Top 3 49-Key MIDI Keyboards

[@sandscribbler]

The set design, lighting, audio, and video are better on this channel than on some Hollywood movies I've watched! I really enjoy your reviews, Sanjay.

[@SanjayC]

Wow!!! What a nice compliment! 🙏🏼 maybe I need to make movies instead of music 😊

[@chandankarmoker2241]

Hahaha

[@nonami_066xswqoqowiwl]

Sanjay C yah sure go ahead :) 😜

[@professahbruno1578]

@@SanjayC we’ll compose soundtrack... on that 88 🤩

[@JukkaTarvonen]

1) Novation SL MkIII 49 0:01:06 2) Arturia KeyLab MkII 49 0:07:18 3) Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MkII 0:11:56

[@prodbyyoungj]

You a hero ma G

[@SanjayC]

What‘s your favorite keyboard? Reply here!

[@miss.antidote]

I like to beat my servant till he makes the right sounds and tones :)

[@chrisbasmati3177]

Native Instruments M32

[@robertcarhartjr6234]

Just last month, I bought the Arturia Keylab Mk Ii (61-key version, in black). It works well with Ableton (although I'm a bit new to the DAW/softsynth world and am learning), but I love, in particular, its integration with Analog Lab and Pigments (full downloads for Arturia's AL4 & Piano v2 came with the instrument, and I bought Pigments on sale) is what really did it for me. Really please with this aspect. Next step for me is learning how to use the "User" controls so that this can be a true master keyboard in all respects, so it can control via MIDI two hardware synths (Korg Minilogue XD and a classic Korg Wavestation EX). Would like to see videos on this aspect as well.

[@geekindakitchen]

@@chrisbasmati3177 Don't mind the M32 to be frank.

[@electricant55]

Arturia, build quality is amazing

[@davidlundstrom6425]

In the jungle of choice in buying a new midi keyboard and then you sanjay appear. Blessed!

[@SanjayC]

🐅 🐘 🐆 🦁

[@chrisjmccord]

Sanjay, you are a true gem, I appreciate every one of your videos, well thought out, well done, well versed, you're what the world needs when it comes to looking for research and information on musical instruments of today's world and technologies, thank you for all that you do!

[@SanjayC]

Thank you so much for the kind words. It means a lot when someone recognizes the work that goes into making these videos. Have a great week, Chris!

[@chrisjmccord]

@@SanjayC looking forward to the next video! Whatever subject that might be.

[@liothomasart]

Komplete Kontrol S best value, with native instruments regular updates it's a beast. Control Logic, Cubase, Ableton. If you want more control and drumpads you can couple it with Nektar Impakt Panorama or LX keyboards. Great review Sanjay, as usual 🙏

[@SanjayC]

Thanks, Lionel! Is the Panorama good with Ableton?

[@m-chopbeats7526]

or just use presonus Atom with it

[@aces3261]

But u have to launch komplete kontrol software on every track

[@creadisc6213]

I appreciate that your abstracts are so compact and clear that I will never waste any time watching your videos unless I deliberately decide to do so... +2000 entertainment +1000 missing frustration over bad content =-------------------------------------------------------- +3000 respect

[@SanjayC]

The formula to success! Thanks so much, buddy!

[@Amatteus]

Your videos are very profesional. The way they are filmed, edited and the way you talk. it´s like a TV... Super profesional. Congratulations.

[@SanjayC]

Wow, thank you!

[@AndyVonal]

Hi Sanjay, I'm new to your channel, which surprises me because I'm an avid watcher of KZbin music-tech stuff and first heard of you the other day when I saw you on BoBeats' best gear of 2019 and thought I'd check out your stuff. I have really enjoyed what I have seen so far (only just scratching the surface!) but I wanted to say how much I have enjoyed what I have seen so far...and this video on controller keyboards has been really useful. Thanks loads...and you have a new subscriber to add to your list of many!

[@SanjayC]

Hi Andrew. Thanks for coming over to my channel to check it out and glad to hear you found some useful stuff. I'm around here every day, so feel free to ask question. Big thanks to Bo for referring you to me :-) Love that guy!

[@delphiaxrock2921]

Hey, Sanjay which keyboard would you recommend as in currently in 2021 as a beginner? And the best pad machines

[@Fopperr]

I ordered a Arturia Keylab 49 mk2 after watching this video. For me it is important that the controller is build like a tank and has a great keybed. Thanks for your advice🙏🏻

[@SanjayC]

Glad I could help

[@kurosenpai]

A keyboard that has lights that coresspond with the scale? WHAT? WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

[@SanjayC]

Yup! No excuse for not making music!

[@andyziko]

First time in my life i deliver like when some one asking. Keep going man.

