Hi,

I've been thinking about adding a friend to my Keystation mini 32.

I would like something that adds more control by means of pads and knobs. I've been looking at the Novation Launchkey Mini MK2 and it's competitors, although the Novation is looking better for me.

Now the thing is.. it's kinda hard to see any reviews or usage of this kind of controllers outside the usual electronic genre (Ableton, launch clips, control filters, etc). I practically can't even find someone playing the keyboard and using the pads for a bass preset playing notes for instance, or using the pads as a range extension of the keyboard..

If you could point me to some videos or youtube channels of people using this kind of keyboard+pads+knobs controllers in a different way (it can be within Ableton, no problem with that), I would appreciate it very much.

Any other recommendations below 100€/£ are also appreciated. 25 keys should be enough, I already have 32 from the Keystation Mini.

Thanks

 

i have an impact nektar lx61, it has a 25key little sis

 

akai minis have always done a pretty damn gtoodjob for a portable controlloer as its 25 key with 8 drum pads and 8 realtime assignable controls..............their cheap as hell too...........got mine for free actually............but expext to pay 50 quid............or so depending on the obvious...........JJ

 

Arturia MiniLab all the way

 

For free, anything would be nice :D

Well, I am more interested on usability differences between all those brands that manufacture this kind of controller. That would help me figure out what would suit me better. Easy assignability and DAW control are something that I value.

 

Howabout a cheap android tablet and touchosc or liine lemur?

 

That would be against the point. I want to have more tactile feel of everything depending on context (DAW, plugins, markers, clips, etc).

I want a controller that gives the tactile feel for instruments but also the easy assignability of everything within the DAW in order to help composition (non-realtime music). Since this Launchkey mini has those rows of pads, I figured that it could be helpful to a myriad of things related to that (changing instruments/tracks, jumping to markers, changing views, quickly adjust track parameters) besides the obvious function (Ablive).

 

Good point!
Although you can also use your computer keyboard mapped to such functions in Live. It's easier to memorize shortcuts when you have at least one letter or number as opposed to "neutral pads" (except you like to work with stickers ;-)
With Novation slowly building up its reputation as not being very helpful when it comes to keybed failures within the warranty period, refusing repairs (see forums for, say, the Mininova tragedy), I just cannot recommend Novation. At least not if you live in Europe.
I just had a long story of getting a faulty Focusrite audio interface replaced by Focusrite/Novation support within the warranty period, it took me 6 weeks alone to make them accept that it was faulty at all.
For the sake of build quality and reliability, I'd rather stick with Arturia, Akai or Native Instruments. M-Audio probably too, depends on the model.
Have you had a look at M-Audio Code 25?

 

Thanks @fiction, that's exactly the kind of info that helps.

M-Audio Code 25 looks the tits!! I remember seeing those but no wonder they didn't show on my browsing.. the price eheh, but I am going to investigate that one, I got inspired just by looking at some pics.

I've been looking at Arturia Minilab, Akai Mpk mini Mk2, M-audio Oxygen 25 (MK4) and Nektar.. which comes with nice DAW feature and easy assignability.

I haven't checked which ones need software to change their functions (Korg Microkey was a pain.. it needed drivers AND software). My keystation 32 is plug and play.

edit: Will be checking Samson Graphite too.. but it looks like it offers too much for the price..

I was now looking into the option of buying just the top part since I already have keys to play.

 

Maybe

You're welcome!
Maybe Code 49 could replace your current keys too? Many Kontakt instruments have keyswitches, so it's good to have a few more keys (and controls btw).
With Mackie Control compatibility, DAW integration shouldn't be an issue.

 

I have to say that Arturia Minilab is really looking good.

I don't really need 49. I would prefer to have two keyboards and use whichever is needed or both at the same time running on different channels.

 

If you are considering the Code 25 then you might want to look at the Akai Advance which is slightly more expensive but IMHO is probably the ultimate control rig both for your DAW and all your VSTi's as well.

Have a look at the below videos and prepare to be amazed :

http://www.akaipro.com/microsites/advance/

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Advance25

 

Ended up getting none of those.

Just bought the Roland A-300 Pro.


Thank you all.

 

Interesting. Thanks for the update, and have fun!