Trying to decide on a 61-key controller

[Garven]

Hi folks,

Looking for some controller advice. Yes there are some other threads here but I thought I'd put all the candidates I'm looking at in one thread.

I'm a hobbyist gradually getting back into home recording with Reason (also have Cockos Reaper; iZotope Ozone, RX and Neutron; Adobe Audition, and lots of VSTs). I don't do any live playing. I'm just looking for a decent 61-key controller at a reasonable price.

The following are in my price range and available locally:

M-audio Keystation 61 MK3
Alesis V61
I've been into a local store and felt the keybeds on the Keystation 61 and V61. I liked the semi-weighted feel of them. I also tried an Akai MPK249 (no 261 in stock, 49 keys just doesn't seem enough for me, and even if they had a 261 it's a bit higher than what I wanted to pay anyway). I found the Akai keys too stiff for my taste.

M-Audio Code61
M-Audio Oxygen 61 MKIV
Both these looking interesting partially because they both come with the VIP software package that looks really interesting to me (sort of like the NI Komplete Kontrol program but open to all VSTs). My understanding is that the Code61 has a similar keybed to the Keystation and Alesis V61. I don't really care that much about the X/Y controller so since the Oxygen is $150 cheaper in my area, it's more attractive to me although if "synth action" keybed is too toy-like I wouldn't be happy with it. I have an old Korg M1 kicking around that I intend to re-battery then sell (just too big and heavy for my current setup), but I like the feeling if its keys. Would an Oxygen "synth-action^" keybed feel anything similar? I do like the idea of aftertouch with the Code61, but for my purposes as a hobbyist, is it something that's really worth $150 more?

Nektar Impact L61+
I really liked what I was reading about the Nektar Impact and how they have maps for Reason, etc. However, I've read some reviews that the L61+ feels quite toy-like, and also that there seems to be this big issue with the black keys. How big a problem is the black keys issue?

Native instruments A61
I like the look of the A61 and one store in my area has it listed in stock. I keep reading stuff about NI keyboard being really tied into the whole Komplete software thing and not so easy to use with non-NI programs. How accurate is that assessment. I felt the keybed on an S61 at a local shop and liked it (but the $949 Canadian prices tag is way out of my range). Although I've read that the A series keybeds aren't as nice, they're still supposedly a cut above the competition.

Anyway, just looking for some feedback, especially in the context of use with Reason and also given my use as just a hobbyist. I keep wondering if will I end up using all those extra controls and pads or would I be better off just grabbing the Keystation or V61 and putting the extra $100 or more into software, etc.?

Thanks.

[mjxl]

I just started last year, I've bought the Oxygen (25) and the keys feel good to me.

Also the drum pads feel good, nice and punchy.

[bxbrkrz]

Among all the keyboards you've tested, including the old M1, which one felt the most durable and has the best keybed feel to you? Listen for mechanical noise, its an indicator of quality or lack thereof.
Also why not (if you own an iOS device):

[pushedbutton]

M-Audio Oxygen 61 MKIV was a mistake.

[Garven]

M-Audio Oxygen 61 MKIV was a mistake.

How so?

[jappe]

M-Audio Oxygen 61 MKIV was a mistake.

How so?

Amazon is a good place to find a lot of reviews on a product, I always check the for most things I buy... even if a product has high average rating, it could be that specific 1-star ratings are show stoppers for me.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/cr/B00IWU4BF0/ref=mw_dp_cr

[pushedbutton]

M-Audio Oxygen 61 MKIV was a mistake.

How so?

My main gripe about it out of the box was the pads are not really pads, they're keys, you have work pretty hard to build a custom combinator so that you can trigger reason's drums, that's a big limitation.
Secondly, the pitch wheel lasted about 6 months before spitting out random values. When I went to try to repair it I found that one of the screws is threaded so I can't even get the bloody thing open.
This is significantly worse than the gen 3 version. Avoid at all costs.

[bluzdogs]

Hi, I have an Alesis Recital Pro 88 Key Hammer action and an M Audio Oxygen 49. Bought the Oxygen because my old KeyStation 61 gave up the ghost. Really wish I'd gotten another 61 key!

I really like both keyboards but my only major complaint is that the feel of the two are worlds apart. Although both have velocity sensitivity, the Alesis has weighted keys while the M Audio does not.

But I'd recommend keyboards from either manufacturer. HTH

[QVprod]

Commented on the other thread, but it's worth mentioning that the keys on most midi controllers are bad. The Komplete Kontrol A61 is an exception to that rule. I've heard good things about the LX61+ as well for key quality (from other keyboard players) but I haven't touched one myself.