Korg nanoKEY 25 Key USB Controller Keyboard, White Review

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(More customer reviews)The Korg Nano Series is, quite simply, among the most useful sets of tools ever produced for the COMPUTER... Let me say that word again: "COMPUTER."
I write, arrange and orchestrate music for a living. The nanoKey, in particular, is a lifesaver! It's portable, so I can stuff it into my laptop bag when I'm on the road. It works seamlessly with Finale, Encore and - my personal favorite - Sibelius (the "Big 3" of notation programs). It isn't as convenient for real-time sequencing, unless you've developed "the touch." It took me a while to get used to that, but I do play scratch tracks in Logic and Sonar, on occasion.
Anyone considering the purchase of this device should realize up front that it isn't really designed for stage performance, etc. It's best suited for computer entry. In fact, it's PERFECTLY suited for computer entry.
...and for fifty bucks it's WAY ahead of anything else!

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The nanoKEY is an ultra-compact keyboard controller, featuring a great-feeling 25-key velocity-sensitive keyboard that's ideal for song production. Each key on this USB-MIDI controller can also be set to send MIDI control data, further expanding its power.

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Ensoniq Asr 10 Review

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(More customer reviews)Ah... the ASR-10. This was a pivotal sampling synthesizer back in the 90's when it was made. The technology behind this sampler still has musicians, engineers and songwriters still looking for some version of the ASR series (they made an ASR-10, ASR-10m rackmount, ASR-88 and ASR-X). It was a fully blown workstation sampler that gave you the ability to actually record a full song (vocals, effects and all) right out of the box. This machine had it all.
First and foremost it is a sampler. A 16 bit 40kHz sampler to be exact. While sample rates are at 24 bit and 192kHz these days back then 40kHz was the best to be had in samplers, and it's still full CD quality. On top of that you get a whole host of sample editing parameters like looping, crossfading, volume smoothing, time comp, and more. While that's nice and everything the editing really doesn't stop there. Keep in mind this is a sampling SYNTHESIZER. That means you have also all the benefits of having that sample be a wave form that you can edit with a host of parameters including LFO, two digital filters, three envelope generators, and 15 other modulation sources. Want a layered sound? No problem. The ASR-10 can layer up to eight samples together into a single patch.
Each of those patches you create with the samples can have some added juice with an integrated 24 bit effects processor. How many effects? Try 62 effects you can edit fully. These aren't just cheap reverbs and delays. These are the same effects found in the world class DP/4 and DP/2 effects processors. People are still raving about how lush the signal processing is. Choruses, flanges, multi-tap delays, speaker effects, distortion, reverb, phasers... you have it all in one unit.
I did say this is a workstation so you get a 16 track sequencer and 31 voice multi-timbral capabilities on the ASR-10. The sequencer is really easy to use and you can even sample while playing the sequencer. I used to work at a music store back when this baby was out and it was a HUGE seller in the hip hop music genre. While the Akai MPC series was a superior sequencer many artists prefer the sampling and synthesis of Ensoniq for their mixes. Some hip hop artists that used the ASR-10 in their recordings were Kanye West, Alchemist and Pharell Williams.
Remember when I said you can pretty much make your entire song with this one machine? Well you can, but it's tricky with the stock model (having only 2 MB of memory). Some of the "tricks" include things like sampling your vocals in pieces that can be keyed to cut down on sample time. You can also use the tape mode which makes the ASR-10 pretty much a two track digital recorder and record straight to memory or an external SCSI hard drive.
The stock ASR-10 didn't come with a lot of memory, but it can be upgraded to 16MB (I forget the specific kind, but it's was an industry standard a long time ago... check eBay for ASR memory). The stock unit also didn't come with the SCSI interface used for plugging in an external hard drive or Zip drive (100 and 250 MB capacity). I strongly recommend looking for that option as it greatly increases the ASR's capabilities. Other options include an eight output breakout box and digital out.
There is quite a sizable library out for the ASR-10. Many of the samples from that library have ended up in the Proteus X and Emulator X libraries. Again just check out eBay and you should find a ton of samples ready to go. Also you don't have to just settle for editing from the sampler's onboard LCD display. One good editing tool out there is Ensoniq MIDI/Disk Tools by Rubber Chicken Software. It makes sample editing a lot easier.
Does it all sound good? Well it's not. Remember this is a vintage sampler synthesizer. The thing has no internal storage space; which means you have to load the operating system and samples and sequences every time you turn on the machine. Just keep that in mind. If you are looking for a sweet hardware sampler with a ready made library of killer sounds then this may be a nice addition to your collection.

