Novation Remote 25 SL 2-Octave Soft Label USB MIDI Keyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)I just purchased the Novation 25 SL used for $130 on Ebay.
I must say it is a great value for the money.
When you use this little keyboard with Novation's Automap software, you can control most DAWs (such as Ableton and even Protools) in a primitive way, not like a full-blown surface controller, but you can use this keyboard to do things such as stopping and starting the transport, etc.
Another great feature is the touchpad, which is great when controlling VST's filter resonances and frequencies at once. You can also control most VSTs synths with Automap, using the various knobs, faders and buttons on the Remote 25 SL.
You can even use this keyboard as a stand-alone MIDI controller, without a computer, and without Automap.
The only drawbacks i can find with this unit are:
1-The LCDs are hard to read when the keyboard is sitting flat. I wish they would have angled the LCDs towards the user.
2-I was laughing when i read about the "Superb 25-key, semi-weighted, high-quality keyboard with velocity- and aftertouch-sensitivity"
I think this has to be some kind of marketing joke, because the keyboard on my Remote 25 SL certainly does NOT feel "superb" "Semi-weighted" or "high quality". It feels light, plasticky and very cheap, like something you can expect to play on a $20 casio synth. As a matter of fact, i opened the unit and the keyboard is not really semi-weighted but uses spring resistance.
But, hey, i didn't expect much for $130.
Anyway, i recommend this nice little keyboard, which is very useful in the studio, but when getting a used one, do not pay more than $150.
btw, this keyboard's successor, the Novation 25 SL mk. II is literally identical: same layout, same plastic shell, same cheap spring loaded keyboard, same buttons, knobs and faders, except the buttons and knobs light up, that is it.
The only difference between both units is are the main cpu board and the board that contains the knobs and buttons. The rest is identical.
The Novation 25 SL mk. II's lit knobs and faders will probably come in handy if you are playing live in a dark club, but i really don't see how this plastic keyboard can stand live playing and touring abuse without getting destroyed.
Not worth $300 in my opinion, specially when you can get a used, real weighted controller for a lot less.

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Akai MPK 49 Controller Keyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)First of all, the pads DO suck. MPC's are known for their pads so you'd think Akai would at least be able to put the same type of pad/contact design on their MPK line. Instead they put a bunch of pads with no play that feel like buttons and make the keyboard housing vibrate when you pound them. On top of that they placed the contacts so far away it's damn near impossible to get 127 velocity on the pads without going Full Level. Even my LPD8 feels better than this thing. And even though they look like the MPC1000 pads, the 1000 pads are twice as thick as the ones here. I would have loved for them to have put the 1000 pads on this. At least then I'd be able to play back a chopped loop without feeling like I'm dialing a phone number.
The best part of the controller is the control surface. The transport keys, knobs, and sliders feel great. The LCD screen looks great.
Something unique about the controller is that it has built in MIDI settings that mimic classic MPC functions (16 level, MPC swing, note repeat). Too bad the pads keep you from fully enjoying these features.
The keys are decent but slightly noisy because they vibrate on release. The controller is also one of the few 49 key controllers out there with aftertouch. I prefer the lever-like feel of the Axiom when it comes to using aftertouch but the keys here are not a dealbreaker.
There's also a simple arpeggiator you can use. It's fairly simple in that there are only 5 settings you can use to separate notes in a chord. If you've used a more sophisticated arp (like the one on a Yamaha KX8), you'll be disappointed though.
The MPK is a good controller but Akai could have done way better than this. If you're using this for the keys and control surface it's a decent investment. But if you're thinking of buying this for the pads so you can drum and play back chopped loops, get an MPD instead.

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More than just a USB/MIDI controller, the Akai MPK49 USB/MIDI Controller Keyboard helps you maximize your musical ideas on-stage or in the studio. It combines a high-quality, 49-key, semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch and 12 genuine MPC drum pads. It also offers 48 total accessible pads via 4 pad banks, and you can control up to 72 different parameters via 24 assignable Q-Link knobs, faders, and buttons as well as optional footswitches.

