Top 5 Midi Controllers From $200-$300! |Launchkey MK3, Nektar T6, Keylab 49, A61 & Oxygen Pro|

[@Johnmike]

Check out the Affiliate Links here to help support the channel: Nektar Panorama T6: amzn.to/3rkOK2D Komplete Kontrol A61: amzn.to/2O6qsLt M-Audio Oxygen Pro: amzn.to/2O4QRcB Novation Launchkey MK3: amzn.to/2O5nJ50 Arturia Keylab Essential 49: amzn.to/3c47Eo1

[@obertscloud]

John nice video, I have tried them all, was really disappointed with Arturia just a bunch of hype product marketing, the komplete was interesting, but the Nektar was what I kept for my studio, the aftertouch is super dynamic, and the daw setups already finished, and integrated made it easy to get started with I think if Nektar builds something even better off the T6 it will be a show stopper but to me, and what I need the T6 handles it well

[@jimbarrett5462]

@Johnmike thank you for the excellent quality and thoughtful content. This video has really helped with my research for a new keyboard. If I may ask, is the Nektar T4/T6 still your preferred choice of keybed in 2023 for the options under $300?

[@maxibutlerov5312]

Yees finally! This was the comparison i was needin like two month ago! Nice john! Excited for tomorrow's vid

[@VictorEzell]

John Mike I’ve been watching your videos for quite some time now and I must say you’re spot on about a lot of those controllers that you were actually reviewing. I’m a pastor who does production work and would regularly be doing original songs for different companies. Me not having a separate room in my house and having to put my studio in my bedroom I would look for something like the T6 or anything from Nektar . I sometimes get ideas in the middle of the night four song and I don’t wanna wake my wife when I’m getting my ideas down. I need total control of my DAW because of the work flow I’m used to. The DAW’s I use are logic pro X and Reasons studios , and from what I’m hearing the Nektar controllers will control Both these software DAW’s. I just want to work without having to put my hands on the computer so that I can keep my ideas flowing and being able to get them down as quick as they come to me. I thank you for your review and your honesty, and pray the Lord keep blessing this ministry he’s given to you because it’s helping people like myself.

[@ExecutorHideo]

shops always hide details about ergonomics and technical quality. your channel is probably the only one on the Internet where we can find out about how the devices really feel.

[@danielescobedo1086]

As a mexican I'm having troubles choosing a midi controller because the online market is very limited. I am looking for a controller with good control options while having also a good quality, semi-weighted keys (actually more focused on the keys). I think I am going to wait until the Covid situation passes so that I can go to the USA and be physically able to "feel" and play these options.

[@alex94gracia]

Ya lo compraste? ando en el mismo dilema jajajaja

[@danielescobedo1086]

@@alex94gracia Sí! Hace unos dos dos meses me compré el Keylab Essential de 88. Estoy muy satisfecho con mi compra. Lo encontré en mercado libre.

[@hectorsantos4662]

you provide excellent reviews, dead-on honest and precise, no BS, straight to the point.

[@willemnanning2832]

Been through quite a few reviews, including yours.I finally went for the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk3. Appreciate your honest opinion and emphasize exactly that! It's the touch and feel and the freedom of control that made me go for the Novation.

[@yourvideocourse]

Man, you're the real keyboards reviewer MVP! Thanks to you I've got it clear, I'll go with Novation) Great video!

[@5minuteguitar]

Great review man, everything I needed to know before buying!

[@joymondal3211]

Is Roland A49 good midi?🙏i like roland joystick...

[@mcdan2696]

John. I was quite confused between the Launchkey MK 3 vs. MPK 249 vs Oxygen Pro 49. I have Ableton Live 11 Suite so the winner was Novation Launchkey MK 3! You clarified my mind and navigated my decision making... I bought it last week! Thank you!

[@mrdiogosantos]

Did you have a problem with the Velocity of the black keys? I'm about to buy a Launchey Mk3 but I've seen several reports that (like many) controllers they have a different sensitivity between white keys and black.

[@Quarker]

@@mrdiogosantos Did you get the Launchkey Mk3?

[@mrdiogosantos]

@@Quarker Yes, I returned the Arturia because of the sensitivity issue. Launchkey is perfect, the sensitivity, the controls, completely light and practical.