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Akai Pro MPK mini Review

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(More customer reviews)If you have spent any time reading the reviews of the LPD8 and the LPK25, rest assured you can apply them to this product as well. The MPK Mini is literally a combination of the LPD8 and LPK25; nothing less and nothing more. Which is a great thing if you've been considering both!
This is my first MPC product but I am an experienced keyboardist. The Pads are pretty nice. I enjoy how they light up when you hit them. Like others said regarding the LPD8, they aren't as sensitive as some might prefer, and I'm inclined to agree. It tends not to register some of might lighter hits, so I'm having to get used to how hard I have to hit it. No big deal. It's also nice to have the knobs. They 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. Some complain that it feels like a toy keyboard. Of course it does, they are mini keys! The keys are fine for their purpose of capturing ideas. I do not consider them performance worthy.
For those comparing this to other 25 key midi controllers, please know what you are comparing. There's a reason this is $100. It's simply a combination of two other products. Don't complain about the lack of pitch/mod wheels. 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.

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Novation Nocturn 25 USB MIDI Interface Keyboard Controller, 25-Keys, NOCTURN 25 Review

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(More customer reviews)The general concept of the Novation Nocturn series is that you have a responsive MIDI controller that is less expensive because a lot of the display parts and intelligence are handled through Novation's AutoMap software. AutoMap can be great, but it can also be very frustrating if the mappings for different devices aren't up to date, and Novation has a poor reputation for keeping their mappings current (in particular with Reason).
I originally had an Akai MiniMPK, which worked great, but wanted something a little larger, so I figured that the Nocturn 25 was just the ticket and only a bit more expensive (and still less expensive than the MAudio Axiom Pro 25 or the Akai MPK25).
It showed up, I installed it, and everything seemed fine, until I tried to use the drum pads. The drum pads under Windows were sporadically responsive, sometimes they'd show up, sometimes they wouldn't. I tried calibrating them, and AutoMap never registered them. Hmm. This is on a Mac Pro 2008 running Win 7. On a hunch, I booted into OS X...and they work perfectly.
So it's not a hardware issue, it's software issue, and one with their drivers. According to another user on the Novation forums, he reported this a year ago and support claimed that they were aware of the problem and 'looking into it'. Non-functioning drum pads on Windows would seem to be a fairly significant issue.
Support hasn't responded to me in 3 days, so I'm guessing they're not going to address this, at which point I'll need to return this. Disappointing since I'll have to spend more money.
Overall I give it 2 stars. If you're solely an OS X user and can live with the Automap quirks, it's probably a 4 star product, but if you use Windows, one of its major features may or may not work for you at all.


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Akai Pro MPK61 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Review

