Had some requests about the keys, pad sensitivity and whether or not it was worth it. I personally usually prefer a wheel over strips, however, strips are more convenient for travel as you dont have to worry about damaging or snapping your mod wheel. Apr 21, 2020 the novation mk3 comes with a pitchbend strip and a modulation strip, whereas, the akai mpk2 mini mk2 comes with a wheel. I used to have novation x station 49 with an amazing keyboard with aftertouch but it didnt get as much use as mpk. Clip launcher for ableton live with 25note midi keyboard and 8 fullyassignable qlink controls plus vip 3. Mpk249 performance keyboard controller by akai professional. Novation vstation software synth powerful virtual polysynth with tons of great presets.
Novation bass station software synth virtual version of novations classic bass synth. After much research and consideration ive got it down to 2 choices. I dont think you can blame the latency on the mpk it has core midi drivers. However from what i have read, the mpk pads are almost unusable, they have to be smashed even at the highest sensitivity setting, is this still the case or have there been updates to fix this. Viewing 10 posts 1 through 10 of 10 total author posts october 8, 2015 at 12. Jan 30, 2020 akai mpk249 vs novation launchkey 49 the novation launchkey 49 has all the bells and whistles of the akai mpk249 49 keys, 16 pads, knobs, sliders, modpitch wheels, and deep integration with ableton.
Everything you need to know when purchasing a midi controller for more music, live sessions and tutorials, subscribe. The latest mpk249 rocks improvements in every major area, from its new rgbilluminated mpcstyle pads to the superb action of its aftertouchenabled 49note keybed. The novation mk3 comes with a pitchbend strip and a modulation strip, whereas, the akai mpk2 mini mk2 comes with a wheel. Home forums digital dj gear novation launchkey mini mk2 vs akai apc key 25 this topic has 1 reply, 2 voices, and was last updated 2 years, 9 months ago by chuck van eekelen. I picked up an akai mpk49 fri sept 19, 2008 with plans on using it to control ableton live as a full daw controller i will set up a live set like a protools session 8 tracks 8 akai faders set to control the track faders. What is the difference between akai professional mpk 49 and novation impulse 49. The mpk 25 is the small brother of the very popular mpk 49 and is of the same solid construction. Im interested in the akai mpk mpdapc40, or the novation mk2 stuff and launchpad. Maudio oxygen 25 mk4, akai mpk25, alesis v25 or novation. Ableton live lite, hybrid 3 by air music tech, sonivox twist 2. M audio oxygen 49 v3 vs akai mpk 49 if this is your first visit, be sure to check out the faq by clicking the link above.
Even the maudio keystation 61 which i had before was not as heavy. Mpk249 features 49 semiweighted keys with aftertouch, 8 assignable knobs, faders, and switches, 16 mpcstyle pads with rgb feedback, and onboard transport buttons. Home keyboard controller comparison akai professional mpk 49 vs novation impulse 61. Akai controllers vs novation controllers im interested in the akai mpk mpdapc40, or the novation mk2 stuff and launchpad. Personally, i would go with the novation sl mkiii over the akai mpk261. Stiff competition from roland, novation, and nektar round up our best midi keyboards list. Novations launchkey keyboard controller is the is the quickest and easiest way to produce and perform electronic music in ableton live, and it has just been given an exciting upgrade. Each member of akai pros mpk series comes fully loaded with a comprehensive interface for manipulating virtual instruments, effect plugins, daws, and more. Akai professional mpk249 49key controller guitar center. Korgs kontrol 49, also in the same price band as the mpk, and featuring pads, knobs, faders and a 49note keyboard, would also be worth a look. The major difference between the impulse 49 and the mpk 249 in terms of layout is the drum pads section.