[@samcaplan4646]

This stuff is so good that I am watching and I am not even looking into something smaller than an 88 key lol. Keep it up man.

[@eternalharvestfarm]

Thank you for this video. I was already leaning toward the Nektar T6, and this video really helped me decide from your comparison on the keybeds. I know I wanted sliders but other than that, the keybed is the biggest thing for me. Always hated the super light home organ feel/super club synth but not many people make hammer keys in a sub 88 form factor that I've found. If I end up ordering from amazon, i'll be sure to use your link. Thanks again for the video.

[@pulsingpython2652]

did you end up going for the T6? If so what are your thoughts? In the process of choosing a board in this price range at the moment :)

[@iiaaiiaannaaiiaaii]

Thanks for this video. Appreciate your candor and attention to detail. There so many options out there and this was very helpful. Aftertouch being the feature that interests me the most, the Nektar seems like the one.

[@mousehouse4617]

Hi! Great comparison between these boards. One thing I don't see covered in reviews is the length of the keys. Full size keys really only mean the width of each key. For intance the black keys on my Komplete A49 are a good 15mm shorter than my Roland FP10 making them difficult to play at times.

[@uselessoldman7964]

Now that the mk3 range is coming out there will be plenty off loading their old mk2 keyboards. Personally I am moving away from NI its just too inclusive meaning expensive whilst Kontakt is good I dislike the gui, its a mess.

[@SoleTecEx]

Thaking you for the info, ended up with the Nektar T4, a lovely unit with nice keys. Im a newby to MIDI.

[@chrisp4039]

Watched tons of videos on this topic and yours is the best and most straight up. Thanks!

[@firatakyl6901]

They're all good keyboards, but as a synth nerd, I'll pick Arturia bc I love Analog Lab, it alsa has a fake wood panel giving it a synthy feel lol

[@tuttrupmusic]

You presented the information I needed to make a decision. Thank you!

[@alirezaeslami2054]

Good Job man. In my opinion the Arturia is the best if you look at the whole points. 🤙

[@DuroSamples]

Power switch! YES! T6 would be my pick. Are these Studiologic Key-beds.? I have an 88 keys Studiologic for my main workstation but need a smaller midi controller to use when I'm not doing complex arrangements with Orchestral VSTs etc. Thanks for the video.

[@ramspencer5492]

Nice. I'm really glad I picked the nectar T4! Integrates well with Reaper. It has after-touch..... An expression pedal. And it won your deluxe-budget keybed contest. No issues with double triggering on the pads..... Really sweet board so far. I've only got it a couple days.

[@jasmeetsinghism]

Its been some months what are your thoughts

[@ramspencer5492]

@@jasmeetsinghism is a great board for the money.

[@philipjnz9923]

Hey just wondering if youve had any issues with the pads so far? I keep on seeing everywhere that the pads sometimes dont respond when you hit them ( I assume finger drumming etc)

[@ramspencer5492]

@@philipjnz9923 not really. They're pretty decent. Have to remove the occasional double trigger note. But I wouldn't expect better on anything near this price point.

[@philipjnz9923]

@@ramspencer5492 honestly thats true, cant ask too much for that prize. Do you recommend it though overall? Or do you regret buying it? Thanks for your answer btw!

[@josecneto]

Hi John, thanks for the review on these controllers. I sold my old Roland A-37 which I used to create some user memories to recall presets from my XV module on playing live. Can you tell me if some of these new controllers have a similar feature at least for some presets? Thanks for Brazil

[@Frank-in-NY]

Hey John...Excellent review on these boards. I'm looking for a 61 Key MIDI Controller with a decent keybed. I sort of settled on the Oxygen Pro 61, but seeing that Nektar T6 has given me pause. It'll be one of these. Thanks for the great info, you da man!

[@jaimemedina3351]

Really good review. New subscriber here. I appreciate all the topics and subtopics you cover with no real bias, while still comparing against our own preference. Well done. I ended up going with A49 Komplete for the library with the possibility of picking up the S49 down the road. Also picked up the Machine MK3 to infill those missing pads and put together a nice rig.

