Category Archives: Keyboard Reviews

Making a Dubstep Beat With Akai MPK-Mini

Akai MPK Mini

Do you love making beats? The Akai MPK-Mini is a great little MIDI keyboard. Here is a great demo video for making an easy dubstep beat with the Akai MPK-Mini.

If you’re looking to make the next big dubstep track, we’ve got the steps covered.

First things first: what is a dubstep beat? Well, it’s basically just a bassline that’s really hard-hitting and gets people moving. If you’ve ever listened to a dubstep track and wondered why everything sounded like it was shaking, it’s because of this bassline.

So how do you make one? It’s actually pretty simple! All you need is an MPK mini—a small device that can play midi files—and some software. You’ll also need a USB cable to connect your MPK mini to your computer and an audio interface (if you don’t have one already).

If you’re looking for a fun way to get some practice with music production, there’s no better way than creating dubstep beats with the Akai MPK mini.

The Akai MPK mini is a small MIDI controller that allows you to easily program beats and melodies using your computer. It’s also a great way to learn how to DJ, as it can be used for mixing and scratching.

If you’re just getting started in making music, we recommend downloading software like Reason or GarageBand (free) and connecting your MPK mini to your computer through USB. Once you’ve downloaded these programs onto your computer, you can start making music!

What is Dubstep?

Dubstep is a genre of electronic dance music that emerged in the United States and Ireland in the early 2000s. It’s characterized by its heavy bass, syncopation and tempo changes, and the use of samples from other styles of music.

One of the most popular genres of dubstep is drum ‘n’ bass (DnB). The name comes from the fact that it was originally a genre of early hardcore techno, which itself was created by combining samples from jazz fusion with drum tracks.

While there are many ways to make a dubstep beat using an MPK mini, this article will cover how to make a dubstep beat with the akai mpk mini.

Downloading Software

The first step is to download software on your computer that will allow you to create dubstep beats for your MPK mini. This comes bundled with the keyboard at Amazon, or simply search “dubstep beats” on Google Play or App Store.

If you’re looking for some new sounds to add to your repertoire, or if you just want to see what all the hype is about, then you’re definitely going to want to try making your own dubstep beats with an MPK mini.

Let’s get started!

M-Audio Axiom AIR Mini 32 Channel Midi Controller

M-Audio Axiom AIR Mini Review

Here is a good M-Audio Axiom AIR Mini review of the M-Audio Axiom AIR Mini 32

Amazon has the best deals on the M-Audio Axiom AIR Mini 32

I love M-Audio products. Read the other product reviews.

Axiom 25

Oxygen 49

The M-Audio Axiom AIR Mini 32

The M-Audio Axiom AIR Mini 32 is a compact, lightweight MIDI controller that offers a variety of features for musicians, producers and DJs. It features 32 velocity-sensitive mini keys, 8 backlit velocity-sensitive drum pads, 8 assignable knobs and 9 assignable buttons. The controller is also equipped with a built-in arpeggiator, sustain pedal input and transport controls. The Axiom AIR Mini 32 supports plug-and-play connectivity with Mac and PC and comes with Ableton Live Lite, Ignite by AIR and Hybrid 3 by AIR software. Users have generally praised the Axiom AIR Mini 32 for its portability, versatility, and affordability.

The M-Audio Axiom AIR Mini 32 features:

32 velocity-sensitive mini keys
8 backlit velocity-sensitive drum pads
8 assignable knobs
9 assignable buttons
Built-in arpeggiator
Sustain pedal input
Transport controls
Plug-and-play connectivity with Mac and PC
Comes with Ableton Live Lite, Ignite by AIR, and Hybrid 3 by AIR software.

The Axiom AIR Mini 32 is designed for musicians, producers and DJs who need a portable and versatile MIDI controller with a range of features to enhance their creativity.

The M-Audio Axiom AIR Mini 32 Pros and Cons

Pros:

Portable and compact design.
Velocity-sensitive keys and pads.
A variety of assignable knobs, buttons and transport controls.
Built-in arpeggiator.
Sustain pedal input.
Plug-and-play connectivity with Mac and PC.
Comes with free software.
Affordable price.

Cons:

Some users may find the mini keys too small.
Limited number of knobs and buttons compared to larger controllers.
No built-in screen.
May require additional software for full functionality.

Overall, the M-Audio Axiom AIR Mini 32 is a compact, affordable and versatile MIDI controller that is ideal for musicians, producers and DJs who need a portable solution for their creativity. However, some users may prefer larger controllers with more knobs and buttons, or a built-in screen.

