I have a Nektar Impact LX88 full 88 key keyboard that I primarily use for Kontakt so I can play and access keyswitches etc the same time. However, being 88 key it is pretty large so I prefer to keep it slid under my desk and only use when necessary, which is when I am making film/orchestral type music using Kontakt.

I also make electronic based music and looking for a small MIDI keyboard controller that can sit on my desk and be used as a day to day controller for my electro stuff. Anyone able to recommend a good 25-32 key MIDI controller that would do the job?mthe cheaper the better, and ideally has something like knobs, faders and/or pads that I can use too.

Cheers all!

 

Check this out slightly bigger but way cooler

Otherwise Arturia minilab

 

Last edited by a moderator: Jan 15, 2016

I like to have this Arturia KeyLab 49, not big not small.
But you may like this one with 25 keys and price 91€

 

Does that Novation Launchkey Mini need to use AutoMap, as I hate that software from when I used to have a Novation Impulse 61. Loved the keyboard, hated AutoMap. Also, the Mini doesn't have the pitch/modulation wheels as buttons really don't do it for me. However, the Novation Launchkey 25 does have the wheels obviously.

I was also looking at the Arturia KeyLab Mini and 25 versions, though it is pretty pricey compared to others.

 

I heard the AKAI's are really nice even thought they are cheap they have a sold feel.

I like this one > Akai Professional MPK249 49-Key Controller
It has enough sliders and pads and can even control your DAW.

but you want smaller so I think this on might fit your needs better
Akai Professional MPK Mini Mk2

 

Last edited: Jan 16, 2016

I really want to try a ROLI Seaboard rise. If it works as well as the demo makes it seem, might be worth the extra money. But if i couldn't try it first.............https://www.roli.com/products/seaboard-rise

 

That one is pricey so this one is not bad

95 €

 

M-Audio Code Series Keyboards

​

 

I like the idea of the Seaboard, but I have yet to see it be demoed with a none ROLI instrument. I assume that they planned the ability for all the "dimensions" to be remapped as different CCs, but that would defeat the purpose of it since each dimension is poly (like polyphonic aftertouch) since you can't map say a polyphonic modwheel, vibrato, tremolo etc.

Love the idea, but I'm still skeptical.

 

you dont have to use AutoMap if you dont want. You can get the launchkey 25 with mod wheel also but the price obviously goes up for that model.

 

if you like the LX88, why not go for the LX49? I have one sitting on my desktop. or the LX25 if you don't have room for 49 keys?

 

what country are you in and do you want after touch?

 

Just bought a used novation sl mk II 61 key controller for $180

 

What about a used Novation X-Station 25?

The sliders might not be as robust as you'd like, but it has a K-Station-esque sound module built in, with s/pdif out, midi in/out and USB.

 

The build quality of the novation launchkey series is pretty weak. I've got the launchkey 49 and most of the keys started clackering pretty badly after only six months. I also owned the novation remote sl for several years and that one's pretty awesome. Touch sensitive faders etc. Great gear.

 

I have to disagree. I got the Graphite 25 and it is so hard to play. The keys are big and nice, not to bad, but you have to push very hard to go to 100% velocity.
But the worst are the PADS. They are completly UNUSEFULL. They are not PADS, they are BUTTON, Very different concept. I almost destroy my fingers on it and never got what I wanted. You will need a hammer to push that stupid button/pads.
Finally I sold it.

Now I have a Novation SL MK2 and a Akai MPK mini Mk2.
I use the novation for live because it has good programable options, but the real beast for PRODUCTION is the Akai MPK mini Mk2.

It is small and the confort in your desk is very important. But the BEST are the PADS. You wil feel your fingers like a real drumer. Not need push hard. Just touching a bit they are sensitive. Not like SAMSON.

My recomendation is buy a good brand. Forget any thing from samson if you need a minimum of qualty.

 

Last edited: Jan 16, 2016

@Menorah thanks for sharing that vid,now have my m-audio zones working after many years of trying,
didnt know you had to turn all zones on at the same time after setting them

 

I am in the UK and not too bothered about after touch, though if it does come as a feature then that's a bonus.

 

Have you considered the Alesis VI25? How is your Nectar Impact LX88? I'm considering purchasing either the LX61 or the Alesis V61 as they're both good value and compact but neither have amazing pads.

 

I really like the LX88. Fab keyboard for the price. Though, I am not a pianist/keyboardist and am a guitarist, therefore only tend to use it with Kontakt to access all parameters. The way it auto maps to stuff like Cubase and Ableton is pretty nifty, and without third party software like AutoMap etc too!