gunico « The keyboard controller I was looking for »
Published on 07/17/11 at 04:02
Best value:
Excellent
I was looking for a keyboard master
. transportable (to wear under the arm) and not too bulky,
. with a keyboard touch dynamics pleasant
. 2 wheels with pitch and modulation, at least 4 buttons, 8 pots, 8 faders,
. with at least one MIDI output.
With this keyboard, the contract was more than satisfied. In addition, there are:
. the pads that I have not had a chance to really test it,
. dedicated buttons to the sequencer: play, stop, record,
. it is possible to connect an expression pedal and sustain.
UTILIZATION
Important! I am not a pianist!
Among the keypad dynamics I've experienced, this one is nice, seems durable. Obviously, the keys have the game on a left-right movement, but it seems common to all keyboards of this type. After some tests, I am surprised almost take pleasure to use ...
Important thing because that's what I wanted: the pots have an endless race, but no notching.
Configuration is very simple: I plugged the keyboard on a USB port, I connected the MIDI cable, I opened Reason 4 (which has not acknowledged at the auto-detection, so I ' I had to add it by hand) and I have assignments on controllers that have worked. Then I open Cubase and 6 Similarly, the assignments have not been a problem.
I like the LCD screen that displays information on the controller used and can change them.
The manual is clear to me, I did not fully read it but the installation and getting started are simple and do not really require to take the lead.
Notice that I do not speak any of Analog synth Laboratory. Indeed:
. one hand, I tested 5 minutes after installing it without any problems (luckily I had the Cubase dongle, if not, I understand that it is possible to use the hard drive), without really pay attention to sound quality,
. on the other hand, I bought the keyboard ... keyboard-controller! and not a synth added.
OVERALL OPINION
I use it for 2 days ... I will post a review later, when the use has highlighted the strengths and weaknesses.
I had 4 keyboards in sight in the same price range:
Akai MPK 49 (€ 349): I tested in store. First impression: it's a toy! Plastic rotten, big buttons and large sliders practices to handle, but poor finishing and printing of fragility and low strength. Keyboard unpleasant to the touch.
The Arturia Analog Laboratory (€ 333): I tested in store. My impressions above.
M-Audio Axiom 49 Pro (€ 339): I tested in store. A plastic housing of poor quality, a touch unconvincing, contact with the controllers did not please me. Another toy ...
Novation Remote 49 SL MKII (359 €): I could not test but there were other Novation keyboards in the store I tested: the touch keyboard not bad, sturdy pots.
Finally, I chose the Arturia:
. to finish: steel hull (the only one of the four!)
. to the keyboard pretty well screwed,
. controllers for its small but numerous.
I did not choose the Novation:
. because the Automap software adds a layer of software between the keyboard-controller and sequencer, and I think there are enough,
. because it seems suitable for live but not necessary for the home studio,
. LEDs that flash around, I'm tired and when it fails, it prevents proper use,
. the finish is less neat than for Arturia.
Arturia: good quality / price ratio. Without the synth, I will have bought anyway.
. transportable (to wear under the arm) and not too bulky,
. with a keyboard touch dynamics pleasant
. 2 wheels with pitch and modulation, at least 4 buttons, 8 pots, 8 faders,
. with at least one MIDI output.
With this keyboard, the contract was more than satisfied. In addition, there are:
. the pads that I have not had a chance to really test it,
. dedicated buttons to the sequencer: play, stop, record,
. it is possible to connect an expression pedal and sustain.
UTILIZATION
Important! I am not a pianist!
Among the keypad dynamics I've experienced, this one is nice, seems durable. Obviously, the keys have the game on a left-right movement, but it seems common to all keyboards of this type. After some tests, I am surprised almost take pleasure to use ...
Important thing because that's what I wanted: the pots have an endless race, but no notching.
Configuration is very simple: I plugged the keyboard on a USB port, I connected the MIDI cable, I opened Reason 4 (which has not acknowledged at the auto-detection, so I ' I had to add it by hand) and I have assignments on controllers that have worked. Then I open Cubase and 6 Similarly, the assignments have not been a problem.
I like the LCD screen that displays information on the controller used and can change them.
The manual is clear to me, I did not fully read it but the installation and getting started are simple and do not really require to take the lead.
Notice that I do not speak any of Analog synth Laboratory. Indeed:
. one hand, I tested 5 minutes after installing it without any problems (luckily I had the Cubase dongle, if not, I understand that it is possible to use the hard drive), without really pay attention to sound quality,
. on the other hand, I bought the keyboard ... keyboard-controller! and not a synth added.
OVERALL OPINION
I use it for 2 days ... I will post a review later, when the use has highlighted the strengths and weaknesses.
I had 4 keyboards in sight in the same price range:
Akai MPK 49 (€ 349): I tested in store. First impression: it's a toy! Plastic rotten, big buttons and large sliders practices to handle, but poor finishing and printing of fragility and low strength. Keyboard unpleasant to the touch.
The Arturia Analog Laboratory (€ 333): I tested in store. My impressions above.
M-Audio Axiom 49 Pro (€ 339): I tested in store. A plastic housing of poor quality, a touch unconvincing, contact with the controllers did not please me. Another toy ...
Novation Remote 49 SL MKII (359 €): I could not test but there were other Novation keyboards in the store I tested: the touch keyboard not bad, sturdy pots.
Finally, I chose the Arturia:
. to finish: steel hull (the only one of the four!)
. to the keyboard pretty well screwed,
. controllers for its small but numerous.
I did not choose the Novation:
. because the Automap software adds a layer of software between the keyboard-controller and sequencer, and I think there are enough,
. because it seems suitable for live but not necessary for the home studio,
. LEDs that flash around, I'm tired and when it fails, it prevents proper use,
. the finish is less neat than for Arturia.
Arturia: good quality / price ratio. Without the synth, I will have bought anyway.