KVR Audio

3mp0w3r · Post by **3mp0w3r** » Mon Apr 06, 2015 12:26 pm

I am just a home guitar player with non music related job. I plan on trying to make some backing tracks with drums, bass etc. I also wanted to attempt some simple melodies with a Rhodes vsts.

I have been looking at the following 3:

1) Akai MPC MKII
2) ARTURIA MiniLab
3) Nektar Impact LX25

All 3 of them seem to have mixed reviews. I liked the fact that the Nektar is pre mapped to work with some of the most common DAWs.

Any suggestions for something that will be easiest to figure out and get some creativity going quick?

Deep Purple · Post by **Deep Purple** » Mon Apr 06, 2015 12:30 pm

I would suggest more than 25 keys for an electric piano. 25 is too restricting.

3mp0w3r · Post by **3mp0w3r** » Mon Apr 06, 2015 12:42 pm

Hmm, ok. I am not a real piano player though and want to keep the amount spent on this minimum since I might fail to do what I set out to. But if going for more keys, what is the recommendation?

Deep Purple · Post by **Deep Purple** » Mon Apr 06, 2015 1:19 pm

The problem with 25 keys is that it will almost certainly prevent you from becoming a two handed player. If you want to improve you might want to look at something that has at least 49 - remember that 25 keys only gives you two octaves and you will find that restricting.

All budget keyboards are going to get mediocre reviews though, and there's not much difference between them. If you have a music store near you that's a good place to start and try a few out. You don't have to buy from there - buy online later and get the best deal that you can.

Personally I have an M-Audio Keystation 88 and an Akai MPK Mini. The first is OK for piano, but doesn't have a hammer action keyboard so it's kind of awkward to play right, but the second is good for synthesizer type stuff as it has pads and knobs that can be assigned to software.

Bottom line is that you're not going to get an instrument with great reviews unless you spend money - for entry level you're probably better off just accepting mediocre reviews.

Winstontaneous · Post by **Winstontaneous** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 9:06 pm

To add to what others have said...The only real upside of a 25-key controller is small size/portability, they are handy for a portable laptop rig. You may as well go for one with polyphonic aftertouch for expressiveness - I have the CME X-Key, the KMI QuNexus does, too.

rod_zero · Post by **rod_zero** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 10:25 pm

Look for a second hand one.

MadAnthony81 · Post by **MadAnthony81** » Mon Apr 13, 2015 8:13 am

Here one that looks inspiring.

But may i warn you Akai's finger buttons are harder to press down than other. Keep in mind im not talking about the keys.

Here's a cool deal.

http://www.zzounds.com/item--AKAAPCKEY2 ... fgodTocAbA

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/keyboard ... 1870555867

Last but not least. Here is a sic deal i found. It seems great and Novation keypad buttons are easy to press down. Hey this thing looks sic too. Kinda Rhodsey and fashionable.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LaunchkeyMini/

here it is again same spot
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LaunchkeyMini/

MadAnthony81 · Post by **MadAnthony81** » Mon Apr 13, 2015 9:16 am

D you use guitar software for your guitar?

I do.

bluzkat · Post by **bluzkat** » Tue Apr 21, 2015 8:05 pm

I also would recommend a keyboard with at least 49 keys...

Nektar Impact lx49 would do nicely. I love the Nektar keyboards, they offer a very good product at a good price and have great support!

What more could you ask for?

I own a Nektar Panorama P6, I think it is an amazing keyboard. I also use a Korg Kontrol 49 that I've had for several years.

And just so you know my main instrument is guitar.

Enjoy.

Best 25 key Midi controller for a guitarist?