So I've finally decided I'm ready to make the purchase. I'm mainly an FL studio user, however I've been watching videos on how to learn Ableton. I've yet to really try Reaper, or Studio One, nor have I tried the newer Cubase or Nuendos. I don't have much space for a stand unit, and I don't want cords everywhere that could potential cause a trip, snag or dog potentially chewing on (lol). So I'm mainly looking for a desktop model for my laptop that is no more than 2 feet long most likely 25, 32, maybe even 49 key, width doesn't matter. I'm looking spend no more than 2-300 nor more than $400. I've been looking at several models and youtube videos of people reviewing products, but that's not to say they have real experience with them or made them their main daily drivers. I'd like to talk to real people who use these daily and see what some of the pros, cons, drawbacks, and others toughts are etc. on each unit. I'd like to know how they would integrate into each DAW software, and also how easy or tedious the midding mapping process would be. I have no clue about any of this or what cords I would need to purchase either. Thanks for all input.

I did search the threads before posting. However, the ones I found go back to around 2018, so I'm guessing their not up to date.

 

So I've finally decided I'm ready to make the purchase. I'm mainly an FL studio user, however I've been watching videos on how to learn Ableton. I've yet to really try Reaper, or Studio One, nor have I tried the newer Cubase or Nuendos. I don't have much space for a stand unit, and I don't want cords everywhere that could potential cause a trip, snag or dog potentially chewing on (lol). So I'm mainly looking for a desktop model for my laptop that is no more than 2 feet long most likely 25, 32, maybe even 49 key, width doesn't matter. I'm looking spend no more than 2-300 nor more than $400. I've been looking at several models and youtube videos of people reviewing products, but that's not to say they have real experience with them or made them their main daily drivers. I'd like to talk to real people who use these daily and see what some of the pros, cons, drawbacks, and others toughts are etc. on each unit. I'd like to know how they would integrate into each DAW software, and also how easy or tedious the midding mapping process would be. I have no clue about any of this or what cords I would need to purchase either. Thanks for all input.

I did search the threads before posting. However, the ones I found go back to around 2018, so I'm guessing their not up to date.[/QUOTE]

 

View attachment 51945 View attachment 51946 View attachment 51947 View attachment 51948 View attachment 51949 [/QUOTE]

 

For Live I don't have experience, so really can't help you there. But overall, I have Nektar and few of my close friends and we are satisfied with it, DAW integration with Bitwig is good, tried it with Logic, they use it with FL. Build quality is decent, nothing really to scream about, but guess at that price point you will be hard pressed to find anything better, except maybe looking for older Novation SL 25 MKII.

Seems like they integrate with Live now too, great

 

Meh, I never understood the meaning of 25 keys, are more trigger keys than else.
Even 32 most of time are not enough to play to me, I just use it (M audio keystation 32) to transcribe melodies/chords and because it fits in the 15" laptop backpack.

If in future you want to play for real you'll need at least 61 IMO, and add external controller (pads, sliders, etc.)

 

Thanks yea someone else also recommended one a few weeks ago that was Nektar but I wasn't ready to buy yet.

 

I don't have the space unfortunately, I would nbe using the pads more than anythhing. I don't want it to be too combersome and I can transport easily/put it away if I need to move it for the space.

 

Share my experience. Hope that helps:

I am a guitar player. Bought my first controller in 2014 after composing with the mouse on fl studio for years. After some time I was able to play 80ies riffs and some solos from Pink Floyd, Vangelis, Portishead, etc. and from my own songs on the keyboard for fun and to record (lots of fun). I really doubt it would have been so much fun with a 25 keys only controller (mine is 37 and minikeys).

25 five keys may be ok for bass lines and composing harmonies, but too limited for solos.

After I got myself a bigger one: 49 keys normal sized, but the one I kept using the most is the 37 one (as I did not improve my skills to become a piano player lol).

So, if you intend to have some fun soloing synth leads besides bass lines and composing harmonies, go for a 37 keys. If not, 25 is ok.

If you intend to advance in learning to become a keyboard player, 49 and normal size.

 

Last edited: Nov 18, 2024 at 11:20 AM

I hear that, I'm actually considering a 37 key. Yea I'm thinking with a 25 I may be more limited, but you can also paste up an octave if you know the chords. 37 is most likely idealy and It's not nearly as long as a 49.

 

These 25 key keyboards are more for amputees IMHO
Whatever you buy, go to a store and try it out. Otherwise you'll buy twice.
Don't rely on others. It's your fingers that should feel comfortable

 

For build quality, seamless integration into all DAWs without any janky stuff going on, and quality support, I would say go the Arturia route. I use an Arturia MiniLab 3 as my desktop controller that I use for most MIDI input into Ableton for all instruments (making techno and tech house, so huge octave range not needed). It has solid integration with all DAWs, built in chord and arpeggiator, velocity sensitive, easily customisable, gives you 8 knobs for synth/instrument control or panning in mixer etc, but also 4 faders for ADSR, CC1 and CC11 control for orchestral instruments, mixer volume etc, whatever your preference is. It gives a solid, small form factor, fairly complete control, but if you need things like hardware pitch and mod wheels or aftertouch, then they'd be the only things it lacks really.

