I would like to purchase an audio controller, since my mother's heavy Yamaha from 90's is making my desk collapse.

I would like controller with following specs:

• 3 octave(s) + 9/12/16 pads
• 2.5 octave(s) + 12/16 pads

..where octave stands for ≈12 keys.

Obviously I could buy 3 octaved used one and 16 pad separately, but I don't think it's versatile.
Nontheless, I currently found the new white M-Wave drum pad (16 pads) for 39$ and following keyboards:

• Midtech Garagekey Mini.......$70.....new.....37 keys....no pads
• Nektar Impact GX49...........$84.....used....49 keys....no pads
• Midiplus Tiny+...............$78.....new.....32 keys....4 pads
• Midiplus Tiny................$61.....new.....37 keys....no pads
• M-audio Keystation 49 MK3....$105....new.....49 keys....no pads
• Alesis V49 MK2...............$84.....used....49 keys....8 pads
• E-MU Xboard 61...............$84.....used....61 keys....no pads
• Miditech Minicontrol-32......$48.....used....32 keys....no pads
• ICON iKeyboard 6Nano.........$84.....used....61 keys....no pads

My budget is 125$; I might take that Alesis one but it might be sold soon and maybe you have other suggestions

 

Last edited: Dec 25, 2025 at 9:17 PM

Why not, if you aren't really using DAW integration, it's really trivial then, 16 pad specialized one is much more versatile then whatever you can buy in that price range crammed in one. My friend have setup that consist of Nektar GX61 and Korg padKontrol and it's quite neat really. I got Nektar LX61 and those pads serve me as clip launchers for Bitwig, if I had any desire to do some actually finger drumming, that would be huge let down in every possible way.

That E-MU Xboard is great overall, you can find something like Korg padKontrol for 40-50 bucks easily, that's how much he paid for it too.

 

Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 - 119 €

The Launchkey Mini 25 is a powerful DAW controller with two octaves of synthesizer-style mini keys, eight encoders, and 16 velocity-sensitive pads for playing drums and instruments, as well as launching clips. Its creative chord and scale modes are built-in, and along with the OLED display, they ensure you stay effortlessly in tune.

https://www.thomann.de/de/novation_launchkey_mini_25_mk4.htm
https://novationmusic.com/products/launchkey-mini-25

Nektar Impact LX49+ - 135 €

There is more to the 4 Octave & Transpose buttons than meets the eye. 4 functions are selectable on the fly so you can make important changes at any time, even while you play. A key combination makes assignment quick and easy. Choices include sending out MIDI Program Messages, change the Global MIDI Channel or select any of Impact LX+’s 5 user presets with either the Octave or Transpose buttons.

For groove and beat creation, Impact LX’+s 8 velocity sensitive pads make life easy. Calibrated to trigger at a light touch, finger drumming is suddenly well within reach with a nice and even velocity response. Each pad can be assigned any MIDI note number or MIDI cc message for use as MIDI trigger or toggle buttons. But the best part is the “Pad Learn“ feature, which allows you to just select a pad, play the note or drum sound you want on the keyboard and assignment is done. No complex menus for a task that’s essential to getting the most out of your pads. Assignments are stored over power cycling so you don’t lose your settings when you switch your system off for the night. In addition, 4 pad map locations can store your settings for future recall.

www.thomann.de/de/nektar_impact_lx49_395176.htm?shp=eyJjb3VudHJ5IjoiZGUiLCJjdXJyZW5jeSI6MiwibGFuZ3VhZ2UiOjF9&reload=1

https://nektartech.com/impact-lx49-61-plus/

 

M-Audio OXYGEN 49 MKV 49-Key USB MIDI Controller, with 3 ft USB Cord + Extension - $99 (used)
Free Shipping; Seller Rating: 100%; 4,921 transactions
https://www.ebay.com/itm/177695793792?_skw=49+midi+controller&epid=19046127589&itmmeta=01KDBQEYZ07SB4BPA28TSXSP9X&itmprp=enc:AQAKAAAA8FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1e7Ktdp5EaV8bXKkXGBr4lxwRB5yYbO+iTv54+P78Ai60xHZ7oLQz2knN8N13+UrWwyIk+8VHbMxEb+Xw4c9pV5olwEWFr1RwajYx7F7i4T4+s5/mvmxVfttva/9uyeIZAWMB4/CU0Ojhz/R8OQjMqXSMsxm8lRr6BU1EueUHH8JIJ6x5iCGoCI2w5fWotQxwS4rED8xHLHxoLsvQ6vlS++j4vKQ7k6n+y6NAAnnAxO2SwtFHXfbL2wWy3pD6vftHUPQzAa3546h3W7bY0ndV3BOzfoEdmSiFaLm3ZE9sg8cg==|tkp:Bk9SR-7vu_fqZg

 

This:
https://www.thomann.pl/midiplus_x3_mini.htm

(Read my review on Thomann.)