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Korg nanoKEY2 Slim-Line USB Keyboard, White Review

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(More customer reviews)Unable to even test w/o downloading 3rd party s/w with limited time to use. I just wanted basic tones to identify musical key of things I hear. Just a basic driver with organ tones w/b fine.

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Korg nanoKEY 25 Key USB Controller Keyboard, White Review

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(More customer reviews)The Korg Nano Series is, quite simply, among the most useful sets of tools ever produced for the COMPUTER... Let me say that word again: "COMPUTER."
I write, arrange and orchestrate music for a living. The nanoKey, in particular, is a lifesaver! It's portable, so I can stuff it into my laptop bag when I'm on the road. It works seamlessly with Finale, Encore and - my personal favorite - Sibelius (the "Big 3" of notation programs). It isn't as convenient for real-time sequencing, unless you've developed "the touch." It took me a while to get used to that, but I do play scratch tracks in Logic and Sonar, on occasion.
Anyone considering the purchase of this device should realize up front that it isn't really designed for stage performance, etc. It's best suited for computer entry. In fact, it's PERFECTLY suited for computer entry.
...and for fifty bucks it's WAY ahead of anything else!

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The nanoKEY is an ultra-compact keyboard controller, featuring a great-feeling 25-key velocity-sensitive keyboard that's ideal for song production. Each key on this USB-MIDI controller can also be set to send MIDI control data, further expanding its power.

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Korg nanoKEY 25 Key USB Controller Keyboard, Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The Korg Nano Series is, quite simply, among the most useful sets of tools ever produced for the COMPUTER... Let me say that word again: "COMPUTER."
I write, arrange and orchestrate music for a living. The nanoKey, in particular, is a lifesaver! It's portable, so I can stuff it into my laptop bag when I'm on the road. It works seamlessly with Finale, Encore and - my personal favorite - Sibelius (the "Big 3" of notation programs). It isn't as convenient for real-time sequencing, unless you've developed "the touch." It took me a while to get used to that, but I do play scratch tracks in Logic and Sonar, on occasion.
Anyone considering the purchase of this device should realize up front that it isn't really designed for stage performance, etc. It's best suited for computer entry. In fact, it's PERFECTLY suited for computer entry.
...and for fifty bucks it's WAY ahead of anything else!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Korg nanoKEY 25 Key USB Controller Keyboard, Black


The nanoKEY is an ultra-compact keyboard controller, featuring a great-feeling 25-key velocity-sensitive keyboard that's ideal for song production. Each key on this USB-MIDI controller can also be set to send MIDI control data, further expanding its power.

The Korg nanoSERIES The Korg nanoSERIES provide a keyboard controller, a pad controller, and a studio controller with dedicated transport controls. Each of these USB-powered, slim-line controllers is designed to make the most of your valuable studio space, and is small enough to take with you on any musical journey. Place one of our keyboard controllers in front of your laptop, rest a pad controller on your music workstation, park a studio controller on your recording console--or anywhere else you need versatile control over your DAW, virtual instrument, effect or DJ software. Although small in size, all three nanoSERIES controllers go huge when it comes to functionality, yet their intuitive layouts provide extremely easy operation for any user.

nanoKEY--A Flexible MIDI Keyboard Controller That's Smaller Than a Laptop KeyboardWhen Korg set out to build a slim-line MIDI controller keyboard, they utilized their years of experience in manufacturing innovative MIDI keyboards to create a great-feeling, velocity sensitive keyboard based off a laptop keyboard. The resulting 25-note keyboard on the nanoKEY will transmit your playing dynamics to your software accurately and expressively. In CC (Control Change) MODE, the keys become MIDI controllers, allowing you to control any MIDI assignable parameters within your software.

The Octave Shift function offers immediate access to the entire MIDI note range. Pitch and modulation buttons are also provided, giving your performances the kind of expression that you would expect from any controller regardless of its size.

What's in the BoxKorg nanoKEY, USB cable, and Owner's Manual.

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