KVR Audio

3ptguitarist · Post by **3ptguitarist** » Mon Jan 22, 2018 5:27 am

Is the novation launchkey 25 worth getting? I've been thinking about buying it, but am unsure if I really need it. Some of the features have made me want it such as the rgb pads and having 16 of them as well as the compact size being a convenience. I have an axiom 49 midi keyboard, but having a smaller would be nice. It's just that I probably don't need it.

I've also been interested in the free software included such as ableton live lite and some vsts. But I have Komplete 11 and sonar x3 studio, so I don't necessarily need the free software.

What do you guys think?

THE INTRANCER · Post by **THE INTRANCER** » Mon Jan 22, 2018 5:42 am

I've never understood the point of 25 key keyboards, if you want a controller, buy a controller without keys. Or simply buy a proper controller keyboard/synth with 61 keys as a minimum. 48 key keyboards have always been restrictive in not really allowing people to be as expressive as they would otherwise be with their music with that limiting factor.

Anyone else learning to play a keyboard, shouldn't settle for anything less than 61 keys (full size keys if your hands are big enough) imo experience also.

3ptguitarist · Post by **3ptguitarist** » Mon Jan 22, 2018 6:11 am

THE INTRANCER wrote:I've never understood the point of 25 key keyboards, if you want a controller, buy a controller without keys. Or simply buy a proper controller keyboard/synth with 61 keys as a minimum. 48 key keyboards have always been restrictive in not really allowing people to be as expressive as they would otherwise be with their music with that limiting factor.

Anyone else learning to play a keyboard, shouldn't settle for anything less than 61 keys imo experience also.

I think there's a convenience factor to having a smaller keyboard to work with for me.

I have a 61 key m-audio keystation too.

future-bit · Post by **future-bit** » Mon Jan 22, 2018 10:01 am

I have a Korg M1.

But I often use Launchkey 25. Easy, comfortable keyboard for electronic sketches.

tapper mike · Post by **tapper mike** » Mon Jan 22, 2018 2:37 pm

If you are a guitarists and not natively comfortable with a keybed than I would suggest a Launchpad Pro instead.

3.5 octaves as opposed to two with a layout that is easier to recognize work around.

Zexila · Post by **Zexila** » Mon Jan 22, 2018 3:31 pm

No, too many folks have same problems with them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjJYKH8WR8Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJHCz34rCNk

Look at Nektar Impact LX25+ instead, really great DAW integration, here's nice review of bigger one

http://www.nektartech.com/impact-lx25-plus.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICNDR7JcOVM

chk071 · Post by **chk071** » Mon Jan 22, 2018 3:43 pm

3ptguitarist wrote:
THE INTRANCER wrote:I've never understood the point of 25 key keyboards, if you want a controller, buy a controller without keys. Or simply buy a proper controller keyboard/synth with 61 keys as a minimum. 48 key keyboards have always been restrictive in not really allowing people to be as expressive as they would otherwise be with their music with that limiting factor.

Anyone else learning to play a keyboard, shouldn't settle for anything less than 61 keys imo experience also.

I think there's a convenience factor to having a smaller keyboard to work with for me.

Indeed. Not everyone has room for a full 61, or 88 keys keyboard. For me, 49 keys is the maximum possible. I wouldn't go again for 25 keys either now though (i used to have a 25 key keyboard as my first MIDI keyboard). But, if you have very small space, a 25 key keyboard might be the only possibility.

THE INTRANCER · Post by **THE INTRANCER** » Mon Jan 22, 2018 7:12 pm

This is as close to a 25 key midi keyboard that I have which bought way back 2003. It's 4cm deep, 23.5cm in height and 10.5cm in breadth, but it's much more than just a controller, rather more of a portable daw / module synthesizer. The musical keypads were just a bonus.

3ptguitarist · Post by **3ptguitarist** » Tue Jan 23, 2018 5:38 pm

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm thinking about not buying one anyway as I don't really need it and have two other keyboards even though they're bigger (49 and 61 keys).

Zexila · Post by **Zexila** » Tue Jan 23, 2018 6:22 pm

3ptguitarist wrote:Thanks for the advice guys. I'm thinking about not buying one anyway as I don't really need it and have two other keyboards even though they're bigger (49 and 61 keys).

Maybe add something like this, doesn't have pads tho.

http://www.akaipro.com/products/ableton ... rs/midimix

chk071 · Post by **chk071** » Tue Jan 23, 2018 6:29 pm

Is the MIDIMix good? I thought one or two times about getting one, but, the knobs look very cheap-ish, so, i'm a bit concerned about the quality.

thecontrolcentre · Post by **thecontrolcentre** » Tue Jan 23, 2018 6:33 pm

3ptguitarist wrote:Thanks for the advice guys. I'm thinking about not buying one anyway as I don't really need it and have two other keyboards even though they're bigger (49 and 61 keys).

I love my ReMote 25SL ... If I had to replace it, I think I'd go for the Mk2 version. It fits nicely on my desk, alongside PUSH2. The integration with Live is excellent. Mines more than 10 years old now, but still going strong.

Zexila · Post by **Zexila** » Tue Jan 23, 2018 6:37 pm

chk071 wrote:Is the MIDIMix good? I thought one or two times about getting one, but, the knobs look very cheap-ish, so, i'm a bit concerned about the quality.

Some folks doesn't seem happy with them, never touched one, been intrigued with it too.

https://www.gearslutz.com/board/electro ... dimix.html

chk071 · Post by **chk071** » Tue Jan 23, 2018 6:44 pm

Funny that they all talk about replacing the knobs.

Anyway, on the positive side, it is really inexpensive. For the comparable Novation Launchcontrol XL, you pay about 40 € more. It looks better though.

papatomany · Post by **papatomany** » Wed Jan 24, 2018 4:29 pm

3ptguitarist wrote:...

I have a 61 key m-audio keystation too.

Is it the old keystation? I always loved mine, but it died on me. When I tried out the version II in Guitar Center, it felt spongy by comparison, so I'm still looking for a similar keybed for my replacement. (Nektar lx61+?)

Back to the topic, though. I've found my Axiom 25 to be invaluable. I'm a keyboard player (not a great keyboard player, mind you), so even if it's primarily for triggering stuff, the feel of the keys matters to me; so, bearing that in mind, I just don't enjoy the keys on the Launchkey.