[@SanjayC]

Thanks, man! I appreciate that

[@johnschneider49]

same lmao

[@caseylockwood5512]

I went with the Arturia. I am more than happy. This thing is a beast, and Reaper DAW integration is on point.

[@SanjayC]

Nice! Great value with Arturia for sure!

[@Only1Dharti]

I’m just watching the way you film and the music you create!!! Wooooowwwww SO GOOD!

[@SanjayC]

Aw thanks! :-D

[@LauraAmanda8888]

After months of thinking I will upgrade to the Arturia. I was happy enough to try it and it looks and feels amazing. Thank you Sanjay 💖

[@kvdy]

My Novation sl 61 is arriving tomorrow, Sanjay you review did helped me to choose. Thanks a ton.......

[@SanjayC]

Congrats! And you're welcome!

[@stuffnuns]

I have the Arturia KeyLab 49, using the Logic template that’s included. It’s a pleasure to use. I could go into details, but I’ll say the integration with Logic is smooth, and the inclusion of Analog Lab is worth the price of the keyboard.

[@SanjayC]

Thanks for sharing!

[@federicopalomba6808]

What was the price of it?☺️ Thanks for your review man!

[@ParisSanfasteryler]

Hey I really enjoyed your videos man, they are very informative and straightforward. Which is way better than some videos that talks a lot about random things before doing the actual video. Subbed! Top choice is S61 MK2 Reason being is their Komplete kontrol integration. I own a lot of plug-ins many of which are NKS as well as their Komplete 12 and the way to preview the sounds before loading it saves a lot of time. Even though nowadays KK can be used to other controllers To find sounds and control the parameters, you still have to look at the computer screen to see what you are doing. The ability to see all that in the keyboard changes everything. And the knobs are closely positioned to the keybed. So controlling it is a lot more convenient than reaching all the way up like 49SL Mk3. That being said the lack of faders really sucks. Some of the controls, parameters like envelops, mixer controls makes way more sense using a fader than a knob. And the DAW integration is weak compared to other daws. Compared to things like nektar and novation, NI keyboard's integration is not on the same level. Pretty disappointing when they said more integration and you ended up with something that is just a bit better than standard MCU.

[@SanjayC]

Good summary of the S series keyboards. I couldn't agree more. Have you tried out any of the other premium 49-key keyboards? Thanks for subbing! :-D

[@ParisSanfasteryler]

Well I haven't tried other premium keyboards extensively, just demo in the stores. The 49SL Mk3 looks really nice, fancy with all the colorful lights and the sequencer is a very nice feature. It also has a lot more controls over other keyboards. But I'd like a big screen instead of 5 small screens. While they are perfect for the knobs, all 8 faders parameters are only displayed by a single small screen. Which is pretty limiting. And I'd pay more money for a better screen solution than this. I am not Ableton user so I don't know if the faders are less used in ableton devices. Arturia Keylab Mk2, the visual feedback is not that great compared others. I feel like it is really good if you use Analog lab a lot. And the extra fader and knob feels more natural is an added bonus. Nektar Panorama P4 is probably the best if you are not Ableton user, (really nice integration with most DAWs and plug ins other than Ableton, pro tools) it has a nice center screen for all the information, and it also has integrations with the device in those daws like 49SL Mk3 does with Ableton. And It also feature a motorized fader for controlling the current track you are on. Though the keybad is their weak point. Many already pointed out the black and white keys have a different feeling that "can take a while to get used to" but I reckon a lot piano players will just hate it. I came up with an pretty expensive solution of getting a NI S series keyboard for most of the VSTs and plug-ins and get a nektar Panorama P1 for the enhanced DAW control.

[@bombjelly5795]

I go to your channel for making the right purchases on my music gear and thanks to you I got my new novation key49 and I knew exactly what I was getting.

[@SanjayC]

Fantastic! SO happy to hear that!

[@cesarqzda]

Returned my novation sl because of this video. Keylab all day. Sanjay you are the man with a plan thank you!

[@SanjayC]

Wow! Glad I could help

[@JackalGB]

I have the black version of the Arturia Keylab shown in the video. It's a quality made keyboard. The body is made of Aluminum not cheap plastic. It's built way better than my 25 year old Korg X3! I'm a big fan of old 70's/80's synths so Analog Lab (which I upgraded to the V-Collection) along with the keyboard build quality made the choice fairly simple. Got mine on a Sweetwater sale for $405 a year or two ago. I enjoyed the video, comparing the best MIDI keyboards. Now I know I made the right choice. Thanks, subbed. :)

[@SanjayC]

Thanks for the comment. Since you like the 70's and 80's synths, I think you've made a great choice too!