[@darrenmills3943]

just wanted to say that you did a great job with this video. Very informative! Thanks

[@nickmattern2849]

Thanks John Mike for another beneficial review/comments video. I don’t know/remember what your “go-to” DAW is, but which one of these controllers truly work well with Logic Pro? Some boast that they do, but when it comes down to it, they don’t. I know I can do some MIDI-learn, but I’m looking for as close to plug-n-play as I can get for Logic Pro.... thanks again. 😊👍

[@Johnmike]

The Nektar

[@nickmattern2849]

@@Johnmike Thanks. That was one of my original pics. I was also looking at the Arturia Keylab (not essentials), but wanted to spend the extra on other equipment. Thanks for taking the time out to respond. Keep up the great videos. 👍

[@williampeake9357]

Hi John, I really enjoy your channel! I've been looking for a 61 midi board to use with Reaper, with a very quiet action for traveling. I'm currently using a Casio CT S1000V which does have a quiet light action and doesn't weigh alot, but does not have a lot of control options. I've got a Nektar GX61, and it is super noisy and a little stiff which is a problem since I have some arthritis. I want to stay in the $300 range. I'm considering the Arturia Essentials 61. Any thoughts?

[@GuhbsBeats]

Your voice sounds exactly like 9th wonder! Good vids man!

[@Johnmike]

Ha ha! Thanks!

[@nocredits653]

I have been looking in to the m audio as its the only one with semi weighted keybed of the bunch. I'm suprised the weight doesnt contribute to responsivnes and feel which i consider a priority. Cant seem to find a comparison with novation impulse which sits in the same range, also with semi weighted keys and after touch. Can you comment on the difference of semi weighted keys vs synth action? I would assume fully weighted keys would be best but thats a different price range.

[@moi3504]

Great video just to know, which one has the most realistic feel ???

[@xero_cats]

You provide really informative reviews. I'm cheering you on from Japan. Thank you.

[@erkydi]

Hey Man thanks for such in depth reviews! Im in search for a midi controller keyboard as a master for DAW and my hardware synth modules, I really like the keybed and feels of the novation sl mk3 / mk2 series, but I reallyt want something smaller in terms of depth,, I dont need all that pad fader function. How come there isnt any controller like that? Do you have any recommendation, thanks!

[@KlassikMafiaProduction]

what about the new keylab 49 mk3 essential ? do you think is better than m-audio oxygen pro 49 ?

[@loretoz]

John ya covered everything I needed to be aware of, thanks, take care

[@NBproducedit]

Very good review, keybed for me is the most important! Thank you Mike 🙏🏽

[@sayapayam29]

I really like the features in launchkey but is it gonna work fine with other software too? Or is it just for abletone only?

[@challism]

so basically, they are all "really, really dope" but seriously thanks for the comparison video, it helped me decide to go for a T4 or T6

[@hiramvh1]

I would like to read your honest opinion about the KK a61's velocity curve. I'm thinking of buying it but I've seen so many negative comments about that specific thing.

[@xxxxneoxxxx]

This was really great. I think I am leaning towards the M-Audio. I need one to play Organ and synths and noise is not a problem. The Arturia might be nice too.

[@s27flanker]

Hi! Great channel & videos! I am looking for the icon ikeyboard 6x. Did you try it? It is clicky clacky like the keystation 61? How about the key quality/feel?

[@Johnmike]

I plan on getting one soon to check out

[@s27flanker]

@@Johnmike Before my birthday? You are my hero 😝 Keep doing this great job, it is hard to find good and true reviews like yours.

[@agentooe33AD]

Thanks man. Sporting an Arturia Keylab 61 MK1 and the keybed sucks. So I'm looking for a new one on the cheap and this helped me out!

[@harekrishnaaa_01]

Hi John Mike. I have both m audio oxygen pro 49 and t4 so according to me at first t4's keybed was best to play but when I adjusted m audios velocity curve it feels better than t4. How do you feel about it.Btw appreciate it.

[@Johnmike]

Yea they both are great…I think I’m still digging the T4 for the most part…especially with it’s deep integration with logic

[@elambier]

Thanks for the video review! In your opinion, what would be the best pads to buy for doing drums? It doesn’t have to include a keyboard with it.

