Reddit reviews M-Audio, 61-Key, 61 Keys (Keystation 61)
We found 11 Reddit comments about M-Audio, 61-Key, 61 Keys (Keystation 61). Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
61 full-size, synth-action velocity-sensitive keysPitch bend and modulation wheels provide dynamic performance capabilitiesTransport controls let you control your DAW without reaching for the mouse6.3mm (1/4-inch) sustain pedal input for expressive performanceNow Includes Pro Tools | First and Eleven Lite for all new and existing customers, as well as SONiVOX Eighty-Eight Ensemble
Who the hell is paying $1000 for a MIDI controller?
Here is the mobile version of your link
Thanks. I found a used Alesis QX61 for ~$120. You think that's the best bang for my buck that I can get?
EDIT: Also found this. A bit more expensive, but seems higher quality and has semi-weighted keys, and it's only $50 more than the above for new. Doesn't have any/many MIDI knobs, but that's not too important. Also only $10 more for an 88 key version, which seems like but space would be a bit tight. Do you think that's worth it?
i've got the m-audio 61 semi-weighted controller. it feels amazing and i think 61 keys is the perfect balance of size and playability. i really couldn't have fun using anything smaller, i'd feel cramped and would get bored quickly. i'd have to learn how to play the octave switch in addition to the chords i'm playing..
it's not slim keys, but it's a bit smaller than 73 slim keys would be..
https://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Keystation-61-II-Controller/dp/B00IWX2SR0/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1500057997&sr=1-1&keywords=M-Audio+Keystation+61
I have the M-Audio Keystation 61 and Korg PadKontrol. It looks like the M-Audio 49 key might not be semi-weighted but the M-Audio 61 key that I have is semi-weighted. The benefit of having a separate device for pads is that the pads have the potential to be better quality. The Korg PadKontrol is known to have really good sensitive pads so that they register even if you touch them lightly. Other devices may have pads that require you to push down on them with more force before they register. Having more pads is nice just so that you have access to more samples at once. I'm also glad I went with 61 keys because it's just nicer to have quick access to as many keys possible too. I also use Ableton Live 9.
Alright, so the reason you shouldn't buy it is because the drum pads aren't remappable and the default mapping is really odd.
That means that you can't play all the drum samples unless you remap the samples to the notes that the pads play.
It also removes one of the biggest benefits of drum pads over regular keys, which is the layout. Since the mapping is all fucked up, pad nr. 5 in this pic won't play off the sample !Snare 15 in this pic.
Not only that, but the pads are riggid as hell. You can't just groove out, because you need quite a bit of force to push them down.
The rest of the keyboard is alright though. The keys are synth action (light to the touch) and feel pretty good to play on. The keyboard looks great too.
I'd still recommend going for a Nektar Impact or an M-Audio Keystation (semi weighted) instead.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Piano-Keyboard/Audio-Keystation-61-II-Controller-Sensitive-Including/B00IWX2SR0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486292626&sr=8-1&keywords=midi+controller+weighted you use this to control synths and stuff on your computer., its a nicer keybed so it will feel good to play.
I have a Novation Remote SL, and I can say that Novation makes a good keyboard, but don't expect those keys to feel like piano keys: they're very light. This can be a good thing, I actually prefer lighter keys for playing very fast runs (rock organ, etc).
For simplicity tho, I recommend starting with something a little cheaper. Look for an M Audio Keystation 61. Here
There's less features, but as a novice you aren't going to be using all the sliders, and the pads on Novations are crap. I never use mine. I prefer using the keyboard to bang in drum patterns too. You'll save a bit of money, I actually think you'll like the keys on the M Audio more than the Novation (I had an older M Audio Oxygen which has the same keybed). If you decide later you want a shitton of knobs, you can sell the keystation and upgrade. That's all part of the process.
As for a drum machine, there are free VST drum instruments that you can use. I recommend starting with software before buying hardware instruments.
I assume you mean a midi keyboard. They come in several sizes, from 25 keys up to full sized 88 key models, and the prices vary accordingly.
For EDM, 61 keys is probably enough but in case you are interested in a full size model I've put links to a couple of options I'd recommend below.
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Keystation-61-Keyboard-Controller/dp/B00IWX2SR0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1459104788&sr=8-1&keywords=maudio+61+key
In case you want a full size model:
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Keystation-88-Keyboard-Controller/dp/B00IWTS58A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1459104825&sr=8-1&keywords=maudio+88+key
So I think I want to go with a MIDI (I was kinda using keyboard as more of a generic term) and was looking at this one, which seems pretty good, as I believe i've seen quite a few videos now that show that the 61-keys should suffice for what I want it for. It seems from what i've seen from my research that M-Audio is a fairly respected brand and generally puts out a decent product, so they seemed like the best bet for a cheap 61 key MIDI keyboard.
Okay cool, good call out!
Found this one with decent reviews and it appears to have a midi connection.
https://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Keystation-61-II-Controller/dp/B00IWX2SR0/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1473097404&sr=1-1&keywords=M-Audio+Keystation+61+61-key+MIDI+Controller