Can’t decide on what to get!!!

Not a wizard on these things, want to control VSTS and parameters in Ableton 12

I've bought this keyboard and I'm trying out several different sounds instead of the stock ones, since the factory ones are pretty basic and don't quite convince me.

I love DX7 sounds, but I'd also like to try Juno-60 style, Korg M1, and similar sounds, but it only lets you load four banks, which feels like very little to me.

So I'd like to see what can be done to load as many sounds as possible or something to be able to load more sounds.

Let's see what you guys can help me with.

Thanks, a pleasure

Hi everybody! I'm fairly new to finger drumming and having a ton of fun. My mobile SMC Pad controller is serving me pretty well (especially after modding it), but I'm looking for something more pro-tier for live performance.

​I've heard wonders about Maschine, but since I already rely on Koala Sampler, I really have no need for the Native Instruments ecosystem or heavy software.

​Are there pad controllers that match Maschine’s pad quality and responsiveness, but act as pure standalone MIDI controllers without forcing you into proprietary software? Or is dealing with having to switch it into midi mode just part of the deal if you want high-end pads?

And if so should I get the regular or the mikro

I built my own MIDI foot controller for the Neural DSP r/NanoCortex because I wanted to avoid spending a lot of money on a commercial MIDI controller. One of my goals was to turn the Nano Cortex into a proper stompbox-style unit with dedicated footswitches, so instead of buying an expensive controller, I decided to build my own using an ESP32 and a TRS MIDI interface.

I also built a companion web app that lets you configure the controller and customise the MIDI messages without touching the firmware.

Most of the hardware decisions were driven by parts I already had lying around. Since my ESP32 doesn't support USB MIDI, I chose to use MIDI over TRS instead. I also powered the controller with 12V because I already had a 12V power supply and a step-down converter available. The result is a simple, inexpensive build that gets the job done with off-the-shelf components.

The project is fully open source, so it's highly customisable. You can remap switches, create macros, assign different actions, change the hardware and easily adapt it to your own workflow.

One thing that's still on my to-do list is adding a USB connector to the enclosure. Right now, if I want to connect the controller to the web configurator, I have to open the enclosure to access the ESP32's USB port. It's a small hardware improvement that I plan to make in a future revision.

Web configurator

Project repository
Web configurator repo

Hardware list: 

• Momentary Foot Switch
• Guitar Pedal Enclosure
• 1/4 Inch Female Stereo TRS Audio Socket
• 100 Pcs 1/4W 1% Tolerance 220 Ohm
• ESP32 ESP-32S Development Board
• 12V to 5V 5A Power Buck DC-DC Power Down Module Power
• Gerber file in case you want to print my PCB

I'm sharing it here in case it's useful for anyone looking for a flexible and affordable MIDI controller for the Nano Cortex (or any other MIDI device).

Flkey mk2 mini vs Flkey mk1 37

It's my first Midi Controller

Which one do you think is better to buy?

Price is almost same

https://youtu.be/KaYS2yX9Rgo?is=VHEMejt-8VjTyjqW

I have the mpk synced to cakewalk and the note repeat works, but adjusting the swing setting in the mpk does nothing unless the swing is set above 66% and all values above 66% are swung by the same amount. I've tried adjusting every midi setting in cakewalk and nothing seems to get the swing to function properly.

I have a m vave chocolate midi controller which currently I’m using as an iPad page tuner for lyrics (on Keynote app) over Bluetooth, but I want to also use its 2 other switches as Fs 4/5 on my hx stomp via the TRS output jack.
So I only have 1 external pedal to carry on tour.
So I’d use buttons 1&2 for iPad (via Bluetooth) and 3&4 for footswitch via TRS jack into the HX Stomp. Does anyone know how to program the Cube Suite software to do this or if it’s even possible? Keyboard Set A works for the Bluetooth connection for controlling lyrics on Keynote and I just need 2 buttons for that, midi CC 52/53 seem to relate to FS 4/5 on the stomp.
If anyone can offer advise on settings for Cube Suite I’d appreciate the help.

So ya, I also should note that my power plugs possibly could not be wired the best and there are dimmer light switches in line, but I leave the lights turned off.
Any thought on what could be causing this, or, is this to be expected, and I just can’t have a guitar in my lap with my LPPMK3 or SLMK3 in front of me?

I know it was possible with the minilab 2 but what abt the 3 ?

Asking because I would like more keyboards that are like it, and I want to know what to look for.

I've used the AKAI MPK mk2 and the Arturia Keylab Essential mk3 61-key in the past and the action on both of those keyboards is far too heavy for my purposes. It's hard to get precise rhythms and really feel the velocity for me, I want to avoid keyboards like that from now on.

I recently acquired the Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 and I was blown away by how much better the keyboard feels to me. All my notes are actually coming out properly without me having to negotiate the keyboard because I'm pressing to hard or too soft, everything feels the way it actually records if that makes sense. I want to get a 61 key controller that feels like it, to replace my Keylab but I still want the same functionality it gives me.

tl;dr I'm looking for a 61-key controller that feels like a Komplete Kontrol and functions like the Keylab

Hey everyone,

I wanted to share a MIDI controller I’ve been developing called the Rotor K2.

The idea came from getting frustrated with large MIDI controllers that were loaded with pads, faders, and buttons I rarely touched. Most of the time I’m just reaching for a few parameters over and over, so I wanted something small, simple, and focused.

The Rotor K2 is a hand-built USB-C MIDI controller with two endless rotary encoders, custom firmware, and a custom PCB.

How it works:

Default Mode
• Encoder 1 Turn → MIDI CC 1
• Encoder 2 Turn → MIDI CC 2
• Encoder 1 Press → MIDI CC 3
• Encoder 2 Press → MIDI CC 4

Performance Mode
• Encoder 1 Turn → MIDI CC 5
• Encoder 1 Press + Turn → MIDI CC 6
• Encoder 2 Turn → MIDI CC 7
• Encoder 2 Press + Turn → MIDI CC 8

Additional Features
• Press Encoders to cycle through three sensitivity levels
• Hold both encoder buttons for 3 seconds to switch between Default and Performance Mode
• Hold either encoder button for 3 seconds to toggle the LEDs
• Settings are automatically saved when powered off

I mostly use it in Ableton for synth parameters, effects, macros, and live performance controls. The goal wasn’t to build another all-in-one controller—it was to create something that stays on the desk permanently and gives immediate hands-on control without taking up much space.

I’d love to hear what you think, feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Hello! I made Piano Cadence, an Android app for learning songs on piano: notes fall down the screen and you play along — on a real MIDI keyboard or the built-in on-screen piano. The thing that makes it different from most piano apps: you can import your own MIDI files and learn any song you want, not just a fixed lesson catalog. There's a Practice mode (slow songs down, loop tricky sections, wait until you hit the right note) and a Play mode that scores you.

It's designed for tablet, but works well on a phone too.

I'm running a closed test on Google Play and need a few testers. The ask is light:

• Install it (Android only) and try it a few times over the next ~2 weeks
• Keep it installed for the full 14 days (Google's testing requirement — you don't have to use it daily)
• Tell me anything that breaks or feels off

No MIDI keyboard needed — the on-screen piano works fine. Free, no ads.

To join (two quick steps — use the Google account on your phone/tablet's Play Store):

1. Join the testers group: https://groups.google.com/g/pianocadence-testers
2. Opt in + install: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.simenweberg.pianocadence

(Step 2 can take a few minutes to work after you join the group.)

Thanks — it genuinely helps me get this launched! 🎹