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(More customer reviews)I've seen only two reviews on the MPK61 having looked all over the net. Both complained of the feel of the keyboard. I'll get to that shortly.
I bought mine based on reviews of the MPK49. I also bought an On-Stage stand for it and a Behringer expression pedal. It was a quick setup - but I found almost immediately that two adjacent notes were not playing - unless I really hit them hard. So it got RMAed - no problem - the next unit was fine.
Pros:
The controls and pads were much bigger than I thought they would be - I just hadn't picked up on the size from the photo. So they are large and very smooth.
The pitch bend and mod wheels are well built (and lit up!). It doesn't look like the pitch bend would ever bias like some controllers.
The unit can run on USB power only. For all the lights on this thing you wonder how 500 milliamps manages it all. If a USB connection is not established the MPK will send controls out the MIDI connector - yet still run from USB power (say your computer is in standby but still provides USB power - actually I'm passing through a USB hub). This is useful if you just have a sound module connected to it.
If USB is established, the MIDI in connectors will pass another controller or keyboard to the computer. This keyboard actually establishes three USB MIDI connections with your computer.
Aftertouch works well.
Generally you have a lot of control over sensitivity of the keys and pads. So you can adjust things the way you like. Except....
Cons:
The guy was right about the feel of the keyboard. To be more specific - it is supposed to be a semi-weighted keyboard but the spring in the keys requires every bit of force (or more) than a fully weighted keyboard. The spring fights your fingers down and up as well. But worse, the keys are about an inch shorter than they should be - so hitting a black key requires a lot of force if you're towards the back of the key. Be prepared to learn how to play just for this keyboard. Akai should really rethink this - much less spring and longer keys.
Those two reviews also complained about the pads not working well. But I find that they work just fine as long as the sensitivity and sensitivity curve are adjusted properly - I use 14 w/curve A.
Considering I had to return the first keyboard - Akai has some quality issues.
Finally, one annoying firmware bug - a bank value of 127 for the MSB in a program change is excluded only if you try to assign it to a key. Why? For me it is a pain since all my drum kits use MSB=127.

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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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Line 6 POD Studio KB37 Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm new to creating music on a computer, and my research, along with tons of positive reviews from others, led me to the POD Studio KB37 as a good all-purpose starting point. In terms of flexibility, this package is very hard to beat. The built-in inputs and mic preamps let you record just about anything, from guitar/bass and other electric instruments to vocals and acoustic instruments (using your own mic, of course). For these uses alone, the KB37 is a great way to get sound into your computer with minimum headaches. Simply connect the KB37 to your computer with a single USB cable. It's USB-powered, so you don't even have to plug it into a power outlet.
The hardware's MIDI keyboard and control surface open up a whole new dimension. They allow you to add keyboard parts and adjust some software parameters via real-world knobs and buttons; this is much faster than clicking and dragging onscreen "virtual" controls.
The included software package reveals the KB37's full potential, transforming an otherwise great product into an incredible bargain. Sure, the Reason Adapted (synth, sampler, sequencer, and effects) and Ableton Live (multitrack recording) software are the "lite" versions of these programs, but even so, they're very versatile and powerful. If you're fairly new to DAW software, trust me, even the lite version of Reason is pretty incredible -- you'll get a lot of use out of it. It includes tons of sampled real-world instruments, fully functional and tweakable soft synths, drum machine, sequencer, effects, and a lot more. It takes quite a while to explore its impressive capabilities. Once you do, you'll know whether you want to upgrade to the full version, which is available at a discounted price. But again, the lite verion will be plenty for many users.
Finally, you get Line 6's POD Farm software, which gives you an arsenal of stompbox and rack effects for guitar, bass, vocals, and just about anything else. On top of that, it includes amp, cab, and mic preamp modeling. You get everything that most guitar multi-effects units provide and then some. Because it runs on your computer, naming and saving patches is quicker and easier than stand-alone multi-effects units, and you can save as many custom patches as you like. And, unlike stand-alone units, POD Farm is expandable. Line 6 claims that the KB37 allows you to monitor your tone, complete with effects, without a latency problem (a lag between playing a note and hearing the output). This is not an empty promise. On my modest laptop, which runs Windows Vista on an Intel Core 2 Duo T5550 (1.83GHz) with 3GB of RAM, I experience zero latency problems.
All told, for the price of one guitar multi-effects unit, you get everything you need to start a home studio. If you're a full-time keyboard player, this package probably isn't aimed at you. As its name suggests, the KB37's keyboard has only 37 keys. So, there are probably better MIDI keyboard controllers out there for you. Plus, as a keyboard specialist, you'd most likely want a full version of whatever synth software you prefer. On the other hand, if you play guitar or bass and you want all the building blocks for tweaking your tone, adding vocals, effects, *and* getting your feet wet with powerful synths, sampling, and multitrack recording, here it is for a laughably low price.


