Reddit reviews M-Audio Oxygen 49 MK III 49-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller (OLD MODEL)
We found 7 Reddit comments about M-Audio Oxygen 49 MK III 49-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller (OLD MODEL). Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Bus powered 49-key USB MIDI controller-easy computer cnnnectivity8 assignable knobs, 9 assignable sliders-control DAW and virtual instrument parametersDirectLink mode-instant controller mapping to DAW functionsDedicated transport and track slected buttons-streamlined session controlPro Tools compatible-extends industry-standard functionalityBus powered 49-key USB MIDI controller-easy computer connectivity
M-Audio Oxygen 49 49-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
I'd definitely suggest an M-Audio device. Akai makes great products, but from my experience, M-Audio's keyboards are better. The Akai MPKs tend to have issues, and the keys aren't as nice (unweighted, not full size). - Edit: oops, that's just the mini. the MPK25 looks pretty rad, but it's expensive.
I have the Oxygen-25, I linked the 49 key version cause it has so much more and it's only a little bit more expensive. If you want pads, like on the MPK, the Axiom line has that, but they're more expensive. It's basically what you want to spend.
I recommend going into a Guitar Center if you can, and getting a feel for the keys. You can get them for cheaper online than in the store, so go for that, and check out the Guitar Center Used section online, I got my Oxygen 25 for $50.
Also, if knobs is all you really want, Korg makes a nanoKontrol from the same line as your keyboard, but it's knobs, faders, and buttons rather than dinky little keys. There are a couple other brands that make something really similar to that, but Korg's is the cheapest I believe.
I've never tried Novation midi controller keyboard, but their UltraNova and Launchpad are amazing devices, so I assume that everything else is quality.
Do you use this one or
this one?
for keyboard, get something with knobs and buttons. the one you linked to will fall short for midi control of the DAW. You will quickly wish you had knobs/buttons to trigger and will end up buying something extra for that control as knobs/triggers are way easier than mouse clicks...
Akai makes a pretty sweet one though only 25 keys.
So does Novation
If you really want more keys, this M-audio one is nice
What genre do you generally work around, and what extra goodies do you need/want?
$200 is a fine budget for a keyboard, but you need to make sure you get what you need.
If you're doing anything significantly electronic, 25-key with an octave shift is absolutely fine. However, if you're into more orchestral stuff, you'll find 25-key (and thus, effectively single-handed play) keyboards are limiting.
Knobs are good for synth and effect editing as well as automation recording (if you're willing to sit through all the mapping... ugh), and drum pads (while generally terrible on these things) are nice for some quick-n-dirty rhythm recording.
If you like this stuff, then the keyboard you're looking at is fantastic.
However, pitch-bend and mod-wheels are really important if you're going for a groovy soundtrack style (think Starcraft), and that's sadly an area that gets cut on the real-low-end.
If you like bendy, groovy stuff, this one might be good for you:
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Oxygen-49-Keyboard-Controller/dp/B0031SCV46
And on a final note: Don't go for the Arturia MiniLab. Poor build quality + touchstrips is not something I can recommend.
(Sources: EDM/Multi-genre producer. Owned the previous version of the keyboard you're talking about, as well as a similar Arturia keyboard)
Oxygen 49 I would say is the most bang for your buck
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Oxygen-49-49-Key-Controller/dp/B0031SCV46/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324516491&sr=8-1
You don't need pads. Especially if you're more used to piano keys. You'll probably be better at getting dynamics right with those. I would recommend M-Audio's Oxygen line because it gives you assignable knobs and faders as well as transport controls. You may not use them right away but they will become very useful as you learn your DAW. No weighted keys though. Those will be hard to find on a budget so I hope you don't mind playing on synth keys.