[@paulj9821]

You understand the money they spent on the AL-Lu-Min-EM had to offset the Keybed quality. That is why the Arturia has a cheaper feeling keybed than the Novation or NI board. The aluminum is nothing but an aesthetic and the arturia is still using plastic as well. If they had used a better keybed I might have gone with Arturia as I love the look of the Keylab MKII. Nothing touches the Novation for the Price, period. They designed a killer product that is so incredibly versatile. Also with the new firmware update it has become even more feature rich.

[@user-dx1vv9hx1o]

@@paulj9821 I am a big fan of Arturia's AnalogLab and the Keylab has all the vst controls premapped, but I'm also a big fan of a good keybed, so I'm having a hard time deciding. What would you do? Thanks

[@Erebogenic]

came for the review ... stayed for the great work done all around

[@SanjayC]

Thanks, Christopher! I appreciate that!

[@velanche]

I dig my Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 keyboard. The NKS sound previews make it really compelling, as are the multitude of features as well as Logic and Maschine integration. It would have been great to have faders and pads, but for what it is it’s a fair trade off for less clutter. It goes really well with my Maschine Jam and my Mikro MK3. With the latest Komplete Kontrol software update, setup for Ableton LIve is way, way better; as easy as just choosing the device in Preferences, so no more of that complicated setup with moving and copying around files just to get it set up (works with Ableton Live 9 and 10). Great video comparing all three keyboards. Keep it up, Sanjay!

[@SanjayC]

Thanks Velanche! Yeah if NI added some extra features it would be a killer keyboard.

[@ReasonStudios]

Ha! I'm evaluating this keyboard as a replacement for my main controller and appreciated the reassurance that Reason works well with it. :) /ryan

[@xmc3060]

Ryan, which keyboard specifically were you evaluating? Cheers!

[@ReasonStudios]

@@xmc3060 Ah right. I didn't specify, did I? The Novation.

[@DogerBeaner]

@@ReasonStudios I don't own the keyboard But from what I've heard about it It's mainly focused on Ableton Live

[@earlmonroe98]

Which integrates best with Logic Pro X?

[@walterwhite4699]

@@earlmonroe98 Native Instruments imo.

[@Princerex07]

The Keyboards I been waiting for comparison video & viola! Wonderful :)

[@SanjayC]

Yes! Glad I could help!

[@aiyka_music]

This was just the video I needed !! Thanks so much Sanjay !!!

[@SanjayC]

You’re welcome buddy! Which one do you like most?

[@aiyka_music]

@@SanjayC the novation sl 49 seems pretty good. As a beginner though I'd probably try out the younger brothers i.e arturia keylab essential 49 and novation 49 mk2.

[@SanjayC]

Especially if you use Ableton, Novations are aweseome

[@ssgtMarkGardner]

Thank you Sanjay for such a great review and comparing these keyboards. I am just starting to dig into music production as a show director and your videos are gold to me! Also admire your energy and honesty! 🙏

[@SanjayC]

Hi Marek. Thanks so much for that kind comment!

[@chrisbrando100]

Dude I'm so grateful to have found you. A million times thank you!

[@SanjayC]

Thanks so much. Happy you find my videos helpful!

[@jjdubs13]

I'm not a musician but I'm liking my M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49.

[@garrysmythe]

Love your videos, I am a 67 year old man, who can play guitar, keyboards, and drums, self taught and not very good at all, but I am trying to set up a small recording kit, I have a zoom H2n mic that came with cubase LE, and I just want to mess around and maybe record myself , like this video on keyboards , love good strings so wondering which of these keyboards would suit me, thanks for posting gfrom Garry in the UK

[@SanjayC]

You can play strings with any of these actually. Native Instruments has some excellent strings sounds with its Komplete 12 bundle.

[@rafaelfajardojr.6423]

your reviews have helped me so much and given me confidence in my purchases! thank you! also...your intro song for this video is sweeeeeet

[@SanjayC]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate that!

[@TeleCS]

Which did you decide?

[@TripleXMen]

You have absolutely the best 3 Keyboards in your video. I have the Native Instrument (my favorite) and the Arturia...really good Boards!

[@ezratambo5928]

My arturia mk2 61 key is on the way

[@SanjayC]

YES!!! Christmas is coming early this year!! What DAW are you going to use it with?

[@ezratambo5928]

@@SanjayC Ableton

[@SanjayC]

Nice...my choice

[@YourFreeBeats]

My Moog Grandmother (2nd edition) is on it's way (I have the original still).

[@phoenix063071]

I love this keyboard but man I had to return it because of those sliders. I opened it out the box and right away one of the slider knobs popped off. They sent me a replacement but the replacement were worse than the originals being that they didnt even go on at all. They went on loose and I couldnt beleive this was what was used to fix it. That killed it for me. I know its a very minor defect but it made me very nervous on the longevity considering this is a premium unit. I think im just going to get what my heart first wanted which is the novation sL mk3 61. The arturia needs to make all those knobs extremely solid and not plasticy and cheap feeling. I need to be inspired by my board and the cheap feels really dissapointed me. I know you said the sliders feel really good, but i may be a little more of a stickler when it comes to quality on these small parts that can kill a deal for me. Arturia if youre seeing this, when you build a metal controller try to stay away from the plastic parts. I would of kept it but it was a no go. Cheers !!

