If you’re a keyboardist like me, the biggest deal breaker for me is touch response/velocity sensitivity...where the keys response based on how you press it. I hate nothing more than pressing the key softly, but it’s just straight not responding based on how I press it. I really wish you mention that. That is the most important thing for me.
I have the Roland A-49, I really like this keyboard when I want to play a non weighted keyboard. The keys feel quite good, not too light like some other Roland keyboards. The keys, while being full width are shorter from front to back. I don't have a problem with this, but I think its worth mentioning. I love the USB Midi + 5 pin din Midi output. The two assignable knobs are great too, good for assigning to filter cuttoff and resonance with synth plugins.
Shieet being shorter from front to end is a pretty big draw back. A lot of acoustic pianos made in America have shorter keys than international standard.. it’s a pain in the butt.. thanks for letting know.
@@Zemael Much shorter than piano keys, shorter too than any synth keys that I've used with full width keys. Having said that the action feels quite good.
I use the Komplete Kontrol A49 in Studio One . I wouldn`t say you can`t use it properly without Kontakt, actually, every knob maps out and works like any midi controller, and the build quality is superb . That`s why i bought it at the store, instead of the keylab 49, which felt kind of cheap with the keys .
I would have liked to hear more about the feel of the keys and pads and whether any of the keyboards have weighted keys, whether they feel spongy or make a lot of noise and how the knobs feel, whether they are continuous or fixed.
For build quality, look and software package, you cant really beat Arturia keylab essential 49, its fits a home studio or is mobile because it's so lightweight, actually a great option for a live performance and traveling with.
Thank you. I was looking to avoid USB out only. I am a newcomer who wants the option of dawless, and your video helped. I then went to sweetwater's in-depth video on the Novation Launchkey MK3.
Hey Aaliyah! Most "regular" keyboards these days come with MIDI enabled and thus can be used as a MIDI controller. Keep in mind that a MIDI controller keyboard has no sounds itself but rather plays the sounds loaded virtually on the computer. So if you're purchasing your first keyboard - it may make sense to get one that has on board sounds as well as MIDI ports to give you the most options. But it's up to you. I hope that helps!
NOTE, NOTE: The instrument can be powered without a computer, contrary to what is written in the manual ... The company does not officially provide this information, but when connecting a regular phone charger to the Roland A-49, just hold down the FUNCTION + ASSIGN + PITCH keys and the instrument it will work in STANDALONE mode (no need to connect a laptop, usb hub, etc.).
Jack Murray Thanks. I was looking at the Nektar impact lx49 but you need to install midi drivers to do so so I went with the Aturia keylab essentials 49 nice sleek design and great ratings!!!! Thx again
@@jackthemurray Yeah, I love it! Like you, I wanted a DIN MIDI out and I wanted 49 keys but light and not taking too much desk space, it fits the bill perfectly. It is replacing an older Akai MPK 61, very good but heavier and bulkier. I also have Korg microKey Air 25 that I like too.
Can I ask.. does the “root” of the black keys take more force to press? Or is it mostly even regardless where you press on the key. I play piano and the “cliff”at the end of keys are a deal breaker. Am looking to get an a-49.
Awesome top list of MIDI controllers - was so close to buying M-AUDIO Keystation, either 49 or 61 (hadn't quite decided yet). After seeing the Roland A49 though which I didn't even know was an existing model out there or that it was so cheap, now i'm totally sold on that one. Key action looks phenomenal and the D-Beam functionality is super unique.
A49 has awesome action! I played one at Sweetwater and it has the same action as my Roland Juno Gi. If I was in the market for a controller I'd go for that one too! Enjoy it!
I have been using all kinds of Roland keyboards (Jupiter 80, FA-08, and now thinking about A-49) for the past 13 years. Never used the D-Beam once. Not even once 😅…
I have been using all kinds of Roland keyboards (Jupiter 80, FA-08, and now thinking about A-49) for the past 13 years. Never used the D-Beam once. Not even once 😅…
@@jackthemurrayis the end of the black key harder to press than the front? Some of those keyboards are “cliff-less” in that the end of the key takes the same amount to press down.
I use the A49 and M32 with NI Komplete Kontrol in Cubase and Reason. A great budget option IMO. Oddly, the A49 isn't fully mapped in Cubase yet but the M32 is fully integrated
Thanks for the review. I would have liked if you talked about the key beds and how they play. I have an old Roland PC-200 which has semi weighted keys (it's dying on me) and that's important to many users that are piano players. Otherwise nice job!
