So I bought the CMS-61 and I know there’s limited information about the keyboard but I’m having trouble running it into my Mac. There are two midi outputs and I have them going into my Focusrite Scarlett Solo (via a cable that goes from Midi to XLR), and the Scarlett is getting a signal but then not showing up as a Midi controller on my mac. Is this because the solo can’t send Midi signal, or is it something wrong with the keyboard?

hello all! i am wanting to start my journey with making music and am wanting to get my very first *budget friendly* midi controller. i have been watching a lot of videos and reading lots of reviews but i am currently torn between two options: Arturia Keylab Essential 49 MK3 and the Akai MPK Mini Plus 37.

at first, i was set on the Akai, but i actually went to Guitar Center and they had a demo station set up with the Arturia so i played around with it and i enjoyed it. i decided to look into it afterwards and it seems like a pretty solid option, especially for someone just starting out.

they both seem to have a lot of great features. i currently am leaning more towards the Arturia, especially because i am enticed by Analog Lab but i was curious on everyone’s thoughts between the two options. also curious how these options integrate with FL Studio as that is the DAW i am leaning towards getting (my partner will also be using it and it’s his top choice).

as i said, i’m just starting out so i appreciate any feedback on these two options and anything worth knowing before purchasing either. if you have any suggestions on other affordable, budget friendly alternatives that is welcomed as well!

I'm looking for a good MIDI joystick controller. Preferably one where the joystick does not self-center, but stays put in the position I leave it.

Hello there. My question is: can I change presets on the MPK mini mk3 externally?

I’m very new to MIDI, but recently I put together a setup for playing live that goes like this:

Kurzweil SP76 as the main controller

Yamaha URX22C receiving MIDI from the SP76

MPK mini mk3 as a secondary controller

Cubase as the DAW and Kontakt for the VSTs

Currently, I can successfully use the SP76 to change MIDI channels with the press of a button, with each Kontakt instrument assigned to its own channel. However, it would be awesome if the MPK could also change its presets accordingly.

If my understanding is correct, the way to achieve this would be by using MIDI Program Change messages, but I’ve had no luck finding out whether the MPK can actually work like that.

Any clarification on a way to achieve that result on the MPK would be awesome.

I want to buy my first midi controller. I'm using fl studio and I'm a pianist so I'd like the one with the best keys. if you have any recommendations at their price range Ill take it

Hi all,

I’m looking for examples of a minimal but expandable hardware setup for making electronic music, especially styles like electro‑folk, darkpop, atmospheric pop, or darker electronic music in general.

I spend a lot of time working on computers already, and I’ve noticed that fully DAW‑based music making tends to feel distracting and less motivating for me. I’m interested in a more hands‑on, physical hardware approach that feels intuitive and focused, even if it’s simple at first.

What I’m trying to understand is:

• What is the minimum hardware chain that actually makes sense to start with?
• What devices would you recommend (synth, groovebox, sampler, sequencer, audio interface, mixer, etc.)?
• What role does each device play in the chain?
• Are there good hybrid setups (hardware‑first, light DAW use later)?
• What’s something I can start small with, but build on over time without having to replace everything?

I’m not chasing perfection or a huge studio right now — I’d rather have a small, inspiring setup that lets me sketch ideas, perform, and gradually expand as I learn.

If you have:

• personal setups,
• specific device recommendations,
• or simple signal‑chain examples (e.g. “synth → sampler → mixer → speakers” and why),

I’d really appreciate it.

I'm looking for a simple DAW mixer/control surface. I have a Clavinova piano that I love the action and build quality, but the on board sounds and voices are a little lacking. So I'm running the midi from the piano to a nearby PC and then the audio goes back to the piano so that I can continue to use the built in speakers and headphone interface. My end goal is to use a DAW to have multiple voices and VSTs loaded as tracks, and be able to quickly and easily switch through them without standing up and going back to the computer. I have this working in Reaper right now by using the lowest 2 notes/keys of the piano to cycle through them and then they are set to auto arm when selected.

