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MIDI Keyboard 25 keys
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evo8
any recommendations? My old E-MU Xboard has finally given up the ghost

I have an Arturia Keystep here but the keys are way too small, don't like it so im gonna return

Alesis and AKAI look good, any experience of these? Also Nektar have one around €100 which seems ok
tehlord
I have a Nektar thing here and it's been pretty good for 3-4 years. Key action is a little synthy, if that matters. Pitch wheel has just started going wonky, but everything goes wrong after a couple of years these days.

I bought an Impulse 25 as a backup, which is surprisingly good. Nice key action, solid, lots of features and has aftertouch.
SystematicX1
I use a MPK249 that I have had GREAT amounts of usage on.
Really dig the Mod/Pitch wheel feel as it is stiff and reverts back quickly.
Particularly like the mapping ability as it makes it easy to setup macros and uses native Ableton seamlessly (not sure what Daw our using)

One area that I particularly don't care for, and this is totally my fault. I should have gotten weighted instead of semi. This is just preference as I like to actually play.

This is a 49 key board and you mentioned 25. I am sure Akai has something along that lines but this MPK has been solid
evo8
thanks mates - looking at an Alesis v25 - i need to look up some reviews this evening
djshire
I have an M-Audio Axiom Pro 49, but sold it several years ago (I needed the money, and I really didn't have room for it), and I really liked that. It seems that the closest replacement to what I had is the Code 49, which there is a 25 key version available.
evo8
I ended up getting the Nektar LX25+
its doing the job for what i want, the drum pads arent great but id like to get a Push some day anyway
Woony
quote:
Originally posted by evo8
I ended up getting the Nektar LX25+
its doing the job for what i want, the drum pads arent great but id like to get a Push some day anyway


I bought a Push 1 recently locally for 220 euros and for the price it's worth every penny. The pads are pretty responsive if you turn the sensitivity down. The velocity response isn't amazing but with 9.7 they added a cool way to program velocity. I don't play stuff in live a lot but it works pretty well. The sequencer is great for programming drums, especially shifting notes and velocity, a lot easier than doing it in the piano roll.

Other than that, the encoder automap with the screen displaying the values is a godsend for live automation. I don't use it for programming synths and fx as much I thought I would but it's nice for certain things where I prefer programming with encoders rather than using the mouse.
evo8
quote:
Originally posted by Woony
I bought a Push 1 recently locally for 220 euros and for the price it's worth every penny. The pads are pretty responsive if you turn the sensitivity down. The velocity response isn't amazing but with 9.7 they added a cool way to program velocity. I don't play stuff in live a lot but it works pretty well. The sequencer is great for programming drums, especially shifting notes and velocity, a lot easier than doing it in the piano roll.

Other than that, the encoder automap with the screen displaying the values is a godsend for live automation. I don't use it for programming synths and fx as much I thought I would but it's nice for certain things where I prefer programming with encoders rather than using the mouse.


ive been wanting to try one out for a while, i missed out on one at €475, it went for €500

mainly for drums yeah, ive always just drew everything into the piano roll, very rarely adjusting velocity because its just too ing tedious (and im lazy)

want to get away from using the mouse a bit too, s up my hand (numbness)
evo8
just seen a video showing how to use Push 2 to control mixer volumes, something ive always wanted to do externally! Im defo getting one :D
tehlord
Push 2 is really, really nice. I would say the pads aren't the best for finger drumming, but probably still a step up from using a keyboard.

Mixer volumes are possible from the top row of knobs. It's also one of the main reasons I bought one, along with the ability to control EQ8 from the same row of knobs. Being able to just turn a knob for the HPF and use my ears is very desirable.

Never mind all the clip launching shizzle!

evo8
quote:
Originally posted by tehlord
Push 2 is really, really nice. I would say the pads aren't the best for finger drumming, but probably still a step up from using a keyboard.

Mixer volumes are possible from the top row of knobs. It's also one of the main reasons I bought one, along with the ability to control EQ8 from the same row of knobs. Being able to just turn a knob for the HPF and use my ears is very desirable.

Never mind all the clip launching shizzle!


yes, the ability to adjust volume levels and EQ without looking at anything is really important as it forces you to listen

do you have yours on the desk or on a stand? running out of space these days :-/
tehlord
Mine's sitting in a box on the floor lol. Until I move...
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