Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I took a look at a bunch of keyboard controllers before settling on this one. This keyboard is to just sit on my desk so that I can bang things out when the mood strikes. I compared it against several other inexpensive keyboards like the Keystation and KeyRig and thought this one felt the least flimsy. It is also black instead of some lame silver color which looks better on my desk.
I was considering a semi-weighted keyboard like the M-Audio AXIOM 49 Advanced 49-Key Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Controller, but frankly, I have a piano at home and was really underwhelmed at the feel of all the semi-weighted keyboards. There was just not enough improvement over a non-weighted keyboard to justify the weight or expense. So I decided to go with something cheap.
The other benefit of cheap is that there are a minimum of knobs and sliders on this thing, so the depth is minimal. It sits right between my monitor and typing keyboard very nicely.
The fun part is that it comes with Ableton Live Lite, which I've been having tremendous fun with. It is very easy to learn, with its on-screen help and tutorials, and has a kind of unique user interface compared to programs like GarageBand, Logic, or Cubase. I'm really happy with the sounds and creative options. And it runs great on my Mac with Snow Leopard.
The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5, is that I think there is still room on the case for at least some LED indicators for midi modes above the keyboard. If I was designing this, I would ditch the pitch and mod wheels on the left for additional controls including a small LED screen and some transport controls. I might invest in some kind of outboard control surface.
But, overall, for $99 I'm very satisfied with this small keyboard and Ableton Live Lite.
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49-key USB/MIDI keyboard controller, USB & MIDI jacks, pitch & mod wheels, octave +/-, assignable data slider
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