MPK mini review keyboard controller for iphone and ipod touch: August 2012

Monday, 20 August 2012

Akai SYNTHSTATION25 25-Key Keyboard Controller For Iphone And Ipod Touch best buy

Product Description

The SynthStation25 transforms iPhone or iPod touch into a portable music production studio for mobile music creation. This MIDI keyboard controller gives your handheld device a two-octave set of piano keys and professional audio outputs, and it integrates perfectly with the Akai Pro SynthStation app and select third party apps. The SynthStation25 is powerful enough for professional musicians, yet virtually anyone can use it to easily create music. his 25-key synth keyboard features a built-in dock for iPhone or iPod touch that allows you to take performance beyond simply touching the screen. Touchscreen technology is amazing, but it doesn't respond to velocity which is a key component to capturing your musical expression. The SynthStation25 gives you two octaves of velocity-sensitive, synth-action keys, pitch and modulation wheels, and octave up and down and sound-bank buttons so everything you play get laid down in the mix. The SynthStation25 has a stereo pair of RCA line outputs and a headphone output for connection to recording and sound reinforcement systems.

25-key MIDI keyboard controller with dock for iPhone and iPod touch
Velocity-sensitive, synth-action keys for expressive performance
Pitch and modulation wheels, octave +/-, and sound-bank buttons
Stereo RCA line outputs and headphone jack
MIDI-over-USB for use with virtually all music software
Pitch and modulation wheels, octave + or -, and sound-bank buttons
Pitch and modulation wheels, octave, and sound-bank buttons

Customer Rating :

List Price : $299.00 Price : Too low to display

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Akai SYNTHSTATION25 25-Key Keyboard Controller For Iphone And Ipod Touch Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful

Pretty Amazing, March 3, 2011

BurnedCustomer101 - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Akai SYNTHSTATION25 25-Key Keyboard Controller For Iphone And Ipod Touch (Electronics)

I had been eyeballing this thing for a while, but I didn't have an iphone. I recently got an ipod touch 4g for an unrelated reason, and within a few hours of that purchase it occurred to me that I should get this thing too. I'm glad I did.

The controller is well built for a powerless piece of plastic (i say powerless because it is not a pre-amp or anything, it does require batteries). I own the LPK25 and the LPD8, and the SS25 is pretty similar in design with the exception of the pitch and mod wheels (drum pads are controlled via the touch screen). There is no on board speaker, and keys played don't play through the ipod's speaker, so you NEED headphones or to use the line out. Get an RCA to 1/8" adapter and you are set. I really like this because I make the noise in my band and it is difficult to do what I do without a computer. This essentially puts Garage Band in my pocket and I've spent many a night on the couch completely oblivious to my wife and kids while I amuse... Read more

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

A completely unreliable controller, April 13, 2011

Buckyballs - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Akai SYNTHSTATION25 25-Key Keyboard Controller For Iphone And Ipod Touch (Electronics)

I really wanted to like this controller , really. Im a huge fan of NanoStudio which was the sole reason for me buying this controller. I had read some complaints on the nano message board about these not working for no apparent reason but I figured Id take a chance since most everyone gave these things great reviews and talked about how good they worked.

So when my SS25 came in the mail and I plugged it in of course it was unresponsive within 5 mins. What I mean by that is that the sound cut from the headphone jack, keys became unresponsive and an error message saying this device is incompatible came up after replugging it in, restarting ect. Thirty Minutes later it was working again, so I let it sit with a loop running in the background and without touching anything after about 10 mins the sound cut from the headphones , keys became unresponsive and an error message came up again. This is all while being plugged in to a USB for power. After restarting my ipod several times... Read more

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

Coolest toy I own!!!, December 3, 2010

Ian Aros "Alderige" (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Akai SYNTHSTATION25 25-Key Keyboard Controller For Iphone And Ipod Touch (Electronics)

Not only does it controls IPhone synths (Akai, NanoStudio and more to come I hear) but it also controls my IPad via the camera connection kit. I LOVE THIS THING! I was not only able to create some very cool sounds in minutes with the Akai app but also got it layered with the IPAD Korg IMS-20 with some pretty wickedly insane results.

