Everything is in the title.
I would prefer a compact one,
Thx!
Hi,
I use to play A4 with my akai max25.
And it rocks : an internal sequenceur , an MPC style note repeat, arpegiator, fully midi assignable, etc.
The semi-weighted keys are great too.
I launch the sequenceur, ajust it with and make it evolve with the 4X4 touch sensitive cursors, then record in the A4 sequenceur.
4X8 mpc pads can control drum sounds for finger drumming.
With the touch sensitive cursors you can also control the perf mode, or mix the tracks volume, or effects sends, etc. Very handful.
A keybord made especially to control external hardware synths, even vintage ones (CV out)
Do you need aftertouch?
Thanks atahanasius
The AKAI MAX25 is really nice but a little expensive…
AdamJay:
aftertouch would be nice but not a deal breaker…
Honestly a midi keyboard is not very exciting to buy…I may as well look for a BassStation II, an AlphaJuno… or others.
I ll take a BS II and a Juno as well !
BS2 is a great synth, or Xiosynth 25 if you want a joystick (you’ll also get a 10 voice poly V/A with it.)
They have the same width, Xio is a little smaller though, due to less knobs.
Either way, getting a synth instead of just a midi keyboard means you’ll also be able to send external audio waveforms into A4 as input oscillators. Both Xio and BS2 are 3 OSC (if you consider the sub OSC). So you can rip some fat 5 OSC mono basses through either combination. Or massive poly atmospheres, pads, and strings if using the Xio.
The other bonus with Xio (or an X-Station) is you can freely program the knobs to the midi CC#s you want for further A4 control. That way you can keep A4 in performance mode for macros, but have other specific parameters assigned and ready on the Novation KB.
Xio has a combo mode for using the internal synth and controller at the same time.
I’ve got a Novation X-Station that I paired with my Monomachine. Works pretty flawlessly. I’ve got a Remote 37 SL as well which is about the same-lots of knobs and a great keybed with joystick control-minus the audio interface and synthesizer engine.
A used Nord Lead 2x could make for an interesting choice. I use one with my A4, and unlike the newer Nord Leads (4 or A1), the 2x can output on a distinct MIDI channel per each of its four slots.
Meaning: one can use Slot 1 -> MIDI channel 1 (or whatever) -> A4 track 1. Same for the remaining three slots -> A4 tracks. So, even if I have all four slots playing together on the Nord, the currently active slot’s MIDI channel is controlling the matching voice / track on the A4.
It’s pretty sweet. Run those Nord voices into the A4, mix with the elektron’s effects… AND have quick & easy control over any of the tracks, right from the keyboard.
(The newer Leads can’t do this, as they broadcast MIDI over the global channel, not a separately assignable one to broadcast on per slot.)