I'm starting to learn to use samplers and synthetisers and I'm looking for a suggestion for a midi controller. An AKAI MPK25 would be a nice option to work with Alchemy? If not, could you suggest something in the same price range? Thank you all for the input.
8 Answers
We use the M-Audio Oxygen 25, and have at least a dozen of them, they are very reliable and easy to set up. The newest version has pads on it as well as the usual rotary knobs, fader, keys, wheels etc. Our keyboards have been used (abused) to prop open windows, angle laptops and goodness knows what else but they just keep working.
I just got one of these for my next offshore trip - seem very well made & I actually like the little keys.. The only things it is lacking are a pitch bender & mod wheel, and the knobs are not continuous (which doesn't worry me, but for writing automation some people might not like them)
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Thanks for the input, Tim! By the way, I really like your sound libraries. I used a lot the beachs and blow holes collection on a short film I edited sound recently. Concerning this thread, I must admit that I'm still completely ignorant about midi controllers? Would I miss in the future the features you mention, like the pich bender and mod wheel? Commented Aug 1, 2012 at 21:52
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what did you get, Tim? I'm confused cause the AKAI has pitch and mod wheel. Commented Aug 1, 2012 at 21:53
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Hi again, Tim! Just looked at site of akai again and the model I;m looking for actually seems to have pitch bender and a mod wheel: akaipro.com/mpk25 Commented Aug 1, 2012 at 21:57
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Tim, are you referring to the MPK mini? I just picked one of those up, and I'm loving it, (aside from the absence of pitch/mod wheels.)– MtLCommented Aug 2, 2012 at 0:47
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ah yes, sorry! I got the MPK mini - my travel keyboard!– user49Commented Aug 2, 2012 at 3:18
It's surprisingly good for the price/size. I always carry this in my laptop bag when traveling. Even used in on a couple of gigs :)
But check out Akai MPKmini too. Same keys, but with 8 additional pads and 8 knobs.
for piano keys i use larger piano controllers like the CME UF80 but for pads, knobs and faders i'm a big fan of Livid's designs....
I have a MPK25 and i think its great for the uses you mentioned. obviously you would want a bigger keyboard if you were playing piano, but for synths having all the rotary knobs is great.
one thing i will mention that there is a known problem with the pads having problems with sensitivity for velocity. its just that they are a bit squishy on the edges and if you dont hit them in the right spot your subtle tap may not be recognised. there is an easy DIY fix for this, but if your not into opening your new keyboard then you might have to think how important the pads are to you. if you dont really care about velocity on the pads then the full velocity button also fixes this issue.
the way i wrote that paragraph makes them sound way worse than what they are, sorry. but i did the pad upgrade on mine and they are definitely tighter and more responsive.
good luck
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Great input Jamie! Thanks! I'm feeling pretty confident now to get one of those. Commented Aug 2, 2012 at 13:55
The MPK's are great although the 61 key one is a bit too stiff for me. Speaking of AKAI, I own the little AKAI LPK25 and it is amazing when you just need an idea to mess around with when your travelling... which has since been "upgraded" to the MPK Mini mentioned above so I imagine the keys are exactly the same.
Novation's Impulse range is also great value for money. I own the 61 key one and it blows the MPK61 (same size) out of the water. That's not to say the MPK's are bad, in fact I would buy an MPK Mini or an 88 key version (much better keys than the 61) if I had the money and needed them but my LPK and Impulse is perfect for me.
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Same here - I have an LPK25 and it's amazing for a small keyboard controller of its size and weight. The keys play nicely if you don't have massive hands and the arpeggiator is a lovely and well thought out bonus. I don't miss the knobs, but I probably would if I didn't also have a Novation Nocturn (which is pretty good for controlling plugins and synths). Commented Oct 18, 2012 at 12:42
The problem here is that there are so many one the market that are all quite good. I use the m-audio axiom 61. the only reason i chose this over the others is the fact that I got it off ebay quite cheap. So my advice would be to look around and try get a bargin.
P.S. I am a fan of the novation pulse controllers but at the time I wanted to get one, there were no ebay special bargins so it was the axiom for me.
I use the AKAI LPD 8 to trigger Drums and automate parameters. And it is amazing for its price! And its so small, i can put it in every bag!