Native Instruments M32 or A25 - Hidden Differences?

[@wsippel]

I watched at least half a dozen videos trying to make a decision, and this is the only one to actually explain the differences properly and the only video that really helped. Good job man, very much appreciated!

[@AbuAreejQ21]

Which one did you pick?

[@wsippel]

@@AbuAreejQ21 M32. Just seems more flexible, and still worth keeping as a desk or portable keyboard even if I ever want to upgrade to something bigger down the line.

[@boothbuster]

Exactly - I'd forgotten about M32, looking for something to use anywhere I want vs Maschine or the S49 that I end up not using too often... the point about the extra thumb space around the knobs was very useful and makes up my mind completely! Same with height, makes it a lot easier to use on the couch etc.

[@davefellows]

@@wsippel 4 years later and this video has helped me reach the same conclusion, yay! :)

[@unsungSwissHero]

Fantastic comparison! Focused on all the essential parts without wasting time! Thanks so much. Going to order one now :D

[@unsungSwissHero]

@Poykeh Official I went with the M32, as my desk is relatively small and I managed to fit my mk2 and the normal keyboard on there as well (plus some space for the mouse). It's exactly what I was hoping for. Great value for money.

[@kyleingram4776]

@@unsungSwissHero Update?

[@unsungSwissHero]

@@kyleingram4776 it's still whole. What you want to know?

[@solyarisoftware]

Hi Thanks for your helpful reviews! After many months of M32 usage, I have to complain about the touch strips. In my opinion, they are very poor in quality. Firstly, I often unintentionally touch them with my left hand, especially the ModWheel, which frequently controls the dynamics of sample libraries. I don't know why, but the touch sometimes causes a reset of the strip, resulting in the overall volume (dynamic) being reset. I only realize this after minutes of wondering why the library is suddenly silent. So, in my opinion, the major flaw of this keyboard is the presence of these useless touch strips and also unnecessary keys. As an orchestral music composer, I would instead appreciate two real hardware sliders on the left of the keyboard as a replacement for the touch strips, along with fewer useless buttons and rotary knobs. That's just my opinion. The M32 with sliders would be a great keyboard. Another minor issue is the position of the USB connector: in that position, the keyboard takes up a lot of space on a small desktop. It's a pity. Nothing personal, but for me, Native Instruments fails in both hardware devices and sample libraries. Giorgio

[@TheBlueRage]

I just purchased tne A25 due to the full capabilites the system have that the M32 lacks. Thanks to everyonein the comment section.

[@klvAcosta]

This is the exact video that I needed, I was undecided between these two controllers and this helped out a lot! ThNks!!!

[@envisionelectrical3024]

Very helpful, decided to purchase the M32 intead of the A25 after watching this. Cheers Tom

[@davefellows]

same! :)

[@teashea1]

Good video - informative - well produced ------ I just purchased a M32 last week and I like it very much

[@rampage358]

exactly i was looking for, thanks

[@cold00n]

All clear! Thank you!

[@berkadak657]

Cool video Mr.Massive Hands , thanks for your help :)

[@EricCoplen]

Great video! Helped me decide. I like that little M32 for travel and on the go.

[@JeanPierreBarthelemy]

Excellent comparison, as others have said, this was right on the money.

[@Elienguitar]

Great comparison. I travel a lot and want something smaller than Maschine MK3 to write with whilst on the road. The m32 is perfect for that. Thanks dude!

[@Rochdrouin]

Thanks! Great video! Clear and precise. All my questions are answered. That's gonna be the M32 for my needs.

[@jnny7182]

Great comparison!

[@pierrebroccoli.9396]

Audition keyboard to compliment any non NI keyboard you might already own. Not to mention - small and easy to take traveling with you if you fancy writing on the road. Just discovered your vid whilst pulling my hair out wondering what to get for NI compatibility - I can tee this up with my old but trusty Technics P50 digital piano.

[@iamgalaxey]

M32 it sits right below my maschine+ needed something compact to fit on my computer desk. When I need to play a chord progression within maschine studio the keyboard is right there within reach! I know this is late lol but thought I’d comment

[@Rene-lm8kr]

Thanks for this Vid. I was unsure about getting the M32 because of the A25 but after seeing the vid I definitely will go for the M32 now!