My only gripe so far is with the Iphone app (Akai) some of the buttons on the touch screen are to small and at times unresponsive. Nlog will support the controller soon so that is another great iphone synth that should be fun to play with. I will try Nanostudio and Korg Electribe as well and update the review.

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Wednesday, 15 August 2012

Akai MPK 49 Controller Keyboard best buy

Product Description

The Akai MPK49 Keyboard Controller lets you capture every nuance of your performance Maximize your musical ideas on-stage or in the studio with the new Akai MPK49 performance controller. The Akai MPK49 ushers in a new era for USB/MIDI controllers by combining a high-quality, 49-key, semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch and 12 genuine MPC drum pads. 48 total pads are accessible via 4 pad banks. The pads feature the heart and soul of hip hop: the MPC Note Repeat function and Swing parameters. The Akai MPK49 Performance Controller also has its own arpeggiator, for creating quick, creative riffs in seconds. Akai MPK49 Keyboard Controller Features 49-key, semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch and full-sized keys 8 full-sized, 360 degree rotation pots, each with 3 banks for 24 pots total 12 genuine MPC pads with velocity and pressure sensitivity 8 full-sized sliders with 3 controller banks for each for 24 sliders total MPC note repeat and all-new arpeggiator 8 assignable backlit switches with 3 controller banks each for 24 switches total MMC/MIDI Start Stop transport buttons Large, easy-to-read custom LCD display Powered thru the USB connection or an optional AC adapter The Akai MPK49 features MPC 'Full Level' and '12 Levels' functions on its pads, and MPC Swing can be applied to both Note Repeat and Arpeggio functions. Tap Tempo and time-division buttons allow for real-time control of Note Repeat and Arpeggio clock speeds. The Akai MPK49 delivers an amazing 76 assignable controls, with assignable inputs that include an expression pedal, footswitch, pitch bend and modulation wheel. More than just a USB/MIDI controller, the MPK49 captures the soul of your performance.

Amazon.com Product Description

More than just a USB/MIDI controller, the Akai MPK49 USB/MIDI Controller Keyboard helps you maximize your musical ideas on-stage or in the studio. It combines a high-quality, 49-key, semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch and 12 genuine MPC drum pads. It also offers 48 total accessible pads via 4 pad banks, and you can control up to 72 different parameters via 24 assignable Q-Link knobs, faders, and buttons as well as optional footswitches.

A selection of MPC technologies are also built into the MPK49. MPC Note Repeat enables the MPK to automatically perform a rhythm pattern, such as 16th notes, for accuracy and speed. MPC Swing, sometimes referred to as "the heart and soul of hip hop," turns perfectly aligned sequences into beats and patterns with an unmistakable human feel. The MPK49 Performance Controller also has its own arpeggiator, for creating quick, creative riffs in seconds.

Key Features

49-key, semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch and full-sized keys
8 full-sized, 360 degree rotation pots, each with 3 banks for 24 pots total
12 genuine MPC pads with velocity and pressure sensitivity
8 full-sized sliders with 3 controller banks for each for 24 sliders total
MPC note repeat and all-new arpeggiator
8 assignable backlit switches with 3 controller banks each for 24 switches total
MMC/MIDI Start Stop transport buttons
Large, easy-to-read custom LCD display

Specifications

Number of Keys: 49 + 12 x 4 banks of drum pads
Type of action: Semi-weighted Aftertouch (Channel)
Computer Interface: USB/MIDI
Displays: Custom LCD
Foot switchable Patch Changes: yes
Number of Independent MIDI Ins/Outs: 1
Programmable Continuous Footpedals: 1
Programmable Footswitches: 1
Programmable controllers: MMC, MIDI START/STOP, MIDI CC
System Real-Time Controls: MMC, MIDI START/STOP, MIDI CC
Dimensions: 28 x 11.75 x 2.5 inches (WxDxH)
Weight: 12.875 pounds

High-quality, 49-key, semi-weighted, aftertouch equipped keyboard with 12 genuine MPC drum pads (see larger image).