Do you happen to know of any good 49-key midi controllers with mini keys? I'm not a pianist, so I prefer the feel of mini keys, but I still want the full 49-key range.
Not sure about a 49 key. Closest I found was the Arturia Keystep 37 key. Might be hard to find a 49, I don’t know if I’ve ever seen anything like that.
I really care about the “touch” of the keys , and the dynamic of velocity (sensitive of playing) is matter to me！ I should buy Arturia keylab essential 49 or Roland A-49？
With something that dependent on personal preference I wouldn't be able to give you an answer. Your best guess is to find a way to demo play on both and then decide which one you prefer.
Which one did you choose? I bought the Arturia and I have to say I find it horrible to play. The sensitivity seems to be so erratic that I can't play without "missing" notes ie. notes which just don't trigger when playing gentle parts...
Thanks Max! And keep the comments coming! I appreciate it! I know you've suggested a video or two as well, so I'll be getting to those soon! Appreciate you!
Hi. for me the best is the Roland A49, fully Midi compliant etc £135 and is stil working well after 7 years.... It still has i thinhk the best keyboard action feel. for the price point. and as now as the daws used acan be controlled from touch screens on Ipads or PCs it is still the best to use... I have other Roland kit FP4, FA06 etc, But for the basic price and keyboard feel the A49 is good portable.. plugs into ipad, pc etc.. and has no latency as all you are sending is midi.
@@jackthemurray You're welcome. Your work needs to be appreciated. I was pretty confused between the komplete kontrol A49 and Arturia keylab essentials. Any insight would be very helpful :D
The komplete kontrol Is the dedicated hardware made to work with the native instruments komplete software. So if you're not a big komplete user, than the komplete kontrol would be a waste.
the only problems I've had with arturias keyboards is the drum pads, I just can't get then to work at least in fl studio (I've also tried in ableton and it works better there)
Your videos are really informative. Can you suggest please which one i should choose in between Nektar lx49+ or Arturia keyLab 49. I am flstudio user also heard there’s few complications with Arturia to setup with fl studio but it has good quality keys and other stuff. I am confused please help.
Hi Sandeep, it depends on how much "daw integration" you want. For example, any midi keyboard will work with any daw on a basic level (knobs, controls, keys, etc.) since it's all under the MIDI standard. However if you're looking for a keyboard that automatically maps to the DAW in a way that all the knobs and sliders follow and mimic the software and plugins as you use it, then that's a different story. That's likely the issue that the Arturia has (IDK, I'm not an FL user) - but if you don't need the keyboard fully mapped, then it'll still work for basic knobs, sliders, and keys (you just may have to assign each knob and slider manually). Nektar is probably the better choice if you're looking for an FL mapping because if I recall, they offer a setting specifically for FL. Hope that helps!
@@jackthemurray Thanks a ton for your kind and informative reply. As you suggested, I also made my mind to go with Nektar lx61+ and purchased. Which is working great with fl studio as per my need. Still Few function of midi doesn't work completely with Flstudio but those will not affect anybody's workflow. :)
Thank you bro I saw ur video yesterday and bought the m audio oxygen61 And also make more tutorials for ableton pls And 1more question I also need an another midi controller Which one you would you recommend The Arturia keylab or the novation launchkey (full size keys) and I want superb workflow with ableton
No prob! I'm glad you enjoyed the video!! For an Ableton setup, I'd definitely recommend the launch key as it pairs great with Ableton! Hope that helps!!
still rocking the axiom 1st gen too great keys. I am super picky with keyboards and I found the oxygen pro 49 close to my axiom and I am rocking the lauchkey25mk3 so i have 25 keys +49 plus another 25 keys plus my 32 key synth ms-1 all stacked 132 keys lol
Hi, I have an alesis v 61 with abelton live 10 lite, and I have input delay with the keyboard into the software. I know you're an abelton pro can you suggest a solution please?.
Are you using an audio interface? If not, this will improve the audio delay. Also, try lowering audio buffer size in the audio setting menu. This is what I do to switch between a high buffer (good for big sessions so they don't glitch or overload CPU) to a low buffer (needed for realtime MIDI playing). Hope that helps!
My guess would be the Native instruments Komplete Kontrol stuff because they have the individual LEDS above each key. Don't count on my knowledge though. I'd recommend researching videos on those specifically. Also check out Lumi keys. Hope that helps
Hey man! I always used Reaper to mix vocals and I'm already pretty familiar with that program. Now I want to start producing beats and I am not really sure which keyboard I should get. Can you give me a recommendation? The Oxygen, Nektar, Keylab or the Komplete?
