Midi help

[DDGarcia]

Hello guys, I decided to re-post to this sub forum, because I think it fits here ( sorry if not)
I need a little help regarding midi controllers,
Im a beginner on this area of sound production, so a easy to use controller would fit my needs.
Im looking for controller with a considerable amount of knobs, 8 or more would fit ( I only can find with 4 or 6) . Easy to transport, some pads, I was thinking also about faders, but since you can map a fader to a knob(right?) , we can skip that.
I was thinking something like Akai - MPD 32 , the thing is that it has a lot of faders, I don't have picked one, so I can't see the size, if its too big or small. And I saw too that the paddles are too hard.
If I don't find one better that fits me, I might go for it.

Posted to see if someone could suggest me something...
I saw some of local stores, but didn't found a good one.
Hope you guys can help me!

Thanks for your attention

[mthrfnk]

Akai MPK Mini, keys, pads, knobs? Pads are moddable to increase sensitivity.

[DDGarcia]

Akai MPK Mini, keys, pads, knobs? Pads are moddable to increase sensitivity.

yeahh,8 pads, 8 knobs; the keys are useless because I already have a piano, but for sure that is a great option, I saw Maschine too, but mehh the price....
In your opinion what's the best between Akai - MPD 32 and the Mini, I know that one was specific designed for transport ( mini ) so it has reduced functions but it also have a significant price change . I really don't know wich controller to choose. I think the MPD 32 is not so hard to transport, but I only saw images, so i can't tell...

thanks for answering man

[mthrfnk]

If you just want pads and knobs/faders:
http://www.chemical-records.co.uk/sc/se ... Track=LPD8
(Combined)
http://www.chemical-records.co.uk/sc/se ... =NANOKON2B
http://www.chemical-records.co.uk/sc/se ... =NANOPAD2B
(Seperate)

I hve no experience with the MPD range, but they look nice - I think they're just a controller based on an MPC aren't they, but should suit your needs.

[outdropt]

Akai MPK Mini, keys, pads, knobs? Pads are moddable to increase sensitivity.

Dont get the MPK for its pads and knobs. I did and imo, the pads response is horrible. You cant just tap, you have to press down like a button and the sensitivity is way off. They are nothing like a Maschine or MPC's pads. I use the knobs occasionally, but i usually dont write automation like that.. I just do it to get a feel for what automation i should draw in.

If i could go back. I would get at least a 49 key, or better yet 61 key, keyboard. I do love the feel of the keys though, i would still recommend it.

[mthrfnk]

Akai MPK Mini, keys, pads, knobs? Pads are moddable to increase sensitivity.

Dont get the MPK for its pads and knobs. I did and imo, the pads response is horrible. You cant just tap, you have to press down like a button and the sensitivity is way off. They are nothing like a Maschine or MPC's pads. I use the knobs occasionally, but i usually dont write automation like that.. I just do it to get a feel for what automation i should draw in.

If i could go back. I would get at least a 49 key, or better yet 61 key, keyboard. I do love the feel of the keys though, i would still recommend it.

I know what you mean, quite tempted to mod them to increase sensitivity... since there are a lot of guides on it. However I didn't really buy it for the pads, just the keys and knobs, so kinda the opposite to you.

[bkwsk]

What about the Korg NanoKontrol?

[DDGarcia]

After reading your posts I might go for Maschine, it can cost more money, but if I wait this much, i can wait a little bit more
Maschine got awesome pads as far as I read, it got 8 knobs, the unique problem is the faders ( but you can attribute them to a knob right?).
The devices that right now are on my mind is Maschine and de MPK Mini. Both are easy to transport, but mpk just brings two octaves, is it enough? Im a begginer, so I want to learn step by step, you guys have more experience, do you recommend a regular keyboard or 2 octaves are good?


I want a controller that helps on unique sound design, a controller that fits on VST's, since almost them are based on knobs, I think a controller with a lot of knobs is good...
I think like that, feel free to tell me your opinion on that if you want

[123kidd]

I use both the mpk mini and mpd 32. The mpd 32 is fairly large for travelling but a real pleasure to use. The Mini is handy if you tend to travel a lot, however I have to agree with Outdropt. The pads are useless. Also one thing to note is that the knobs on the mpd 32 are endless while the mpk mini have a set range.

[outdropt]

Like I said, I'd much rather have more key's then pads at this point... At least the pads on my MPK25 because they are useless.

As for the maschine, it can do midi, but its a whole lot more then just a midi controller. The Korg nano and Akia LPD/LPK series are great for beginners, and you can include them when you eventually expand. If your not to familiar with a DAW yet and the whole process of production, its not worth it to spent $300+ dollars on a midi controller. Your going to have no idea where to start, or what routing you should do, ect. You need to get down a workflow, then you will start to see what equipment you will actually use in your production.

[DDGarcia]

Like I said, I'd much rather have more key's then pads at this point... At least the pads on my MPK25 because they are useless.

As for the maschine, it can do midi, but its a whole lot more then just a midi controller. The Korg nano and Akia LPD/LPK series are great for beginners, and you can include them when you eventually expand. If your not to familiar with a DAW yet and the whole process of production, its not worth it to spent $300+ dollars on a midi controller. Your going to have no idea where to start, or what routing you should do, ect. You need to get down a workflow, then you will start to see what equipment you will actually use in your production.

Humm you seem to have reason.
Like I said i already have a piano, i mean i will buy it in a few time, but maybe i go for a MPK mini then and save some money there, but the problem is the pads, I think 8 pads are not enough, and somebody told me they were hard like sh*t...
What you recommend with MPK Mini?

Thanks a lot to you and everybody that has been answering