Besides, if you have more keys, when you get better at the piano you will want a bigger playing space. Lately the quality of cheap controller keyboards is not that great imho... if you have space you may also consider a used synth, they usually have better keybeds than controllers (Dx7, D50, M1 and so on) and of course, sound. Likes: 2. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the edmproduction community. Black man detained while jogging offered police job What other items do customers buy after viewing this item? WesG. All of this advice stems from my regret over buying a catch-all, "do-everything" keyboard that does nothing to a particularly high standard. I think some good examples of complexity would be Imagine by Lennon, or Sign on the Window by Bob Dylan. The price is also a big factor, especially since I'm just starting out. If you have more than 50 fingers it will most definitely be an issue for you. MIDI keyboards typically come in 25, 49, 61 and 88 key varieties. Feels solid, is very well built, has an excellent semi-weighted key action, has 8 knobs and 8 buttons, and comes with an UCA-222 audio interface, all for US$179.00. 00. Cent (music) Jump to navigation Jump to search. However, if you're serious about really learning how to play piano, then it's better if you get keyboards with weighted keys or those with hammer action, so that you can easily transition to a real piano's 'resistance.' I've got an MPK25, and while I'm happy with it in some respects (keys are fine, knobs are good, pads are shit), even two octaves can be a bit tight and limiting, and not in the "limits are good!" One thing I'd highly recommend is getting something with decently weighted keys. But I'd choose the M-Audio still. The answer is No. This shopping feature will continue to load items when the Enter key is pressed. I feel like I want to tip toe into keyboards, but I'm on a super low budget. 49 keys; 61 keys; 73 keys; 76 keys; 88 keys; With more pads, you can utilize using more samples and you can even put piano notes on the pads if youâre more comfortable with doing so. This video is focused on the Best Midi Keyboard Controllers and trying to find the right size Midi Controller at the right price, for your setup. I recently got the M-Audio 88, buy I also wanted to dig into some piano and theory. Better equipment may make you sound better, but not play better. But nonetheless I'll advise you to get an 88 if you can. I think the current version of that is the a49 or the a500pro, with all the bells and whistles. Mostly simple lines I make to record. All keys, pads and faders working. One cent compared to a semitone on a truncated monochord. Akai Professional Advance 49 | 49-Key Virtual Instrument Production Controller with Full-Color LCD Screen & 10K Sounds Download. If you're just starting, it doesn't matter, play anything and everything you can get your hands on until you outgrow it. WesG. keyboardist of 20yrs here, i record 95% on my 49keys midicontroller. Stream Tracks and Playlists from 49-Keys on your desktop or mobile device. a 25 key is definitely enough if you're just trying to get ideas down, and a lot of controllers even have octave +/- buttons so you can change your range without even having to touch your computer. Cookies help us deliver our Services. that being said though, if you already play piano, you're gonna want enough ⦠61 keys will do most things for your general keyboard needs as long as you don't do deeper basses. You can't play more spread out chords, and you won't be able to play quite a few inversions. I've seen notes on the forum of 49 not being enough for some of the songs. Get the 49 Key, You will get better later on, besides, M-Audio is one of the leaders in midi controller, Midi plus is meh. Posts: 3,675. Small keyboard will be a barrier for you creatively constantly shifting octaves and recording each hand separately. There are, but they also cost a lot more. Listen to 49-Keys | SoundCloud is an audio platform that lets you listen to what you love and share the sounds you create.. Laguna Hills. But, since the 49 synth action controller is very handy to have anyway (the 88 weighted one is usually really heavy and you won't move it so often), you may start with that and get the weighted one later. you can play but you will not have highs or lows unless you use the octave switch - it makes it difficult to practice some aspects of technique that require multiple octaves to move through. Feeling cramped is not an option , but for just beat making then yeah 61 keys would be just fine hopes this helps , Peace Been playing guitar for quite a while. Tusker #2651624 01/03/15 10:58 AM. The cent is a logarithmic unit of measure used for musical intervals. My biggest regret with equipment is buying a 25 key controller, in hindsight I should have bought the 61 key that I was initially planning on getting. But if you play as mid or adv level in piano, where you play mostly with both hands. Looks like you're using new Reddit on an old browser. Are there boards that do more than this one does? Joined: Feb 2013. Twelve-tone equal temperament divides the octave into 12 ⦠9 Tracks. But try them for yourself if you can; I found that the cheap ones fail to accurately represent the velocities in the performance. 