Based closely on the mpk49, the first keyboard ever to feature mpc pads, the mpk25 scales down the keyboard by 24 keys and retains the utility, capability, and flexibility that makes the mpk49 one of the worlds hottest keyboards. In general, newer controllers are not well supported, same goes for ones that are less popular. Viewing 2 posts 1 through 2 of 2 total author posts july 9, 2017 at 11. Its pretty much the quickest and easiest way to produce and perform electronic music, especially in ableton live because we designed it specifically for the purpose.
Akai mpc40 vs novation launchpad which one to buy digital. The akais mpk mini mkii 25key holds the honor of the best selling midi keyboard controller in the world and for a good reason. Akai mpk49 vs novation sl mkii49 with live ableton forum. When looking at the market, one can easily spend upwards of a thousand dollars without having any. The akai professional mpk249 is a performance pad and keyboard controller that combines deep software integration, enhanced workflow, and core technologies. I have a nektar impact lx61 with 61 keys, and it is lighter. Novation remote sl compact 49, korg kontrol49 or akai mpk49. Addictive keys access one of four virtual keyboards when you register your first piece of novation or focusrite hardware. Aug, 2019 on the mpk the drum pads section is very advanced compared to the impulse, and it to be expected, akai is the creator of the famous mpcs. The akai brand seems to have a rep of being well built, and at the price point of 250 new im not interested in the used market getting a 49 key with after touch and some faders and knobs, it looks like it will suit my needs well. Oct 08, 2015 home forums digital dj gear akai mpc40 vs novation launchpad which one to buy this topic has 9 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 4 years, 6 months ago by pushpressturntwist. Novation launchkey 49 usb keyboard controller for ableton live, 49note mk2 version akai professional mpk mini mkii 25 key usb midi keyboard controller with 8 drum pads, 8 assignable qlink knobs and pro software suite included. Home forums digital dj gear akai mpc40 vs novation launchpad which one to buy this topic has 9 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 4 years, 6 months ago by pushpressturntwist. The keyboard korg microkey 25 is usually 15 more expensive than akai lpk 25, but the difference is so small that this can vary and then a.
Does the novation launchpad offer anything my apc40 doesnt. Akai mpk249 description the controller keyboard, evolved. Having purchased a novation sl 49 compact, i can say that the keys on it feel awesome, but automap is shit. After having unboxed it, i noticed how heavy in weight the mpk is. This is more for the advanced players as you have an 8 track builtin sequencer with the sl mkiii.
Launchkey is our easytouse midi keyboard controller. Find out which is better and their overall performance in the keyboard controller ranking. Nor do i expect to make major use of the pads on either unit. Its in the top 3 bestselling midi controllers and has dozens of popular alternatives in the same price range, such as m audio xy touch pad or arturia keylab 49. Jan 29, 2008 i picked up an akai mpk49 fri sept 19, 2008 with plans on using it to control ableton live as a full daw controller i will set up a live set like a protools session 8 tracks 8 akai faders set to control the track faders.
The keyboard novation launchkey mini mk2 is usually 25 more expensive than akai lpk 25, but the difference is so small that this can vary and then a video of the keyboard. While i do like the akai mpk mini mk2, the fact that its a compact keyboard with tiny keys makes it a less than ideal midi controller for my purposes. Novation releases sl mkiii midi controller keyboardmag. This is a hard choice, one thing to keep in mind is that the akai mpk261 is much older than the novation sl mkiii.
I am looking for a solid midi controller to use with it and i have really narrowed it down to two, the novation sl mk ii and the akai mpk49. Made to produce with ableton live and your hardware, launchpad pro is our most advanced 64pad grid controller. Mar 07, 2017 the akai mpk mini mk2 is a huge improvement over its predecessor. Akai professionals mpk controller keyboards have become standard equipment in many professional midi rigs. Akai mpk mini mkii is a very popular option in the middle of the midi controllers price range. It now features rgb velocitysensitive pads that match users clip colours, making workflow in. The akai professional mpk25 is a portable keyboard controller with mpc production controls. If youre looking to do some liveloopstyle midi recording youll want something that has transport controls properly mapped for your daw. Novation launchkey mini mk2 vs akai apc key 25 digital dj tips. Youll notice that on the mpk the pads are somewhat in the middle area of the keyboard while on the impulse are on the right edge. Novation launchkey or arturia keylab or akai mpk49 keys.
