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

I'm upgrading from an M-Audio Radium 49-key MIDI/USB controller (same price in 2005), which started to send ghost messages from a couple of pots. At first, it was a filter-able MIDI controller, but when it started tweaking my faders in Logic, it was time to retire the old silver beast.The Launchkey build quality is excellent. Hitting keys on the old M-Audio, you'd hear hollow plastic resonating, and cheap springs straining. When you hit keys on the Launchkey, it makes nearly zero noise. They keys are also smooth enough to do runs and slides, P-funk bassline style, without the mechanical noise of the controller getting louder than the sound you're playing. The heavier keys of the M-Audio Axiom would tear up your fingers if you tried the same. Response time over USB is also excellent--much faster than the M-Audio, either via USB or MIDI.The drum pads on Launchkey are great. I like the feel, but then I'm used to the no-throw NI Maschine. It's nice that they light up when you hit them, and the placement in the center of the keyboard is smart. Banging on drum pads on the end of a keyboard could make wobbly danger. In theory, these add an additional 16 keys to your controller--when not in special Live mode, they trigger MIDI notes for drums, samples, whatever. But I couldn't find a quick way to shift which keys these pads play, so they were redundant unless I moved the range of the main keys way up or down.The sliders and knobs feel light but fairly solid. They have nice dead-zones at the start of end of their range, which will hopefully prevent outbursts of random data down the road. Pitch and Mod wheels have a quality feel, with a little side wobble. Their throws seem short to me, but maybe that's just me.Launchkey can be powered via USB, but I have a Maschine on the same powered bus, and don't want to push it. Luckily, the old AC adapter for the Radium works with the Launchkey 49, because my Launchkey came with nothing, not even an empty space for a power adapter in the packing materials. (Launchkey needs 9V DC/100mA on a fat coax, positive center.)There is no power switch. You need to unplug both the AC and the USB to completely power down.And it just looks good in the studio. It's perfectly at home next to other modern gear like the Maschine. It's the sporty compact to the Radium's Ford Pinto. You WANT to play it.I'd say the Launchkey 49 is worth the price already. The bundled software (download) is gravy:The pack of loops is ok, but it feels a lot like a free demo pack. Loopmasters seemed mostly concerned with the variety of styles they could include. That means you probably won't find a lot that fits your particular style. It's also 642 GB, not 1 TB. But hey, gravy.The two Novation soft-synths are nice to have, definitely, but they are long in the tooth for 2013 and pretty simple sounding. Both have been recently updated for 64-bit and recent OS X/Win support.As a Logic user interested in checking out Live, its inclusion with Launchkey was a draw for me. Sadly, even though Live 9 recently shipped, you get Live 8 Lite here (OS X/Win) and there is no upgrade path from Lite 8 to the new Live 9 Intro. Apparently Ableton isn't interested, unless you want to spring $379 for the upgrade to Live 9 Standard, or $649 to upgrade to Live 9 Suite.Speaking of Logic, the integration took seconds to set up. At least in this case, Launchkey's fancy compatibility mode means Mackie HUI emulation. That's how Logic sees Launchkey. And that's a good thing--HUI is a time-tested standard. (Edit: Logic Pro X was just released, and everything still works the same.)Overall, a great value for a solid controller. The bonus goodies, love them or not, are just that: A bonus. I would recommended this keyboard to anyone.

This is not too basic or complex. It can be used as a piano/keyboard/synth and a control surface for your DAW. With it, you can control basic functions, VST,s, and even automation lanes. The buttons, knobs, and keys operate with smooth action. The unit is not too heavy to keep in your lap if you need to. The pads and keys can be setup to different instruments. Separate mod and pitch wheels allow for precision voicing of the notes you are expressing. Novation provides tech support and a thriving forum to help you learn and resolve issues. Of course, since this is the small version, the range of the keyboard you wish to play on is selectable and on the fly too. This has really opened up my creativity and it fits very well into my home studio. On the down side, it does not have an off switch. Why? Why? Why? You can make your own with an active USB 2.0 hub. Active hubs use a separate power source. I have had no success using this with USB 3.0. Since the size is not too big, and the weight is not too heavy, I've mounted mine, with Velcro, to an articulating laptop table.*** BONUS*** Even though it is not listed in the product description, currently, Novation is bundling this with a free copy of Ableton Live 9 Lite, V Station, and Base Station. If your box does not contain a CD, check your registration card for a bundle code. If you have problems beyond that, email them or use their forum. They WILL help you. They helped me. Now, I've got more goodies in my toolbox.These are products I use, and have reviewed, with this item. To read my other reviews, click the link "See all my reviews" which is next to my name:M-Audio SP-2 Sustain Pedal with Piano Style Action for KeyboardsSingle Laptop / Notebook Desk Mount / Stand Fully Adjustable Extension with Clamp STAND-V001L (by VIVO)Gator 14 x 14 Inches up to 22 x 22 Inches Mixer Cover (GMC-2222)Acoustica Mixcraft Pro Studio 6 AcademicCAD Audio MH310 Closed-Back Studio Headphones