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
Akai MPK Mini Laptop Production Keyboard - $99
(Looks like it’s not available til later this month.)
The Axiom is definitely something I was also considering! A little bit outside my price range at this point, thought.
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.
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.
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.
That I would have never doubted in the first place.
I love the big and solid touch&feel of the Axiom. Something I am not to sure about with the Oxygen. (Even after playing around on them a few long/ allnighters on the Oxygen)