[@MyAaronW]

Awesome video. Definitely one of the most insightful comparisons I’ve ever seen.

[@OreilleGauche]

Greeeaaat! Thanks, Helped me decide wich I buy.

[@IndecisiveJay-]

Thank you good sir 👏 was recommended the A25 but will be choosing the M32 instead

[@DeathDeserter]

Hah, I just saw the size of both and the only thing I'm looking for is a bigger key size, M25 is the one for me thanks for the comparison tho!!! Lots of LOVE!.

[@kimberlit25]

Very good job with pertinent information

[@danielwaeber3309]

Thanks a lot Tom, that was helpful!!

[@StephanieSante]

The A series is superior. The M32 is so light that using the bottoms the unit moves as it to light to stay put.

[@Drrruell]

This was a very helpful video. Thank you!

[@TechGently]

My A25 sits lonely by itself. Got frustrated with the NI software. Bought a Novation Mini Launchkey MIII instead, waiting for it to arrive, I think it'll be better. I have the Circuit Tracks which just floored me, so I'm hoping the Launchkey is the same way.

[@toronado455]

Thanks very much this was super helpful!

[@dietmarreiss9248]

Hi. Thanks so much for this tutorial. NI has not really shed light on the matter. Have thought about whether I should exchange my M32 because of the small buttons. But it is so easy to play that the advantages clearly outweigh.

[@czarsatt]

Great video! Thanks!

[@hekimaasilia6207]

The A25 definitely sounds more tactile. Thanks!

[@adl0815]

Super helpful! Thanks a lot!

[@cimpianmark]

Thanks Tom!

[@qix6424]

Dam a hundred pounds is pretty heavy, you move them around pretty easy.

[@RandomFishtaco23channel]

This comment is extremely underrated

[@JustifiedHope]

😂

[@ThisIsVersatile]

That was Good! 😂

[@khaledtermanini]

Hello sir Which 49 midi keyboard is the best in terms of : "keybeds" and "build quality" NI komplete kontrol a49 Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 Novation Launchkey 49 MK3 M-audio keystation 49 M3

[@DamonHodgesOfficialPagePlus]

PERFECT VIDEO, you answered all my questions about the two keyboards..I now know what will be best for me.

[@mlrd6622]

Which is? :)

[@VV-vk3tf]

I will go for the M32!

[@wayneburnett5098]

Are the keys touch sensitive on either KB? For Playing drums, regular keyboard stuff, etc.

[@johnmac8084]

Thanks, just ordered the M32 for Xmas! You really helped me decide.

[@christianmarcotorino8988]

can i ask you you've decided to get the m32 rather then the a25?

[@andreasrausch5552]

I've ordered both and will compare them over christmas. Have a lot of fun, John!👍

[@pupik1563]

Thank you

[@tamirmeirraz7522]

can i access all the Maschine software features on the A25? especially the Locks mode?

[@pifpoche2945]

Parfait merci beaucoup 😊

[@scottb721]

The M32 or FLkeys Mini for a beginnner using FL Keys ?

[@nine96six]

Thank you for Knobs.

[@evolution6247]

Which one is newer?

[@kiillabytez]

My only complaint with the M32 is the touch strips really need a raised marker to indicate point zero. This would help by feeling where the strip's position is. So many times I've used the pitch and always raise it before lowering it, also the mod wheel sometimes is in the up position without my knowledge.

[@stuartjimenez4177]

One question, I speak Spanish and the only manual entirely in Spanish is that of the A25, I would like to know if it is the same in essence or I hope to be translated into Spanish?

[@i.q_music]

🤙 I would like to replace my key step 37 with one of these probably thee 32, however, the Arturia strum mode has me stalling.

[@graffmixer]

NICE VIDEO....I'm going with the M32 just for its practicality and doesn't take space on my workstation

[@martinezq1]

What about semi weight keys and oled screen in a25?

