meb's Reviews

Keyboard with tons of functions, but poor integrations

I think this Keyboard is overall good, but I don't like its Midi integration. For instance, the midi ports are only to connect to other midi devices, but I can't find how to make these ports act as midi interface, to connect to the computer. Also, the lights are on the same channels as the keys, so you can't just send information to the lights. Knobs aren't sent via midi, except some in a certain mode (so you can't overall use the Keystep with an Ableton control surface). I think the aftertouch is too steep, but there probably is a setting in the Arturia software. Talking about the software, it's a pain to active. You need license and accounts and all of that, while it could work without it. I just want to setup my midi keyboard, nothing more. And to ends with, I think the feeling of the keys aren't great, compared to other similar small midi keyboards such as the Korg microKONTROL.

So overall, if you want a keyboard to control all kind of electronic devices, it would probably fit your exigences, but if you just want to use it for midi, you should really check for alternatives.

You need it!

Adds tons of feature to your launchpad, even the cheapest one that you can find on second hand, it make it work like an Ableton Push lite. It's free & open source, you should go for it.

Super fun tool

It's a super fun tool, you can do tons of stuff with it. I haven't tried the Push 2 nor 3 yet, have to see if it's better, but I got it for quite cheap, and it's really worth-it, and it works well. Though, it can be replaced with a Launchpad with the extension Launchpad95

Indeed Beyerdynamic

Probably the best standard headset, a bit more expansive than an AKG headset, but it's worth-it. The sound quality is good, but the cable feels kinda stiff.

Even for gaming it's not that good

As a super cheap entry headset, well it would technically work, but the sound quality isn't that crazy, the foam is bad quality, the microphone breaks automatically. But it indeed emit sounds, the headset on itself is quite resistant, and the given cable is super long, and good quality as well.

Don't buy it, not for monitoring

Even though it provides Pro Tools with it, and calls itself "multimedia monitors", these speakers aren't made for monitoring, and listening certain genres of musics would be weird as well. There is a built-in filter that can't be disabled, that makes a noise-gate. At first, I tested with every inputs, to see if maybe it was a specific input that didn't worked, they all do the same thing. Then I generated a frequency, and yeah, whatever the frequency, at low volume, the volume is even lower. You can easily hear that with just a simple drum, or any instruments.

So yeah, it's just bad.

Super useful for Ableton

Using it with Ableton is awesome, even more with Launchpad95. It can replace an Ableton Push to some extends. It's quite big, and it's cool for keeping in memory buttons place. Though, the feeling of the buttons is quite stiff, it's not velocity sensible, and it freak out when I move it while plugged (maybe it's just mine (unplugging - replugging fix the issue)). Overall, it's a good equipment, RGB for having a good view of the scene and handy. I got mine for 40€, it's worth-it.

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Good for begineers

This audio interface can be a wise choice if you want to get into audio, or just need an interface. But I would recommend buying an Mbox 2 instead (that I haven't tested yet), second hand, that you will find for around $30 - $50, while the Mbox 1 can be found at $20. I didn't liked the fact that you need to use the 2 ports to have your input as stereo.

Good rhythm composer for solo playing

This old 1986 rhythm composer can still be used today, thanks to its MIDI IN/OUT ports (and also bunch of jacks). This gear is FOR YOU if you want to, for example play an instrument such as a guitar, and have an accompaniment (that replace a metronome). You can easily get it in hand, even though some menu are confusing. The buttons also have a weird feeling, kinda stiff. Even though nowadays, these TR-505 are all yellow, you will find a lot on second-hand. Unfortunately, I would have think that you can find some in second-hand for super cheap, but it's not the case. You will find them around 100€.

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Really nice device, but bad ports

The Korg Volca is really super fun to play with. The only problem is that it doesn't have any MIDI OUT whatsoever, and it would have been a great plus (even though you can do your own implementation, it's still super sketchy). Another big problems with the ports, is the lack of full-size Jack, and you have to use 3.5mm one, that is pretty constraining.

Cheap & Useful & Good Quality

I've bought this Korg MicroKontrol for 60€. It have a drum pad and a lot of sliders and encoders. A problem I got with using the MicroKontrol, is that it's a bit tricky to get in hand with its way to work, because the drivers are really made weirdly.

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