Settling With Less

**gm2sick** · 06-09-2012

I have a question. I'm in the process of picking out some equipment. At this moment, I just have some studio monitors, a computer, software, and a USB M-Audio Microphone. I was thinking of buying an AKAI MPK Mini. If i did buy this I'd be able to buy it like real soon, but from experience would it be worth to wait to get more money so I could buy and MPK 49, or another all-around MIDI Keyboard thats probably 3 times more expensive? My idea is that if I can get this AKAI MPK Mini, I'll be able to make music a lot easier mean while. Then later get a good keyboard, and sell the AKAI MPK mini or still use it for taking it around. Been trying to get a job where I'll be able to work close to music, or even be able to get discounts on equipment, can't be too picky though at this point.

If anybody has experience with this, or just wants to put their 2 cents in, I would appreciate it. Thank you.

**macbeat** · 06-12-2012

A person that was meant to make music will make it no matter the obstacles. I personally use an M-Audio Oxygen 25 that I bought for $130 (I think they're going for $99 now) and it works great for me. I also have a Korg nanoKEY for it's portability.

Just use what you have now and save up for what you really want. I love gear just as much as the next person but honestly I could do with just the computer and some headphones if it really came down to it.

**SUPERBANANABOMB** · 07-12-2012

Having a 25-note keyboard can be really limiting if you're trying to play anything complex. You can get by with a small keyboard if you're just doing simple basslines or melodies, but if you're doing really dynamic music, playing two-handed chords, or anything else that requires more than 25 keys, you're screwed. It really all depends on your keyboard playing level and whether or not you like the feel of the keyboard. Most cheapish midi controllers have really spongy action, nothing like a piano. If you want the drum pads (which I hear suck), faders, etc... get the MPK. It has some nice features, but if you merely want a controller that feels good and isn't limiting, get something with 61 keys and a weighted or at least semi-weighted keyboard.

**cft** · 07-31-2012

For me the urge has always been to buy the most flexible gear to fill a given niche. Your needs today may be different tommorow. That said, there is value to keeping your set up simple and truly mastering it. Regarding the 25key question. I grew up using 61 key controllers/samplers and I am most comfortable on them now. I don't really have much in the way of two handed keyboard technique. I hunt and peck until i find a phrase and then record that and then add to it on another track. If you are like that the 25 key might be okay because you can just reach up and it the transpose button when needed (to find more sounds...playing in a higher register, etc). If you are short on space or have to be mobile that is a decent way to go (I have an axiom 25 and it is not bad). It has full size keys with some travel on them unline the nanokey etc. I just can't enjoy playing on those but thats me.

If you knew that you would wind up working at home and if your controller needs are modest (i.e. you don't feel like you need tons of Realtime controls) then i would say buy an old synth off ebay and that way you get a full size keyboard as a controller and a sound generator, plus it will probably hold its value better than a controller that will be topped by the next trend next year. just .02.

**Project-Ghost** · 08-03-2012

In my opinion it sounds like you would be good with the MPK mini because if your good enough at what you do you don't need anything to fancy. If you need more keys because your a skilled player then obviously get something with more keys, and you can find some 49 key keyboards for pretty cheap. That being said if you have the money and can get something of higher quality it never hurts to upgrade. So overall I would say go with the mini, and save up for the other one you really want. The best way to get better at creating music is to work on it all the time so the sooner you start the better.