[@geebee44]

I tried the A25 when it first came out. It was cool, but i wanted a smaller uniti. I recently tried the Novation Launchkey Mini MKIII, it wasn't bad either. I took it back. It felt to Ableton specialized. I got the M32 and so far I love it. The DAW integration (Studio One 4/Cubase/FL Studio) makes it great... I can use my Maschine MK3 for pads (midi mode) when needed.

[@CarolineJones1994]

Do you use maschine inside of studio one ??

[@geebee44]

@@CarolineJones1994 I do... the best process for it to me is sequencing (midi) Machine in Studio One. The set up is pain in the ass, easier when dealing with templates.

[@LAHegarty]

How big are your hands?

[@ScanProAudioTV]

LAHegarty somewhere between a football field and the nation of Wakanda

[@Odyseuss08]

I think the battle would be more M32 vs S25 MK1. (when u have no problem to buy 2nd hand. as with the S25 you get same size, also less keys BUT you get the lightguide + the displays!

[@pedropineda5691]

Hey bro I have a question, both have the same gifts 🎁🤔 (komplete and the vst's?)

[@OneStepToday]

It should come in white like the M audio, it makes the names or tags visible in dark. Also there should be standalone play system on all the series like the Akai mini, it is a must for practice, learning and playing. It is a shame that midi keyboard don't provide standalone play. Many find the clicky noise of the buttons annoying, S series doesn't have the clicky noise. You should write to NI to suggest these things. Don't know when they will launch the next models.

[@mostrengo]

If you want a keyboard to learn and play standalone, there's always digital pianos, they have columns, metronome and lessons modes and more keys even in the lower price ranges. Most digital pianos nowadays even come with midi capabilities if you want to play software instruments. These midi controllers are more directed at music production, with rotational encoders, drumpads, arpeggiators and so on.

[@grafen3teiner]

Thx for this video.....but I've a question: I've heard the 8 controller just work with kontakt vst not with other plugins until you press shift/midi. Is that true and how this effects the workflow? Answer would be great, Cheers from Hamburg

[@ScanProAudioTV]

You load the plugins and instruments into the Komplete Kontrol plugin as a host, which auto-maps the parameters, including the third party plugins.

[@guysofly4315]

Can I use this with my mpc live?

[@beautyler4339]

absolutely.

[@mlrd6622]

Yes.

[@Jose1maneZ]

thx!!

[@y8music]

thanks.

[@jensx3634]

I bought this year M32 because Kontrol Komplete Select is free .

[@RomanZorgiZorgan]

thx

[@siricortana9550]

Are M32 micro-keys slimmer or lower built quality than A25 full-sized keys?

[@ChessmasterHex]

The keys are smaller than full size and the travel on the key when you press a note is reduced but the overall quality is up there with the full size Komplete keyboards. You get a solid keyboard with Ableton Live 10 Lite, Monark and much more but that alone is worth the price!

[@siricortana9550]

@@ChessmasterHex Thanks for the detailed answer.

[@erix4erix]

thanks!

[@genuinemember5766]

bought A25 and feel regrete , a49 or a61 would be best choice rather than a25 (keys and knobs all are good but takes lot of space and this one is not portable type big to carry)

[@jasonmus]

They both control the exact same komplete kontrol software, except the A25 comes with more. I was looking at the M32until I saw that about $40 more (au) for the A25 got me Monark.

[@pedropineda5691]

@toastface so they come with different vsts? The a25 come with more free stuffs?

[@MBSGAMES_]

​@@pedropineda5691 pretty late answer her. But it is the other way around now. M32 gives you 14 Select. A25 only essentials

[@goldcoco]

HI:)... Can you play articulations like on Picked guitar or sessions horns from native instruments with the M32?

[@BillyBanter100]

Yes

[@antonioguerrerocastello8069]

Hi, I recently bought a Komplete Kontrol M32 keyboard, I installed the Nativa access software and all the products, and the keyboard turns on and the Native Instruments Controller Editor program or any program it brings, apparently works, but when you play the keyboard, it does not sound. Can anyone help me to play the keyboard? I have tried it with the software and without it and it does not sound, HELP please, the warranty ends ends in 3 weeks

[@omagro8267]

Contact support but also check the settings to see if the device is being recognized

[@jowhar4794]

What daw program are you using with the controller

[@모리스-b9y]

You know it's a midi keyboard right? You need to connect it to software and arm record for a track you laid an instrument on.

