Akai MPK 49 Controller Keyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)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 classic MPC functions (16 level, MPC swing, note repeat). Too bad the pads keep you from fully enjoying these features.
The keys are decent but slightly noisy because they vibrate on release. The controller is also one of the few 49 key controllers out there with aftertouch. I prefer the lever-like feel of the Axiom when it comes to using aftertouch but the keys here are not a dealbreaker.
There's also a simple arpeggiator you can use. It's fairly simple in that there are only 5 settings you can use to separate notes in a chord. If you've used a more sophisticated arp (like the one on a Yamaha KX8), you'll be disappointed though.
The MPK is a good controller but Akai could have done way better than this. If you're using this for the keys and control surface it's a decent investment. But if you're thinking of buying this for the pads so you can drum and play back chopped loops, get an MPD instead.

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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.

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Fender Starcaster TT-1 Electronic Table-Top Drum Kit Review

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(More customer reviews)This is really strange, because I bought this unit on sale from another vendor ($129) and like other reviewers state it turns off at higher volumes but I kept it anyways and here's why.
As a beginner drum student, I wasn't ready to invest in a drum set so I went with this tabletop model at a rock bottom price, comparing it to 5 other brands. My hope was that if I could get the knack of playing it after a few months, then I would consider upgrading to a full kit and hopefully sell it at an online auction for a fair price.
The first time I played along with one of the learning songs, I turned up the volume and the entire unit shut off! After some investigating, it turns out that if I turn the bass OFF, I can use it beyond a 4 volume, maybe up to a 6 on a good day. But with that bass on, the entire unit will always shut down whenever it reaches a 3 or 4 depending on how hard I am hitting the pads.
In the end, because of storage considerations and the fact that it does have a student mode, metronome and other features I have elected to keep it, deal with its defect and play it at low volume. I also took into account that just one snare practice pad runs around $20 or so, and a metronome another $25.
With all those reasons combined, I figured that it's still a good value for practice reasons, because returning it and finding another model for the same price or even a little more was not an option at the time of purchase.
In reading these reviews it seems that its a common defect, so buyer beware. I would still take my chance again and see if you end up with one that doesn't have this problem because it is a fabulous value.
Thanks for taking the time to read my review.

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Korg nanoKONTROL USB Controller, Black Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm a laptop musician and I've gotten extremely tired of staring at the screen, twiddling virtual knobs one at a time with my mouse. When Korg introduced the nano line, I practically ran to the store to check them out. The nanoKONTROL is almost perfect for my setup, and for under sixty bucks I couldn't walk out without one.
First off, this is definitely NOT plug-n-play, but it's a breeze to setup. I use Ableton Live and it immediately recognized the nanoKONTROL and let me assign functions to each button, knob, and slider with no issues at all. It revolutionized my live show because I can suddenly operate multiple faders and trigger multiple audio loops at once, all in a unit that's smaller than a carton of cigarettes. There are only nine fader/knob sets, but you can change 'scenes,' which essentially transposes the controls up to the next bank of nine, effectively giving you 36 fader sets. It even has lights so you can see what's triggered on a dark stage. I've had this for a good four or five months now and have never had any problems- after setting it up, simply plug it in and you're good to go.
The nanoKONTROL also ships with a copy of the Korg Kontrol Editor, which is a little program you can use to alter the firmware of the device. The Editor allows you to change the parameters of your nano- what kind of midi signal is being sent, the channel, the toggle, the high and low values, et cetera. You can even save multiple editor files, so you can switch between settings depending on what program you're using. Absolutely brilliant.
There is one con to this unit, and I'm not gonna lie: it feels chintzy. When I first picked it up, I had to laugh because it's such a lightweight piece of plastic that it feels more like a child's toy than a piece of equipment. I feel like one little drop and this thing will shatter into bits. The knobs and faders are cheap as hell and before you plug it in, you will feel a little ripped off. BUT AFTER YOU PLUG IT IN, you will realize that those tacky knobs and faders are extremely responsive and you just got a great controller for the price of a decent dinner for two.
I've heard mixed reviews of the other nano products, especially the keyboard (seriously, you can buy an old Oxygen 8 for almost the same price, so get some real midi keys), but I HIGHLY recommend the nanoKONTROL. You'll love it.

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Part of the super-compact nanoSERIES, Korg's nanoKONTROL offers nine faders, nine knobs, 18 switches, plus a full transport section for expansive control; even a flexible note input mode to help you lay down your next big groove.