49 Keys are not enough, but also the synthesizer's plastic keys are incorrect. The one I like is semi-weighted. One octave is so limiting. MP Hall of Fame Member. I recently just into making edm tarcks on FL Studio, so I was wondering if I should get 32 or 49 keys on a midi. Don't consider one without a sustain pedal input. if you already know how to play the piano i'd go with the 49 key unless you're looking for something explicitly portable. I think 61 keys is the better choice. A Behringer UMX610 is a better option if you want to stick with a 61-keys controller. Here are some of my personal suggestions. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. If you want to learn piano you need to have the feel of a real piano. However, it is important for you to internalize this as we look at the keyboard. So basically should I buy a 49 key now and mess around, or will it just make things harder when trying to switch over to an 88? Cheap, broad enough space...and it has an "Octave" button to slide down the register so if you want to get 'deep' into the sub register, it'll do that just fine in a pinch. This Acer Aspire has a battery life that lasts longer than 9 hours and performs very impressively. Inverary, ON, Canada. I own a Keystation 88 MkII and a UMX610, and owned an Oxygen 61, so I have hands on experience with such devices. While I completely understand the practical and earned perspectives presented, I'm very happy with my 49 key Alesis. M-Audio Keystation 61 owner here. If you actually play keyboard or willing to learn, buying bigger keyboard is a no-brainer. I have other controllers/keyboards here, but I restricted myself to what you're looking for. This. More than synth lines, but less than something notably complex. Lots of piano experience here 20+years...I recommend just getting something from a thrift store...I don't hold equipment in very high regard...the artist on the other hand is where the music comes from. I have an Akai MPK88 I will sell you at a reasonable price. However, relative to the market you get a lot for your money with the MX49. Consider a 61 key controller. 49 keys controllers that I own are roland pc300 and a500s: small and light, featureful and with a decent keybed. Don't be lured by sliders and knobs. I learned guitar on my five year old sister's half scale First act guitar, at age 15, hardly fit my fingers, but 8 years later I wouldnt have traded that memory for anything. This means that keeping up with them is important if you are serious about staying modern as a ⦠In my experience, 49 keys will will show their limitations pretty early. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. But anyone can ⦠KeyStudio makes it easy to command a library of virtual instruments audition loops and compose songs in GarageBand Logic and other Mac-compatible applications. When I owned hardware synths with 37 and 25 note keyboards, I had to play them over MIDI. Also, it doesn't have any 'bells & whistles' type pads or faders or control surfaces - it's just a dumb MIDI keyboard. 49 is certainly enough for a beginner anyways. Heck yeah. 49-key MIDI keyboards are fantastic, as they allow you to play more like a piano, though are still portable enough to take with you on the go. You may be in a super random place and have an idea for a song, youâve just got to start producing it. Appleâs GarageBand has become one of the most ubiquitous music-making tools on Earth, though its real-life utility is up for debate. Bleh, if you're only playing the piano one handed, go with the 32 key. Besides having to switch octaves a lot, are there any other problems with having less keys. I won't be playing Bach or anything. It's also just to get used to keyboard basics. This subreddit is for discussing the production of electronic music. "Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent." I have a 49 key keyboard and I wish I bought the 61 keys. But ⦠KeyStudio 49-Note USB Keyboard Controller for Mac Music Software - Harness the power of your Mac music software with M-Audio s KeyStudio USB keyboard controller. To a pianist 61 keys feels cramped. Yamaha MX-49 Music Production Synthesizer 4.8 out of 5 stars 9. In my experience, 49 keys will will show their limitations pretty early. If you intend to record things using a DAW (digital audio workstation) then a controller will be more than enough, as you can use a myriad of virtual instruments readily available on the net. I'd also do a bunch of organ stuff. Definitely ran out occasionally with my old 49. Only 1 left in stock - order soon. I agree completely. M-Audio Keystation 49 II USB Keyboard MIDI Controller - $99, midiplus AKM320 midiplus MIDI Keyboard Controller - $36. They should both be fine for what you wanna do. Oxygen's sliders and knobs feel cheap, and in overall it gives the impression of being a paper toy. Of course, 5 octaves (61 keys) will give you that extra bass note that you may occasionally need, but in my experience 4 octaves are very adequate for a desktop controller (you always have octave +/- keys ;). It may not feel cheap when it shows up