
#Alesis q49 vs m audio keystation 49 full#
These were among the first controllers to realize the full potential of a hardware controller + software synth/DAW. Long before there was Akai's dominance in the controller market, there was Arturia with its Factory and Experience controllers.
#Alesis q49 vs m audio keystation 49 professional#
Overall, if you’re looking for the best 49-key MIDI controller that will last you for years, you can’t go wrong with the Akai Professional MPK249. This newer professional model, which was refreshed in 2015, is also slimmer than its earlier counterpart. The overall build quality is exceptional. “polyphonic pressure”) which makes playing much more dynamic. The semi-weighted keys also have aftertouch (i.e. They’re somewhere right in the middle between “authentic” and “easy”. Nor are they as heavy and cumbersome as conventional fully-weighted keys. They’re not as light and springy as cheap synth-action keys. The pads are borrowed from Akai’s legendary MPC drum machine. While a lot of MIDI controllers boast similar features, where the Akai MPK249 stands out is in the quality and finesse of each feature. WIth USB-MIDI, you can start using the MPK249 immediately after plugging in. The faders and knobs have 3 banks, so you can actually assign 24 functions to them.Īdditional features include a refreshed LCD screen that shows some vital information from your DAW. The pads are RGB backlit which is useful for identifying sounds. You get the full range of controller options – 8 faders, 8 knobs, 8 switches and 16 pads. They’re also lighter than fully-weighted keys, making them easier to play for longer hours and by inexperienced musicians. Boasting a full-size keyboard with semi-weighted keys, the MPK249 feels much better to play than cheaper synth-action keys. The Akai Professional MPK249 is the company’s flagship 49-key MIDI controller. From their MPCs to the tiny LPK25, Akai outsells and out-innovates nearly every other MIDI equipment manufacturer. You’ll find an Akai in every serious producer’s gear rack somewhere. It's tough but your gut will lead you in the right direction.When it comes to MIDI controllers, Akai rules the roost. Keystation 61ES 61 Key Semi Weighted USB MIDI Controller 843734000348 | eBay It'll prob sell for around $80 or so when it's all said and done.Īnd here's a manufacturer's refurb for $120 boom, there's an auction for one, $50 so far with 8 hour left. ^If you know you like the keystation keys a little better. There's nothing wrong w/ hitting the octave button. Got some good work done on the 49 key in the meantime though. so I waited for my economy to change til I grabbed the 61. I just couldn't afford 61 keys of the board I wanted lol. you can always save for a while and sell off your board for a new keyboard later if 49 keys isn't cutting it. Then figure out if they have a 61 key version you can afford. It just sucks if the store doesn't have the model you want to test, then you have to go by reviews, or buy somewhere w/ a return policy.ĭefinitely go w/ keybed feel first. It's really down to preference, which you have to get some checking them out in person. 49 vs 61 key on my Novation board is exactly the same. The key action really depends on the model keyboard though. I'd rather have 49 keys i'm happy with than 61 keys i'm not happy with. whichever keybed feels the best to you, I would go with that regardless of the 49 vs. but if you can afford 61 keys, it's worth it. whereas on the 49, I felt a bit closed up and usually onl used the middle of the board.

and man, the extra octave really opens things up in my brain a bit.

I actually just switch from 49key SL mkii to the 61key version. But I was surprised at how much i enjoy hitting chords on it and especially doing quick triggers on it.

And they have the footprint of a 49key controller, so you still save on space. but they are way more playable than I thought. The keys obivously dont feel like a real keybed. If I were you I would look into the MicroKey 61. I gotta say that I prefer my Novation SL mkii AND the microkey over both of those keybeds. I wasn't in there looking to buy one of those however. I was in GC last month and actually played around w/ them and I liked the keystation better. The feel of the board is sooo personal preference that we probably can't help you on that haha.