[@Johnmike]

Maschine

[@supergrammar]

Have you got the M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro yet John? Any good?

[@Johnmike]

Yup review coming today

[@kitko33]

Let's get down to midi-gritty :) Great videos, they help me a lot choosing a midi controller.

[@arbous65]

What do you think about Nektar P6? Does the keyboard / pads are really much worse than T6? It has more pads and more knobs.

[@eightysevenpages8386]

Do you think the komplete control S61 is still worth it? And can the oxygen pro compete with it? I use Komplete but I would like to use the mouse as least as possible. Those are my top 2 choices

[@mrdiogosantos]

Hi John! Today, 2023, what better option between Oxygen Pro vs Launchey Mk3? I have a Keylab Essential and I hate its velocity curve, I definitely need something better, mainly on the black keys that always sound stronger than they should. I'm in doubt between M-Audio or Novation. Could you give me your opinion? Thanks in advance!

[@Johnmike]

Between those I’d go with the Novation…

[@mrdiogosantos]

@@Johnmike Thanks for the answer! Seeing this video I would buy Nektar, but here in Brazil it is much more expensive than the others. so I have to settle for Oxygen Pro or Launch key Mk3 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@filippecostaa]

@@mrdiogosantos Pegou qual Diogo ? Sou do Brasil também, e estou nesta dúvida entre Oxygen Pro 61 e o Novation também. Desde já obrigado.

[@yasamanole380]

Thank you very much man.You help me to find my own midi controller 🤩

[@TomGrimmy]

So undecided between Oxygen Pro & Keylab Essential.. what do people suggest? Keylab because of the AnalogLab but M-Audio for the keys and the features of chords and arps etc.. 🥴🥴

[@gzzirgiuuk9244]

same as you, can you tell me which one you bought, and your experience with it after 7months ??

[@TomGrimmy]

I decided to go for the Keylab MK2 but tbh apart from build quality and a few other stuff I wouldn’t see the difference. I went for Arturia just for the extra sounds, you get more for your money software wise.

[@WycliffStudios]

Thank you for the in-depth review @John Mike

[@zzzzzz-du9et]

Great review man ❤

[@xxendl3ssxx984]

I use FL Studio 21. What would be reccomended for someone like me? I like to do a mix of EDM, Classic Piano, and rock. I was kinda leaning to the M Oxygen Pro and the Arturia.

[@joshc8574]

Great comparison video - thankyou!

[@playmakersmusic]

Hey John! I came back to this video to help me in making a choice. Currently, the top contender for me would be the Oxygen Pro 61. In your other videos, you mentioned you use Big Sur and Catalina, was wondering if oxygen pro works well in Big Sur and did you encounter any issues like what most oxygen owners are facing?

[@Johnmike]

So far it’s been pretty solid…I’ve only really used it in logic tho

[@villimagg]

I'm torn between the Nektar T6 and the Oxygen Pro. I'm a drummer/hobby guitarist/keyboardist and I need something good for programming bass vst and orchestra and I use Reaper. What is my best bet?

[@brandonleemoss]

The nectar T6 or the P6 imo It allows you to control everything😮 and you're not limited imo

[@GDDjoxy]

hey mike. im looking into getting a 61 key midi controller, what im looking for is around 300$ (prices are different in my country), aftertouch (all 4 listed below have it), good keybed, control and fl studio 20 compatibility. dont care much about software and portability, smaller size is preferable. - the oxygen 61 pro is 310$ - nektar t6 is on sale at 410$ (regular price is 480$!) - novation impulse 61 is 320$ (apparently it has an amazing keybed and 4 zones but its kinda huge and not that pretty, its also from 2011 and uses automap 4, which according to novation should work with fl studio, but it seems iffy, specially for fl studio 20) -alesis vi61 is 295$ (not many reviews of it, so idk if the keybed is good or not) which should i go for?

[@Johnmike]

From that lineup I would pick the T6 personally

[@GDDjoxy]

@@Johnmike thanks! got any other boards to recommend?

[@ShrimanSatheesh]

The midi controller with very little control is called complete control😅

[@Trig231]

Which midi controller is good for the mpc live software? I DONT WANT THE AKAI MIDI. Want something with more keys.