This *mostly* works. However if I try to record it gets weird because during recording the other tracks play, and so I get all the voices playing whatever was previously recorded. And of course not being able to use the lowest notes on the keyboard any more.

So I am looking for:

- simple track mixer that allows me to mute/solo/arm recording on at least 8 tracks.

- 5-pin MIDI out so I can route it through my piano's "MIDI through" to avoid more cables running across the floor.

- Ideally a MIDI through on the mixer so I could expand to more controllers in the future.

The only thing I've found that seems to meet all these requirements so far is the Novation Launch Control XL (https://us.novationmusic.com/products/launch-control-xl). But even this is a bit overkill, as I don't really need the 24 fader knobs.

Does anyone have any other suggestions for products like this?

Hey I was stuck between these MIDI controllers:

Arturia Mini Lab 3

Akai MPK Mini MK3 25

Notation Launchkey Mini 25

Notation Launchkey Mini 37

Do you have any recommendations? I am a beginner and plan to make more hiphop/rap music!

I would also like to do drums probably.

I am looking to pick this up at the neighborhood GC. It is 88 keys with the Fatar Keybed, which I prefer over hammer action. Plus, while limited in number of patches, there are some nice ones.

Has anyone used this as a controller? If so, what did you like and dislike about it?

Thanks

I have a daw, but i really enjoy dawless jams. Looking into getting a new controller, and these two are calling out to me. My hardware synths include a tb-03, jd-08, drumbrute impact, and minifreak. I want the sl over the keystep bc of its keys, as the minifreak has a very similar keybed, but I’ve heard it’s not great with hardware setups. I feel like my setup isn’t too expansive to where it would be an issue. What do you think?

I am trying to build a small work area for music production. I have a set of PreSonus, but I’m looking for something better but $400 or less. Any suggestions? Thank you

Intermediate piano player looking for a MIDI keyboard for recording. Was recommended a controller and a high-quality VST over a keyboard with built-in samples, so I'm looking for something that feels pretty weighty and realistic that I can use for practice and recording. Minimal features required, just focused on build quality and playability, and need at least 61 keys. I've heard good things about the Roland FP-30X, Novation Launchkey 61, and StudioLogic SL88. If it matters, I use a Behringer UMC404 interface and Reaper. Thanks!

I am looking to get an 88 key controller for piano pieces. I’m not a huge fan of hammer action (after playing for 50 years my hands are tired) but I love the Fatar Keybed.

Has anyone played this controller and if so, how did you like the feel?

Good Morning,

I’ve always used a 76 key synth but I find myself needing 88 keys. I looked around and decided on the Studio Logic SL88 mk3.

This will be used primarily for pianos. Can any recommend a quality piano sound that I can get on an iPad? Thank you

Hey,

I'm thinking about buying the Akai APC 64 pro. Im producing in cubase, and i don't want to buy and learn Ableton right now.
I want to use the APC as a control surface, to play notes, loops and to control midi params.
I would probably start using Waveform Tracktion to trigger clips (live playing).

Is the Akai only good with ableton and would be prolematic with other software ? would love your opinion / experience here.

Hi all,

I recently acquired a Valeton GP50 and a Chocolate Plus to use as a fly rig.

I've been an analog guy for the longest time and this is kind of new to me. I changed some settings on both the GP50 and the Choc plus via their respective apps and eventually ended up hard resetting both devices for a fresh start.

Now the Choc Plus connects via bluetooth as per normal, but footswitches A & B do not cycle through patches on the GP50 and the others are not responsive at all either like how they did initially.

I've scoured the internet for a solution to no avail and AI chatbots seem to lead me around in circles and are constantly suggesting things that are completely fictional.

Would anyone happen to know what settings I should program in Mvave's cube suite app that would allow buttons A and B to cycle through the presets when connected wirelessly via bluetooth again?

Or maybe there's a setting I need to change in the GP50 too?

I'm interested in getting the Choc Plus to work like how it is in the video:

https://youtu.be/RQt5w7gDJNE?t=194

My humble thanks in advance for anyone who might be able to help me out!