Ive had some build quality issues with my xstation 49. Akai professional mpk225 is a very popular and one of the most expensive options. The keyboard arturia keylab essential 49 is usually 76 more expensive than arturia keystep. Its in the top 3 bestselling midi controllers and has dozens of popular alternatives in the same price range, such as akai usb drum pad or maudio axiom air mini 32. Maudio axiom pro 49 or akai mpk49 ni community forum. Ive also heard about the mpk in various places talk of keys braking and the feel of the keys being a little stiff. Akai mpk mini or launchkey mini which is better youtube. Akai controllers vs novation controllers gearslutz. Discussion of music production, audio, equipment and any related topics, either with or without ableton live 4 posts page 1 of 1. Akais mpk261 remains our top choice for the best allaround midi keyboard, while the akai mpk mini is our favorite budgetfriendly midi keyboard.
Got your own thoughts on using the novation launchpad vs the. Akai mpk249 vs novation launchkey 49 the novation launchkey 49 has all the bells and whistles of the akai mpk249 49 keys, 16 pads, knobs, sliders, modpitch wheels, and. The best midi keyboards for pc, mac, and ipad in 2020. And yes i will be doing videos on the apc40 in the future including live. The feel of the keys are really important to me which swings me over to impulse as ive heard good things about them. Jul 09, 2017 home forums digital dj gear novation launchkey mini mk2 vs akai apc key 25 this topic has 1 reply, 2 voices, and was last updated 2 years, 9 months ago by chuck van eekelen. My concerns are keyboard feel, ease of programming and most of all reliability of drivers and stability on mac and pc. May 18, 2017 the akai mpk mini mk2 is a compact keyboard released by akai, manufacturers of the worldfamous mpc sampler and sequencer. The latest mpk249 rocks improvements in every major area, from its new rgbilluminated mpcstyle pads to the superb action of its aftertouchenabled 49 note keybed. Yeah the launchpad can do allot for just a button grid, if novation are smart enough to hook me up i would like to dig deeper. Korgs kontrol 49, also in the same price band as the mpk, and featuring pads, knobs, faders and a 49 note keyboard, would also be worth a look. So, lets start with the impulse, you can use the pads to trigger sounds or sound clips in ableton. Its bug, but if you play on softsynth you can go with full velocity settings. It wont completely replace a larger keyboard with fullsized keys or even a dedicated drum pad controller, but if youre looking for a compact, portable midi keyboard for composing music on the go andor looking to save space on your desk its hard to go wrong with this model.
Akai controllers vs novation controllers ableton forum. M audio oxygen 49 v3 vs akai mpk 49 future producers. You just plug in via usb and the keys, faders, knobs and pads immediately spring into life, giving you handson. Used explora all hello, log in sign in loginregister my account. Akai keys are better or harder in pressing than novation or arturia keys but has issue on newer line of max keys that different keys may have different velocity curve by design. Novation s remote le and sl controllers offer broadly similar features to the mpk49 at a similar price. The mpk249 gives you boatloads of workflowenhancing features such as mpc. Novation impulse 49 vs akai mpk249 comparison homestudiomaven. Novations remote le and sl controllers offer broadly similar features to the mpk49 at a similar price. Only arturia minilab comes close but has a dodgy software. Akai mpk mini or launchkey mini which is better taetro. I have the mpk225 and i can tell you that the pads are super responsive and the keys feel great, its essentially plug and play with fl studio, plus you get a couple free vsts and mpc essentials software. Akai controllers vs novation controllers im interested in the akai mpkmpdapc40, or the novation mk2 stuff and launchpad. I am just starting out with digital music production and have started working with ableton live 8.