Samson Carbon 49 MIDI Controller Review

The Samson Carbon 49 MIDI controller is a cool little MIDI Controller. This keyboard is USB powered and works directly with your iPad. There is a slot built in to the keyboard where you can hold your iPad and a USB cable is supplied.

This controller has 49 keys (which should be obvious by the name) and they are velocity sensitive and semi-weighted. I like the size of the 49-key keyboard, it’s big enough to play with two hands and small enough to be portable and not look too odd at the coffee shop.

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Garageband works really well with the Samson Carbon 49 but the keyboard is bundled with the Native Instruments Komplete Elements software which has over 1000 sounds, effects and tools and is designed to work well with this controller.

Here is what some owners have to say:

Mgmg Says:

I bought this keyboard not knowing what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised. First I was very impressed by the weight and sturdiness of this keyboard. The semi weighted keys feel great and I would compare it with some $300 controllers. Having the iPad docked in the keyboard and powered by it makes for great convenience in this site. Worked right out of the box with the camera connector. This one is a winner. Great work Samson. I highly recommend this one.

Review paraphrased for length see the full review here.

Jesse Says:

I had this out of the box and working with garage band on my iPad in less than 60 seconds. The little groove on the keyboard where you can prop the iPad is extremely convenient. I was worried that it would drain my iPad battery quickly (because it draws power from the iPad via USB), but I haven’t noticed this being a problem. You will need the $29 “Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit” to connect the USB connector to the iPad.

Review paraphrased for length see the full review here.

Overall this is a good little MIDI controller and if you are running your music software on your iPad it is one of the most convenient controllers available. I hope this Samson Carbon 49 MIDI Controller Review was helpful.

Get it for Under $100 on Amazon!

ARTURIA Analog Experience – The Laboratory 49 MIDI Controller

The Arturia Analog Experience with Laboratory 49 is basically a total MIDI Keyboard Controller which means you can set it up with the Analog Lab software and control everything from the keyboard. They call it a hybrid synthesizer.

This version is a 49-key MIDI controller and uses the Laboratory software which comes with over 3,500 presets. Arturia is a leader in the software synths business, they have sounds from the Minimoog V, Moog Modular V, CS-80V, ARP 2600 V, Prophet V, Prophet VS and Jupiter-8V instruments.

This system is surprisingly inexpensive for the quality and the number of sounds.

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Here are the main features:

Includes Analog Laboratory with 4300 synths sounds and 200 scenes.
All presets are carefully selected from the Arturia Classic Synths (Mini V, Modular V, CS-80V, ARP 2600 V, Prophet V, Prophet VS, Jupiter-8V, Oberheim SEM V and Wurlitzer V). These TAE® powered sounds offer unparalleled audio quality.
Fast filter the presets to your requirements: by Instrument, by Type, and by Characteristics.
In-depth Preset Editing available for the owners of the Arturia Classic Synthesizers (Mini V, CS-80 V, etc.). Edit your sounds on the original instruments within Analog Laboratory.
200 Scenes organized by musical genres offering complete live sets, including : loops assignation to pads, splitting and layering of two synths and advanced arpeggiation melodies.
Straight forward Editing, with a complete array of parameters for tweaking sounds : Filter and LFO sections, 4 Key Parameters differing for each preset, Chorus & Delay mix, 2 ADSR envelopes, 4 pads.

The Analog Lab Software is pretty cool. It has different modes of operation that appeals to a wide range of users.

The Graphic Studio Mode shows the synths and keyboards. The Sound Mode shows all the available sounds that you can choose from. The Multi Mode allows you to create customs splits in your keyboard. With The Performance Mode you can create custom chords for a live performance.

The Laboratory 49 can also be used as a midi keyboard controller for all of the popular sequencer programs: Steinberg Cubase, Digidesign Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Apple Logic Audio, MOTU Digital Performer and Cakewalk Sonar.

If you love amazing analog sounds and want to have total control of your software from your keyboard this is a great buy. This Arturia MIDI keyboard is very high quality and used by professionals like Jordan Rudess, Danny Saber and Alan Hewitt.

Novation Launchkey 49 Review With Updates for MK2

Novation Launchkey 49, 49-key USB/iOS MIDI Keyboard Controller with Synth-weighted Keys

Novation Launchkey 49 Review

Update: MK2 Version

The MK2 version of the Novation Launchkey 49 has the same great features with added control.

