My new toy - a review of the AKAI MPK25 keyboard controller

[64Guitars]

Great review, 64G - your MPK25 looks similar to my Novation ReMote 25SL Compact:



Sadly, the drum pads on my controller are similarly difficult to use predictably, in that they are not very responsive. I'll be looking for an alternative controller for drums. Also sadly, the bundled software was less than useful for me (also Ableton) - I just didn't like the UI for it, and so didn't dive into it too deeply. Luckily, I already had a decent DAW (Cubase Essential 5) and since the Novation is USB class compliant, I could just plug it in, select it as a MIDI source in Cubase, and go.

That Novation looks good, cuthbert. I hadn't seen that one before. I like the display which lets you see the current assignment and value of the eight rotary controls. Mine doesn't have anything like that so it's hard to remember which control does what. The display only tells me the midi controller number and current value of a control when I change it. There's no way to enter a description of what synth parameter it's assigned to.

Yes, the real beauty of these controllers is the ability to use them with soft synths (VSTi) - and especially the ability to control other parameters in real time over MIDI on those instruments which allow it. Does the MPK25 also have a 5-pin MIDI out port, as well as USB? I haven't yet used it on the Novation, but it's good to know it's there if I ever want to connect it directly to another hardware unit with MIDI in.

Yes, it's got midi In and Out as well as jacks for a Sustain pedal and Expression pedal. I haven't tried those yet. It doesn't come with the AC adapter and the store I bought it from doesn't carry them, so I'll have to pick one up at another store. The AC adapter is needed to use the midi connectors, but not when using the USB.

[Geir]

Now I'm really getting gas



But I guess that's an uncurable disease.......

[Oldrottenhead]

i'm drooling Geir


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbExMBgUVbk

[kenny mac]

The mobile keys is excellent but need to Admit there is a problem with the cable set up.
I'm on my second one,it's basically too flimsy and like a phone connection.
It seems to wear away and would be better if it was a standard plug in.
But it's very easy to carry about and sit with anywhere,it's very light.
Again my only complaint is the cable.

[Geir]

What do you have Kenny? I've got M-audio and an iRig and of the two the iRig seems most fragile. Luckily it has a standard usb in addition to the proprietary connection. It is however a micro-usb.

[kenny mac]

I have an iRig for my guitar but just plug the keyboard straight into the iPad via the lead that comes with the keyboard.
It's a simple as that but I would prefer a better stronger lead with it.
The iRig I normally only use to sketch ideas on and build a basic track round for from the bottom up on garage band.
I like to build up a single drum pattern using parts from different kits  and then pass it into my studio and let it rip to get a feel for the song and add the human part to it.
I like the drums on garage band and use the keyboard on that for some bass lines.
I guess my main moan is the lead on the keyboard that plugs directly into the iPad is very flimsy ,like the input on a mobile phone.