Sorry, modern new midi keyboard controller recs?

Stlaub · 2023-08-08T13:06:58.814Z

Sorry, I’m sure this has been done to death but it’s such a generic term that it’s kinda hard to search.

I feel like I would like to get a more up to date midi keyboard for controlling the OT/DT/DN/ST and SH4D among other things and there are so many new things on the market since I last bought one (Evolution MK249c about 25 years ago!) that I thought I solicit some opinions.

I feel as though I’d like:

at least 3 octaves of keys - it makes me experiment far more for some reason
proper full fat old midi outs
I would love something that can be bus powered but also has a rechargeable internal battery, is that a thing now? It feels like it should be.
Not 100% fussed about how fancy the keys are, I’m not a performer so no need for weights or anything, possibly the same with mini keys although I feel like grown up ones might be better
Aftertouch would be cool but it’s not a dealbreaker.

I’ve done some digging on Thomann and amazon but there are just SO many cheap midi controllers that all seem to be clones of akai or novation things, some of them don’t even have 5 pin outs on them so wondered if anyone reads this and things ‘I have the exact recommendation here’

Cheers.

Edit: This will sound daft, but I’ve got and really like my Keystep Pro, I just can’t be done with digging it out of the heart of my modular setup where it’s plumbed into everything hence fancying something a little newer/different.

yokermoon · 2023-08-08T13:11:38.425Z

Doesn’t come from a place of recommendation as an owner but looking for similar.
Keystep 37 and Akai MPK Mini Plus are top of the pile for me currently and largely match up with your specs.

Stlaub · 2023-08-08T13:13:29.870Z

I’ve picked up a wireless KB and mouse recently for my steamdeck and they’ve both got built in rechargeable over usb batteries and it’s just so nice to not have to fart around with cables or disposeable batteries and would love a midi controller witha similar design.

hyperstationjr · 2023-08-08T13:45:03.020Z

I just got a 25 key Novation Launchkey and I actually really like it. I think your your purposes you’d obviously get the larger versions that come with faders as well.

The keys feel good and what you’d expect for synth action. Velocity seems pretty responsive, but no aftertouch. Solid pitch and mod wheels.

The pads feel ok, similar to the RYTM but softer and more responsive. They also have aftertouch. You can also easily change the midi channel of the keys or pads, switch from a couple of different presets for the pads (chord mode, drum mode, midi CC mode) or get very specific and make your own setups where each pad can be configured with its own midi action and midi channel individually.

I also like that outside of the really advanced custom setuos, you can switch and control almost everything else from the front panel, no software needed, so with that and Midi out, it should last s long time even if the software doesn’t my get supported.

I’ve connected this directly to my Iridium’s control in and it was a lot of fun.

My only gripe is that the aftertouch and velocity on the pads can be a little finicky, but they’re adjustable so I probably need to change some settings to fix that.

alechko · 2023-08-08T13:46:02.497Z

you’d still need to connect midi so cables will be still present, maybe you can just find a short usb cord and use a powerbank? pretty sure it’d power most controllers.
also, maybe launchkey 37?

HC · 2023-08-08T16:00:50.511Z

I’ve got the akai mpk mini plus - which in my opinion is perfect (with v good build quality) and packed with features like sequencers, arp, transport controls, Velocity sensitive pads, mappable knobs, mod wheels etc. etc. Will work with your modular too as has both CV and midi.
It does have mini keys so keep that in mind but personally this doesn’t bother me as I like it for portability and space. It’s also 3 octaves (37 keys) which is in the sweet spot for a smaller setup. I’ve heard good things about the Arturia, novation and native instruments keyboards too but haven’t tried them all. The Akai just works for me as I use both hardware and DAW interchangeably which it’s made for. I’d say see what features you like and what you might miss with certain keyboards and you’ll be able to form a decision that way :).

yokermoon · 2023-08-08T16:06:13.008Z

not to derail - can you assign CCs to the knobs and save presets say for different instruments/setups? If so, assignable to different MIDI channels etc? Glad to hear you like it, seems to hit a real sweet spot features-wise.

pandanaut · 2023-08-08T16:07:37.945Z

Sounds like keystep 37, launchkey mk3 or the MPK mini plus would make sense. Most newer controllers have actual MIDI outs.