[@lucacorona6681]

Thank you man, great review!

[@NirnBootMod]

I am thinking about getting the Oxygen Pro cause I am using Cubase.... but would there be any issue using the Launchkey in Cubase? Seems like its focus is for Ableton Live only.

[@Johnmike]

Naa it wouldn’t be an issue

[@josejayant94]

can you do a comparison between Arturia keylab essential and novation launchkey mk3?

[@panshdkdldk3219]

Yes, I also want this

[@panshdkdldk3219]

Plz John !

[@murshedhasanmaruf1514]

I'm also looking for this comparison

[@gregorymonacelli2257]

Is the notation easy plug and play if I don’t need all the fancy connection. Looking for something to control my Ketron sd90 arranger module that I will control with foot pedals live

[@kevinbrown6430]

Also the NECTOR. Has another footswitch input. The oxygen pro does not. In fact most of the new 61 controller s out now under 300 don’t have a separate footswitch for volume. I choose the NECTOR . Was gonna get the oxygen pro .this is for the Hammond Bx3 . So volume pedal input wins . Thanks for the review.

[@brandonleemoss]

I mean the level of control will certainly give you an advantage😮 you can literally program any third-party vst but the nectar t lineup is really good

[@ramspencer5492]

Komplete start is free to everyone, though.... And none of the lite DAW's are really going to cut it unless you're just starting out. The best lite DAW I've seen yet, without upgrading is digital performer lite which came with my Motu M4. It has 16 audio tracks+ 16 virtual instrument tracks as well a several GB of full instruments and loops..... Quite a few buses as well. Might totally be enough for some folks. Not bad at all for a lite DAW.... So far it's only available though with the M series.... But I'll probably just stick with Reaper.

[@musicah8496]

Which one of these would you recommend strictly for reaper alone would you think? For all purpose use.

[@subarushubaduck489]

thanks for making this video it's help me alot

[@uselessoldman7964]

No competition the Nektar T6 is far superior to the rest and even better than the NI S61mk2 (I own) which costs double its price !! I also own the Nektar Impact LX+88 and as their budget model its also really good but misses the AT on the keys which the Panarama range does offer. The Launchkey is a cheap replacement for the Impulse 61 (which I also own) and worth sourcing second hand cos there usually really cheap. AS for software, the NI does not come with a full version of Kontakt thats another £260. For a first time buyer DAW control is really useful and nice to have as are the pads and knobs for control of vst plugins, the faders are really useful when playing along to tracks, recording and mixing.

[@THEoneandonlystika]

How is LX88+.Is it good for piano?

[@uselessoldman7964]

@@THEoneandonlystika The Nektar keyboards and specifically the keys are very good, great value. Look carefully at the spec of the LX v P range for features, but for 88 keys the LX88 is at a giveaway price. Next up would have to be the Casio Privia another great keyboard double the price of the Nektar so you would expect it to be superior and I guess it is. I also have the NI S61 mk2 great keyboards but no faders for DAW control and then an old Impulse 61 which I totally love to bits. As they say the Nektar offers great value bang for your bucks, you cannot go wrong and you wont be disappointed at what you get for the price

[@brandonleemoss]

Yes you are correct even after 10 plus years I still use the P6 and I absolutely love it! But if I didn't have that I would definitely get the T6 To this day there's not a controller that can top it imo

[@andersonayala5706]

Great video, thanks

[@GospelMusic4Life]

My daughter knocked over my launchkey 49 ml II and broke the USB port a while back. Looking back I wished I had bought the 61 keys for gigging. I did like the keybed on that. I decided to get rid of my old Casio and got the Arturia Essential 61 just now. I was debating on all the ones you have here and also the key lab mk II but I wasn’t ready to drop the cash on that now. Maybe I will switch it out later. I know I wanted more controls but I also wanted sounds. The T6 looked appealing for the price and expression pedal but I wasn’t sure about the software, upgrade, and support like I see with the essential. Hopefully I made the right choice to use to gig with.

[@GospelMusic4Life]

Sadly I couldn’t get this to work on my windows 10 computer. Come to find out the usb was not pushed far enough into the keyboard. I was about to take it back. 😃it hade power and controls worked but would not read usb on computer. Hopefully someone else sees this. The cable needs to click into place.

