MIDI Controllers
Since a lot of modern day music is heavily dependent on computer processing and midi controllers, we will be reviewing a bunch of
Midi keyboards and controllers in this edition. From the staggering number of new products that have been flooding the market this
year, we at Score have narrowed down the list to just five.
Novation Launchkey 49 Controller
The Novation launch key 49 is one of the
best controllers you can find because of
the amount of features it offers for its
price.
The pros
Nektar Impact GX49
• Lot of faders and knobs
• Integration with Ableton
• 16 Drum pads
The Nektar Impact GX49 is a basic MIDI
controller. This is all you really need to
make good music. • For logic users, you can download the
apple integrated templates
The pros • No Fader ports
• No drum pads
• Cheap pricing
• Easy to use without any syncing issues
• Comes with ableton lite and a set of
sounds and loops.
The Cons
• Since this keyboard is only integrated
with Ableton, mapping of knobs and
pads become complicated when you
use any other DAW
The cons
M-Audio Code 61 CME Xkey 37 Air MIDI Keyboard The M-Audio Code 61 is for the
advanced music producers who wish
to have all the controls mapped so
they don’t have to use their keyboard
or a mouse for toggling between
inserts. The CMEXkey 37 Air is a wireless
keyboard that uses Bluetooth technology
to connect and work. This is a budget
controller and is very helpful for people
who travel a lot and work on the move as it
is very sleek and handy. The M Audio Keystation 88 II is an
88 key semi-weighted MIDI keyboard
that is worthy of being mentioned in
our list. M-Audio is one of few pro-
audio brands that make keyboards
with legitimate key-action & touch.
The Pros The pros Set up the Keystation 88 II in your
• It comes with semi-weighted keys
with aftertouch.
• The aftertouch can be mapped to
volume or portamento or any of the
other parameters. This opens up
to a whole new level of playing the
keys.
• It has X/Y touch pad to control
effects of synths and other plugins
Thet cons
• A lot of patience and technical
knowledge is required to set up
the controller to make use of its
complete potential.
This is easily one of the best
controllers, especially if you are
looking for a one time set-up and keep
producing music without any hassle.
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• Easy to carry
• Good keyboard and has aftertouch
• Wireless
The cons
• No sustain pedal input
• Need to get used to the keys
• The device might run out of charge
without indication
M-Audio Keystation 88 II
home studio & you’ll begin to
appreciate how well-designed this
MIDI keyboard is.
The pros
• Keystation-88 does not take up a lot
of space on your desk because of its
compact build.
• It is a rugged controller and can
last for years together and is a great
choice for piano and keyboard
players.
The cons
• The semi-weighted keyboard got
mixed reviews, with a number of
people claiming that the feel of the
black and the white keys are not
quite right.
Author Vishal Ramakrishnan, Global Peace song of the year award winning and music producer. He is also a music
production trainer. For more details, visit www.vishaladitya.com
The
Score Magazine
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