Ideal for hardware control of your digital audio workstation (DAW), software plug-ins or virtual instruments (see larger image).

Other features include Tap Tempo function, 32 presets to store preferred settings and the flexibility of either master or slave-to-MIDI clock operation (see larger image).

49-key, semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch and full-sized keys
8 full-sized, 360 degree rotation pots, each with 3 banks for 24 pots total
12 genuine MPC pads with velocity and pressure sensitivity
8 full-sized sliders with 3 controller banks for each for 24 sliders total
MMC/MIDI Start Stop transport buttons

Customer Rating :

List Price : $599.00 Price : Too low to display

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Akai MPK 49 Controller Keyboard Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

If you're buying for the pads, get an MPD instead, December 29, 2009

jiakenmin (OZ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Akai MPK 49 Controller Keyboard (Electronics)

First of all, the pads DO suck. MPC's are known for their pads so you'd think Akai would at least be able to put the same type of pad/contact design on their MPK line. Instead they put a bunch of pads with no play that feel like buttons and make the keyboard housing vibrate when you pound them. On top of that they placed the contacts so far away it's damn near impossible to get 127 velocity on the pads without going Full Level. Even my LPD8 feels better than this thing. And even though they look like the MPC1000 pads, the 1000 pads are twice as thick as the ones here. I would have loved for them to have put the 1000 pads on this. At least then I'd be able to play back a chopped loop without feeling like I'm dialing a phone number.

The best part of the controller is the control surface. The transport keys, knobs, and sliders feel great. The LCD screen looks great.

Something unique about the controller is that it has built in MIDI settings that mimic... Read more

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful

Akai MPK good not great, August 13, 2009

C-Tru (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Akai MPK 49 Controller Keyboard (Electronics)

Now when I think of Akai, obviously quality and music productions come to mind. Unfortunately, this does not live up to the name. The biggest failing in this product is the drum pads. YES, THE DRUM PADS! No you might be thinking, 'what could be wrong with legendary Akai drum pads?' First off they are very unresponsive, you have to press down very hard just to trigger medium level midi sounds (yes, i even adjusted the sensitivity of the drum pads and this did not help). I am really perplexed by this, I'll hit down on the pad, and then hit it again with the same pressure and it'll either be louder or softer!!! I traded in my Axiom 25 and honestly, the drum pads on those were much much much better!!! On the plus side, the keyboard action on the piano keys is awesome! It has a slight weighted feel to them so you actually feel like your playing on a professional keyboard. (the Axiom series of keyboards had very light fake feeling piano keys). Needless to say, its alot of fun... Read more

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

Great keyboard, and the pads are much better than some would have you believe, November 24, 2010

Rob (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Akai MPK 49 Controller Keyboard (Electronics)

Out of the box, I admit that the pads feel pretty damn stiff. However, as I mentioned in a comment on another review of this product, you can work with this. You can turn up the sensitivity, lower the threshold, or change the pad curve. It's also important to note that the pads do loosen up with use. Break them in!
As for the keyboard, it is on the stiff side. How you feel about this will depend a lot on what you're used to. Striking a key takes about 2/3 the force needed for an acoustic piano, but it feels really different because the force is the same throughout the stroke. This of course is a result of using a spring to provide resistance rather than a hammer, which gets momentum as it moves. It still feels quite good on the fingers, though.
It comes with templates for many different software packages already installed. Number one is for Ableton LiveLite, which is included in the box. I had a little bit of trouble getting a template for FL Studio, but I did find... Read more

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Novation 25 SL MkII USB Midi Controller Keyboard 25 Keys best buy