[@phoenix063071]

By the way the keyboard that was having the slider isues is the arturia keylab mk2 61. Forgot to mention.

[@axoplanet6081]

So true. My unit was sending random values after a few month. And I didn't used it much often. As I told this to the support, they said "they have a near zero return-rate of the keylabs" 😂 But forums are full of this problem and I think they ignore it. Same problem with Minilab MK2. Nice wood panels and metal bodies is what they think makes a great keyboard 🙈

[@axoplanet6081]

If you have the Novation MK3...how is it?

[@phoenix063071]

@Axoplanet I will admit that the metal build is what had me sold, but unfortunately the parts were very cheap. Maybe it was just my board but I was not taking a chance exchanging for same model. I went with the novation SL mk3 61 and I love it. Build quality is way better than the arturia. I have zero experience with keyboards so I can't comment on the software side as I'm still learning to use this thing with my MPC one. But the hardware of it is very impressive. Cheers !!

[@axoplanet6081]

For me it was also the metal body, plus the Analog Lab integration. I have the Arturia collection and to see the presets on the board was a nice workflow. But the knobs and sliders are damn cheap. Thanks for your info about the Novation. I will buy one too. How is the keybed feel against the Arturia?

[@arabian9428]

The video quality the sound the back ground music the video editing all is perfect . Thanks for helping all of us You Deserve more subscribers man

[@SanjayC]

Thank you Stab Music!

[@aqualungs77]

I was set on a Luanchkey 49 until this video. I like the 49SL lighted keys for the scales to help me memorize and/or stay on key.. I can read treble clef but it’ been decades since I’ve touched a piano. I love to sing and want to compose on my own. I have a lot to learn but all these videos I’ve watched and it’s integration with Ableton I’ll be learning pretty fast. Your videos have helped me sit.

[@SanjayC]

Thanks for the comment. happy that I could help you out! Are you thinking about getting the SL?

[@aqualungs77]

Sanjay C yes, and it’s on sale for $100. I think out of the three you looked at this, might be the best one for me. I want to get all the sounds and songs out of my head, and into composition, and I didn’t know how to do it until now. I had been pondering putting together a band, but at 42 that’s exhausting, and a lot of time and effort for people to keep jumping off and on the boat. My wife can sing too and we’ve been talking about making compositions together. she likes a lot electronica and progressive metal. I like funk, rhythm and blues, soul, etc. I’m pretty good with percussion, I can play a little bass, and I friends that play guitars if I ever want to do cameo’s. But I think a lot of the stuff I want to do, almost all of it can be done with this, and may be a vocoder. I may get the mini nova next. Any suggestions? I think the biggest thing I’m really attracted is the lighted key guides, and the best integration with ableton,since I’m very new at this.

[@aqualungs77]

Also have the Scarlett 212 in my cart. I have a desktop PC and sit/stand desk where I work from home and game. I just need some budget monitors and an extra set of headphones

[@parsaseyfi125]

Amazing! I'm very happy with my mpk mini (which I bought thanks to your vids) but the novation looks Soo clean

[@SanjayC]

Yeah it’s pretty cool. So many features. What daw are you using?

[@parsaseyfi125]

@@SanjayC I personally use Ableton, I would've got the minilab but the Akai is so light, and I didn't get the launchkey mini because of the missing pitch and mod change

[@SanjayC]

Its really nice to have Ableton integration like on the Novation. It helps workflow a lot.

[@ritapatel5727]

Thanks a lot Sanjay C for your excellent helpful video 👏👍👌❤️

[@SanjayC]

😊

[@JCox964]

Great channel. Keep up the great work. Ironically just a few weeks ago ,I just invested in the Arturia Keylab 49MKII & fell in love with it. The feel of it ,the keybed is awesome. !!!!! The software that comes with it,is phenomenal ..Thx much

[@SanjayC]

Totally agree. The Arturia software is really awesome!

[@margaretchristo6859]

I’ve been waiting for this Video! Thank you.

[@SanjayC]

Thanks!

[@MS-gn4gl]

Native Instruments insistence on not putting pads on these controllers just so people are forced to buy a standalone maschine unit is why I will never buy their products. There is no reason the s49 doesn't have a bank of 8 or 9 pads other than their greed.

