Akai mpk 61

[Nazarko]

Hello Im planning to get an Akai Mpk 61 keyboard to use with Reaper 64 bit and wondered if anyone on the forums have experience with it. Also, if you have any comments or suggestions on other keyboards, like the Oxygen 61, for why it might be better in one area than the Akai it will be helpful. The keyboard would have to be 61 keys or more, and have assignable knobs and faders and other helpful features. It wont be a small investment so I want to have all the input of the forums.
Thanks!

[SmajjL]

Welcome to the club Nazarko.

My own choices is between.

- Novation Impulse 61 -

Cheapest in this bunch.
Only powered through usb (good/bad?)

- Akai MPK61 MPK 61 -

My runner up, the feel on the keys beeing too firm for my taste, pianoplayers might find it easy so, it all personal preference, no gliching or wierdo stuff though.
Too bad, damnit.. like it otherwise.

- M-Audio AXIOM AIR 61 -

My personal favourite atleast when it comes down to the feel of the keys.

I would also know what the more experienced users have to say, maby owners?
Also, i really really don't want any compability problems with Reaper.
That is, All knobs and dials should send some sort of native midi CC without problem i hope without installing their software, i hope..

So, i'm also taking a seat and hope we get good answers.

[peter5992]

I have the smaller brother of the MPK 61, the MPK 25, and that works well with Reaper. No need to install any software, creating a new preset for the most common midi commands (expression) is enough for me.

[SmajjL]

Originally Posted by peter5992

I have the smaller brother of the MPK 61, the MPK 25, and that works well with Reaper. No need to install any software, creating a new preset for the most common midi commands (expression) is enough for me.

Thanks you peter! for confirming so fast!
I will do fingerworkouts for that one should noone confirm the same for AXIOM.
I need a new one ASAP and i'm comming from CS1x which has superlight keys so, i can adapt if necessary. :P
So Reaper can "learn" and recognise every knob/dial/pad on that thing, including VSTs?

[SmajjL]

And Nazarko.

M-Audio Oxygen 61 3d Generation has no glitchy/noisy keys either and is maby a good cheap alternative.
Pretty light keys.
Sorry i can't offer more info, but keep an eye out for that one and what people say about it should you choose budget.

All i got, for now.

[Nazarko]

Originally Posted by peter5992

I have the smaller brother of the MPK 61, the MPK 25, and that works well with Reaper. No need to install any software, creating a new preset for the most common midi commands (expression) is enough for me.

Ok thanks!

Originally Posted by SmajjL

Welcome to the club Nazarko.

My own choices is between.

- Novation Impulse 61 -

Cheapest in this bunch.
Only powered through usb (good/bad?)

- Akai MPK61 MPK 61 -

My runner up, the feel on the keys beeing too firm for my taste, pianoplayers might find it easy so, it all personal preference, no gliching or wierdo stuff though.
Too bad, damnit.. like it otherwise.

- M-Audio AXIOM AIR 61 -

My personal favourite atleast when it comes down to the feel of the keys.

I would also know what the more experienced users have to say, maby owners?
Also, i really really don't want any compability problems with Reaper.
That is, All knobs and dials should send some sort of native midi CC without problem i hope without installing their software, i hope..

So, i'm also taking a seat and hope we get good answers.

Yes I've looked at those keyboards as well. I've been playing piano for 7 years so it throws me off sometimes when other places on the internet say the keys are terrible and some say theyre amazing.
I dont know about the USB powered thing do you find any problems in it?