Trying to decide which one to get for production and also so that I can have a dedicated ableton controller that I can incorporate into my set. Wish one of these 2 had faders built in, but don’t think I can swing the extra hundred bucks for the remote sl25. I realize that the MPK25 hasn’t come out yet, but I could wait if it is worth the wait (though being American I’d rather not) .
So anyone used/using these keyboards or any similar ones for controlling a DAW and have any suggestions in the 200-250 range?
If you can wait for the MPK25 why not just wait to save up the $100?
I like my Remote (SL25) a lot. The MPK does look good, though. Keep in mind that the MkI might be coming down in price since the MKII’s are getting released. That could save you some coin
frankly as much as I am leaning towards the mpk25, I think it would be better if I asked them for something now, also while the mpk has more pads I already have one pad controller, and so it isn’t 8 vs. 12 pads in my rig, but actually 20 vs. 24 (when you add the 12 nanopads and either 8 or 12 kb pads). So maybe the remote sl compact 25 wins.
Also as a question to people producing, how much of a pain is it to switch octaves? (I want a 25 for portability, always on the move) and because they are cheaper.
yeah, but it’s still a bit pricey and i think he’s looking for a smaller board. but seriously it’s like a trigger finger + uc-33 + midi keyboard all in one! back on topic though i say go for the mpk just because i’m an akai junkie.
I don’t think it’s a terrible pain in the ass, but my production doesn’t include more than 1 or 2 octave jumps at a time while playing. You can always use Bomes to code quite octave jumps
in ableton switching up/down octaves on the computer keyboard layout at least is as easy as pressing z/x. however, with midi it may get complicated as the keys are sending specific note values like C1,C2, etc.
Do you like the built quality of the remote sl25? I have tested it and was afraid of breaking the knobs and faders. Also I don’t like the feeling of the fader.
just looked at the mpk49 on audiolines for 285 us. It is pretty tempting, since it is only 35 more than the remote sl25 compact and has much more. Only thing is that it is a pain to lug a 44 key thru airports and to gigs, and I have been doing that alot frequently since I am between miami and atlanta. Also does anyone know of an educational discount on any of this stuff as I am a student full time.
I like the build quality. It’s not something I’d truly abuse, but giving it light use has shown no problems. The faders do feel odd, but I don’t think it’s meant for more intense work.
For production i prefer more octaves, i do own a 2 octave keyboard i like to play with (an oxygen 8 v2) but then i also do own a 5 octave keyboard already. If you already dont own a larger keyboard with more than 2 octaves then i would be learning towards something like that. If you do also plan on taking this thing out though then id get the 2 octave and get a keyboard with more octaves down the track.
Trust me you will be kicking yourself down the track when you want to do stuff like split the keyboard into 2 ranges so you can play 2 synths at a time, or your doing some dramatic portamento pitch bends. Or even just learning how to play a songs that you like to build up some keyboarding experience.
Because midi sucks knobs arnt really that useful when producing (128 points of interpolation sucks for fine tweaking), so sadly you will find yourself using automation and your mouse alot more than pots and faders. Given that you already have a pad controller the best investment i would see would be in a multi octave keyboard - It really doesnt have to be anything fancy either. Look what i have for instance:
Id even consider that overkill because you dont need the speakers, any internal dsp processing or anything like that, just midi and semi-weighted keys.
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