New features include:

RGB pads that provide color-matching clip feedback to help your workflow when you create and launch clips, trigger samples, or control devices in Ableton Live.
The updated Launchkey MK2 also uses inControl to increase control over Ableton Live. Previously the inControl knobs could only control devices. With the Launchkey MK2 you can easily switch between controllers, pans and A/B sends for each track in your session.
There is the new Device Control Function which gives you control over all devices and device parameters in your Ableton Live track via inControl.
Requires external power. You can’t power it from your iPad without a powered USB hub.
Launchkey MK2 now has four different velocity key curves.
Select multiple effects directly from Launchkey MK2.
Better knob design for a more solid feel.
Due to changes in the firmware, the Launchkey Mk2 is unable to control the Launchkey iPad app via inControl however you can still use the keys to trigger the sounds.

Those are the updates.

With this Novation Launchkey 49 Review. I would like to tell you that the Novation Launchkey 49 is a midi keyboard controller for all major music software like Ableton Live, FL Studio, Pro Tools, Reason, Logic and Cubase giving you control of your mixer, transport and more.

The Novation Launchkey 49 is the latest midi keyboard controller from Novation. This midi controller features up to 50 physical controls that include 16 velocity-sensitive multi-color launch pads. The launch pads trigger and stop clips, and launch scenes in Ableton Live. This is the keyboard version of the Launchpad.

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One of the cool things about the Launchkey is that you can run it not only with your computer but now with your iPad. They have an app called the Launchkey synth app which is very cool and FREE for a limited time and is used for triggering loops. The Launchkey will also enable control of your DAW’s mixer, instruments and more. You also get V-Station and Bass Station soft synths and V-Station and Bass Station soft synths.

The Launchkey has 16 multi-color backlit velocity-sensitive launch pads can be used to play drums and trigger loops without being near a computer. The launch pads are great for working out beats, drum patterns, or triggering clips and scenes in Ableton Live. The velocity-sensitive keyboard mechanism has pitch and mod wheels with octave, track up/down buttons.

Here are some features:

You can instantly use all major DAWs and music software
An entire suite of software for iPad, Mac and PC included
16 velocity-sensitive multi-color launch pads trigger loops and play drums
Professional keyboard with 50 plus hardware controls
Novation Launchpad app for iPad included

I like the size of the Launchkey 49 keyboard. Sometimes a smaller size is not quite enough for how I like to work and the bigger size is too much. Novation also makes a 25 key and a 61 key version of the Launchkey.

I hope you enjoyed the Novation Launchkey 49 Review. If you are looking for a great MIDI keyboard controller with trigger pads and one that is versatile enough to do anything with whatever system you are using then the Novation Launchkey 49 is a good choice.

Akai Pro LPK25 Review

Akai Pro LPK25 – A Keyboard For Ants?

My Akai Pro LPK25 Review was inspired by this little mini keyboard that I saw the other day and had to check it out. This is the Akai Pro LPK25 Laptop Performance Keyboard and it is so cute!

Not only is this MIDI keyboard controller small, it is packed with really cool features too.

The list price for the Akai LPK25 is $129 but Amazon has it through this link for $72.24 >>> Amazon

The Akai Pro LPK25 Laptop Performance Keyboard is a smaller sized relative to the MPK series of keyboard performance controllers. This keyboard has 25 miniature keyboard keys that are velocity-sensitive, plays like a synth and is a wonderful solution for working remotely with your laptop. The LPK25 is less than 13 inches across and weighs in at under a pound, you can put it in your laptop case, backpack or tote bag for extreme portability.

Some of the Features are:

USB-MIDI controller works with virtually all audio software
25 velocity-sensitive mini-keyboard keys
Arpeggiator, sustain button, octave up and down, and tap tempo controls
Plug-and-play USB connection for Mac and PC requires no driver installation
Small enough to fit in a backpack or laptop bag
Four programmable memory banks
Comes with editor software for Mac and PC
USB bus powered–no additional power cable needed

Despite its looks the LPK25 is not a toy, it’s a very usable and convenient MIDI controller as you can tell by the features listed.

Here are what some owners say:

Samuel says:

The LPK25 has a good build quality. I travel often and it’s perfect for that. Still, there are two major annoyances so I can’t give it five stars.

It feels like an instrument more than a toy and it is possible to play expressively, though for me it requires much concentration to hit the keys hard enough to make a sound yet soft enough to avoid running out of velocity response. I could not find any evidence that it is possible to program the velocity curve.