[@guysofly4315]

@@jowhar4794 are there certain Daw programmes that don't work with it?

[@jowhar4794]

GuySoFly 52 All the programs I use work with it. However there is different ways to make which ever daw the controller is being used in recognize the controller. I own most of the popular daws and I would have been able to walk him through how to do it. That’s why I asked.

[@imnothandsome4205]

Key velocity same? Or different

[@cisne_sonoro]

Nobody is answering this aaaarghh

[@imnothandsome4205]

@@cisne_sonoro yeah but you did😂

[@patricelongchamps9880]

You helped me to make a decision on which keyboard should I get. Many thanks

[@deejayblaz3526]

Those buttons on the A25 makes me not want to use the unit at all. The rest of the unit was built very well.

[@channeloram]

I wish they made a 37 key version of both

[@thekingsown10]

Do both keyboards function okay at the same time together with the same instance of KK??

[@giannagiavelli5098]

GIVE US A A30 .... A30 !!!!!!!!!!

[@pesto12601]

waiting for the M39 for $150... come on NI.... one extra octave, still small and lightweight..... win win for everyone!

[@sixxmilliondollarproductii965]

Whaaat.... thx...I'm looking into to it MK3,M32,s25..now m39...

[@evenios2831]

M32 def more compact!

[@saiharsha370]

If u r still unable to decide what to buy.....trust me and get M32..into ur arsenal..

[@OneStepToday]

All should go for A49 instead of A25

[@reazallykhan]

A25 for me

[@lowlowseesee]

damn you knew the pitch was the button had a different pitch due to the body size of each instrument lol...very clever

[@qix6424]

A25 for me.

[@DanielIvan707]

Get the S25

[@xmaverickhunterkx]

I recently saw them both together in real life and the difference is much bigger than can be seen in videos!

[@erichughes3987]

How are the keys on the m32 compared to the a25

[@xmaverickhunterkx]

Eric Hughes They are surprisingly similar feeling. The size is the biggest difference. If you need portability I would absolutely recommend the M32, otherwise the A25 is great (unless you need more keys).

[@mikelo303]

A25 is better option. M#@ is not midi programmable and has no controller editor capability whatsoever so it's very limited as midi controller in any DAW without Kontrol software.

[@martinezq1]

First you play remain me one of early song of Uriah Heep

[@mdk_millenial]

You sound a bit like Hans.

[@yunwang1243]

Massive hands... :)

[@TerenceKearns]

I bought the A25 for the juicy pitch/mod wheels, but DEAR LORD the design is a ridiculous waste of space. Anyway, not like i didn't know that going into it. It truly is unreasonably large. Even if you kept the same keybed, there is no need for so much wasted space on the rest of the thing. The buttons are stupidly clunky. Way too much pressing needed to activate a button and the stupid clicking makes it feel like a child's toy. I bought it to be able to easily browse the native instruments library but the software is also badly designed. You end up with this miniscule list to scroll (presets) whilst all the rest of the UI space is wasted. You cannot change what is shown in preferences and you cannot resize the window to see more presets. When switching between instruments and presets, the navigation is aweful with not visual feedback of what level you're drilled into. I often think im down in the presets, so i start scrolling with the jog wheel only to find it scrolls through the top level instrument. It's just dumb. They could at least fix this. We had to wait a decade for them to give us vst3. Probably need to wait another decade to get a decent UI. Anyway, they are better at sound libraries than they are at UX design. It took me ages to work out how to use the rotors with other plugins. It's rediculously hard in Ableton. You have to go through many hoops in studio one. You have to hold shift and click the plugin mode button to enter midi mode, then you are part way there depemding on the daw. The keyboards themselves are well constructed and feel like excellent value for the price. Just that the design is silly. You made an excellent video. Too right about the knobs being too close together. Also i thought the touch strips would be useless. Turns out I was wrong. I should have got the smaller one although i prefer the keybed of the A25.

[@MIDNIGHTCVLT]

The one and only...AUTOBOTS!!