Firstly I've limited myself to a model with a maximum of 49 keys due to desk space. I'm after a semi-weighted keyboard which must have some 270deg rotary knobs (not freely spinning ones). The main importance for me is that the actual keys themselves feel quality and perform well, as that's what they will be used the most. Ease of setup / mapping is important, and overall build quality must be high. The addition of sliding upfaders and drum pads would be a bonus but are not essential. The DAW's I will primarily be working with are Cubase 4.1 and Ableton Live 7. I've read through countless reviews and opinions online but there always seems to be somebody complaining about something different with each model.

I've pretty much narrowed it down to the following models, unless anyone else can suggest another model. I'm limiting myself to a $500 USD budget so it will most likely be one of the models below. Can anyone make a recommendation on any model based on experience?

Cheers

Novation ReMOTE 49 SL Compact


Novation ReMOTE 37SL (No 49 Key)


Akai MPK49


Korg Kontrol 49


Roland Edirol PCR-500


M-Audio Axiom 49

Last edited by dorifuto on May-15-2008 at 20:22