[@Juanele23bcn]

cierto La semana pasada vendí mi MK2 y en dos días recibí el Novation SL forces you to work with komplete kontrol vst and you lose workflow and time, without KK vst it's worth nothing and the screens you never use them, 2 years with the

[@legalize.brokkoli]

NI is pretty much like Apple, they have a complete eco system to sell. You realize that if you take a closer look at their hardware offerings in terms of feastures, their bundles, how the sw upgrade paths are designed in terms of price and content. I consider the whole package as very attractive, as long you keep tied to this eco system you will be happy, given you you have deep pockets. It's not my choice, but don't underestimate the amount of money many hobbyists are willing to spend. I mean, just look at the prices for good pianos.

[@alginyes]

STFU

[@gerryk9]

true.... but for me i dont need/use the.. i found arturia tech support horrible...the worse I've ever encountered

[@RevElaineNjerveZack7]

Checking in late due to oversleeping due to a migraine. But I’m here now LOL!! 😊

[@SanjayC]

Always lovely to see you here!

[@RevElaineNjerveZack7]

Sanjay C thank you.

[@nathanksimpson]

I find myself stopping your videos to analyze your chord progressions because they're just so soothing. Where can I learn to make music like that?

[@SanjayC]

Thats a nice compliment! If you're looking for a cool chord progression tool, check out Cthulhu by Xfer Records. And you can download some presets for Cthulhu from ADSR Sounds website.

[@nathanksimpson]

@@SanjayC Wow, that's a reasonable price for a tool like that! Cthulhu plugin is so cool! Oh and that company also makes Serum the synth plugin. Interesting. Thanks for the recommend. I feel like I could just sit for hours memorizing chord progressions from this plugin. This plus Analog Lab = synthwave gold.

[@dodosilent]

I’m just beginning computer assisted music, I’m currently using my iPad and Garage Band, projecting to buy something like an Akai mpk or Arturia mini lab to get started, and this video is litteraly the one I was wondering about this morning for the day I will step up my game. Thank you for what you do, it motivates me so much to see channels like yours and people who help out beginners like me. I have a lot of work to become good, but I’ll continue to play the music that I love !

[@SanjayC]

Such a nice message. Thank you. I love when I can help someone learn or just inspire them. Its what I love most! Come back here anytime for advice.

[@GUTTAH954]

These are AMAZING 49 key workstations!! Maybe you can recommend a budget friendly 49 key controller with full sized keys? Was debating between M Audio keystation 49 and The Nectar 49 to replace my iRig keys IO 25... I’ve outgrown 25 keys and need more but love the feel of the iRig keys. It doesn’t feel like a toy lol

[@JuanmaTx]

Hey Sanjay, great video, really informative. I see that the novation has various ways of changing instruments while playing (Track arrows or even with the arm buttons where the solo and mute are),but, When it comes to arturia and the native instruments, is there a easy way to change instruments while playing, without the need to use your computer? For live performing this is really a must have for me. Thanks!

[@annasnesar]

The presentation of your videos is so good, I want to hit the like button straight away!

[@lukeguitar1]

Sanjay - your videos are so well -produced and professional, they seem like an oasis in a desert of poorly-produced demos. Thank you!! Although a little frustrated with the GUI and workflow, I am going to stick with Studio One Pro 5 for now. Is the Arturia my best choice? Any feedback would be helpful.

[@sluxbalboa]

What do you think of the Akai MPK249? Can it be a slightly cheaper alternative?

[@AlexPolkovnikov]

Want also to know it!

[@kadckadc]

I'm considering the Akai MPK249, was wondering how it stacked up against these! Thanks for the great video.

[@timothydougherty2322]

did you get it? i want that too

[@HaikiMike]

I have been using the Akai MPK249 for 8 years and opened up to fix it 3 times. For DAW control, I see it similar to the Arturia KeyLab as the above review. You can choose which DAW to control in the menu. I use Ableton Live with the basic control function it provides. The keybed is just fine. Drum pads feel hard compare to Novation. Buttons have plastic feel as the price is a lot cheaper anyway. The reasons why I open it up to fix are dead keys and pitch wheel glitching, which I see a lot of people are facing as well. But it still survives and working fine after 8 years, so not bad at all. Hope this help!

[@SergioVinogradov]

@@HaikiMike Arturia KeyLab MKII 49 vs Akai mpk 249? Who win?

[@gregsilver_official]

@@SergioVinogradov If you are using Apple Mac with Big Sur avoid MPK 2! After one year still no update on the drivers.

[@elliotbasmati1055]

The video I've been waiting for. Love your videos!

[@SanjayC]

Thanks 🙏🏽

[@richholoch8230]

I have the Arturia V Collection 8 and I use Cubase so the Arturia Key lab mkii was the clear choice. Analog Lab is superb.

