Author Archives: Blair Sutherland

Novation Launchkey 49 Review With Updates for MK2

Novation Launchkey 49, 49-key USB/iOS MIDI Keyboard Controller with Synth-weighted Keys

Novation Launchkey 49 Review

Update: MK2 Version

The MK2 version of the Novation Launchkey 49 has the same great features with added control.

New features include:

  • RGB pads that provide color-matching clip feedback to help your workflow when you create and launch clips, trigger samples, or control devices in Ableton Live.
  • The updated Launchkey MK2 also uses inControl  to increase control over Ableton Live. Previously the inControl knobs could only control devices. With the Launchkey MK2 you can easily switch between controllers, pans and A/B sends for each track in your session.
  • There is the new Device Control Function which gives you control over all devices and device parameters in your Ableton Live track via inControl.
  • Requires external power. You can’t power it from your iPad without a powered USB hub.
  • Launchkey MK2 now has four different velocity key curves.
  • Select multiple effects directly from Launchkey MK2.
  • Better knob design for a more solid feel.
  • Due to changes in the firmware, the Launchkey Mk2 is unable to control the Launchkey iPad app via inControl however you can still use the keys to trigger the sounds.

Those are the updates.

With this Novation Launchkey 49 Review. I would like to tell you that the Novation Launchkey 49 is a midi keyboard controller for all major music software like Ableton Live, FL Studio, Pro Tools, Reason, Logic and Cubase giving you control of your mixer, transport and more.

The Novation Launchkey 49 is the latest midi keyboard controller from Novation. This midi controller features up to 50 physical controls that include 16 velocity-sensitive multi-color launch pads.  The launch pads trigger and stop clips, and launch scenes in Ableton Live. This is the keyboard version of the Launchpad.

This MIDI keyboard controller is now 15% off at Amazon through this link.

One of the cool things about the Launchkey is that you can run it not only with your computer but now with your iPad. They have an app called the Launchkey synth app which is very cool and FREE for a limited time and is used for triggering loops. The Launchkey will also enable control of your DAW’s mixer, instruments and more. You also get V-Station and Bass Station soft synths and V-Station and Bass Station soft synths.

The Launchkey has 16 multi-color backlit velocity-sensitive launch pads can be used to play drums and trigger loops without being near a computer. The launch pads are great for working out beats, drum patterns, or triggering clips and scenes in Ableton Live. The velocity-sensitive keyboard mechanism has pitch and mod wheels with octave, track up/down buttons.

Here are some features:

  • You can instantly use all major DAWs and music software
  • An entire suite of software for iPad, Mac and PC included
  • 16 velocity-sensitive multi-color launch pads trigger loops and play drums
  • Professional keyboard with 50 plus hardware controls
  • Novation Launchpad app for iPad included

I like the size of the Launchkey 49 keyboard. Sometimes a smaller size is not quite enough for how I like to work and the bigger size is too much. Novation also makes a 25 key and a 61 key version of the Launchkey.

I hope you enjoyed the Novation Launchkey 49 Review. If you are looking for a great MIDI keyboard controller with trigger pads and one that is versatile enough to do anything with whatever system you are using then the Novation Launchkey 49 is a good choice.

Yamaha YPG-535 Review

Yamaha YPG-535 Review

Yamaha YPG-535 ReviewMy Yamaha YPG-535 review will cover the basics of this keyboard. The Yamaha YPG-535 is a very good starter piano. The reason that this is one of the best midi keyboards that is good for piano players is that it has 88 keys and a Graded Soft Touch keyboard.

The Graded Soft Touch keyboard is a step down from the full weighted keyboard and feels a little different, less like a piano but better than a touch sensitive keyboard. When you get to the ends of the keyboard the keys are a little stiffer but not a big deal to me.

I like the sound of the piano, it is equipped with the Yamaha Live! Grand stereo sample. There are also multiple instrument sounds like clarinet, trumpet, flutes, saxes, electric pianos, organs and orchestral strings.