[@GospelMusic4Life]

I’m taking the keylab essential 61 back. In a way it’s a great keyboard but the keybed doesn’t have enough travel for me. It’s hard to play trills and also velocity isn’t as expressive as I would like. I think I’m going to try that nektar t6 as it has similar feature of showing the instruments on the screen which I love like the keylab.

[@sehrtoericht3904]

This video helped me on my recherche on what midi to get first. Just one question what is aftertouch. Greetings from germany

[@Johnmike]

Modulation that comes from pressure applied to the keys…so you can basically do what the Mod-wheel does without touching the modwheel

[@sehrtoericht3904]

@@Johnmike ah! Thanks for your fast answer. Have a nice day!

[@HiddenTechnique]

Hey wtf Mike. Just few videos ago u said u would go for Oxygen over Launchkey. Which one is it? :D

[@Johnmike]

I still would...I didn’t really say any different in this video...if I was presented with the option to get the novation or the oxygen...I’d still get the oxygen...if presented with all these options I’d get the nektar

[@coldnote9260]

What´s the best keyboard for a beginner?

[@Wizthehitmaker]

Hey sir I have m-audio oxygen pro 49 and my problem is when the tempo is in external note repeat doesn’t work but on internal is does work

[@yasamanole380]

Which one is better in your opinion? A61 or Nektar impact gxp61

[@Johnmike]

I’d go with the A61 between those two

[@bishoy95]

I am Guitar beginner to intermediate and thinking of learning keys to facilitate learning music theory. I am thinking of getting the Arturia Keylab MKII. Should I go with the 49 or 61 ?

[@Johnmike]

I’d go with the 61...more keys the better

[@zofo264]

I tried a Nektar Impact and thought the action was a little stiff. It felt like I had to muscle the keys. What's after touch? Does that fix this problem?

[@WycliffStudios]

I really wanted to get the Arturia 49 but I learnt that it is too big to carry around with me. Gotta settle for the Novation 37 Key I guess.

[@cheriyielle]

Your videos are great! Thanks for being dope

[@olonoli]

Excellent reviews ! But it got me more doubts 😅 in a good way dont know if i should get launchkey, oxygen pro or nektar… honestly integration it makes no difference to me i have a komplete kontrol m32 n i end up using my mouse in kontrol so i just need a keyboard for my pc and external hardware

[@itsShay_E]

Love your reviews was going to get the code 61 but I think oxygen pro 61 might just be the right one for me

[@mariac5432]

In your which one of these have the best keys, the launchkey mk3 49/61 or the arturia keylab essentials 49/61?

[@Scotty-w2g]

What did you get eventually?

[@lordbachus]

You know what i would like to see John Mike? A guide on which high end workstation/performance keyboard works best for controlling VST’s live on stage... think about Kronos, Montage, Fantom, Nord stage 3, Kurzweil Forte.. which one of them offers most?

[@Johnmike]

That’s a lot of money to spend for such a test! 😅

[@paulosergioqueiroz9194]

@@Johnmike Kkkkkkkkk

[@_django]

So: keylab essential 61 or Oxygen pro 61?

[@wahed1679]

Which one has better and comfortable Drumpads? Oxygen pro or Launchkey??

[@Johnmike]

Oxygen is probably a bit better

[@teryllalston7487]

How are you sir , I have a1 and it has after touch too,only thing it will not come on any more

[@smashedlegends]

What about the Studiologic s73?

[@Johnmike]

It’s weighted…I only included semi weighted boards on this one…and it was 49-61 key

[@sanpol3]

Good vid, but did you get some things wrong on the Arturia? ... I don't own any of these yet, but I'm comparing. AFAIK, the Arturia *does* have dedicated control templates for the popular DAWS, not just general Mackie/HUI. It also has aftertouch, and (while not, I believe, an arpeggiator) a chord function, even assignable to the pads. people to whom these things are important might value a correction.

[@sanpol3]

OK ... on a close look, I see you're talking about the "essential", not the mk2. Please ignore my comment :-)

[@Johnmike]

Yup I was just about to comment that lol

[@atlam610]

Arturia Essentials vs M-Audio Oxygen Pro ? what is the best

[@Johnmike]

Depends on what you are looking for...that’s why I outlined all these things in this video...