The Korg nanoSERIES The Korg nanoSERIES provide a keyboard controller, a pad controller, and a studio controller with dedicated transport controls. Each of these USB-powered, slim-line controllers is designed to make the most of your valuable studio space, and is small enough to take with you on any musical journey. Place one of our keyboard controllers in front of your laptop, rest a pad controller on your music workstation, park a studio controller on your recording console--or anywhere else you need versatile control over your DAW, virtual instrument, effect or DJ software. Although small in size, all three nanoSERIES controllers go HUGE when it comes to functionality, yet their intuitive layouts provide extremely easy operation for any user.
nanoKONTROL--The Most Expansive Array of Controls For Its Size--Period The nanoKONTROL features a plethora of controllers to help you get the most control out of your software for the size and money. nanoKONTROL offers nine faders, nine knobs, 18 switches and a full transport section. For each of the four programmable scenes the nanoKONTROL offers, you can set the controllers any way you need them. That means that you can transmit a total of 168 different MIDI CC (Control Change) messages, as well as MIDI notes with the switches. The six transport buttons can each transmit either MIDI CC messages or MMC messages to control functions such as: start, stop, loop, or record on your DAW software.
Imagine taking full control of your software--transport, a full track's worth of faders, pans and mutes--or how about precise dedicated control over the many parameters of software synths, samplers or virtual drum machines. It's all possible with the nanoKONTROL.
To add to the nanoKONTROL's flexibility, an attack and decay time can be specified for the eighteen switches. This allows you to smoothly feed controller messages into parameters such as wet/dry levels for an effect, a filter for a synth, or a volume fader for that perfect fade.
What's in the Box Korg nanoKONTROL, USB cable, Owner's Manual

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M-Audio AXIOM 61 Advanced 61-Key Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Controller 9900-51413-10 Review

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(More customer reviews)MIDI controllers are often a subjective choice because not everyone uses them for the same purpose or has the experience of playing on weighted keys such as your normal piano.
I purchased this after having started with a 49 key M-Audio Key Studio which was an entry level controller with plain, non weighted keys and no extra control beyond the standard pitch & mod wheels and octave buttons. I wanted something that would allow comfortable "piano style" two handed play without getting into actual 88 key units. If you are not experienced with actual keyboards/workstations (the ones that have sound and sequencers on-board like the Fantom, Motif, Triton) then you will likely be surprised with the weight of the unit. It is not heavy per se, but if your prior experience is with a small drum pad or controller with non-weighted keys the 11 pounds will be something of a shock.
The key action is exactly what I was looking for. It gives you enough resistance to feel the play style without actually being heavy enough to wear out your hands like a piano can do. The adjustable velocity curves let you pick how hard you want to have to press a key to achieve set input level which is a nice way to customize the board to how strong your fingers and hands are. I found the action to be smooth and not as sloppy as the thin non-weighted keys I was used to.
The sliders feel slightly flimsy, think hollow plastic, but they ride on a slider bed that offers some resistance so they don't flop around. Not a big deal unless you are used to working with metal sliders. The endless rotary knobs have a good feel to them and look to be very useful.
The drum pads have a soft feel to them but they use switches under them that require fairly centered strikes to trigger the pad. I also own a KORG padKontrol that I use for my pad needs and it is a much better unit, with pads that don't require a direct center hit to trigger and also have a surface which is not as prone to letting your fingers slide. The KORG though is a $200 unit that has only pads and is focused around their use. The Axiom 61 has pads as more of an afterthought or convenience, they are not either numerous enough nor of sufficient quality to be a feature for this unit. They are handy to trigger things while playing the keyboard but not as a drum pad, which is what some folks believe they are getting.
The LCD display is very clear and bright making reading it no problem. I'd prefer if they would have inclined the face of it about 10 degrees towards the user though for even better reading ease.
The included software was of no use to me, I use Logic Studio 8. The lack of a printed manual was disappointing considering that you really need to read through it to understand how to use the various functions. It will typically be plug and play for the keyboard, pitch and mod wheels but the sliders, knobs and pads will require some assignment in almost all software.
Overall I am pleased with the Axiom 61. The keys are very nice as long as you understand they are not hammer-action piano keys. Between the sliders, knobs and pads I would say the knobs are the best implemented "accessory" feature with the sliders and pads coming off as usable but not anything to brag about. If you are getting started and want a good all-in-one solution wither this model or the 49 key Axiom will fill the bill nicely. The controls function properly but as mentioned above if you are into drum pads I'd only use these until you can get a stand alone unit.
I can see how someone who is not really sure what they are getting, could give it a 3 for the lack of a manual and the so-so accessory MIDI knobs/sliders/pads. I only wanted the 61 semi-weighted keys so everything else was not a deal breaker for me. If the knobs/sliders/pads had blown me away with their quality and there was a printed manual I'd have given it a 5 but I'm going to stick with a 4. It does what I bought it for very well and the extras work and do not detract from it.

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The Axiom 61 is an advanced 61-key USB mobile MIDI controller with semi-weighted action and assignable aftertouch. Eight rubberized trigger pads are ideal for creating drum tracks and firing samples. Nine sliders and eight endless rotary encoder knobs put you in total control of your software studio. There are also 15 MIDI-assignable buttons—including six transport controls—assignable wheels, foot pedals and more. Programming is a breeze with dedicated front-panel keypad and backlit LCD screen. 20 memory locations store your setups and the free Enigma editor/librarian software lets you manage an unlimited number on your computer.