On Sale At Amazon 34% OFF!

With the Yamaha YPG-535 you also get the Yamaha education suite which helps new players to learn with 30 songs internally and 70 more on the CD-ROM that is included when you buy this midi keyboard.

I use the USB connectivity features to connect to my computer. I can then use the Yamaha YPG-535 as a midi keyboard controller. There is also an internal 6-track sequencer so you can compose and record right from the keyboard.

  • Here are some features of the Yamaha YPG535:
  • Piano Centric Features
  • USB Connectivity
  • Lyric, chord and notation display
  • Ease of Operation
  • Yamaha Education Suite
  • 6-track recorder
  • Excellent Sound Quality
  • Full Keyboard Mode

I hope you enjoyed the Yamaha YPG-535 Review. This is a great midi keyboard for the beginning to advanced player. If you are looking for a real piano feel this would not be the one to get. You should look at something like the Yamaha DGX-530. If you are looking for some great features and a good quality keyboard for a reasonable price then this is a great midi keyboard to consider.

Excellent MIDI Controller – M-Audio Oxygen 49

M-Audio Oxygen 49

The M-Audio Oxygen 49 is one of my favorite MIDI controllers because of its ease of use and number of control options. I bought an Oxygen 8 and it worked well but didn’t have enough keys so I upgraded to the Oxygen 49.

The Oxygen 49 has 49 keys (hence the name)  so it is not a full keyboard and the keys are not weighted so if you are looking for a good performance keyboard this is not the one for you. But if you want a mid size MIDI controller keyboard that has assignable faders and knobs this is a great option.

I found the best price here!

How to use the M-Audio Oxygen 49

The M-Audio is easy to use. Just plug in the USB cable and it shows up. You can control many parameters of your DAW with the 8 knobs and 9 faders plus there are dedicated buttons for play and record as well as track select buttons.

The Oxygen 49 is designed to be used with the most popular virtual instruments and digital audio workstations. I use this controller with Pro Tools, Logic and Reason and it works well with all of them.

Here are some features of the M-Audio Oxygen 49

  • bus powered 49-key USB MIDI controller – easy computer cnnnectivity
  • 8 assignable knobs, 9 assignable sliders – control DAW and virtual instrument parameters
  • DirectLink mode – instant controller mapping to DAW functions
  • dedicated transport and track slected buttons – streamlined session control
  • Pro Tools compatible – extends industry-standard functionality
  • Bus powered 49-key USB MIDI controller – easy computer connectivity

 

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The M-Audio Oxygen 49 has been a great controller for the music that I create and I would highly recommend it if you are searching for a good inexpensive MIDI controller solution.

What Is MIDI?

What is MIDI?

MIDI is an acronym that stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface and was developed in 1983. MIDI is a set of basic instructions that enable MIDI gear to communicate with each other and with computers.

The first basic MIDI instructions dealt with how to play notes and how to control the output volume. The technology quickly increased functions to be able to control standardized MIDI song files, new connection mechanisms such as FireWire, USB, and Wi-Fi, new markets such as mobile phones and video games, casinodames.com online games and a new world of alternative based MIDI products.The technology was originally designed for synthesizers and is now used with computer software as well an MIDI keyboards.

Click Here to Make great beats fast!
If you are going to do anything with music and computers you really need to know what MIDI is and how to use it. Here is a great program for music production.

Is The Yamaha DGX-630 Worth The Price?

The Yamaha DGX-630 is a full range 88 key MIDI keyboard. This keyboard is designed for intermediate to professional players but still has the learning system of some of the less expensive keyboards. The keys are weighted so it plays like a real piano with the low keys a bit heavier and the top keys lighter, this is a great feature if you play a piano a lot and are used to the feel of a real piano.

You can save over $300 on this keyboard through this link.

