Midi keyboard with Best compatibility

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Hey,

I"m looking for a new midi-controller 3-4 octaves and use a lot of soft synths and trying to find the best path. In the past i've used 88 key hammer actions, but doing electronic stuff pretty much exclusively now and don't need such a big thing in my workflow. Prefer to fit comfortably with keyboard, trackpad and ableton push.

I like novation remote's feel but found automap (or whatever its called) a pain. Not sure if thats a common view? At the time I had my novation the thing i liked about the rotary knobs is they were aware of the parameter level so didn't let you 'jerk' a setting. Is that common across controllers now?

And seeing these controllers from Arturia and Native instruments I wonder whether they are good options? The akai mpk seems super solid choice.

Bottom line, is there a better solution for fast track with compatibility for mapping to virtual devices? I am using Abelton mainly, logic a little. And U-he diva a lot. And a couple of arturia, and native instruments plugins.

Any thoughts appreciated.

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If you use Live then automap isn't needed imho, as Live's mapping works well with Novation SLs. I've owned mine for 7-8 years and never used automap (altho it is installed on my pc).

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I like the Novation SL MK II learned it's functions through guessing I can't follow the instructions.
It has a Fatar keybed so the keys are the best you can buy. Could do with lots more knobs like the top row ones and motorised faders. The current version of automap is automatic to set up real easy.

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There isn't a single system that is good enough. NI controllers mapping only work with NI software. Same for arturia controllers, which by the way have bad build quality and IMHO awful keys.

Akai is coming out with this new Advance controllers which uses a vst host to achieve integration, you may want to wait to try them.

Personally what I like more is a control-less keyboard and using Push and Lemur to control stuff.
dedication to flying

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