KVR Audio

yairhol · Post by **yairhol** » Mon May 20, 2013 2:24 pm

Hello,
My E-MU 49 key midi keyboard is giving me a hard time with some buttons not working all the time. I'm in need of a new 49 key midi keyboard. I need a good sturdy one that works with Windows XP 32 bit but can be upgraded later on from a respectable company. I don't need many buttons on it or drum pads.
Thank you.

werp · Post by **werp** » Mon May 20, 2013 2:35 pm

Arturia stuff is pretty good keyboard quality wise.
The factory is 49 keys, the laboratory is 61. Both feature velocity and aftertouch. Currently on sale in australia because of a new series release.

Numanoid · Post by **Numanoid** » Mon May 20, 2013 3:13 pm

werp wrote:Arturia stuff is pretty good keyboard quality wise.
The factory is 49 keys, the laboratory is 61. Both feature velocity and aftertouch. Currently on sale in australia because of a new series release.

Yeah as keyboards go they are not bad, only problem is that they don't work with the Analog Lab software package they ship with

Roland/Cakewalk got some nice ones

And then there is the miniKeys of Korg that ship with the Korg software package for free...

fluffy_little_something · Mon May 20, 2013 3:28 pm

Get a good 88-key master keyboard or digital piano and rip out the 39 keys you don't need

You're welcome, glad I could help...

yairhol · Post by **yairhol** » Mon May 20, 2013 3:52 pm

thanks but what you guys posted is more than I need.
How about this one? Any experience with it?
M-Audio 49 keys USB MIDI Controller
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Keystudio ... controller

cyphersuit · Post by **cyphersuit** » Mon May 20, 2013 4:01 pm

Novation launchkey 49 has the new automap and ipad sync!

fluffy_little_something · Mon May 20, 2013 4:10 pm

yairhol wrote:thanks but what you guys posted is more than I need.
How about this one? Any experience with it?
M-Audio 49 keys USB MIDI Controller
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Keystudio ... controller

Things I would pay attention to:
- velocity
- aftertouch
- regular vs mini keys
- maybe the kind of energy supply (USB, grid, or even batteries)
- Roland-type pitch/modulation lever vs 2 conventional wheels

I bought a Roland A 300 Pro, but I would probably not buy it again as it has too many things I don't need. At least the keyboard itself is very very good

paterpeter · Post by **paterpeter** » Mon May 20, 2013 4:20 pm

The Novation Impulse is nice, I have the 61 key version.

JavaJ · Post by **JavaJ** » Mon May 20, 2013 4:24 pm

I have the new Akai Max49. I think for control features- this has it. Touch faders are a nice touch

Using mine live for church and does a decent job (and looks nice- very nice).

jdoo · Post by **jdoo** » Mon May 20, 2013 4:26 pm

You dont go into much detail on what you will use it for. The M-Audio you linked to will work, if you're looking for a cheap keyboard that sends MIDI notes. If you want performance capability (after-touch, DAW Controls (programmable buttons), or better feel (weighted keys) - you will want to step up. The Axiom Pro series from M-Audio is a huge step up from the key station series, as are the Arturia keyboards mentioned earlier. It call comes down to what you are going to use it for. Again -- if you want a cheap, keyboard - that doesnt have to have much in the way of on-stage controllability or expressiveness.... the $99 keystudio will probably do. I have the Keystationes (big brother of the key studio), and gave it away to a family member. I also have an Arturia keyboard that I use every day in my home studio. Love the Arturia aftertouch and weighted keys. Lastly - I have the Axiom Pro, which I use regularly. They each have their good points.. The Arturia, while being a great controller -- is heavy, and better suited (imo) for a studio setting. The Axiom isn't as expressive as the Arturia, but is lighter... and feels indestructible comparatively. The Keystation... is a big step down, but playable..

I think you might be happy with the keystudio if you're not looking for controlling your DAW , and don't care about live expressiveness..

fisherKing · Post by **fisherKing** » Mon May 20, 2013 4:30 pm

check out the alesis q49 if u just need a simple controller; better than the m-audio one (IMHO)...

VitaminD · Post by **VitaminD** » Mon May 20, 2013 4:32 pm

paterpeter wrote:The Novation Impulse is nice, I have the 61 key version.

I did a ton of research on 49 key controllers last month.. the Impulse is the one I found to be the 'best.' (and I looked at every single one I could find sold at an american shop)

Runner up was the SL mkIII

I'd stay away from the launchpad as it doesn't have aftertouch nor any weight in the keys (unless that is your thing)

I'd also look at the arturia lineup..

You could also try something like a Novation X-station secondhand and get the bonus of a lite synthesizer to boot.. but I think the QA is hit or miss on them (and you'd be buying used so no warranty or likely return policy)..

billcarroll · Post by **billcarroll** » Mon May 20, 2013 4:36 pm

Arturia "The Laboratory" 49 is terrific.

Keys feel great, and it has aftertouch ... which is a nice touch

scook · Post by **scook** » Mon May 20, 2013 5:00 pm

fisherKing wrote:check out the alesis q49 if u just need a simple controller; better than the m-audio one (IMHO)...

Agreed, the Q49 also has the option to use an external power supply and standard MIDI out in addition to USB power/MIDI connection.

CocaineAudio · Post by **CocaineAudio** » Mon May 20, 2013 6:42 pm

i was where you were at a coupe years ago.... got the m-audio keyrig 49 and I still use it till this day... It does everything I need it to do...

Need recommendation for a 49-key midi keyboard