If you read music the Yamaha DGX630 can display the sheet music as you play so you don’t need to turn the page.
This keyboard also has a 6-track sequencer which allows you to write and record your own songs. You can also connect it to a computer through the USB port to save MIDI files and run the sequence from your computer.
The Yamaha studio effects are standard Yamaha sounds which are at the top of the recording industry standards and the DGX 630 has more than enough to create some great songs.

Look at the features.

  • 88 Piano style, weighted keys with Graded Soft Touch
  • 6-track recorder
  • DSP effects for more realistic sounding Distortion Guitar and Rotary Organ
  • 503 high-quality tones
  • Stereo Speakers
  • On Sale At Amazon

Here are what some owners have to say:

C. Bodley says:

This keyboard is everything I expected and more. When I play it the notes feel like a standard grand piano because they are weighted and the sound is phenomenal. A customer review I read mentioned that the volume was low for this piano, but I found that it adjusts to a volume that the average person might consider too loud. Aside from the feel and sound, this piano has some useful tools for teaching beginning players such as a (USB) computer to piano interface, a 6-track recorder, and a small LCD screen which will transcribe notes into  a music score as the songs are played. The piano comes with a stabilizer bar which mounts below the keyboard and keeps it steady. Overall, I highly recommend this piano to anyone (beginner or experienced) for the money.

Review paraphrased for length read the full review here.

Maria C. Says:

I absolutely love this keyboard! Don’t think that it’d be better to spend $200 or more on a different keyboard. Believe me, the money is worth it. If you’re looking for a keyboard that sounds very acoustic this one is for you. It comes with bells and whistles, which is great for whatever you need. But if you’re like me, then perhaps you just want a full-sized weighted keyboard that sounds and feels authentic. The keys are almost as sensitive as a piano, maybe more, and will  allow you to gain emphasis in your playing. I’ve tested and played keyboards priced from $400 to $3000 and I specifically chose this one for how it sounded. This one is the cream of the crop. 🙂

Review paraphrased for length read the full review here.

In conclusion: If you are a beginning player and not sure about what you want I would not recommend this one. Save your money and buy one of the less expensive keyboards. But if you are looking for a great full range keyboard this is a great one to buy. The Yamaha quality is there and the price is great. You can get the best deal through this link at Amazon.com

Here is a great demo video.

Casio LK-100: A Good Deal?

Casio LK-100 Review

Casio LK-100 reviewOur Casio LK-100 review. The Casio LK-100 is a great MIDI piano keyboard if you are learning to play because of its 3-step lesson program that is included. The keys light up during the lessons so you can play along easily and you can change the tempo of the song you are learning to make it easier to learn.
You can get a great price through this link at Amazon.com now.
This Casio keyboard is also good for the more advanced player who wants a good accompanying keyboard. It has 50 different rhythms and 100 tones to choose from.
Let’s look at some features:

  • Auto Accompaniment: Simply specify a chord and the keyboard automatically produces the matching rhythm, bass, and chord patters. One-touch fill-ins make accompaniments sound interesting and natural.
  • Easy-to-understand on-screen indicators help to simply keyboard play, even for novices
  • 50 built in auto-accompaniment patterns
  • 100 built-in Song Bank tunes for playback enjoyment or play-along practice
  • Transpose function instantly changes the key of the keyboard
  • Connecting to another MIDI device lets you sound notes on both this keyboard and the connected device by playing on this keyboard
  • Connect a commercially available microphone and you can sing along with Song Bank tunes
  • Great price available at Amazon.com

More Casio LK-100 review posts. Here’s what some current owners have to say.

Mozart “whisperwillow” says:

This is a great package for the price. This is an easy keyboard to learn to play for both children and adults alike. The Casio Key Lighting Keyboard LK-100 is as fun as it is practical.

The keyboard has 61 full-size keys. The lighted keys help beginners become familiar with the timing of the notes that follow one of the 100 built-in tunes from the keyboard’s song bank. A songbook (included) allows kids and adults to view the printed musical notes for each song. The key lighting feature can be turned off as desired. This is particularly important for advanced players who wish to use the instrument as a traditional keyboard.

