MIDI controller. Axiom 61 vs MPK 61 vs Arturia Analog 61 !!

[Mikeeyb]

Hey guys.

So recently I have been looking to upgrade my old crappy Casio plastic keyboard for a nice new Midi controller.

Needs:
-SOMEWHAT weighted keys. Just some resistance to make me feel like I am not playing on my toy Casio anymore. Doesnt have to be insane

-Velocity that actually is accurate to what I am playing. I guess this is called mapping? Would I have to set this up?

-Less than $400-$500 dollars.

-Knobs and sliders are cool too but not a dealbreaker. I like the idea of having a synth just because I can really dial in the sound I want, but it is not completely essential.

-Somewhat big. 61 keys seems like a nice fit.

I have done a bunch of research on both the Axiom 61 and the MPK 61 and have come up with some of the following viewpoints on them:

MPK 61: This is a pretty nice set of keys. It is better for someone with a hard hand because the keys take a lot of force to press down. There is an actual learning curve to this keyboard and it is almost too difficult to play because of how over-weighted the keys are. Overall, very nice but the keys are just TOO stiff. Pads are also said to be almost useless.

Axiom 61- There is some sort of problem with a lot of models having "sticky keys" which need to be replaced. This model feels much more cheap and plastic. Key action sucks and the black keys are more sensitive than the white ones.

Then I have heard about this new board called The Arturia Analog Experience The Laboratory 61 Hybrid Synth. It seems to have nice light keys without that cheap plastic feeling. There is VERY limited information on this, but from what I have read, the aftertouch or whatever allows it to feel like you are not playing on a toy keyboard. Also, it has a very nice look and apparently carries a nice thick weight to give it some body! I can probably try and pick one up for around $350 on ebay or something. I wish there were just more reviews on this thing! Why is it so unknown!!

I would like to know if anyone has any input on this. I am not asking for a perfect keyboard, but I would like to make sure I make the best informed decision. If anyone has tried the Arturia and could give me some feedback, I would REALLY appreciate it!

The Arturia also comes with a bunch of instruments and stuff that are said to be decent. However, I honestly care more about the feel and look of the keys and everything than having some extra soft synths i am probably not going to use.

[skira]

$400: Akai MPK61, Roland A-800PRO, Axiom 61 & Novation Impulse 61. All have their defenders and detractors. Try them out for yourself.
The Axiom Pro is more highly recommended that the Axiom but is around $600 so it's out of your budget.
So is any new synth. The Roland Di is $700 (and doesn't have aftertouch).
Sorry, no 'experience' with the Arturia.

[Kaoz]

I've got the Arturia Analog Experience Factory, which I'm assuming is what you're talking about it.

Has a decent feel, all controls are solid (although the drum pads are useless as drum pads), it's very weighty for it's size, looks great, and the software package is great.


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[Liquid Legacy]

I've had 2 Axiom 61's. Both broke within less than a year of normal use. The first one I used on a few gigs but I always carried it in a solid hardcase and treated it with care. On both units it was the USB port that went defect. The MIDI out ports are still functional however, but I won't buy any more m-audio gear. I haven't tried the other 2 so I can't comment on those.

edit: Those were the original Axiom 61's btw. The more recent models (Pro's, or whatever) might be of better quality, I don't know

[Mikeeyb]

Originally Posted by skira

$400: Akai MPK61, Roland A-800PRO, Axiom 61 & Novation Impulse 61. All have their defenders and detractors. Try them out for yourself.
The Axiom Pro is more highly recommended that the Axiom but is around $600 so it's out of your budget.
So is any new synth. The Roland Di is $700 (and doesn't have aftertouch).
Sorry, no 'experience' with the Arturia.

Yeah I feel like it would make more sense for me to invest those few extra bucks in something that will probably get more use from me.

I will look and see if they have the Axiom Pro used though so maybe ill catch a deal ! Thanks

Originally Posted by Kaoz

I've got the Arturia Analog Experience Factory, which I'm assuming is what you're talking about it.

Has a decent feel, all controls are solid (although the drum pads are useless as drum pads), it's very weighty for it's size, looks great, and the software package is great.