[@kevincarrillo1187]

Hey Sanjay! Just wanted to say thank you for all of the time that you put in making these videos. They truly help a lot. I also have a quick question for you...I have Komplete 10 Ultimate and the entire Arturia V collection and I’m looking to upgrade my MIDI controller to either the NI S61 or the Keylab 61 and my DAW is Logic Pro X. If you could pick between the two which one would you choose for a main keyboard controller? Thanks a bunch and God Bless you!!

[@SanjayC]

Thanks so much, Kevin! I love the NI keyboards a lot, but if you want more DAW control, go with the Arturia.

[@anthonybradshaw]

Awesome Sanjay! Really like those displays on the novation so you know what you're controlling cuz on my keyboards I have to guess what each knob controls or which effect I have selected haha

[@SanjayC]

Yeah, that's true. Everything on the Novation is super useful.

[@anthonybradshaw]

@@SanjayC and those LEDs are great lol 😂

[@sebanrocks]

I use the first version of launchkey 49 and its doing increadibily well with almost all DAWs not to mention ableton live. The clip launch buttons are awsome and it makes ableton more like a real instrument. With additional features like control information and standalone midi operations makes the launchkey mk3 my favorite.

[@sebanrocks]

@Caleb Fredrick I havent used it with studio one yet. But it must work well with all DAWs equally as a generic controller just that you might need to assign the controllers with desired parameters manually.

[@tcr333]

Does it work well with Cubase?

[@supramo82]

I know, there may be very different opinions about it, but what keyboard would you as a pianist prefer from the four ones below? What is for you the best keybed? The keyboard should also have basic functions for controlling Cubase: M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61 Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 Novation Launchkey 61 MK3 Is there any definite winner here for you?

[@stephanhagstrom]

Novation all day...

[@sampathsnair507]

Arturia love ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@SanjayC]

Gotta try novation stuff!

[@sampathsnair507]

@@SanjayC yeah true 😹

[@futur_sunds]

🌅 Aesthetics: Novation 🎹 Keys: Arturia 🎛 Daw control: Arturia. Unless you use Ableton. 🥁 Drum Pads: Arturia 💪 Build quality: Arturia 💻 Included software: Arturia. These are just my opinions btw, not facts. This is based on my personal preferences :)

[@pam3413]

this was really helpful, ive been looking for this information. Ill keep browsing through your channel, thanks for the help!!!!

[@SanjayC]

You're welcome! 🙏

[@smithjanth120]

KOMPLETE KONTROL S49 is very attractive.

[@SanjayC]

Yeah, love it.

[@faithgracecross]

Is that your music I hear in the intro and outro...it's beautiful.

[@SanjayC]

Yes it is. Thank you. I make all the music on my channel! 😊

[@faithgracecross]

@@SanjayC Do you have a place where you sell your music? I would buy it.

[@SanjayC]

I have a lot of stuff on SoundCloud. I have one single on Spotify and Apple Music too

[@faithgracecross]

@@SanjayC Great I will check it out.

[@bluestripetiger]

Thank you so much. Your video really went a long way towards helping me make a decision. Keep up the good work!

[@SanjayC]

You’re very welcome

[@dayinthelife4014]

Ridiculous Quality in these videos of yours! 👏🙌

[@adityatarafdar6735]

Hey, really an informative comparison! How would you compare just the KEYBED quality and feel of Arturia KeyLab mk2 and Native instruments S series? please help!

[@adityatarafdar6735]

"For the 49 or 61 keys"

[@bian8274]

Same question!

[@scottschaelling9371]

Same question!

[@andrewreeds1524]

For the novation were you pressing the sustain pedal while showing the demo

[@Lav99]

Thank you soon much! I'm a beginner producer looking to upgrade and this guide help me decide on the sl mk3. Thank you man and keep up the good work.

[@SIQN-]

Thanks for this overview. I’ve been looking at the 49SL MkIII and knowing about the key “feel”/weight helps me to make up my mind. When they find this usability in Ableton AND have a nice weighted key, then I’ll bite.

[@LifeisLikeSid]

Hey there, I have been watching a lot of your videos lately and I need your help in choosing a Mid Range Midi . I am confused amongst these three. 1.) Novation Launchkey MkII 49 2.) M-Audio Oxygen 49 3.) Arturia Keylab 49 . not the pro versions of these but the mid range. Expecting a reply. Thanks

[@SanjayC]

I think you’ll be fine with any of those. You should consider the software that is included and integrated as well. I prefer Arturia for that.

[@michaklaarenbeek7966]

What watch are you wearing? Looks like an omega speedmaster

[@SanjayC]

You’re exactly right. It is! Good eye!

[@michaklaarenbeek7966]

@@SanjayC Is it the reduced version? Looks really nice!

[@-heyitsmebryan-]

Great video as always! The conclusion is a little weak though. It’s vague “depends on which features you utilizes the most” and to have a look at the other brands also. I quick rundown of strength and weaknesses would have been more informative as this info can get confusing after watching details on all the presented keyboards. Hope this helps and doesnt offend! You are awesome!