The keyboard has 100 popular songs stored and they can be heard at the push of a button. Songs include Jingle Bells, as well as Happy Birthday to You and a variety of classical songs. Younger kids will be thrilled to hear a theme song from the Finding Nemo movie.

This feature-rich keyboard includes 50 built-in auto-accompaniment patterns (kids will feel like rock stars!). Advanced players will find it easy to change keys, and a microphone jack makes it a breeze to sing along with tunes. The premium package with the Casio LK100 is a great buy for the money.

This is a well-built musical instrument on which children and adults can really learn to play music.

Only negative thing is that it does have MIDI but in order to use this feature, you will need to couple it with a PC to use, since it doesn’t have a built-in disk drive.
Review paraphrased for length read full review here.

M Morrison says:

I have a 6-yr old who had been taking piano lessons. I initially wasn’t interested in all the “lighted, follow-along” song features, had just wanted a basic keyboard, but I’m so glad it came with all the bells and whistles–far from just playing her lessons, she actually plays with the follow along features, spending much more time on the keyboard than I ever anticipated.

I had been concerned about the comments made about the stand–while the keyboard does not secure to the stand, this is only an issue when you are moving it. Once the keyboard is in place, the weight of it makes it plenty secure.

This is not a full 88 keys and they are not weighted. Overall this a great value for the price especially if you buy the it on Amazon.

The Casio LK-100 is definitely a beginner to intermediate keyboard and not recommended for advanced players. I hope you like our Casio LK-100 review and have a chance to see our other reviews.

Yamaha ypt-279 keyboard

The Portable Yamaha YPT-270 Review

Yamaha YPT-270 Review

The Yamaha YPT270 keyboard is the perfect electronic MIDI keyboard if you want to play anywhere you go. It is powered by either a power adapter or six AA batteries. It has the standard great Yamaha piano sounds as well as drums kits, basses, guitars and a total of 375 great sounding voices and a portable grand button that brings up a great sounding piano without having to search the sound bank for it.

Amazon.com has the best price here.

The YPT-270 has the Yamaha Education Suite that can teach you how to play piano from using both hands at once to one hand at a time if you wish. It comes with 102 songs and 100 preset styles to play along with. This is a great learning tool. Amazon has a great package on sale now that includes the keyboard, stand and headphones.

Here are some features:

  • Number of keys: 61 (organ style)
  • 400 instrument voices and 100 accompaniment styles
  • 30 built-in songs for practice
  • Display: Custom LCD
  • Tone generating technology: AWM Stereo Sampling
  • Reverb: 9 types
  • Number of preset styles: 100
  • Amplifiers: 2.5W + 2.5W
  • Dimensions: 37.2 x 4.6 x 13.7 inches (WxHxD)
  • Weight: 9 pounds, 11 ounces
  • On sale here at Amazon.com

What People Say About The Yamaha YPT-270

Look at what current owners have to say:

Jon says:

This product is great. My son loves it. The only issue I had was the item was delivered in a conspicuous box so it may invite thievery. Make sure you’re home when it’s delivered. Also had a little bit of snow that day. Delivery driver left in sitting in snow with no plastic or covering to protect from damage. Luckily I came home shortly after it was delivered so no damage was done. There was also a covered part of my porch that the item could have been left at to protect it from the snow and prying eyes.
Review paraphrased for length. Read the complete review here.

JR says:

The programmed voices sound authentic, including the special effects and percussion. My preteen son loves to jam on it when getting to the piano is not appropriate due to noise levels. I hooked up a Bluetooth transmitter to the headphone jack and it works beautifully. I would certainly recommend this to a friend.

You can get a great deal on this keyboard through this link at Amazon.com.

If you are looking for a MIDI keyboard to use with a sequencing system or with external synths I would not recommend this one because it is not as advanced and doesn’t have the features you need for composing or sequencing. However, if you are looking for an easy to use portable keyboard the Yamaha YPT-220 is a good choice.