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/keyboard-for-production/59326/6 "2013-08-03T21:09:51Z")
Hey Nitrotix I sent you a PM, I’ve got a Novation 49SL for sale. Could save you some money if you’re interested. ---
**Author:** ![kindaFAST](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/kindafast/32/12221_2.png) [@kindaFAST](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/kindaFAST)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2013, 6:00pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/keyboard-for-production/59326/7 "2013-08-04T18:00:10Z")
With a 400$ budget wouldn’t the akai49 MAX be a solid choice? I realize they are about $500 new but I’m sure they can be found cheaper. I have an M Audio49 Keystation (I got it for free) and an Akai49 (non max) and the Akai is a MUCH better unit albeit twice as expensive. Essentially you get what you pay for.