MIDI Controllers with Arpeggiators

[Mikhailmusic]

Hey guys I'm looking for recommendations for MIDI Keyboards with a built in Arpeggiator. My end goal is to be able to play Arpeggiated MIDI out of the keyboard into my Vocoder to create an awesome effect.

I was looking into the Komplete Kontrol Series and seems to be perfect fit as I am a constant Maschine and Komplete 10 Ultimate user but damn the price of these keyboards are outrageous. I don't really need the browsing capabilities and Mapped Macros as I can already do this in Push 2 (Via AudioModder) or Maschine Studio itself. So keen thing is being able to get Arpeggiated MIDI out into my Electro Harmonix V256 Vocoder.

Any cheaper alternatives?

Much Love,
Mik

[sana48]

I have never been very impressed by built in arps- even the one on the Advance was underwhelming. The best arps that I have found are plugins. Kirnu Cream is halfway decent as well as the built in arp in Live.

My 2 cents, if your'e buying a midi controller specifically for an arp then you may be disappointed. I am really OCD when it comes to arps because they can either sound fantastic or sound like robot sh*t. But maybe in your particular application any arp will do. you mentioned playing into a vocoder? Is it hardware?

Possibly someone else has more faith in midi keyboard arps and they would like to chime in...

[nennmichwieduwillst]

If you have reaktor (its including in komplete)

You can use phrasendrescher! For me the best arp+++ (you can midify any elements there, so its like you had a "hw-arp+++++")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmXHYIvkkLM

http://aggregato.jimdo.com/instruments/

[Mikhailmusic]

I have never been very impressed by built in arps- even the one on the Advance was underwhelming. The best arps that I have found are plugins. Kirnu Cream is halfway decent as well as the built in arp in Live.

My 2 cents, if your'e buying a midi controller specifically for an arp then you may be disappointed. I am really OCD when it comes to arps because they can either sound fantastic or sound like robot sh*t. But maybe in your particular application any arp will do. you mentioned playing into a vocoder? Is it hardware?

Possibly someone else has more faith in midi keyboard arps and they would like to chime in...

Yeah the key thing is I want to use it with my Hardware Vocoder so plugins are out of the question.

[sana48]

I was looking into the Komplete Kontrol Series and seems to be perfect fit as I am a constant Maschine and Komplete 10 Ultimate user but damn the price of these keyboards are outrageous.

If this is the case, and you think you would benefit from the NKS software then maybe look at a used Komplete Kontrol..

or pick up a used Mini for under a 100$

http://www.akaipro.com/product/mpk-mini-mkii

"An onboard arpeggiator with adjustable resolution, range, and modes makes it easy to create intricate melodic lines with little effort "

[Mikhailmusic]

I was looking into the Komplete Kontrol Series and seems to be perfect fit as I am a constant Maschine and Komplete 10 Ultimate user but damn the price of these keyboards are outrageous.

If this is the case, and you think you would benefit from the NKS software then maybe look at a used Komplete Kontrol..

or pick up a used Mini for under a 100$

http://www.akaipro.com/product/mpk-mini-mkii

"An onboard arpeggiator with adjustable resolution, range, and modes makes it easy to create intricate melodic lines with little effort "

Thanks for the response man, yeah I've been searching around Ebay to find a great price on the Komplete Kontrol. There was another reason I wanted to get Komplete Kontrol rather then other MIDI Keyboards with Arpeggiators. A big part of my workflow is using Maschine's Note Repeat in Keyboard Mode. I like to switch time signatures of the note repeat while playing different notes. The thing is Note Repeat doesn't work when playing with my MIDI keyboard in Maschine's "Keyboard Mode".

I was thinking of purchasing one of the Komplete Kontrol keyboards to hopefully solve this issues (PLUS giving me an Arp to work with my Hardware Vocoder). One thing I noticed with Komplete Kontrol is that it is only one knob to change the time signatures of the Arpeggiator. What I love about note repeat on Maschine is that I can switch from 1/4 repeats to 1/8D repeats to 1/32 repeats on the fly instantly with one push of a button. To get that same workflow going in Komplete Kontrol I would have to twist the knob to the right signature which is not ideal as I have to be pin point on my twists rather then just having to press a button on Maschine.

So my question is can I play and record with Komplete Kontrol and utilize Maschine Studio's Note Repeat options in Maschine's Keyboard mode?

Sorry this might not be the right forum with all this Native Instruments talk lol

[sana48]

So my question is can I play and record with Komplete Kontrol and utilize Maschine Studio's Note Repeat options in Maschine's Keyboard mode?

Your'e fine, maybe someone will come along with the answer. I would send an email to komplete in the meantime expressing your concern.

You could also purchase one from a local music store that has a return policy and try it out for a week or two with the option to return it for a full refund. This is exactly what I did with the Akai Advance. I was in love with the Akai Advance idea but after spending some quality time with it I realized it wasnt for me.


I understand the need for instant note repeat for drums, makes build ups and expression very fluid. Luckily the Push has this

[Mikhailmusic]

So my question is can I play and record with Komplete Kontrol and utilize Maschine Studio's Note Repeat options in Maschine's Keyboard mode?

Your'e fine, maybe someone will come along with the answer. I would send an email to komplete in the meantime expressing your concern.

You could also purchase one from a local music store that has a return policy and try it out for a week or two with the option to return it for a full refund. This is exactly what I did with the Akai Advance. I was in love with the Akai Advance idea but after spending some quality time with it I realized it wasnt for me.


I understand the need for instant note repeat for drums, makes build ups and expression very fluid. Luckily the Push has this

Yeah I got Push 2 as well, which I think is amazing. Only thing missing with Push's note repeat is that there are no options for dotted rhythms which is crucial for me and half the reason why I'm still using Maschine haha

[sana48]

I imagine you could also do some fancy midi mapping to control the parameters you need

[Tarekith]

The Akai MPK controllers have a built in arp, nothing fancy but it works.

[Mikhailmusic]

I imagine you could also do some fancy midi mapping to control the parameters you need

dudeee if you could pave the way to show me how to do that, I will be forever greatful. I could probably ditch my Maschine Studio all together because Routing Maschine into Ableton is a pain in the ass.

[sana48]

I recommend you start another thread for that, title it appropriately and it will attract the midi geniuses on the site, I'm not one.

State exactly what you are trying to accomplish with exactly what gear and you will find out if what you're after is feasible.

[nennmichwieduwillst]

You could use phrasendrescher (or other reaktor-arps) in standalone mode - so they can give out midi to external HW.
Of course your HW needs a bidirectional-midi-computer-"interface" - mostly a usb-cable will do this fine.