A good keyboard controller optimized for travel?

[ttown23]

So given all of the travel that I am doing lately, I need a compact, travel-sized keyboard controller to use with a mobile rig consisting of 1) a new ultra-light Sony VAIO laptiop, 2) an RME babyface, and 3) an ipad2.

I do electronic music, if that helps any... basically I'm looking for a best quality/features to price ratio, if that makes any sense. It must be portable and easy to carry around-- also, I'd rather spend a bit more to get a decent feeling keyboard and a few more features...

[ttown23]

C'mon guys, nobody here needs to get work done on the road?

I'm considering the:

1) Novation SL (MkI or MkII series)
2) Axiom
3) Axiom pro
4) Akai MPK
5) ? [insert your suggestion here]

[grawk]

minibrute?

I have an axiom (1st gen) and it works pretty well for what it is.

[ttown23]

Originally Posted by grawk

minibrute?

I have an axiom (1st gen) and it works pretty well for what it is.

Yeah that minibrute looks great!

But I needed something with 49 keys minimum... So I found a mint condition Akai MPK49 and am very happy with the build quality!

... just got it home so more will follow on playability, etc....

[Micah421]

I own and use a Akai MPK Mini. Fits right inside my laptop backpack, perfect in my opinion for travel.

[ttown23]

Originally Posted by Micah421

I own and use a Akai MPK Mini. Fits right inside my laptop backpack, perfect in my opinion for travel.

Yeah I dig that unit for portability... But I have a large suitcase within which to pack a nice 49 key-er, so I went for the MPK49...

[grawk]

you certainly didn't wait long

[ttown23]

Originally Posted by grawk

you certainly didn't wait long

Yep...

I'm a 'point and shoot' kinda guy... I did a bunch of research online and the MPK seemed to be the best all-arounder... plus this being LA I found a great local deal on a lightly used one...