Reddit reviews Akai Professional MPK49 | 49-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with MPC Pads
We found 7 Reddit comments about Akai Professional MPK49 | 49-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with MPC Pads. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
49-key, 12-pad, 8-fader, 8-knob USB MIDI keyboard controller delivers groove-infused command over computer-based digital audio workstations, sequencers, and more49 full-size, semi-weighted keys with aftertouch deliver amazing performance note after note12 genuine MPC pads for legendary percussion programming capability8 full-sized sliders with 3 controller banks for each for 24 sliders total; tweak, mix and adjust any MIDI assignable paramter to your hearts contentMMC/MIDI transport controls keep you in command of your DAW without having to touch the computer mousePlug-and-play USB connection for Mac and PC; no driver installation required. Perfect for Logic, Cubase, Studio One, Reaper, Digital Performer, Ableton, etc
That's an Akai MPK49 midi controller, if anyone is wondering!
I'm not familiar with any brands or models, but I'm 99% sure it's this:
http://www.amazon.com/Akai-Professional-MPK49-Keyboard-Controller/dp/B000Z20J2M
I have Reason 7 and a Mac Book (13 inch, non retina, 2012). Everything is just fine and projects from Reason 3 can be used with no problem.
When I was buying a Mac Book the retina was like $600 more than the base model so I went with that, and I'm glad I did. You don't need a retina display to make music.
Also I use an external display, so I never even open the Mac (actually I could probably have just bought a mac mini and it would be the same).
So, you're an engineer...be careful - just get a limited rig and then start making music. Do NOT start reading about everything that's available, your engineering brain will take over and you'll never get around to making music - instead you'll just fall into gear acquisition syndrome.
I would also advise getting the following:
A bluetooth Mac keyboard, a blue tooth mouse, and 4 or 8 rechargeable AA batteries (the batteries are key), and an external display.
For monitors a pair of Jbl LSR305. These seem to be the best "bang for your buck" monitors and in online reviews people will not shut up about how good they sound for $150. Avoid Rokits.
As for midi, I'd say get a good midi keyboard and a good set of drum pads. If you want cheap and easy I'd go for a nanoPad2
If you want something a bit more involved (and actually this is what you should get) go for the padKontrol
You'll need keys. Since you say you're a composer you'll need at least 49 keys (61 and 88 are obviously better, and best). When I was buying stuff the MPK49 was pretty much the best thing you could get (except for the pads). The MPK249 is coming out soon and supposedly has better pads, but we'll see.
And finally an audio interface. I have an Echo Audiofire4 which isn't made anymore (btw it's fucking awesome so if you can find one used, do it). It seems the focusrite 2i2 is the most popular choice among newbies...personally I'd go for something with more inputs. RME and MOTU seem to the best but you'll pay a lot more (though in the long run it's worth it).
I would also say, go slow. There are a ton of cheap midi controllers (like $50-$100) so just get one, see what you like and move on from there. DO NOT cheap out on your audio interface. Your audio interface is the most important part of the whole chain.
So, Reason 7 on a Mac and an external display/mouse/keyboard, some keys and pads, an audio interface, and a good pair of monitors and you're set.
Hope this helps.
Are you looking for a DAW and MIDI Controller? You can definitely get both for under 800. Logic X just came out for Mac if you have one and it's $200. If you're on Windows then Ableton Live is the way to go which you can get for 100-750 depending on what package you want. As far as midi goes, I really like M-Audio and Akai. I don't have it, but this keyboard it widely loved and gives basically everything a beginner could want. You could grab that and the mid tier version of Ableton for close to or just over 800 total. Just make sure you have a good set of headphones or monitors and check out /r/edmproduction if that's the kinda thing you're interested in.
I've been working with synths for over 4 years and I still don't feel the need to get a hardware synth. Analog gear is great, but the majority of us (maybe not the majority in /r/synthesizers ;p) are using primarily soft synths. It's very helpful while learning because you can save and recall your settings much easier.
If you want a DAW that allows you to get a taste of analog routing and such, I'd suggest Propellerhead Reason. It comes with great synths and it's pretty unique in that you get a taste of how hard synths work without ever leaving the software. You'll get to know all types of synthesis (subtractive/additive/FM/etc) and by the time you're ready to go analog, you'll have a better understanding of signal routing compared to someone who learned on any other DAW.
As far as a MIDI keyboard, I'd go with an AKAI MPK49 or something along those lines. Has a nice feel and plenty of knobs/faders to mess around with.
Edit: Just wanted to add that I don't use Reason very often anymore, but I did learn synthesis on it. I think it's exactly what you're looking for if you want a taste of analog with the ease of software.
Alright! Here is my list. Looking good?
Headphones: http://en-us.sennheiser.com/professional-dj-headphones-noise-cancelling-hd-280-pro
MIDI: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000Z20J2M/ref=cm_sw_su_dp
DAW: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/321870-REG/Behringer_BCF2000_B_CONTROL_FADER_BCF2000_.html
Leads up to about $750
Akai has a good reputation for midi keyboards, you can probably find this model cheaper if you do a bit of searching (its on http://www.amazon.com/Akai-Professional-MPK49-Keyboard-Controller/dp/B000Z20J2M?ie=UTF8&Version=1&entries=0 at $290, cheaper elsewhere).
Added benifit of having drum pads and lots of controls.