There is room for improvement but it is still the best in its class.

Review paraphrased for length.

G.J. Oshea says:

I use FL Studio 10 on a laptop that i like to bring around with me to friend’s houses, the laundromat, etc. The LPK25 is the perfect edition to my traveling studio! It is a great price for the quality…it does not feel like a cheap toy (like some other MIDIs in the same price range) the key sizes are perfect, and it still fits in my backpack with my laptop. It’s perfect for easily, and effortlessly trying different riffs, and progressions.

Any downsides? Okay, fine…the keys have a pretty decent reaction to velocity, but you do have to be a little aggressive to get it the loudest, or to react as highest velocity.

Review paraphrased for length.

I use it with my 13″ Macbook Pro and Apple Logic Pro and I love the ease of use and portability. One of the biggest complaints is that the velocity response is not great. This is not really an issue for me because it does not replace my studio keyboard and if I am doing a keyboard part I will use the studio keyboard.

I hope you enjoyed my Akai Pro LPK25 Review. If you like to get out of the studio and work at a coffee shop or somewhere a little more interesting, this is the perfect little mobile MIDI controller. Keep in mind that the Akai Pro LPK25 is a controller and has no sounds inside its cute little brain.

Yamaha YPG-535 Review

My Yamaha YPG-535 review will cover the basics of this keyboard. The Yamaha YPG-535 is a very good starter piano. The reason that this is one of the best midi keyboards that is good for piano players is that it has 88 keys and a Graded Soft Touch keyboard.

The Graded Soft Touch keyboard is a step down from the full weighted keyboard and feels a little different, less like a piano but better than a touch sensitive keyboard. When you get to the ends of the keyboard the keys are a little stiffer but not a big deal to me.

I like the sound of the piano, it is equipped with the Yamaha Live! Grand stereo sample. There are also multiple instrument sounds like clarinet, trumpet, flutes, saxes, electric pianos, organs and orchestral strings.

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With the Yamaha YPG-535 you also get the Yamaha education suite which helps new players to learn with 30 songs internally and 70 more on the CD-ROM that is included when you buy this midi keyboard.

I use the USB connectivity features to connect to my computer. I can then use the Yamaha YPG-535 as a midi keyboard controller. There is also an internal 6-track sequencer so you can compose and record right from the keyboard.

Here are some features of the Yamaha YPG535:
Piano Centric Features
USB Connectivity
Lyric, chord and notation display
Ease of Operation
Yamaha Education Suite
6-track recorder
Excellent Sound Quality
Full Keyboard Mode

I hope you enjoyed the Yamaha YPG-535 Review. This is a great midi keyboard for the beginning to advanced player. If you are looking for a real piano feel this would not be the one to get. You should look at something like the Yamaha DGX-530. If you are looking for some great features and a good quality keyboard for a reasonable price then this is a great midi keyboard to consider.

Novation Launchpad Review

Ableton Live Controller

I have just recently started to get into Ableton Live and I found this great MIDI controller for it called the Novation Launchpad.

The Novation Launchpad is pretty cool. It has everything that you would want in a controller and is perfect for doing live mixing and makes studio work easy too.

You can use this controller to play drum racks and trigger other samples in real time. The mixer is pretty cool because you can use the pads as a fader control and easily jump back and forth from the session to the arrangement window.

You can daisy chain these controllers with a USB hub since it is powered by the USB port. This makes for tons of control and you don’t have to keep flipping between windows.

The Novation Launchpad has 64 pads in a grid and each pad can control different samples. You can load samples. play them and record new ones all live.

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Check out this video of the Novation Launchpad in Action!

Another cool thing about this Ableton controller is that it is not just limited to Ableton Live, you can use this as a MIDI controller with any DAW.

The Novation Launchpad is one of the coolest Midi Controllers I have seen in a long time. If you do anything with Ableton Live you need to get this controller.

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The Novation Launchpad features the following:

64 RGB backlit velocity-sensitive buttons.
8 horizontal rows of buttons for launching clips and controlling audio and MIDI.
4 dedicated scene launch buttons.
Dedicated navigation and control buttons.
USB powered.
Compatible with Ableton Live, FL Studio and other music software.
Multi-colored LED feedback for controlling mixer levels, pan and send levels.
Compact and portable design.
Includes Ableton Live Lite and a collection of software instruments and effects.