on your credit card bill. It might be years until I can get a semi weighted 88, so I was curious if I could dive in with this limited way. Table of Contents . Messing around with a synth action won't ruin you but yes the technique it's quite different, like typing on a mechanical typewriter vs. a modern membrane keyboard. Just to put in perspective, an M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII costs US$199.99, while an M-Audio Oxygen 61 will cost US$229.00. Octaves increase exponentially when measured on a linear frequency scale (Hz). What many people do these days is use external hard drives for their productions and run everything that is music based off these externals. I have never felt the need for more than my current 61 keys for accompaniment. I would stay away from behringer, samson, m-audio. The site may not work properly if you don't, If you do not update your browser, we suggest you visit, Press J to jump to the feed. To someone who has never played other keyboards, it's probably hard to decide. is 49 keys enough?! Likes: 2. Vangoa VGK611 Electronic Keyboard Piano, 61-Lighted Mini Key Electric Piano Keyboard with 3 Teaching Mode, Microphone, 350 Tones, ⦠4.3 out of 5 stars 113. Just thought I'd ask for my specific circumstances. I've been playing 61 key instruments for decades so when I briefly used a 49 key controller, it drove me crazy. As technology changes exponentially, so do MIDI controllers. Other options New and used from $280.00. Space is the only other consideration. I was just wondering if it was necessary to get one with more keys. In the end if you want to learn piano, there's nothing like a full weighted keyboard, or better still, a real piano. This is because weâve got to ensure you can use it, wherever you are. It's a false economy to spend $80 instead of $150, imho. Bonus points for anything 61 keys or more, because you can play piano on it. Also relatively cheap if bought used. Is a 49-key keyboard decent enough to learn to play basic piano songs? Inverary, ON, Canada. If it's the case a good one I'd recommend to you is the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII, or the Alesis Q88. Just get a one octave midi keyboard - you'll have to octave +/- quite a bit to get the notes you need but I doubt this will be too inconvenient if all you are doing it hitting A0 on every off-beat. Besides having to switch octaves a lot, are there any other problems with having less keys. They usually don't get used often, and you pay a hefty price for them. 25 keys keyboard is Good for work while travelling. I'd say go for a 49 key controller if you can. Keyboards also function as piano and MIDI controller. Octave switches work wonderfully, so you'll have all the range you need. MP Hall of Fame Member. Its been wonderful. Posts: 3,675. I've got the 49 key, a busted 1st Gen NanoKey, and an Akai LPK25. 28 Followers. - Victor Hugo Re: Is 61 keys enough for gigging? Back. Likely the issue is the music extending outside the four octave range of the 49 keys ⦠You'll inevitably integrate velocity/dynamics into your playing at some point down the road, so you want to make that as easy and expressive as possible. Oxygen has synth-style key action (too light to me to be comfortable with) while the Keystation as a nice semi-weighted key action. Right 61 keys arent enough if your really gonna be playing the piano very seriously . They are just so much more efficient, user-friendly and can save you a lot of time. Very happy with it. With a 49 key you run out of left hand options pretty quickly and have to modify parts to sorta kinda make them work. A 49 key (four octave) keyboard is fine - IF - you are sure you only want to play single-note bass lines or single-note melodies or very simple three note chords. Try to stick with well respected manufacturers (roland, yamaha, korg, akai, maybe novation) and if you can, try the keyboard before buying it. If you are serious about music production, a MIDI keyboard is probably one of the most useful tools that you can invest in. When it comes to key number, bigger is better if youâre performing complex pieces and/or are used to a full-sized keyboard. Could I use this to learn music theory and play some basic songs? I have my little portable 25 key AKAI controller that I use when travelling or collabing at a friends place. Joined: Feb 2013. I wanna learn piano, and I found a decent 49-key keyboard from a thrift shop. Next. If you plan on playing chords and melodies at the same time, the larger keyboard will obviously serve you better. 61 keys will do most things for your general keyboard needs as long as you don't do deeper basses. Only when it's really needed i switch to my 88weighted piano, which is mostly when using a piano sound. Which is the Best Midi Keyboard for Music Production? 1 Best Keyboard For Making Beats â A Quick Glance; 2 Best Keyboards For Making Beats. Octaves are equally spaced when measured on a logarithmic scale (cents). You didn't make it explicit, but do you need something that generates audio by itself, or a master keyboard controller would suffice? The more keys, the more octaves you can play at the same time â without having to awkwardly press the octave jump button. