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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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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