KVR Audio

dasen · Post by **dasen** » Mon Jul 10, 2017 7:03 pm

Hello,

Can you recommend a good and cheap 61-key midi keyboard to buy online? I rely on Thomann for the best price on music gear in Europe.

Which 61-key midi keyboard would you recommend with the cheapest online shop in Europe? I make electronic music and want knobs to control my VST synths but also expressive and natural feeling of the keys.

chk071 · Post by **chk071** » Mon Jul 10, 2017 7:11 pm

How about this? https://www.thomann.de/de/novation_laun ... arch_prv_5

I don't think you get good Aftertouch on cheaper keyboards anyway, so, no point in getting one which has AT, especially when it has to be cheap.

If you want really cheap, this one may be interesting too: https://www.thomann.de/de/m_audio_oxyge ... arch_prv_9

garryknight · Post by **garryknight** » Mon Jul 10, 2017 10:20 pm

Depending on which DAW you use, you might find the Nektar Impact LX61+ suits you as it's not only fairly inexpensive, it also integrates fully with a good half dozen DAWs. Amazon carries the LX61+ usually.

p4tz3r · Post by **p4tz3r** » Wed Jul 12, 2017 7:09 pm

Good and cheap are often at odds with each other.

Some recommendations for decent feeling keybeds that aren't crazy expensive are the Roland controllers, like the A-800PRO. A bit more cash than that would get you the Akai Professional MPK261 with tons of controls and great pads. Neither is "cheap" but I think both will be a good value in the long run. Both will work for years.

If those are too expensive, the Novation Launchkey 61 MK2 might be a good choice.

This link has some other options: http://equipboard.com/posts/best-midi-keyboard

If you have a shop with keyboards nearby I'd encourage you to go play them and see how they feel. Some of the low end controllers feel pretty chintzy IMO.

rod_zero · Post by **rod_zero** » Wed Jul 12, 2017 8:14 pm

Yep, the Roland A800Pro is possible the best value. Most others have something akward with their keys.

incubus · Post by **incubus** » Fri Jul 14, 2017 5:54 am

rod_zero wrote:Yep, the Roland A800Pro is possible the best value. Most others have something akward with their keys.

Oh yeah, best value? Are the drivers good? BTW, it's not available here. More non-available stuff from "you know who" that isn't necessarily going to work.

Cheap/Good. And I'll beat this horse forever...........

Necktar LX series. I have an older gen, and it's good, cheap an integrates with many hosts.

Armagibbon · Post by **Armagibbon** » Sat Jul 22, 2017 11:30 pm

Went out shopping for 61 keys a while back, picked up a novation impulse 61. It's like the best 61 they have right? I wanted an sl mk2 like a friend had but that's only for sale used and I hate buying used keys. Figured an impulse would be alright. I mean it's the same company similar price range, whatever it'll be fine right? Turns out the impulse line is nothing like the sl mk2, keys feel cheap and it's loud as shit. Nothing felt solid.

So I got a roland a800 pro instead. World of difference for playing and build quality let me tell you but it's still all plastic and the aftertouch is a pain to use. No such thing as a f*ckin decent brand name synth controller anymore. Gonna grab a vaxmidi when they come back in stock. You wanna join me in the wait? Here's a link watch it like a hawk...
http://www.vaxmidi.com/keyboards.html

incubus · Post by **incubus** » Sun Jul 23, 2017 5:26 am

Cheap and good? My my, such an entitled planet............

Depending on the host (which is OF COURSE not mentioned

) the Nektar LX might be your best bet. Other than that, see "let's talk midi controllers"

Hewitt Huntwork · Post by **Hewitt Huntwork** » Sun Jul 23, 2017 5:38 am

+1 for the Nektar LX+. I have the 49. For the $, I don't think one can beat it.

Tips on cheap and good 61-key midi keyboard?