|
Post by knightofpluto on Oct 6, 2020 12:26:04 GMT -5
Hi all, basically title.
I bought a very cheap MIDI keyboard/controller a little while ago, but the keys are absolutely terrible, and I can't stand to use it.
I used to use a computer keyboard, but since I switched to a mechanical one, the sound of hitting keys is really distracting, even with closed headphones. hah
So if any of you have any MIDI keyboards that you love, let me know, greatly appreciated!
|
|
|
Post by groundhogimp on Oct 6, 2020 14:40:34 GMT -5
Usable keys are always necessary. One of my first midi keyboards was an Arturia MiniLab and it had terrible keys. They broke off after enough play, and there was no way to properly fix them (besides plastic welding, which would only last a few sessions before re-breaking). Anywho, after that, I found an M Audio Axiom 25 key. It was ok, the design was very futuristic and nice feeling. However, I never really felt comfortable on 25 keys. I enjoy playing big chords and wandering melodies, so it was a little too small key-wise. Now I'm on an M Audio Keyrig 49. It doesn't have the pads like the Axiom or Minilab, but I only really use the keys anyway. Keyrig has pitch and mod wheel which is a huge plus. On the Minilab, their pitch/mod was a touch pad circuit. I actually used that for glitchy howls on a project, but that's a testament to how not great it was if you didn't jam your finger into it at the right pressure and grace. Definitely aim for physical wheels if you want pitchbend and modulation on board. The keyrig is barebones and doesn't have as much of a premium feel, the whole unit is very light. But I prefer it for that, it gets the job done and can fit on my lap if I don't have enough desk space. With 49 keys I feel like I have enough room for where I want to go. Another option if you have to rock a keyboard is to switch out the mechanical to an old membrane keyboard whenever recording. You could hunt around for an old mac one where the keys are super flat and pretty silent. I guess if you have keyboard setup complications on your current system this swapping could get annoying, but ik for me I can just swap out usb keyboards without any fuss. I've written a lot of music on my old macbook laptops keyboard. It is super limiting, but there's something I enjoy about how and minimal/cute using a typing keyboard for making music is. Good luck on your search!
|
|
|
Post by skirmisher on Oct 7, 2020 3:00:07 GMT -5
I have Novation 61SL Mk. III and I think it's very good. It's also very expensive and loaded with features most people won't probably need. It has a sequencer, two midi outs and CV outs. Also faders, pots, Pads, DAW integration, Patterns etc. etc. I bought it because I need most of these features as I control multiple synths both digital and analog and my DAW with it and it replaced my hardware sequencer. I also do some mixing with the faders etc. The point is Novation keybeds feel very good to me and if you don't need a spaceship like this, a cheaper Novation keyboard is probably very good for playing purposes. Arturia also has similar keyboards for cheaper. Their keybeds feel nice too if you avoid the cheapest mini sized keys like keystep. They feel terrible but are still usable.
|
|
lovi
Peasant
Stoked!
Posts: 16
|
Post by lovi on Oct 7, 2020 10:20:59 GMT -5
Hello knightofpluto! I bought my Akai LPK25 second hand for just 20€, but it worked really nice, as I made my whole first album with it. I don't have much xp on different keyboards, but this one registers the velocity changes quite nicely and you can also play softly, although it needs some practice like any other instrument. The feel of it is pretty good and the keys are springed nicely, and it's only like 43€ new, so pretty cheap (depending ofc where you live). The only thing it's really missing is the modulation and pitch wheel, which you'd get with almost triple price with the Akai MPK mini3. Also, MPK has pads, which'll propably make things like the percussion easier to record. Akai LPK25:
Akai MPK MINI3:
|
|
|
Post by knightofpluto on Oct 7, 2020 12:07:33 GMT -5
Thanks everyone for the suggestions so far, I very much appreciate it! I'll be looking into everything!
Also lovi, funny coincidence! I was just listening to your album this morning while at work, I enjoyed it a lot, keep it up!
|
|
lovi
Peasant
Stoked!
Posts: 16
|
Post by lovi on Oct 7, 2020 12:34:13 GMT -5
I'm happy if it was of any assistance! And Thank you knightofpluto for the kind words, I'm always happy if someone else finds the album to their liking! And surely, am already writing new material edit: ah, noticed you've made some music yourself, I'll have to check it out tomorrow! Gonna go through your bandcamp list as well, as it looked very interesting! DIM's my all time fav artist
|
|
shalashaska
Squire
Croeso! Shalashaska dw i a dw i'n mwynhau dungeon synth.
Posts: 79
|
Post by shalashaska on Oct 20, 2020 20:59:59 GMT -5
lovi thank you so much for the suggestions. The Akai MPK MINI3 looks like the exact keyboard I need. I've been thinking of getting a starter keyboard with pads for dungeon synth/metal uses and samples are always fun/useful. I looked at the prices and I'm seriously asking myself if I should hold off on the microphones and drumpads I need to grab one. They're such a good price, especially preowned!
|
|
lovi
Peasant
Stoked!
Posts: 16
|
Post by lovi on Oct 21, 2020 12:11:47 GMT -5
shalashaska Eeeyyyy, np buddy! I'd recon it'd be a good and worth investment. Even this small lpk25 is quite heavy, sturdy and quality for the low cost. Preowned is definately the way to go, if they seem in a good condition, and the owner hasn't been eating all his food while playing
|
|
|
Post by Kyvon on Jan 30, 2021 18:15:09 GMT -5
Darn.
I know this is an old thread, but here is my suggestion regardless... I use an Arturia Keylab Essential. It comes in a smaller variety or a full sized piano depending on your preference. I recommend this MIDI controller not only because it's nice and gets the job done with pads, knobs, and sliders, but it comes with software. You'll get a free copy of Arturia Analog Lab, and Ableton Lite. Analog Lab has a huge amount of presets to play around with, a lot of which I've used in my own music.
Hope this helps, and sorry I'm so late to the game.
Take care!
|
|