[@010203109]

Really great video. It's clear you put a lot of effort into this and it was very informative and interesting to watch even 2 years later. I'm really just starting out using Live, and I'm very rusty on both piano and clarinet, but from playing physical instruments I have to say I'm pretty nervous trying to pick a controller, because I don't want to find myself in tight spot down the line when my fingers are starting to come into their own okay again but the controller doesn't feel expressive enough for further growth. I also wonder if aftertouch can be a nice proximity to how on a wind instrument I can alter the character of a note after the attack, without having to take one hand and reach for a control, just altering pressure instead. It seems like a nice, intuitive enhancement for keyboards. But that's assuming it works perfectly with a nice range of finger pressures.

[@kevinnguyen4123]

hey guys :) i've got a question: does singing into a clip on condenser instument microphone work/sound ok?

[@SanjayC]

I use a condenser microphone to record to clips/tracks in Ableton live. Works really well. I use it with a Focusrite Scarlett interface or a UAD Apollo interface.

[@kevinnguyen4123]

@@SanjayC so there's no difference between an small instrument condenser microphone and a normal condenser microphone?

[@SanjayC]

Microphones will sound different from each other, but the technology is the same. You'll have to try it to see if it works for you.

[@kevinnguyen4123]

@@SanjayC all right, thanks man :D

[@tomkarlson86]

strange all the keyboard you put on top are all you get for free. Sounds like an ad to me

[@JimmiG84]

Still rocking a first-gen MPK 61 which has worked fine for 7-8 years now. However if buying a keyboard now I'd probably go with the Arturia. It seems to be the best, no-frills keyboard. I don't need all those extra screens and complicated menu systems, my computer is equipped with a mouse and 27" screen.

[@SanjayC]

Nice. What daw are you using?

[@park171]

Thanks for your knowledge and contributions to the gear reviews.

[@SanjayC]

You’re welcome

[@JoshuaTitus2000]

Arturia keylab essential 49, and M Audio Oxygen 49 are also great budget Midi Keyboards

[@SanjayC]

Yes, that's true!

[@TancheapMcFatass]

Still worth buying at the end of 2022 or should I wait for a MK4 to be released? Will they even release a MK4 anytime soon and do you think it would be worth it over just buying a used MK3? Anyone who can help I appreciate

[@jacobbrown1690]

i use a korg m3 workstation as my main keyboard, yamaha kx8 as my 88 key controller and a yamaha xf as back up...for backpack i use artutia keystep with vsts on a macbook.

[@SanjayC]

Nice setup. Are you looking at one of these now?

[@MRFThorne]

Hello Sanjay, can I first say I love your channel! Only discovered it today, to my chagrin, and have already watched a small number of your presentations; I am thinking of getting a 61-key MK II Arturia MIDI controller, and my decision will probably be based on already having the Arturia V Collection 7 to go with it (my primary interest, rather than Ableton-Live and the other features), but I know how rated the other pair of MIDI controllers are, and you have aligned their features superbly.

[@SanjayC]

Thanks so much. The Arturia is a great keyboard so you've made a good choice

[@peppypp]

Great stuff thanks. Answered so many questions I had running thru my mind

[@SanjayC]

Awesome! Hope you subscribed! :-D

[@cinderacefan2354]

Hello Sanjay. I like this video talking about the Top 3 Best 49-Key MIDI Keyboards. My dream is to be a VGM Remixer & Original Composer one day, But i need a bunch of equipment for that dream to come true. Heres a list of equipment i need: MIDI Keyboards: Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2, Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 and Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 Gear: Focusrite Scarlett Solo, Alesis SamplePad Pro, Korg KP3 and Yamaha Pacifica VST: East West Quantum Leap Symphonic Orchestra, EZDrummer and Stormdrum DAW: Waveform Free

[@SanjayC]

Nice list. I like the M-Audio Air 192

[@ms.marieanne]

After much research, I bought sl mk iii due to the sequencing capabilities. Right of the box, it was defective. It wouldn’t upgrade the firmware and there was an LED error on the screen so there were no lights at all. Contacted novation & returned the keyboard. I’m leaning now on getting keylab but still wanting a sequencer.. on to more research

[@ambidex]

Same boat. So hard to find a sequencer and Midi controller and to find all the relevant details about both sides of features.