Product Description

Novation's 25 SL Mk II has been designed to give you complete control over your music making software. We have worked with each of the main DAW manufacturers to make sure each of the fifty-six knobs, faders, and buttons control the things in your software that you need them to control. SL MkII can directly control your plug-in instruments and FX (you also get an Italian made, semi-weighted keyboard mechanism). SL MkII comes with Automap, a piece of software that has been designed to make the job of assigning your hardware controls to various software parameters quick and easy. Automap enables knobs, faders and buttons to instantly control plug-in instruments/FX, as well as your sequencer's mixer, transport controls and more. Open a plug-in instrument/FX, and you have instant access to all the plug-in parameters. This allows you to assign knobs, faders and buttons, by simply clicking on the software parameter, and touching the control! Novation was born, back in 1992, the company name has become synonymous with world-class analogue modeling synthesizers and unrivalled MIDI controller keyboards and solutions. The product range continues to receive critical acclaim from the music press and win numerous awards for outstanding technology and usability. Fantastic build quality, true musical instrument feel and intuitive controls are just three of the reasons why Novation's digital musical instruments are simply a joy to play. To keep products up to date and in tune with the user's needs, Novation continually provides improved operating systems and brand new software available for download. OS updates are fueled and inspired by suggestions from existing users, so comments about Novation products are actively encouraged.

High quality professional keyboard
Illuminated controls provide instant visual feedback
Giant 144-character LCD screen
Huge array of touch-sensitive controls
Includes Automap 3 PRO Control Software

Customer Rating :

List Price : $499.95 Price : Too low to display

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Novation 25 SL MkII USB Midi Controller Keyboard 25 Keys Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

Everything you will every need, November 7, 2011

College kid - See all my reviews

This review is from: Novation 25 SL MkII USB Midi Controller Keyboard 25 Keys (Electronics)

These other reviews are not giving the praise this product deserves. I have owned it for over 3 years, hauled it, used it, (lightly abused it,) and it is still %100 since the day I bought. Poster above says too complex? Too many functions? I beg to differ. Look at it this way, you can go spend a $100 + on just a midi keyboard, then maybe you want some faders and knobs later, another 100+, then maybe a drum pad..keeps adding up. You wanna talk about complex? By 3 or even just 2 seperate midi products and get them functioning properly with Reason, FL Studio, Ableton Live, Garage band ect. Talk about complex and frustrating. Trust me, I've done it.

I use this with my laptop, FL Studio (fruity loops), and Adobe Audition. It is flawless. It will do whatever I want it to do. I can link knobs/faders/samples in my software and assign them to a knob/fader/drum pad with literally 2 clicks of the mouse. Oh yeah, and when I save and reopen the midi links are remembered. If you are just... Read more

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

Awesome controller!, January 11, 2011

M. Burke - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Novation 25 SL MkII USB Midi Controller Keyboard 25 Keys (Electronics)

I am just getting the hang of this device, but very satisfied with the experience so far. The physical feel of the unit is of medium quality. Solid enough to take gigging, but you'll want to be gentle to its faders and knobs. The synth-piano-key action itself is very good (in my subjective opinion)

The device's main differentiating point, its LCD works as advertised. It's very useful not having to glance at that part of the Ableton interface. It does seem to flicker oddly, but nothing to interrupt your usage.

I do find the device's interface to Ableton Live a bit clunky, especially the setup (be SURE to follow the instructions. You'll never guess it). That said, it's extremely usable. Perhaps when I dig more into programming the unit the clunky-feel will be smoothed out - it seems the device is totally customizable.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful

Last Novation I buy., March 3, 2012

pianopraze (Kentucky, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Novation 25 SL MkII USB Midi Controller Keyboard 25 Keys (Electronics)

Customer Video Review Length:: 0:47 Mins

Keyboard is not very responsive for a Fatar, almost returned it because of how bad it is.

The velocity curves are horrible, none of the presets are to my liking and you can't make your own but even if you could...

Some of the keys respond a lot easier and some a lot harder. So if you play same pressure up the keyboard you will get different velocity responses...you have to play some really hard and some really soft to get same velocity sound... pain in the rear to make music with this hardware.

Drum pads are not worth using, why even include them? I think I read you can't even map them but I've not tried because they are so bad.

Software is also a pain in the rear - does not sync or play well with most of my programs. Programming it is a real pain in the rear too - maybe I should have made "pain in the rear" the title for my review. Over all easier to turn off the software auto-map and program it in logic... Read more

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