Reddit reviews Akai Professional MPK25 25-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with MPC Pads
We found 11 Reddit comments about Akai Professional MPK25 25-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with MPC Pads. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
25-key, 12-pad, 12-knob USB MIDI keyboard controller delivers groove-infused command over computer-based digital audio workstations, sequencers, and more25 full-size, semi-weighted keys with aftertouch deliver amazing performance note after note12 genuine MPC pads for legendary percussion programming capabilityEight Q-Link knobs for controlling virtually any MIDI-assignable parameters in softwareMMC/MIDI transport controls keep you in command of your DAW without having to touch the computer mouseBuilt-in arpeggiator provides melodic inspiration and versatile patterns for modern music productionPlug-and-play USB connection for Mac and PC; no driver installation required. Perfect for Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Studio One, Reaper, Digital Performer, Ableton, etc
BAM! MPK25. Everything you need in one compact interface, with plenty of rotatory knobs (which is great for recording automation, you WILL use it), pitch pend and modulation, transport controls, foot-switch input, all on one cable. Little more expensive, but worth it. I have the 61-key, fuckin' dope ese.
Probably going to want a decent audio interface is you don't have one yet. If you're using a desktop PC this has been the must have beginner audio interface for the last 5 years or so.
I also recommend the MPK. It has keys and the same pads as an MPC. I had the MPK-25 which has 25 keys, but there's also a 49 key. And I got mine for $200 which really isn't bad, considering it was in pristine condition.
Only downside is unlike the MPC, it is a slave controller (MIDI) to Ableton which means it crashed my shitty laptop all the time...
Akai website
EDIT: Added some links
You only need an audio interface if you plan on using monitor speakers or recording (Mics or DI). Ableton Live is good software. Everyone has their own preferences but most DAWs do pretty much the same thing. Akai makes nice Midi Keyboard/MPC combos that work very well with Live. I've had this one for about a year now (http://www.amazon.com/Akai-Professional-MPK25-Keyboard-Controller/dp/B001SGWKR6) and it's been very good to me minus middle C becoming slightly less responsive.
If you're going to get one of the Akai lower end MPCs it's very smart to buy replacement pads as they make a world of difference when it comes to pad sensitivity. Without them you can tap the pad softly and get no reading, then do it slightly harder and it brings the velocity up to 127. Here is a site with a lot of accessories (http://www.mpcstuff.com/mpk25parts.html). The thick pads come in a variety of colors and are relatively easy to install.
I think you'll be fine having a mid grade computer. I have a 2010 Macbook Pro and it's hardly taxes the system at all. I guess I should have asked at the beginning what your price range is as that can make a world of difference, but I hope some of this has helped. Good look with your music man.
Ah sorry I should have looked closer at your link- didn't see it was the MPK25 mini.
I have the full-size MPK25 - http://www.amazon.com/Akai-Professional-MPK25-Keyboard-Controller/dp/B001SGWKR6/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1394734375&sr=1-1&keywords=mpk25
I use the pitch wheel a lot, but it depends on the type of music you are making. If you're doing groovy funk/hip hop lead-style synths, it helps a lot. If you are mostly doing pads and house-y stuff, I think it's less useful.
I'd recommend saving up for the full-size MPK25, it's definitely worth it as an all-around music production swiss army key. The mini would probably work too if you have less space and don't need a pitch wheel, but that's your call.
I have the akai mpk25 . Has a bunch of knobs I use to for massive and Sylenth.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001SGWKR6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1449530794&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=akai+mpk+25
It is a little expensive , but it is worth every damn dollar .
are in the 3rd group, trying to be like "that guy" i mentioned? haha. its cool. I personally recommend the MPK25 if you want a full sized 25 key board with 16 pads or, what i personally use currently, is the Akai MPKMini. Its basically the smaller version of the 25 but the keys aren't full sized and only has 8 pads. The MPK25 is a bit over double the price of the Mini, but both are good.
The 25-> http://www.amazon.com/Akai-MPK25-25-Key-Keyboard-Controller/dp/B001SGWKR6
The Mini -> http://www.amazon.com/Akai-Pro-MPK-Ultra-Portable-Controller/dp/B00466HM28
other cats might have different recommendations, but these are the ones i have experience with
Amazon just had the AKAI MPK25 for $150. Looks like it bumped up to $200, but that's still $300 off.
FL Studio is a great start in my opinion. If you've already put 10 hours in, and are making some cool sounds that you feel good about, you've already overcome one of the largest obstacles!
One way to take it to the next level is to try to re-create a song you like, or part of it, in FL Studio. Take for example this section of your first link. You could roughly recreate that in FL Studio without too much pain. Just don't give up until you get the sound you're looking for. Maybe start with the drum parts, figure out the 1,2,3,4's of it, and try to put that into a loop in FL. Then bust out the synthesizer for the saws on top of the drums. You said you don't have much synth experience, so layering some saws over your drums and tweaking things until it sounds correct would be a great exercise.
For MIDI gear, a small keyboard would be great for experimenting and learning. Maybe get one with some pads and knobs that you can map to your sweet FL saws that you were layering? I'd say skip the drum machine for now, you can do all of that sequencing in FL and 1000x better IMO. However drum pads are nice, where you can bang out patterns and fills using your hands. You could try something like the MPK25 USB controller which has keys, pads, and knobs all in one.
The main thing is to really sit down and learn. You've already got good software and the passion, that's all you need. A small midi keyboard or controller might help you get started, but don't get lost in different devices, plugins, etc. as they will just slow down your learning as they provide instant gratification while you miss out on learning the fundamentals. Books can be helpful as well, I'd recommend the Dance Music Manual. Don't lose your passion, practice or study every day. Read and watch videos! Ask questions!
Nope
Mini and
Mpk25
Alright so I have logic , really enjoy it so far.
My next step would to buy something like this
However, for the turnable , I have an audio-technia turntable but the arm is really fucked and i think my belt is warped.
Suggestions on the turntable?
Akai MPK25 is awesome for this. To control any knob in FL, right click it, click "Link to controller" Then give the knob on the keyboard you want to assign it to a twist. Boom! Got mine off ebay for $120, but there is a million alternates. Google midi controller.
http://www.amazon.com/Akai-Professional-MPK25-Keyboard-Controller/dp/B001SGWKR6