elsongs Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 Who makes the best USB mini keyboard controller on the market? Pretty much all of them can be had for under $100. What has the best feel and features? I already use an M-Audio Axiom 61 (1st Gen) for studio and live use...but might want a mini controller for "on the go" situations. Or should I just wait until after the NAMM show? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sven Golly Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 Korg MicroKey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Schmieder Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 Do you mean "mini" in overall size or one that has "mini" vs. "piano" or "synth" sized keys? I recently bought the Alesis Q-series small format controller and am immensely happy with it as it works well with all the software I have tried (no driver or protocol issues) and as the keys have a nice heft to them like vintage synths. It goes on sale frequently; I bought mine for under $40. About the size of a computer keyboard. Akai has a related model that focuses a bit more on sliders and knobs, and I think maybe MPC-style pads (though those may not show up until the larger models). Waiting for NAMM is wise if you can, since there will undoubtedly be new models announced. This will help you decide whether to wait even longer (very little comes out right after the NAMM announcements) and/or to look for blowouts on soon-to-be-replaced models. Eugenio Upright, 60th Ann P-Bass, USA Geddy Lee J-Bass, Yamaha BBP35, D'angelico Bari, Dano Bari Select Strat/Tele, Am Pro Jazzmaster, LP 57 Gold, G5422DC-12, T486, T64, PM2, EXL1, XK4, Voyager Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dana. Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 Korg MicroKey. +1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marzzz Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 Korg MicroKey. +1 If the Microkey had aftertouch, it would be perfect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dana. Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 Korg MicroKey. +1 If the Microkey had aftertouch, it would be perfect. And had one more octave (three is a bit limiting). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicbysterling Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 Akai has a small line of mini controllers I suggest you check out. �Ah, music," he said, wiping his eyes. "A magic beyond all we do here!� J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marzzz Posted December 30, 2011 Share Posted December 30, 2011 If the Microkey had aftertouch, it would be perfect.And had one more octave (three is a bit limiting). Three is doable, two is limiting. But yeah, four is better.... I am looking for a small keyboard to do some sound design on a laptop away from my studio, but a small, 3-OCT keyboard with decent keybed and aftertouch is pretty difficult to find. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnotherScott Posted December 30, 2011 Share Posted December 30, 2011 Three is doable, two is limiting. But yeah, four is better.... I am looking for a small keyboard to do some sound design on a laptop away from my studio, but a small, 3-OCT keyboard with decent keybed and aftertouch is pretty difficult to find. Arturia has the "Analog Experience" line... nice, small-but-rugged boards with aftertouch. A bit pricey, bit they include some very cool software. The "Factory" model is 32 keys, the "Laboratory" model is 49. Maybe this is the best place for a shameless plug! Our now not-so-new new video at https://youtu.be/3ZRC3b4p4EI is a 40 minute adaptation of T. S. Eliot's "Prufrock" - check it out! And hopefully I'll have something new here this year. ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marzzz Posted December 30, 2011 Share Posted December 30, 2011 Yeah, the "Analog Experience" is the closest I have seen to what I would want; The Factory can be found for $269 new. I think the actual keybed is made by CME. I am now in the "too close to NAMM" period to make any significant purchases, though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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