The number of keys depends on the style of music you make. For example, techno, tech house, and some deeper tech genres tends to stay within one or two octaves, meaning 25 keys is normally sufficient. If you want to make orchestral film scores or split Kontakt libraries across a keyboard for simultaneous playing, then an 88 key is obviously better.

One other thing Arturia has over others too (like Native Instruments who look to shaft customers and profiteer off them as soon as they can by developing out support and forcing upgrades if you don't want to have to re-learn an entire new ecosystem), is that they will continue to support their devices long term, with things like the KeyLab 25, Spark, and so on that are 15+ years old still fully recognised and supported in their latest MIDI control configuration software and drivers.

 

Last edited: Nov 18, 2024 at 12:11 PM

lmaoo amputees wow
Nearest store would be over an hour I live in BFE.. maybe one day if i got some time to just wander

 

Solid advice brother, I love the Arturia MiniLab 3 simply on aestetic. It's very clean and sleek looking for sure. How are the pads? I was also chcking on reviews and Arturia has some of the best weighted keys.

Yea for sure, I definitely see how you would need the extra keys with cinematic scoring. Techno, house, trance etc. are usally more simplified melodies and with not many octaves, and thats what I mainly want to produce.

Oh wow dang that's awesome, I also saw where the software that comes with it is Analog Lab?

 

Ideally I have always wanted the Akai Pro 49 key, I just never pulled the trigger. I'd most likely have to get another desk.

 

Pads are great in my opinion. Not clicky pads, but soft velocity sensitive pads like you'd find on AKAI, Push, Maschine etc, and feel good to me and can perform subtle drum fills etc on them easily.

Arturia stuff come with a bung of free software like their Analog Lab Intro (pretty much best free mainstream and diverse hardware emulation synth package you can get, and upgradeable to Pro if you like it), Ableton Live Lite, Native Instrument's The Gentleman (a great upright piano for Kontakt), Model D (a great piano for UVI Falcon/Workstation), as well as some free subs to things like Loopcloud and Melodics (where for Loopcloud you could use the free sub credits for sample packs of synth presets of your choice from their library).

Also, forgot to add that it had a pedal input if you want expression or use as a record/stop trigger etc, and also a rarity at this level, being a full size old school MIDI port to connect to hardware if you ever buy a hardware synth (you can plug in a USB C power cable and MIDI cable to hardware to use as a standalone MIDI controller for hardware synth, using it's inbuilt chord/arp tools etc).

https://www.arturia.com/products/hybrid-synths/minilab-3/overview

 

I'm allowed to say that. I'm one of them

If you have two arms, why not use them?
If you cant reach a store order more than one keyboard and send those back you don't like. It's just they must fit your needs, not mine.

As an alternative one can buy a Lumi keyboard from ROLI. 24 keys but you can attach a second and third keyboard just by their built-in magnetic connectors. And it works quite well. I have 3 of them. Keybed is quite OK if you don't have extremely big fingers.
When I'm not at home I take one of them and my laptop with me.
If your desk is full, you can place the keyboard under your desk. I did it with a (ball-bearing) drawer: It's just a Wooden plate (do not forget the palm rest), 4 screws and a pair of these:
https://a.co/d/bGxnB5a

 

Last edited: Nov 18, 2024 at 1:05 PM

Hello @scguy83, I would rather take a 49-key keyboard and try to change my workstation and adapt it to the new MIDI keyboard.

49 keys are the minimum to have fun making music.

Maybe you could write about the actual conditions at your music workstation. A drawing with the dimensions would be helpful.

You can do a lot with wood, for example put a larger wooden board on the table or enlarge the table on certain sides.
You can also set up a folding keyboard stand in front of the table.

Nektar Impact LX49+ = € 158

Product Dimensions ‎80.4 x 26.7 x 7.7 cm
https://nektartech.com/impact-lx49-61-plus/
www.amazon.de/Nektar-Impact-lx49-USB-MIDI-Controller-Keyboard-Integration/dp/B01HZWL64O?language=en_GB

 

Nektar - Panorama T4 - € 259

Dimensions (W x D x H): 820 x 277 x 80 mm

https://nektartech.com/panorama-p4-p6/
https://www.amazon.de/Nektar-Panorama-T4-Tasten-USB-MIDI-Keyboard-Controller/dp/B07F45H865

 

Interesting. Great keyboard as described and pictured.
But I always look at the negative reviews first. They are often more honest than the positive ones. Take a look at them on Amazon.
That's why I say you have to see & touch the keyboard physically.

 

I see it that way too @twoheart! I also read the comments on thomann! Many commercial reviews are just too positive.
If you order from the music retailer thomann, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 3-year guarantee. www.thomann.de/de/nektar_panorama_t4.htm