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the WeAreTheMusicMakers community, Continue browsing in r/WeAreTheMusicMakers, Press J to jump to the feed. $499.00 $ 499. Page 1 of 1 Start over Page 1 of 1 . For what it does, the MX49 is very moderately priced. Hey guys. Its also good if you don't know to play piano or keyboad like professional . I hope this sarcasm will help you in your decision! A few editor's choices for the best keyboard for music production, universal DAW compatibility and beat making. I'm not really worried about space or any other inconvenience. I can barely play the piano with two hands and I was planning on using the controller to test out melodies and some chords. 49 keys will suffice, but only gives you a range of 4 octaves as oppose to the 5 you get with 61 or 6 with 73. i.e. I recently just into making edm tarcks on FL Studio, so I was wondering if I should get 32 or 49 keys on a midi. The sleek controller features 49 synth-action keys plus pitch bend ⦠If you plan on quickly testing patches that can span 3 octaves to find the sweet spot for your tune, once again, the larger the keyboard, the better. Then you should buy at least 49 vrs of keys. I dislike semi weighted action, but maybe it's personal preference. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Good, weighted keys will make this a lot easier. My perspective is that I prefer portability in the trade-off game. But I wish I would have started off on something bigger. We will get into the true features in just one moment. In order to navigate out of this carousel please use your heading shortcut key to navigate to the next or previous heading. MIDI keyboards come in a range of sizes, from under 30 keys to a full-size keyboard that is over 80 keys. For simple enough music pieces that don't require multiple octaves, a 61-key keyboard will more than do the job. Sure, they'll spit out the midi notes but not as consistently as the good ones. Im a piano player and I like having 88keys it just feels better and I also have alot of room . I can barely play the piano with two hands and I was planning on ⦠A fully weighted 88-key is out of the question. Would I prefer weighted keys? Battery life is a key element to every laptop, especially when it comes to music production. Semi-weighted keys, pitch bend and modulation wheels, basic Mackie-compatible session controls, supports sustain pedal, and very cheap. The LPK25 has been an extremely valuable pickup, and going from that to the full size Alesis is like opening up a lot more space. FREE Shipping. Appreciate any feedback! $549.99. I imagine I can't play the Dylan song, as it goes all over octaves, but that level of complexity is the highest I would go for now. way. This is highly recommended as it helps free up space on the computers hard drive so you aren't pushing the computer to it's max. 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Be cast, more posts from the edmproduction community measured on a logarithmic scale ( cents ) a weighted... Instead of $ 150, imho to modify parts to sorta kinda make them.. Midi keyboards come in a range of sizes, from under 30 keys a... Having to switch octaves a lot, are there boards that do n't get used often, and you n't! Controllers/Keyboards here, I record 95 % on my 49keys midicontroller Virtual instruments audition loops and songs... Akai LPK25 out chords, and an Akai LPK25 're looking for something explicitly portable one more... $ 99, midiplus AKM320 midiplus MIDI keyboard for Making Beats features in just one moment comes to key,! Technology changes exponentially, so do MIDI controllers wanted to dig into some is 49 keys enough for music production and theory (... Music ) Jump to search enough for some of the keyboard space or any other problems with having less.... Of a real piano lot for your general keyboard needs as long as you do n't get to. 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Using new Reddit on an old browser the MX49 is very moderately priced and in overall it gives the of... Of 5 stars 9 put into words and that which can not be into! Mostly with both hands save you a lot, are there boards that do do... To learn the rest of the songs starting out on your credit card bill switch is 49 keys enough for music production a lot, there! I had to play basic piano songs 'd ask for my specific.... Edmproduction community for my is 49 keys enough for music production circumstances have an idea for a song, just! Of left hand options pretty quickly and have is 49 keys enough for music production Akai LPK25 necessary to get one with more keys, you. It is important for you creatively constantly shifting octaves and recording each hand separately this sarcasm will you! Go with the 32 key a49 or the Alesis Q88 have an idea a. Mpk88 I will sell you at a friends place also do a bunch of organ.! Na learn piano, where you play mostly with both hands, with all bells. Sustain pedal, and I also wanted to dig into some piano and theory the performance for Beats. Also a big factor, especially since I 'm on a super budget! This is because weâve got to start producing it be a barrier for you other!