Midi Keyboards

Performance & Techniques Music Production
1

Midi Keyboards

Right, I know this has been up here in the past as I used the search function, but I was to ask the wonderful people on DJTT what you would buy.

I currently use the Novation Launchpad with Ableton to put stuff together for production purposes, but have realised it’s much better for playing out with aka as a controller, on top of that I need to be able to play chords and the likes, so was thinking of actually getting a midi keyboard instead which has pads and rotaries and of course keys.

so my question is, as a starter would you buy a 25 key or 49 key?

question 2 is out of the following models what would you say is my best bet, I can afford upto £300 for a midi keyboard, been told about the Axiom 25 and the MPK 49.

this is going to be purely for production as I have my Xone 4D for mixing in Traktor…

all help greatly appreciated, realised since trying to put down tracks in Ableton that a proper keyboard is definitely the way forward for me!

2

I’ve heard axiom has problems with “clicky” or “sticky” keys. I’ve got the MPD32 which is built in the same way as the mpk49 and it’s solid.

I used to have a 25 key oxygen 8, but if you have any proficiency as a keyboardist it’s not enough. Go for 49!

3

Hard to explain but I don’t have proficiency on the keyboard, but can spot a bum chord :slight_smile:

how about the novation keyboards they any good?

4

yeah novations have a good rep i’m sure they’d be fine, unless you have an aversion to their automap software.

If you like using two hands for chords, or reasonably complex melodies, go for 49.

Just throwing this out there, i bought the oxygen 49 for £90 49 keys, 8 cheap sliders, 8 knobs which are fine and 8 buttons. Pitch bend and modulation. All i use it for is playing in chords and melodies. Controls feel quite cheap, but I think theyre ok

Having said that…i probably use the faders and encoders on my mpd32 more

Best bet is to get down to a shop and try them, as everyone always says!

5

Yes i think the shop is a good option, only problem with that is finding one I can actually get to and park, not an easy task but will try :slight_smile:

oxygen 49 looks like a good starter keyboard, which is all I am after to be honest.

6

ok been checking out various keyboards, as I said not a pro at playing keyboards but I can hear a melody and put stuff together pretty easily.

so from this selection what would the more educated people choose?

M Audio Axiom 49
Novation SL Compact 49
Akai MPK 49

7

I think Novation still has the offer that if you own two of their products, you get Automap Pro for free. Whole different thing whether it is of any use to you :smiley:

8

Well I did a bit of searching, found a very nice forum called KVR and a few posts up there all saying Novation over the Axion, so that decision has been sorted :slight_smile: will have to check out in regards to the free software, but if it’s true i shall be getting it lol, cheers for the heads up!

9

the akai is more money but it has everything ( faders, knobs, pads, bend wheel ) but i think trying it out would be the better thing to do like mentioned before

10

This would fit your needs I think:

Akai makes superior products and controllers IMO!

Only thing I don’t like about this is the rectangular pads, I like the square ones, but that’s just me :wink:

11

If you are a beginner and don’t know how to play the piano you won’t need more than 25 keys.
Especially in EDM, the melodies and basslines you play won’t go over more than 2 octaves, so 25 keys is just right. Whole different story if you are going to compose classical movies or soundtracks…

12

Have to whole heartedly disagree with this I’m afraid.. :disappointed: go 49 or you’ll constantly be changing the octave range for each new patch and channel you’re on and you wont stumble across that pot of gold lead by accidentally playing that bass sound high up the keyboard :wink: Besides altho a part may not go over 2 octaves it depends where it starts from… not much goes fom C-C it will ALWAYS just be over the split where you want to play in the real world of Murphy! Most importantly… you won’t progress your keyboard skill if you’re restricted.

13

I guess you have a point. Might especially get tricky when playing chords :smiley:
Would also advice at least 37 keys after thinking about it.

14

After having recently gone to 49 keys, I would say that it is the strict minimum. If you want to really play anything that moves around a bit, you will need 5 octaves (61 keys). For understanding cords and getting a feel of progressions, 49 is good, but I would consider a 61 as a next tool. But if going to 61, I would not get any bells and whistles, just a good midi weighted keyboard.

Phil.

15

I personally bought a Behringer UMX25 which is the predecessor to their UMX250. Only differences are the rubber buttons and keys.

Although my style of production is overdubbing and as stated before if you are going to play traditionally you will need more keys as it will be frustrating hitting your octave shift buttons all the time.

16

actually… I REALLY want the floor keyboard from the toy store in BIG that Hanks plays on!! or this would do I guess…

<— forgets Novation A and K stations and buys a subway station :slight_smile:

17

Akai MPK49, with an APC40, and a MPD32. thats the ish right there.

18

What DAW do you plan on using?

Here is a good question, what DAW do you plan on using? The Axiom 49 automatically maps with Ableton Live and saves you a lot of setup time when trying to figure out how to integrate it into your workflow. The Axiom 49 PRO maps to every other DAW (ProTools, Reason, Logic) and has hypertouch which is a great feature for playing. I have played the Akai and Novation and they have a nice feeling but the Axiom Pro has the best playability from a keyboard play perspective. I own an Axiom 49 with an AKAI APC40 and Ableton Live.