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Akai MPK25 25-key Keyboard Controller with MPC Pads Review

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(More customer reviews)The keyboard, and controlling software is great. I really like Abelton Live after taking the tutorials! This comes with a older version of Abelton Live but it is a free download to get the latest version! Works great with my Macbook!
The bad part is that the pads are not sensitive at all. I have to pound to the point of hurting my fingers to get any noise at all. And thats to get any noise.. these are supposed to have many pressure levels. I was severely disappointed by the pads until I found out you can modify them for better response. Follow instructions on youtube.
Basically you can use layers of tape to put the pad in better contact with the sensor under it. The kits you can buy off ebay to do the same thing are little strips of rubber with instructions. I'd suggest saving some money by using the youtube video and finding the right thickness of rubber instead of using tape layers.
After modification this surface is 100% what I wanted. Too bad it come from the factory so amazingly crippled!

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A portable keyboard controller, the Akai MPK25 is a powerful production tool with MPC production controls. Featuring the same MPC pads as the MPK49, the MPK25 scales down the keyboard by 24 keys and retains the utility, capability, and flexibility that makes the MPK49 one of the world's hottest keyboards. Because of its small footprint, you can create tracks whenever inspiration strikes you. Plus the portability makes it a great travel companion. All you need is your laptop and the MPK25. AC_FL_RunContent( 'codebase','http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,28,0','width','330','height','220','title','Akai MPK25 Compact 25 Key Keyboard Controller','src','http://www.americanmusical.com/ItemFiles/Flash/AKAmpk25','quality','high','pluginspage','http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash','movie','http://www.americanmusical.com/ItemFiles/Flash/AKAmpk25' ); //end AC code Akai MPK25 Keyboard Controller Features 25-key semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch for expressive melodic cr

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M-Audio AXIOM 25-Key Semi-Weighted Keyboard USB MIDI Controller Review

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(More customer reviews)I just bought this keyboard yesterday. I played around with for about 3 hours last night. So far it's everything I wanted it to be and more. It's one of the few midi keyboards that has trigger pads on it I've seen. The Enigma software from M-Audio is very easy to use. I mainly use Fruity Loops 5 so I have to spend some time to get the settings right. All the keys are very accurate to pressure you hit the keys with. It's very lightweight, maybe about 5 or 6 pounds. A very good buy for the price.

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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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Native Instruments KOMPLETE 7 ELEMENTS Software Review

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(More customer reviews)This software is amazing for the price. I am mostly using the various features as plug-ins with Ableton Live Intro, and I'm finding the combination of these two inexpensive packages to be awesome for someone on a budget. I can't believe the realistic guitar sounds I get using Guitar Rig as a plug-in to Ableton via my Yamaha keyboard (if you're not familiar with Native Instruments, Guitar Rig is one of the included programs). I've recorded several things and played back for other people and they were astonished that I was playing the parts with a keyboard. Highly recommend.

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Akai Pro MPD18 Compact Pad Controller Review

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(More customer reviews)Just started messing around with beats. This thing is awesome and crazy affordable. Im not to the point where I can justify spending the money for the MPC's and such so this was right up my alley and does everything I need for my level of music production. Was a little difficult to set up and assign samples to pads at first cause the instructions are minimal at best, after a bunch of trial and error and youtube tutorials I was able to figure it out for the most part.

