View Full Version : 25 Key USB Midi keyboard suggestions?
Recently i have been looking around for a compact midi keyboard (25 key for example) to fit in my bag while traveling. I travel a lot with work and produce on the go so would like something a bit more hands on rather than my keyboard and Ableton..
I know there is the Akai LPK25 and the Korg Nanokey, but is there any other alternatives..? If not any one got any user experience with any of these?
FarawaySkies
03-30-2012, 04:20 AM
Been shopping around too...these are the three I've narrowed down to.
M-Audio Axiom Pro 25
http://www.guitarcenter.com/M-Audio-Axiom-Pro-25-USB-MIDI-Keyboard-Controller-105348056-i1437904.gc
Novation Impulse 25
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Novation-Impulse-25---25-key-MIDI-Controller-H78019-i2171963.gc
Akai Professional MPK25
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Akai-Professional-MPK25-Keyboard-USB-MIDI-Controller-105335715-i1437920.gc
Might not be quite as compact as your looking, but they'll fit in a backpack for sure.
Thanks for the reply, Not as compact as i need, probably need smaller and lighter as i fly and this would take a bit of my weight restrictions up.
But this might come in handy for a later date when i do some local travel :)
login
03-30-2012, 11:13 AM
akai mpk mini?
Ryan Ruel
03-30-2012, 01:56 PM
The Akai ones are better rated than the Korg Nano's. For $40-50 you can't go wrong!
For larger ones, I had recent issues with an Impulse 25. On my Mac's it would NOT work on a USB hub, I tried a few different hubs, had to use a direct port on my iMac and Macbook Pro, or the controller would just shut off randomly. And this was with powered hubs. I kept it past the return period, but ended up selling it and getting an Axiom Pro. It works great, I got the 49 key version for that.
akai mpk mini?
Still think that may be a little too big but ill check out the dimensions.
The Akai ones are better rated than the Korg Nano's. For $40-50 you can't go wrong!
For larger ones, I had recent issues with an Impulse 25. On my Mac's it would NOT work on a USB hub, I tried a few different hubs, had to use a direct port on my iMac and Macbook Pro, or the controller would just shut off randomly. And this was with powered hubs. I kept it past the return period, but ended up selling it and getting an Axiom Pro. It works great, I got the 49 key version for that.
Thanks Ryan, that's some good input as i only have Apple (iMac, Macbook, Macbook Pro). I think i'll most likely go for the Akai over the Korg Nano after reading a few reviews.
+rep
Sween
03-30-2012, 02:43 PM
I have the Akai MPK25. It's okay I guess. Haven't tried any others though.
I have the Akai MPK25. It's okay I guess. Haven't tried any others though.
Any negatives towards it sween?
Andrew B
03-30-2012, 02:49 PM
Still think that may be a little too big but ill check out the dimensions.
It's tiny.
ezelkow1
03-30-2012, 02:54 PM
Any negatives towards it sween?
I like mine too, its the first one I go for since I like its key action and the aftertouch is alright too. Id definitely say the pads are a downside, but you can mod them to make them totally usable, Im just always scared of screwin it up
It's tiny.
The one with the keys and the pads yeah? I'll check it out when i'm home just heading to a gig now..
I like mine too, its the first one I go for since I like its key action and the aftertouch is alright too. Id definitely say the pads are a downside, but you can mod them to make them totally usable, Im just always scared of screwin it up
Cool, what mod can you do? I'm an electronic engineer so i like tampering with things lol.
Sween
03-30-2012, 03:17 PM
Any negatives towards it sween?
Actually yeah... I don't like the pads either. They are too "tight"... you have to whack them extremely hard even when you adjust them to the the softest sensitivity.
I might have to do that mod...
Divercity
03-30-2012, 03:24 PM
Novation Impulse 25
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Novation-Impulse-25---25-key-MIDI-Controller-H78019-i2171963.gc
Impulse, Impulse, Impulse, impulse :D
ezelkow1
03-30-2012, 03:38 PM
The one with the keys and the pads yeah? I'll check it out when i'm home just heading to a gig now..
Cool, what mod can you do? I'm an electronic engineer so i like tampering with things lol.
You can either get a cork pad kit, or just use some double/triple stacked electrical tape. You take off the cover, remove the rubber pad area, stick the cork/tape inside each pad, and replace it. The issue is that they started leaving some air space in between all their pads on their devices so it makes them alot less sensitive, this just reduces that area
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