If you want a decent key action but don't need any knobs then buy a D50, AN1x, XP50/80 etc

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they're all trash


used digital piano with weighted keys, or the original m-audio axiom maybe. The iCon digital keyboards are the only 'current' ones I've tried that are remotely usable but the pitch and mod sliders are useless

Novation SL-series - excellent Fatar keybeds, crappy....I mean, REALLY crappy...knobs, sliders, and drum pads, buggy AutoMap crap, etc. Some of the cheaper Novations are made to integrate well with live, but the keybeds and controllers are pretty crappy on those models.

Nektar Panorama - haven't played one, but supposedly excellent keybed and overall construction quality from the reviews I've seen. Deep integration with many DAWs, but not really Live AFAICT. And, you're paying extra for knobs, etc. that you don't want.

AKAI MPK mk2 - the newest ones have really nice keybeds and pretty solid construction. But, like the Novations, you're also paying for all the knobbage/drumpaddage/sliderage that you don't want, though. I'd still check them out - the 25-key model is on my short list of gear that I want (i.e., a portable controller for my MacBook Air).

Native Instruments Kontrol S - have a nice Fatar keybed, not lots of knobs, and will integrate with your NI plugs, if you have any. Very pricey and won't be available for a few more weeks, though.

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quote:

Originally posted by tehlord If you want a decent key action but don't need any knobs then buy a D50, AN1x, XP50/80 etc

tempting but im not on for spending too much just now!

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quote:

Originally posted by cryophonik Novation SL-series - excellent Fatar keybeds, crappy....I mean, REALLY crappy...knobs, sliders, and drum pads, buggy AutoMap crap, etc. Some of the cheaper Novations are made to integrate well with live, but the keybeds and controllers are pretty crappy on those models. Nektar Panorama - haven't played one, but supposedly excellent keybed and overall construction quality from the reviews I've seen. Deep integration with many DAWs, but not really Live AFAICT. And, you're paying extra for knobs, etc. that you don't want. AKAI MPK mk2 - the newest ones have really nice keybeds and pretty solid construction. But, like the Novations, you're also paying for all the knobbage/drumpaddage/sliderage that you don't want, though. I'd still check them out - the 25-key model is on my short list of gear that I want (i.e., a portable controller for my MacBook Air). Native Instruments Kontrol S - have a nice Fatar keybed, not lots of knobs, and will integrate with your NI plugs, if you have any. Very pricey and won't be available for a few more weeks, though.

cool, might check out the Novation SL so!

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well the Novation ones are pricey enough new it seems - i see you mentioned the Nektar Panorama, is the Nektar Impact any use? price seems decent at €129 for 49 keys :-/

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quote:

Originally posted by evo8 well the Novation ones are pricey enough new it seems - i see you mentioned the Nektar Panorama, is the Nektar Impact any use? price seems decent at €129 for 49 keys :-/

I've never played one, and don't recall ever reading any stunning reviews for the Impacts. I would say that, like most music equipment, you get what you pay for. Although, with the shitty selection of MIDI controllers on the market, you typically get far less than you pay for, especially in terms of keyboard action, so I'd be very cautious. Find one and play it before buying it.

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quote:

Originally posted by evo8 tempting but im not on for spending too much just now!

Quite often you can pick them up (especially the AN1x) for less than the price of a midi controller.

Another option is the Nektar Impakt LX61 for a ridiculous £120

Build quality is surprisingly good and the key action is acceptable. The only downside is that it doesn't have aftertouch.

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quote:

Originally posted by tehlord Quite often you can pick them up (especially the AN1x) for less than the price of a midi controller. Another option is the Nektar Impakt LX61 for a ridiculous £120 Build quality is surprisingly good and the key action is acceptable. The only downside is that it doesn't have aftertouch.

I would go for the AN1x but just the usual worries around an old synth/buying 2nd hand etc...

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