Total MIDI Control and Playability

Get Into the Action The Axiom series of mobile USB MIDI controllers has everything it takes to get the most from your MIDI software and hardware. Semi-weighted action complete with aftertouch gives you great feel and expression for both synth parts and pianistic passages. Eight rubberized trigger pads put your drums at your fingertips for programming with feel--or easy fire samples or visual effects.
Total MIDI Control Assign the eight rotary encoders to mixer controls like panning and effects sends, or to any synth parameters you want to control. Map the nine sliders to software mixer faders or drawbars on your virtual organ. 15 buttons, pitch and mod wheels, and sustain and expression pedal jacks round out a tour de force of MIDI domination. Assigning controllers is simple, yet has the power to let you delve as deep as you want. Each controller can map to just about any applicable parameter in the MIDI spec, including independent channel addressing for each. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
Intuitive Front-Panel Programming M-Audio Axiom MIDI controllers all feature a large backlit LCD screen for visual feedback--and the 61-key and 49-key models also place a 10-key pad right on the front panel for direct, intuitive programming. You'll also find 9 dedicated front-panel function buttons to easily access common operations like preset / program change or MIDI channel +/-, octave +/-, and transpose +/-. Use the Controller Mute button to prevent parameters from jumping when you change them, for example, then press Snapshot to transmit all current settings. 20 non-volatile memory locations instantly save and recall your favorite presets--and you can manage an entire preset library on your computer via SysEx dumps and our free Enigma software editor/librarian for PC and Mac.
Mobile Operation The Axiom series is extremely compact and lightweight and all models are powered directly from your computer's USB bus. Choose the size that's best for your needs, then take your music anywhere you want to go.

Axiom 61 Specs
MIDI Data from variable controllers:
MIDI Controller Number
RPN/NRPN
Program, Bank LSB, Bank MSB
Pitch Bend
GM/GM2/XG SysEx Messages

MIDI Data from buttons/switches:
MIDI Controller Number
Note On
Note On/Off toggle
RPN/NRPN
MIDI CC On/Off toggle
Program, Bank LSB, Bank MSB presets
MIDI Machine Control
GM/GM2/XG SysEx messages

Size: 38.4 x 11.2 x 2.6 inches; 97.6 x 28.5 x 6.6 (cm)
Weight: 11.7 pounds; 5.3kg

What's in the Box Axiom 61 Advanced 61-Key Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Controller, User's Manual, Ableton Live Lite Software

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Yamaha FC-5 Sustain Pedal for Portable Electronic Keyboards Review

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(More customer reviews)Growing up with an acoustic piano, I was uncomfortable with how the FC-5 Sustain Pedal felt. For me to tell when I was pressing the pedal or not, I had to take my shoes off. Unwilling to be an environmental hazard, I decided to purchase a pedal that has the feel of an acoustic piano's pedal. (Much better than buying that yellow tape to surround myself with...)
If you are looking for the feel of an acoustic piano's pedal, I would recommend the FC-4. Or if you want the same feel with a pedal that can do more than just sustain, I'd recommend the FC-3.

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This handy sustain pedal/FS controller hooks up to any synthesizer, tone module, or drum machine with a .25-inch phone jack sustain-pedal input. Specific compatible Yamaha devices include the PSR-D1, PSR-195, PSR-225, PSR-225, PSR-240, PSR-248, PSR-270, PSR-330, PSR-340, PSR-530, PSR-540. Its five-foot cable affords ample placement options.What's in the Box Sustain pedal/FS controller and an instruction manual.

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Alesis DM10 Studio Electronic Drum Kit Review

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(More customer reviews)The 12 pairs of sticks are no longer included with this kit. That was a manufacturer's promotion that has since expired. The promotion through 12/31/10 is a rebate for a free JamDock and a Ion DrumRocker. According to the manufacturer you can get both even though the rebates specify that it is not good with any other discount or promotion.
This is an awesome kit. To date it is Alesis' best and one of the best available!

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Akai APC20 Compact Ableton Controller Review

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(More customer reviews)When I first saw a DJ at the San Diego Media Arts Center using this thing at a laptop jam, I thought it was incredible... but when he told me the price he paid on Amazon I thought it was doubly incredible. If you already have Live, the APC20 is a bargain by itself. But if you don't have Live, this package is TRIPLY icredible since it comes with an almost fully functional version (much more functional than standard Live Lite) thus saving you hundreds of bucks! I think the software alone would be worth the price for someone like me... a dabbler without deep pockets.
Caveats & Quibbles
I run XP and had trouble with drivers, but I got a quick helpful response from Akai support. I also had some VST plug-in hangups. They seemed to resolve themselves when I uninstalled and reinstalled. If that doesn't work for you, finding which plug-in is causing the problem can be tedious.
The included USB wire was kinda short (maybe 3 feet). And the USB doesn't power the APC20; you need to plug in an additional wire to a power source.
The biggest potential problem... once you fire up this sucker you can kiss normal life good-bye. You'll be lost for hours playing with infinite push-button permutations of polyphonic pow-ah!


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