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Well the model I am going to get is the 61 key model. It comes with the same type of software though I believe.

So overall you are happy with your purchase? Is it hard to set up with your DAW or was it pretty easy to get things running. Are the sounds good enough that you could see yourself potentially using them in the future? Do the keys have any type of feel to them or do they feel very cheesy with very little velocity control? I am just concerned that they may feel very cheap and have no feeling even though i may be completely wrong. And, if you dont mind me asking, how much did you snag it for? Thanks so much for the help and im sorry to bombard you with questions haha

[kslight]

I'm not into M Audio MIDI controllers at all, I've had 2 which both went to crap...come to think of it that's been my experience with all of their products.

I'd really suggest looking for a second hand pro keyboard and not even necessarily looking for a dedicated controller. Something like the Alesis Fusion can be found for $400 and gives you a nice keybed with velocity and aftertouch, and you don't have to use the sound module if you don't want it. But it seems like buying a formerly expensive keyboard used will get you a lot better keybed than any junk controllers you will run into (even in the $400 range).

[Kaoz]

Originally Posted by Mikeeyb

Yeah I feel like it would make more sense for me to invest those few extra bucks in something that will probably get more use from me.

I will look and see if they have the Axiom Pro used though so maybe ill catch a deal ! Thanks




Well the model I am going to get is the 61 key model. It comes with the same type of software though I believe.

So overall you are happy with your purchase? Is it hard to set up with your DAW or was it pretty easy to get things running. Are the sounds good enough that you could see yourself potentially using them in the future? Do the keys have any type of feel to them or do they feel very cheesy with very little velocity control? I am just concerned that they may feel very cheap and have no feeling even though i may be completely wrong. And, if you dont mind me asking, how much did you snag it for? Thanks so much for the help and im sorry to bombard you with questions haha

Lol no worries.

Ive got the 49 key version. I'm no piano player, but it feels decent to play. Not the real thing, but there's enough weight in the keys to let you know you're playing, and the velocity sensitivity seems pretty spot on.

The hardware was a breeze to set up with Ableton and Reason. Ableton detected it automatically, using the manual configuration in Reason got it going in less than a minute.

The software works seamlessly in Ableton as a VST and also works well as stand alone software. Sound wise the emulations are pretty bloody good imo, but Arturia are known for decent emus so that's not a big surprise. Some of the more complex patches can be very CPU demanding, but not overly so

Personally, I decided to get the Arturia because it's a great looking and decent playing keyboard, the sounds were an added bonus. If you're into analog emus, Arturia make some of the best around IMO.

Price - I'm not entirely sure tbh. I got it in a closing down sale from a music shop I used to frequent, from memory it was somewhere around the $300AU mark, that was in the first quarter of this year I think.


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[santibanks]

why are you not looking for a good synthesizer? Most keys nowadays are pretty bad compared to the stuff from the 90ies for example.
You can find korg wavestation, m1, 01/w, yamaha sy77, roland rhodes 660, JV series from Roland, gem s2 (excellent midi capabilities as it has 2 sets of midi i/o, 9 fully assignable sliders and good routing/merging possibilities) for less then $300. Gives you some nice sounds too!

[Andy_R]

Wow, that sucks about the Axiom stuff. I was really excited by the video I saw about the Axiom/Hypercontrol Pro Tools synergy, especially if you're using the Avid VI's.

[Mikeeyb]

Decided to go with the Anturia 61. I will play with it once it comes and post some thoughts.

If this thing is as good as I hope, it needs to get some hype on gearslutz!

[Clonkified]

So how did you like your Arturia keyboard? I'm looking to get the 49 key version myself and replacing my Axiom Pro.

[Mikeeyb]

Originally Posted by Clonkified

So how did you like your Arturia keyboard? I'm looking to get the 49 key version myself and replacing my Axiom Pro.

I really like it actually. The sound bank isnt spectacular, but its not bad at all. The keys have a nice action to them and dont really feel cheap at all. The thing is pretty weighty overall so I have no regrets in buying it! Overall i give it like an 8 out of 10