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Behringer UMA25S U-Control 25-Key USB Midi Controller Keyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this Midi Controller when an older controller I owned no longer worked properly. I was also looking for an audio interface and found that this keyboard had both. I had never purchased anything by Behringer before and when doing my research I found that many people consider Behringer a bit of a joke. However, it seems that in recent years that Behringer has really improved the quality of their products. Specifically, I found some great online reviews for this unit that really praised the price versus performance value for this controller.
For starters, you get ALOT for your money. The device comes with a gig bag, straps, cables, a headphone/microphone and the built-in audio interface. The headphone/microphone works just fine but the build quality is a bit cheap. However, the actual Midi Controller is incredibly solid and looks fantastic. There's plenty of control built into the unit. My only real complaint is that the velocity response of the keyboard is a bit shallow. There's not a great deal of range, even though it certainly does transmit velocity information.
What I really like is that the gig bag carries everything. When I travel, I can pack the keyboard, cables, headphone/mic and there's still enough room for my netbook too. What I found frustrating, is that I found I needed to purchase a seperate mixer to really utilize the built in audio interface to its best advantage. Thankfully, there are many inexpensive mixers available that are perfect for the budget musician.
All in all however, I feel this is a really good deal and I'm very happy with it.

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The UMA25S MIDI Controller is an extremely flexible master keyboard with a control section for a wide range of applications from on-stage performance to podcasting. Do you need independent control of computer rack synthesizers? How about control over general MIDI sound modules and effects devices? Maybe you just want to operate sequencing software or computer plug-ins from a convenient remote location? The UMA25S offers total flexibility, tremendous ease of use and allows you to realize your ideas intuitively.

What is a MIDI Controller? Simply put, a MIDI controller gives you the power to take command of any hardware device or software that understands MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). This means that MIDI-addressable effects processors (such as delays, reverbs, etc.) and audio recording and editing software can be controlled with a single piece of hardware, a MIDI controller. This can be very handy indeed when you have lots of devices spread out all over your studio or workstation space. The MIDI controller sends a control message to the device or program you're using that turns notes on and off, adjusts the volume or changes any one of many addressable parameters.
21 assignable controllers and 16 user presets When it comes to remote control, the UMA25S offers more real-time options than the competition. You get 8 knobs, 8 buttons, 2 wheels (Pitch Bend & Modulation), 2 pedal ports (Expression & Sustain) and 1 fader, for a total of 21 assignable controllers--total control of your operating environment. Once you've assigned the parameters for a particular scenario, simply store it in one of the 16 available preset locations.
Here are a few more uses for a UMA25S:
For playing external sound modules, rack synthesizers and virtual instruments
For editing sound parameters of synthesizers, sound samplers and GM/GS/XG sound generators
Controlling parameters on effects devices and software plug-ins, such as eff ects processors, compressors and digital equalizers
Remotely controlling software mixers (functions for volume, pan, mute, etc.)
Remotely controlling transport functions (Play, Fast Forward, Stop, etc., which is also known as MMC, or MIDI Machine Control) on sequencers, hard-disk recorders, drum machines, etc.
Live control of volume and sound parameters of sound modules on stage

Functionality, Functionality, Functionality There are some things that just bear repeating. Besides providing 25 velocity-sensitive keys for the slickest set of glissandos and the snappiest arpeggios, the UMA25S also functions as a full-fledged USB audio interface for recording and podcasting. This powerful interface features a built-in mic preamp with dedicated Gain control, a Phones Output with its own dedicated Volume control and stereo RCA I/O jacks for connecting external devices. The interface is so versatile, it even allows simultaneous recording of the Mic and Line inputs.
Speaking of Recording... Because you'll want to take full advantage of the UMA25S' podcasting and recording potential we've included a massive software package including Audacity, Podifier, Juice, Podnova and Golden Ear.
You're ready to go live on your PC or Mac computer right out of the box! You also get more than 100 virtual instruments and over 50 effects plug-ins, making the UMA25S a complete mobile studio from input to output.
Three Different Power Supply Options Because it needs to be ready for action in a variety of venues, the UMA25S can draw its operating power from any free USB port on your PC or Mac computer, 3 AA batteries or the optional external power supply. No matter what your performance calls for, the UMA25S is the ideal solution.
Accessories MIDI controllers don't typically come with many extras. But the UMA25S is designed to do so much more than turn things on and off , so Behringer provide gadgets galore. In addition to the expansive software package mentioned above, you also get a high-quality headset with built-in mic for podcasting and recording; a soft carry bag with enough pockets for cables, power supply, CDs, etc.; and a guitar-style strap, so you can steal the spotlight from the guitarist and start building your own bevy of fans.
What's in the Box UMA25S MIDI Controller, Shoulder Strap, Behringer HS1000 Stereo Headset, User's Manual, Software CDs, USB Cable, Gig Bag