The Novation Launchpad is designed for music producers, live performers and DJ’s who need a compact and portable controller to launch clips and control audio and MIDI in Ableton Live or other music software. Its intuitive design, velocity-sensitive buttons and multi-colored LED feedback make it a popular choice among musicians and producers.

Why The M-Audio Axiom 25 MIDI Controller Is A Great Buy

The M-Audio Axiom 25

The M-Audio Axiom 25 MIDI controller is a great combination of production power and performance. You can get the most from any music software with this MIDI keyboard.

The Axiom 25 features semi-weighted keys which is important if you like the piano feel. Large dynamic trigger pads make programming beats easy and also allow for one-shot sample triggering and the encoder knobs and buttons are real-time controllers for the music software.

With M-Audio‘s DirectLink mode you have control of common DAW functions such as transport, track pan and the mixing features, as well as many virtual instrument parameters. Some of the compatible DAWs are Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Live, and Reason.

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I like that you can use the fader and encoder knobs to fine-tune the mix. This is a great feature that allows the user to get away from the mouse occasionally. You can also use the transport buttons to navigate through the session.

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The Axiom 25 controller’s Instrument mode is really cool. This allows for a single button to instantly map the fader, buttons, and encoders to any virtual instrument within your DAW. You can directly access parameters such as filter cutoff, LFO rate, and envelope settings.

The M-Audio Axiom 25 is very compact and lightweight and is powered directly from your computer’s USB bus. This is one of the most important features for me.

Here are the M-Audio Axiom 25 Features:

25-key velocity-sensitive semi-weighted-action keyboard with assignable aftertouch
DirectLink mode automatically maps controls to common DAW and virtual instrument parameters
Dedicated Instrument mode button lets you instantly switch between controlling mixer and virtual instrument parameters
8 assignable trigger pads
8 assignable rotary encoder knobs
1 assignable fader
6 dedicated transport controls
class-compliant with Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Mac OS X
powered via USB or optional power supply
built-in USB MIDI interface including standard MIDI In and Out jacks
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M-Audio is one of my favorite MIDI Keyboard manufacturers out there. I like that the products are high quality and easy to use. I also have M-Audio speakers and a larger keyboard and I have not been disappointed yet. If you need a good compact MIDI keyboard controller the Axiom 25 is a great choice.

I found the best price on the Axiom 25 here!

Akai Pro MPK Mini Review

What is the Akai Pro MPK Mini

I’ve been looking for a new portable MIDI controller for a while now and was thrilled to find the Akai Pro MPK mini. This small MIDI controller is great!

I need something to use with my Apple Logic system that I run on my laptop and this 25-note keyboard is perfect.

It has 8 back-lit, MPC-style pads and 8 Q-Link knobs that give you tons of input control. I like to use the pads for drum inputs more that the keyboard.

I like that the MPK mini has velocity-sensitive keys. This will allow me to accurately express dynamics and that saves a lot of fixing time.

You can create cool leads and great driving bass-lines with various time denominations and patterns with the built-in Arpeggiator. I use the tap tempo buttons a lot!

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Check out the features!

Ultra-portable software MIDI controller
25-note, velocity-sensitive mini keyboard
Eight backlit, velocity-sensitive MPC-style pads (2 banks, 16 total)
Pads can send note information, MIDI CCs and program changes
Eight assignable Q-Link knobs to adjust virtually any parameter

Look at what new owners say:

Jason D. Says:

The MPK Mini is a combination of the LPD8 and LPK25, which is a great thing if you’ve been considering both!

This is my first MPC product but I am an experienced keyboardist. I like the pads and how they light up when you hit them, however, they aren’t as sensitive as some might prefer, and I’m inclined to agree. It tends not to register some lighter hits, so I’m having to get used to how hard I have to hit it. The knobs aren’t as nice as professional grade knobs, but they work nicely for such a compact unit. The keyboard has mini keys and they are very sturdy. The keys are fine for their purpose of capturing ideas. I do not consider them performance worthy.

The purpose of this product is portability and to allow you to capture ideas when you don’t feel like lugging around larger equipment. For these reasons, I find it to be an excellent product.

Definitely pick this product up if you’re looking for something extremely portable with acceptable mini keys and very playable MPC pads.

Review paraphrased for length. See the full review here.

If you are looking for a good controller that is portable and easy to use, the Akai Pro MPK Mini is a good choice. Highly recommended for working away from home, not so much as a studio controller.

Get The Akai Pro MPK Mini Here!