[@SweetScaleTV]

Trust me when i say this.... If you're an Ableton user go with the MK2!! HANDS DOWN THE BEST! The MK2 is also user friendly with Logic and FL

[@DoctorJRx]

Friendly with all main daws except reason in my experience

[@stephanmayer6600]

Thank you for another great Video, Sanjay. I always enjoy the high quality of the videos and reviews. I am starting to work in Ableton after many years of not working with this DAW and still then I primarily used the Arrangement-Options and worked at lot with Audio. Now I want to dive in a little deeper but I am a bit hesitant to buy a fully equipped controller as I am not the most technical guy but sort of an old-fashioned songwriter. Should I get into Ableton first and buy a rather simple master keyboard (Alesis, M-Audio) or does a controller like the ones you tested help me to get into Abletons functions more quickly and work more intuitively? Thanks for your thoughts on this rather personal question.

[@rhythmneverdies]

I love the M-Audio Oxygen 49. the software included really got me to buy it.

[@williamwylde7082]

Just ordered an SL MK3 61!

[@SanjayC]

Nice! 👍

[@chriss1152]

You always have great information

[@SanjayC]

Thank you Chriss1152! You getting one of these?

[@athreeferretsproduction6125]

I always refer to your videos before I go ahead and buy. Thanks for all the information.

[@SanjayC]

Thanks! Are you liking one of these more than the others?

[@juap]

Arturia then... its a pity that it don’t came with lights in the keyboard for those who want to exactly know the key... but, I think its the best keyboard

[@Noisa]

Oof, I just bought a Novation Sl Mk2 but wish I could just go for the Mk3. Couldn’t pass up finding a 61 key Sl Mk2 for $200 in great condition though. Those fatar keys for $200 seems like a steal, but the features on this Mk3 seem so nice! Man oh man.

[@PendelSteven]

9:48 And yet, most of Arturia's plugins are NKS-compatible. In fact, on the V-Collection 8 page under the NKS they state: "NKS compatibility ___currently___ unavailable for Analog Lab V, Vocoder V, Emulator II V, Jun-6 V, Jup-8 V4 and Stage-73 V2". Seems to me they are trying to make all their software NKS-combatible. In fact, they might be even in talks since Analog Lab & Komplete Kontrol share much in common, ey? I for one hope they can work something out. But until then, you can use Native Instruments NKS with most Arturia VST's and if not, soon!

[@bang2dis263]

I own the arturia 61key version, while I really like it, the daw I use is reason10 and I didn’t know that the notation was a mapped controller for reason. 👍🏾👌🏾

[@SanjayC]

Novation is really nice for Reason

[@paulmoadibe9321]

I think it's about time those companies takes FL-Studio more seriously...... next models maybe ?

[@palakchaudhary562]

This was really helpful 😊 thank you so much !

[@SanjayC]

You're welcome! :-)

[@ecristalcristal9099]

Excellent comparison! Best on youtube!

[@SanjayC]

Thank you!

[@mijan6246]

Yes a true review not a promoted review which is nice

[@Antonio-qf3ez]

Congratulations for the videos, for the quality of the contents and for the passion that shines through your work. Thank you. just a simple question, among the 49/61 keys (excluding the native instruments which I'm not interested in), which is the best in terms of key feel? I ask this as a pianist. Thanks in advance

[@DopamineOverload]

Reaper users have the wonderful DrivenByMoss script for the SL MKIII. That keyboard controller is hands-down the best investment I’ve made in my studio. Templates/Sessions and the ability to assign the buttons and encoders to Reaper Actions... yeah. It’s a great board but needs firmware updates to fix annoying quirks. I prefer the keybed of the SL to the Keylab mk2. Powerful board, all around.

[@SanjayC]

Nice! Are you using it with hardware synths?

[@DopamineOverload]

@@SanjayC Sometimes, yeah! Microkorg XL+, Yamaha Reface CP and a Roland SH-01a

[@RadekPilich]

how are you using sessions?

[@DopamineOverload]

@@RadekPilich Sorry for the late reply... I don't often use the built-in sequencer and Sessions. I make Sessions for various Template configurations... loading a Template with say, Track 1 / Template 1 as Reaper control... Tracks 2-8 are my fave synth plugins. Sessions/Templates are awesome. Hope that helps!

[@locutz]

my favorite thus far is the M Audio oxygen 49 3rd gen ,it's the only one i own and need right now , i had to open it all the way up to clean it cause i was getting random numbers on the display screen but that's fixed with a good ole clean out ,the keys is faded i wanna spary paint them but i love this thing

[@SanjayC]

I used to have a cheap MAudio keyboard long ago. But I think it left a bad impression on me because it was their low range keyboard - mediocre quality.

[@jadonx]

I need to upgrade too from that one looking at the Arturia key lab 49 or 61.

[@ebeyslough]

Got the Arturia Keylab Essential 49. It's fantastic for the price.

[@SanjayC]

Cool! did you get the free V Collection 6 with it?

[@ebeyslough]

@@SanjayC What? VC6 is free? It just came with Ableton Lite, UVI Model D Piano and Analog Lab. Ok now I have to go look...oh and I use Logic Pro 10.5.