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Steven Slate Drums Signature Drumkits Platinum Edition Drum Suite Review

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(More customer reviews)I run this on a laptop with Eleven Rack and Pro Tools 8 LE in Windows 7 Pro x64. It gives you complete control over everything inside of the Kontact popup window. I use Drum Tools Performance Designer to drag and drop patterns. You can design your own sound or just use the presets. I designed my own sound, then realized the presets are already set up well and work the best once you have guitars and bass done. The levels are a little jumpy (realistic) but you can use compressor/limters within kontact or the maxim plugin in pro tools to get more volume and it still sounds very realistic in the end unlike most drum programs.

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Akai Pro MINIAK Virtual Analog Synthesizer with Vocoder Review

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(More customer reviews)-Teen using mother's account...lol
So I know quite a bit on synthesis, and wanted to expand my programming skills. Also, I needed something that I could jam out on with friends, etc. For the price I got,this is the perfect entry level synth. It's not too hard to program, but it has a lot of features that higher level synths have. It has pretty much everything you could want for a synth, and even a micro-sequencer. Personally, I prefer just using it as a synthesizer and sequencing on my computer. The one thing about this synth that is bad, is the vocoder. For me, the vocoder presets were just not good enough by themselves. I had to do a lot of tweaking to get them to sound good. Not to mention, for every vocoder patch, I had to get the analog gain wayyyy higher than it was set. Otherwise, no sound would come out of the synthesizer. Besides that, this is a great synth and for the price right now, a definite one to consider if shopping for one.

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Akai Professional MPD18 USB MIDI Pad Controller (Standard) Review

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(More customer reviews)Sixteen pads and a USB out - it really couldn't get much simpler! There are no unnecessary knobs and the pads feel excellent. (I think they are the same pads as the MPD24 and MPD32.) Since it is fairly compact and there are no knobs to break, it is perfect for throwing in a bag. The ergonomics of this are better than for the MPD16, which was less comfortable due to a shorter height and had a higher pad surface angle. The height and low angle of the MPD18 allow for optimal pad tapping position. Also, unlike the MPD16, this is Vista compatible.
The few extra buttons are pretty good. There is no menu to navigate; it is all pretty straightforward. "Note repeat" and "full level" turns those features on/off. "MIDI channel" is pretty obvious. "Preset" cycles through the 16 presets. The "note repeat configuration button" acts like a function key and lets you access repeat rate, swing, and tap tempo via the pads. My only criticism is that the "bank" button should give you four pad banks rather than three. That would be much more logical! The single fader can do whatever you want.
The configuration software lets you customize the sixteen presets (MIDI note#s and/or CC#s for the pads). It also lets you choose whether note repeat works only when the pad is pressed or whether the pad toggles the repeating note on/off. You can also choose whether the repeat is based on the internal clock or the clock of your DAW software.
I thought about getting the upcoming LPD8, but this has bigger pads and is plenty portable. I also considered the Korg padKONTROL and nanoPAD, which apparently have more accurate pads, but I don't really like the firm Korg pads. Plus, the MPD18 is taller than any of these options, which allows you to curve your hand better. The MPD24 and MPD32 have more control features, which isn't really a plus. I never really make much use of the knobs and faders on MIDI controllers. It also seems like the knobs could potentially get in the way when using the pads. Rather than get an MPD24 or 32 I'd say get two MPD18s! They are petty compact, so they would fit nicely together! If you really need knobs and faders, get an MPD18 for the pads and add a separate controller of your choice. The nanoKONTROL probably would replace the controller functions of the bigger MPDs.

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