 

Get a Roland A49, it works like charm with Mac or PC and still have driver support, it is compact for your desktop setup, semiweighted keys for synth or piano, feels great as you can also adjust the velocity curve up to your taste or needs.

 

Too tiny and overpriced, you can't play piano with that thing.

 

OP asked for 3 octaves, I don't think playing the piano is the aim here.

 

I would go for a native Instruments Komplete kontrol s49 mk2 used at eBay but only if you do a lot with native Instruments stuff like battery,Kontakt and so on.

 

I suggest saving for a quality keyboard or digital piano. I am not sure about used ones, keyboards get fked up after some time, most will need repair.

 

yeah, i woudnt buy a used controller, unless it was used very very slightly

 

Isn't it better to wait a bit save up a bit more cash and get something really good with all the features you want and need. that is how I bought most of my instruments never regretted any. Never rush into something and not be satisfied afterwards

 

16 pads are good but amount of keys is not satisfying at all :/

too expensive

such as?

some descriptions say it "was used briefly", "unwanted gift" and other excuses

 

Nektar Impact LX49+ - 135 €

There is more to the 4 Octave & Transpose buttons than meets the eye. 4 functions are selectable on the fly so you can make important changes at any time, even while you play. A key combination makes assignment quick and easy. Choices include sending out MIDI Program Messages, change the Global MIDI Channel or select any of Impact LX+’s 5 user presets with either the Octave or Transpose buttons.

For groove and beat creation, Impact LX’+s 8 velocity sensitive pads make life easy. Calibrated to trigger at a light touch, finger drumming is suddenly well within reach with a nice and even velocity response. Each pad can be assigned any MIDI note number or MIDI cc message for use as MIDI trigger or toggle buttons. But the best part is the “Pad Learn“ feature, which allows you to just select a pad, play the note or drum sound you want on the keyboard and assignment is done. No complex menus for a task that’s essential to getting the most out of your pads. Assignments are stored over power cycling so you don’t lose your settings when you switch your system off for the night. In addition, 4 pad map locations can store your settings for future recall.

www.thomann.de/de/nektar_impact_lx49_395176.htm?shp=eyJjb3VudHJ5IjoiZGUiLCJjdXJyZW5jeSI6MiwibGFuZ3VhZ2UiOjF9&reload=1

https://nektartech.com/impact-lx49-61-plus/

 

Alesis is solid non-flashy option. That particular model I've not used but I've still got a Q25 which is a very basic 2oct one (to stick it into a backpack and take it with me) and that thing is nearly indestructible. Great for jams, rehersals etc. for triggering samples and playing simple leadlines.

Unless you're deep into Native Instruments ecosystem (in effect own Komplete) I'd highly recommend to stay away from them. The hardware is solid for sure but the problem is you're dependent on their software for the fancy features (or in some cases, all functionality) and it has been known to be spotty at times. Also NI has the nasty habit of abandoning support for older devices. Trust me, owning (and having owned) a lot of their stuff I know this first hand. But if you like their software (like I do, for the sound and features) then it's a natural fit. But not otherwise.

I also second the opinion of getting a pad controller separate, the Korg PadKontrol is a goddamn workhorse.

 

That's a very old horse
I'm surprised to see they're still supporting a windows driver in 2025.

 

It is not tiny. The keys are of exactly the same size as Arturia Keystep (which is broadly used as a keyboard controller). And it is much cheaper than Keystep (especially the 37-key model). It is a quality space saver.

 

I'm pretty certain you only need the driver for the editor software, it'll work class compliant otherwise. Not about to uninstall the driver to check though.

 

I lately bought a M-VAVE SMK-37 PRO. I like it, it's on AliExpress for about 100 bucks right now. It does not feel cheap at all plus it has a little rompler integrates. A nice addon, I don't use that, but why not. Oh: For the Gothkids among us: there is an all black version. I for sure chose that one. It looks awesome.

 

Sounds like quite thing all I need, but... 16 pads in 2 rows? Also, isn't the M-Wave a Chinese brand?