KVR Audio

tizak* · Post by tizak* » Wed May 16, 2012 2:32 pm

Thanks for correcting me on the Alesis Q25, I am interested still interested in the Akai Pro MPK mini for the drum machine pads. Having said that, reading reviews both models have their pro's and con's the Akai Pro MPK mini pads are claimed to be mot very sensitive while it is not clear to me the difference, (advantage), in key sensitivity between the Alesis Q25 and the Akai Pro MPK mini.

As a newbie, wanting to start from a good base, I feel it would be good to start by purchasing a midi controller with good key sensitivity, if views are that they are comparable than I am inclined to go with the Akai Pro MPK mini.

thecontrolcentre · Post by **thecontrolcentre** » Wed May 16, 2012 2:54 pm

I'd recommend spending a bit more if you can ... Novation's SL MkII and Impulse keyboards deliver a lot for the money (touch-sensitive faders and pots, X-Y Pad, Automap, LCD screen, aftertouch, drum pads, midi ports). You're less likely to want to upgrade later if you start out with something decent.

GaryG · Post by **GaryG** » Wed May 16, 2012 3:42 pm

@lionscub68 - subjective I know but how do you find the Q25? Only read reviews that seem a bit 'meh' about it's action. Sounds like you know what you're doing re: velocity sensitivity, so makes the grade? Cheers.

lionscub68 · Post by **lionscub68** » Wed May 16, 2012 3:51 pm

It's okay, nothing special. Synth action keys. The velocity is even (playing soft -> hard results in even steven midi numbers (0-127), which is important if you have expressive synths. I like that I can switch midi channels relatively quickly. I had a Korg microkeys 37 but the combination of the small keys and the lack of a sustain pedal just killed me, so I switched. The local shop had it on clearance at $39, so it was a no-brainer.

Keep in mind I don't do any ripping solos on the Q25. I use my main controller for wide ranges of notes, this one is used for simple stuff. But my main requirements have always been: pitch& mod wheels, steady velocity curve (see above), a susain jack. Having a true real MIDI out is a real bonus.

Funny thing is I also own a Novation Notrun 49 with all those buttons and what-not. I hated the action and also particularly can't stand program the board over and over... My brother has since borrowed it, and I don't miss it one bit.

JJBiener · Post by **JJBiener** » Wed May 16, 2012 4:03 pm

When I was looking for a mini keyboard about a year ago, my main criteria was it had to have real keys. That is why I went with the Alesis Q25. Is it the best key action I've ever use? No, but it does the job when I can't be at my main keyboard. It is solid and consistent and just dead easy to use. I just plug it in and it works. If you want pads or an x-y controller, there are Korg and Akai options for that. I bought a Korg LPD8 for pads and knobs, and it works just fine.

Good luck with your endeavors.

GaryG · Post by **GaryG** » Wed May 16, 2012 4:10 pm

Thanks lionscub68.

I'm a... 'minimal' keyboard player at best so ripping solos aren't on the agenda...

My aging roland controller is generally fine but has no real response at the lower end, velocity wise. Playing very gently just doesn't register at all. It seems a while back they were a few semi-weighted 25 key boards around but now you have to move up to the m-audio axioms etc which is overkill for what I need.

Wish I could find a q25 for $39, new over here is £55, ~$87...

tizak* · Post by tizak* » Thu May 17, 2012 9:47 pm

I'm about to pull the trigger on the Alesis Q25, I note that there may be a driver issue with Windows 7 64 bit, is this the case?

lionscub68 · Post by **lionscub68** » Thu May 17, 2012 10:32 pm

i dunno about a Windows 7 issue; I'm a Mac user.

mellotronaut · Post by **mellotronaut** » Thu May 17, 2012 10:41 pm

Nano key is a joke, LPK 25 is not too bad, but more for occasional use in hotel rooms etc ... i use it also for key switches. buy something more serious with min. 37 keys.

JJBiener · Post by **JJBiener** » Thu May 17, 2012 10:45 pm

tizak* wrote:I'm about to pull the trigger on the Alesis Q25, I note that there may be a driver issue with Windows 7 64 bit, is this the case?

Actually, the Q25 doesn't require a driver for Win7. Mine worked first time right out of the box.

tizak* · Post by tizak* » Fri May 18, 2012 9:52 am

Thanks for clarifying the driver issue.

mztk · Post by **mztk** » Tue Aug 06, 2013 4:33 pm

chucking in my 2c on the Akai LPK25. very disappointed with this,
even as the cut-down thing it is supposed to be. it arrived with
a slightly off-centre key at the end on the right, which didn't
sweeten my mood(thought the supplier delivered in good time, no
complaint there).

i've found stuff of similar build quality in bootsales by evolution,
albeit, not usb etc. these keys don't even feel like they have proper
travel.
i expect better from akai. this has no original concept(apart from
the 'arpeggiator', which is not picking up external clock here, and
is definitely not like the old arpeggiators which bang yer notes in).
(makes me wonder about MIDI on a PC this time.

)

this looks like a cash-in: why not include a real MIDI port and a
battery compartment? that way the arpeggiator could serve in a non-
-PC/Mac situation. why not push the boat out and have a little xy
pad? this is a waste of deskspace right now, the reverse of what i
wanted, makes a good case for the minimal Korg, as stated earlier:
you just need sequential triggering of keys-so you know what you're
triggering, and a bit of velocity. and pitchbend/mod is useful to
have. the current price is 39eu+port, and for this, i think it's a
bit dear.(take into account my disappointment with condition).
hence, for these reasons, might as well accept you're not getting
a 'real' keyboard, and go for the function with the slimmer korg.
i'd rather stick with my old evolution mk425C which does the job
passably well.

filter303 · Post by **filter303** » Tue Aug 06, 2013 4:42 pm

Stay away from LPK25. I have one and it's just horrible. The quality is very bad. The velocity is all over the place no matter how you play. Looks cute but that's about it.
I also have a microkey 37 which has very wobbly keys.

I know both of these are cheap toys but somehow I was still expecting something better.

mztk · Post by **mztk** » Tue Aug 06, 2013 5:32 pm

filter303 wrote:Stay away from LPK25. I have one and it's just horrible. The quality is very bad. The velocity is all over the place no matter how you play. Looks cute but that's about it.
I also have a microkey 37 which has very wobbly keys.

I know both of these are cheap toys but somehow I was still expecting something better.

yeah, too right. you thought, ooh akai, it will have something nice about
it. but no. a displeasurable experience.mmm, should i bother swapping it
for the korg if i can, or just accept 40eu down the pan?am inclined to think
a slim thing that fits inside a laptop bag as a pc accessory will ultimately
be more suitable.

Newbie: Korg NanoKEY 2 or AKAI PROFESSIONAL LPK25