The Nektar seems to have custom mappings setup for Reaper off the bat. Because of that I'd prob so go with that one. But if you're just looking for an all around controller I'd probably get the keylab personally
Thanks Luffy! For your setup I'd probably say keep it simple and get the M-Audio Oxygen. The Nektar may also be a good choice. So I'd just say see which one you think you like better. Either will work fine
Thank you so much! I'm honestly not sure. My guess is the keybed is similar. But this link/video may help! www.adsrsounds.com/news/arturia-keylab-mk2-vs-essential-thorough-comparison/
@@jackthemurray i can adjust with synth keys...but many roland a49 users complaining that its not plugin -play midi, u need to install the driver separately. And sometimes the drivers Doesn't workers .
Is there a way to get the M-Audio KeyStation 49 attached directly to a module? There is only one USB port, that requires power + data to the synth module.
Yo! And partly due to you, I decided on the M-Audio Oxy Pro-49! Also trying to get a “Decksaver*” brand hard deck cover for it, but they don’t make?! Anyone buying/has the Oxygen Pro-49 or 61 and want a Decksaver, perfect for carrying in a soft bag! Let them know, it takes several orders for them to tool one up! Please! I WANT one! Hard plastic cover, fits exact! *Decksaver* thanks!
@@jackthemurray Thanks! Being that it’s new and no one is asking for it having a tough time getting @decksaver to make one!? Need more “M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49 - 61” owners to “Get A DeckSaver!!!”
Honestly none of them would be fantastic because they're not really weighted keys or hammer action. If you're okay with a synth action I'd personally recommend the Roland A49 or the Komplete Kontrol as I feel those two are the best. But as a pianist myself this range of affordable controllers doesn't come close to a real piano feel.
If you get one that's class complient it'll work without drivers. Additionally, Mac computers are more plug and play than PCs which typically need more drivers.
I think the impulse has been DAW integration especially for ableton live. It also has a built in arpeggiator which is pretty rare on cheaper controllers.
Yeah if you're a trained pianist these will not compare to what you're used too. But these are the low budget options so you can't expect too much in terms of weighted action or high quality synth action
Open the piano roll in your daw or hit record and play the pads. Your first goal is to figure out which midi notes are assigned to the pads. Once you do that you can use a sampler plugin to map individual drum samples to those midi notes. I'm not sure what keyboard, system, or plugin you're using but that's the basic idea. Let me know if I can clarify further.
The pads play midi notes just like any of the keys. So basically the idea is the same as finger drumming on the keys themselves. You just have to assign the drum samples to the correct midi notes that the pads are triggering.
If you've never used a keyboard it'll work just fine. I owned one but returned it because as a piano player the keys felt very cheap and still and I just didn't like it. I prefer the m audio keyboards personally.
Yes, it will work as a basic midi controller. However it does not come with a preset mapping for Ableton. For some reason Nektar does not offer DAW integration for Ableton Live while it does for many other DAWs. Because of that, I would recommend something like the Novation Launchkey instead for Ableton users.
Probably the Nektar - it'll work as a regular midi controller just fine. It just won't have a preset mapping for Ableton. Which means it'll still work, but the knobs and faders won't automatically map. You'll have to add the mappings manually which isn't that hard.
Roland A49 sucks, I bought it and impossible to set up with the provided software (Ableton Live Lite). The instructions manual is rubbish and outdated, and there is literally 0 support for this product-software. I will return it.
I'm new to midi controllers and music prod. and I don't know what to get some say the komplete is superior some say the Arturia. I'm new also to piano stuff. I only got 420 bucks (I'm not trolling this is what I got on my paycheck)
Arturia is better if you're not a dedicated Komplete user. If you use Komplete a lot, then I'd get the Komplete Kontrol - otherwise the Arturia is more universal. I love Ableton, so I could recommend that. But now a days any popular DAW will work great. I recommend downloading free trials and testing as many as you can out. Or just find the one that you think looks cool or the one that your influences use. Can't go wrong! You can also check out this budget studio setup video I put out. If you bought everything in that video (minus the controller) you'd still have money for the Arturia etc. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-u0aLccTkRQ0.html
@@jackthemurray But I've heard Alesis has semi-weighted keys. Does that mean I should get the M-Audio one instead of the Alesis? How do the keys compare?
If you're particular on feel, the best advice is to find a place that has both and try them out for yourself. Personally, I've used cheaper m audio controllers for 10 years and although they're not the be all end all, they work for me. Whereas I bought an alesis and returned it in a week because the keys required too much pressure and didn't feel as nice as the m audio boards.