[@korpze206]

The Nektar T series looks great and I want to get it because it has a reaper integration but after reading tons of reviews it sounds like it is very cheaply made and lots of people had problems with it stopping to work or sliders breaking. I even had a LX25 years ago that stopped working randomly a few months after getting it.. so, Nektar sounds like all its products are just physically cheap as hell

[@dordenbivings4872]

John thanks again for another great video! You have proven to be an invaluable resource for me. I wrote you the other day - I'm the OG who is looking to make my first MIDI board purchase. I currently use 3 analog boards for most live performances, but I am thinking of replacing one of them to utilize the benefits of MIDI. I am also putting together a solo act where I was thinking of using the MIDI board as my main rig along with something like Mainstage most likely. Further down the line I would like to learn how to use it in my home studio for production(LOGIC), but that is not as much a priority. It's about the live performance. Based on this video, I think I may have narrowed it down to the M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61 and the Nektar Panorama T-6. Please help me tip the scale! Thank you again.

[@Johnmike]

Thanks for watching and connecting….between those two the T6 would be my pick

[@dordenbivings4872]

@@Johnmike That's what I needed to hear! Thank you sir. I will definitely purchase through your affiliate to support your channel. Please keep up the good work! You are a Godsend to OG's like me.

[@dordenbivings4872]

@@Johnmike One last question please. I came across an Arturia KeyLab 61 MkII so I had to ask - between that board and the Nektar Panorama T-6 which would you choose? Does the MKII have enough of a better keybed/touch for me to treat myself for my 50th birthday? lol Thanks again John. Keep up the great work!

[@itsmealec]

What would you recommend between an Arturia MiniLab MK2 vs an M-AUDIO Keystation 49 Mk3?

[@Johnmike]

I love the mini lab but I’d probably get the keystation for the full sized keys

[@itsmealec]

@@Johnmike Thank you! Just ordered one

[@leonardodiserpierodavinci271]

Which one has the best control for fl studio ?

[@subarushubaduck489]

I think the nektar or the m audio

[@k-barz5766]

ts ya boi. bro you got content out the woozza. its ya boi says you genaric. you really not hough...just constructive crit. hope that do. your shits underrated...hope that dont come off ass rude. but I hear its ya boi from so many joes that arnt "ya boi" just my tthought 5 secs in........thanks for the info, man! really good shit

[@Johnmike]

Thanks so much lol…I might’ve been one of the first to use it…been saying it since 2010 on KZbin 😂 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@k-barz5766]

@@Johnmike content fire though... all day

[@ogmassive_1182]

are the keys on the panorama full size (width) and length? so is it shortened in any way?

[@Johnmike]

They feel like they are...

[@WilliamAugustoProdutor]

Thank you so much fot his John🙂

[@stevenrostron6671]

I’m interested to know your thoughts on the Roland A800 Pro. Aftertouch, Expression pedal input, Midi In/Out, as many assignable knobs, buttons, sliders, transport etc. as any of the others and most importantly a reputation for Roland quality. Is there a reason this controller never gets mentioned or is it just not as ‘trendy’ or bundled with sounds like many of the others?

[@Johnmike]

Haven’t had the chance to check it out…hope to soon!

[@chrisharrison809]

Dope. Where’s the akai mpk 261? I’m realllly interested in the note repeat feature.

[@m-chopbeats7526]

MPK is actually more of a premium line...higher quality materials. Here in Canada it's going for $699 same price as the premium Arturia Keylab mk2 61...that's my dream keyboard.

[@neon_one]

I never even noticed Nektar but my intuition is that they are trying to compete instead of milk their past success like certain other brands. Ok I bought their T6 61 key midi controller and I still think that's like 80% true but their keybed drives me crazy. I can tell at least some of the people deigning it cared about making it worth buying.

[@Dibdibber]

Dear John :) Which 61 has the best keybed for piano at any budget ?

[@Johnmike]

Komplete kontrol S61

[@Dibdibber]

Thanks a lot :) is there a more compact solution as a runner up or is that it? I only need the keys - for mobile piano playing :)