Ableton Midi Keyboards (Akai Max 49 or Novation Launchkey)

[shhk88]

Hi everyone! I am in the market of buying a midi keyboard to play or practice with Ableton. I know a lot of you guys have midi keyboard and I need some advices. I am looking for a 49 keys midi keyboard. Btw, I have the Akai APC 40 already.

I tried Akai MAX49 last weekend and it felt pretty good, but what is the difference between the MAX49 and MPK49? Is it worth it to get the newest?

The other one that I am interested is made by Novation. It is called the Launchkey. But I havn't try it yet. Link: global.novationmusic.com
The Launchkey looks pretty cool and it is fully integrated with Ableton and iPad.

Do you guys recommend Akai or Novation keyboard? Sorry, I am really new to Midi controllers. Please feel free to share your thoughts and the pros/cons. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[yur2die4]

Do you own an iPad?

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depends.

How are using live?

Don't get a controller until you use Live for a month, you will find what you really need.

[shhk88]

Thanks for the replies!

@yur2die4, I don't have an iPad, but I am getting one soon. I am planning to do some live production and do some beat making. Anybody tried the Novation Launchkey? How does it feel?

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Thanks for the replies!

@yur2die4, I don't have an iPad, but I am getting one soon. I am planning to do some live production and do some beat making. Anybody tried the Novation Launchkey? How does it feel?

it hasn't even shipped.

But novation have good keybeds anyway.

[Zygi]

I've read somewhere that Launchkey is closer to Impulse than to the SL in terms of keyboard quality. It's the same keyboard manufacturer (not fatar), so you can actually check it out - sort of, at least - right now.

[yur2die4]

Akai probably has the more solid build and better keys. Plus a lot of flexibility for midi.

But the Novation has some really nice features and will work like a dream with the iPad! It seems to be a very simplified keyboard with quick access to settings.

Personally, I can't recommend one over the other, if you do not already have any keyboards. As for myself, despite having keyboards, I do drool a little over that Launchkey : P * * *

[beatz01]

Launchkey afaik has no aftertouch..escapes me why manufacturers always seem to consider it a minor feature but that makes the LK a no go for me.

[UltimateOutsider]

Akai makes good controllers. Some folks find the keys too stiff, but they feel good to my fingers.

I prefer the MKP49 to the MAX49. I do not like the MAX49's touch faders or the fact that they removed the knobs. Also, it's red.

I do like the layout of the MAX49's pads better (matches Live and Battery layouts more closely), and it's cool that the MAX has gate and CV out, although I will probably never need that as all my older synths are MIDI controlled.

The MPK49 is pretty customizable too. Worth spending a couple days familiarizing with all the controls and the preset manager.

Also, don't know about the MAX49's pads but the MPK49 pads SUCK until you upgrade them. I got an upgrade kit off ebay for a few bucks. Some people use their own materials. The thing's perfect with upgraded pads though.