M-Audio KeyStudio 49i 49-key USB Audio Interface MIDI Controller Music Keyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)There are two kinds of uses for this controller. One is for someone who wants an inexpensive, portable piano to practise or teach with. The other is someone who is an amateur and wants to "fool around" making recordings or compositions.
Both are likely to be disappointed.
This works as a stand-alone digital piano. If you plug in a 9v power supply (not included) and a pair of headphones, you can use this without connecting it to a computer at all. In fact, there are TWO headphone jacks, so a teacher (for example) could listen to a student play without making any noise at all. While the keys are velocity-sensitive (hit the keys harder, and the sound is louder), they are not weighted. You can easily switch the keyboard two octaves up or down, and the quality of the Steinway sampling is quite good. What is disappointing, however, is that the volume from the headphone jacks is low - too low to use in a room that is not quiet. It is relatively easy to connect the outputs on the rear to a stereo for more volume, but that is added complexity and eliminates the dual-headphone feature. Unless you have a stereo with two headphone jacks, of course.
There are 2 RCA inputs, so it's fairly easy to connect a CD or mp3 player. This allows you play along with recordings, as the sound is mixed with whatever you are playing on the keyboard. Since the piano itself isn't very loud, the volume of the music you play along with must be kept accordingly low, unless you use some kind of external amplification.
What you really getting here is not just a piano, but an "audio interface". There are very generous audio input and output options: stereo RCA inputs AND outputs, 1/4" mono input, stereo 1/4" outputs, and a mono XLR input. If you don't know what "RCA" means, it is the jack that you find on the back of your stereo - not a 1/8" jack like you would find on an iPod. What this all means is that you can use your home stereo to provide the amplification by connecting standard cables (not included) to the input and output of your home system. This interface is flexible to allow you to play piano along with a recording, while others simultaneously play a guitar/bass AND sing through an attached microphone. And none of this would involve using a computer. The 1/4" stereo outputs are kind of useless, but you could use them to connect the keyboard to an instrument amp or to M-audio's powered monitor speakers.
This is where the potential for an amateur studio comes in. Don't get excited yet, though. The sample rate of the interface's output is only 16-bit, which is adequate for an amateur but not a professional. And, in order to do digital recording, you will have to connect the Keystudio 49i to your computer. The included recording software is Ableton Live Lite, which is not easy to use. You will probably have to spend a few hours with it before you can do even basic recording. Unless you just want to use the included Steinway grand piano, you will also have to install the included General MIDI (GM) software. GM, if you don't know, consists of 127 "voices" (various instruments) of the sort that you usually find on cheap Casio keyboards. If you want to do something more complex, like synthesizer, Wurlitzer, Hammond organ, etc. then you will have buy additional software. And you will have to configure that software to work with Live Lite, which is an ordeal in itself. The GM module is, I must say, high quality. It has somewhat steep system requirements, though.
Remember, this is an audio interface. All of the sound will go through your keyboard, even if you are connected to a computer. This also means that the system requirements are considerable, including the bus. Add to that the nightmare that M-audio PC drivers have become. If you have a Mac, then you will probably experience no trouble using this interface and keyboard with GarageBand, for example. If you are using Windows, however, expect difficulties. M-audio support has become essentially worthless over the past few years, and you will be expected to spend hours reading through the "Knowledge Base" before anyone will even talk to you - and the phone support is only available during weekday business hours. M-audio will not help you with the Live Lite software, either.
You can have a lot of fun with this, but trying to do anything moderately serious will probably lead to frustration and disappointment.

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The KeyStudio 49i takes the expectations of a compact and affordable MIDI controller and raise it a few notches by incorporating a built-in audio interface and on-board piano sounds. It delivers everything you need to start making and recording music today. Play a total of 128 sounds and listen to them from the keyboard's audio outputs. The built-in interface even lets you record vocals and instruments as well as listen to your sessions and mixes. Instantly transform your computer into a versatile music studio with KeyStudio 49i. The top panel sports controls that are commonly found on many affordable controllers: Octave +/- buttons assignable to alter Octave, Transpose, Program, Bank LSB, Bank MSB, MIDI Channel, Master Tune, and Pitch and Mod Wheels. Plus, the MIDI is class-compliant, meaning no drivers are needed to access the MIDI functionality. the KeyStudio 49i acts as a 2-in/2-out USB audio interface that also happens to be compatible with Pro Tools M-Powered. Plug into a computer via USB and you're up and running tracking 16-bit/44.1kHz audio straight into the computer through the KeyStudio 49i. Utilize either XLR, 1/4", or RCA jacks as a means to add analog sound sources to your projects and monitor through either a pair of 1/4" stereo line output jacks or headphone jacks. The included Ableton Live Lite software seals the deal by providing an incredibly easy- to-use music production solution. 16-bit, 44.1kHz (CD-quality)XLR microphone, 1/4 instrument and RCA input 1/4 jacks for stereo line output2 front-mounted headphone jacksHardware direct monitoringPro Tools M-Powered compatibleAssignable modulation wheel and piano volume controlPitch bend wheelOctave +/- buttons assignable to alter Octave, Transpose, Program, Bank LSB, Bank MSB, MIDI Channel or Master TuneEdit Mode button for advanced MIDI FunctionalityMIDI Out from USB mode allows the keyboard to be used as a MIDI

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Akai Pro MPK88 Hammer Action USB Midi Controller Review

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(More customer reviews)A lot of reviewer here on Amazon, and also on Guitar Center and YouTube seem to think the action is heavy and loud. I have now owned and used 5 full size (88-key) pianos to use with sequencing on my PC and this is the best one yet. I got the MPK88 because of all the controls it offered. I use it with Reason 4.0 and it works perfectly!
I'll quickly compare it to my past pianos:
1) Technics (now Phillips) electric piano - felt great, sounded great, but not many built in sounds and no MIDI controls except for the keys themselves, and MIDI playback was always at 100% velocity (so it was super loud when playing MIDI into the Piano. I got rid of this to get my...
2) KORG Triton Extreme - AWESOME keyboard/workstation. My hope was to do all my sequencing and sampling on this keyboard without a PC, but after discovering Reason 4, I just used it as a MIDI controller. It was only a step up from the Technics piano in that it had the pitch bend and mod wheels. The "transport controls" (stop, play, record, etc) didn't map to MIDI out data, so I couldn't sync those buttons to Reason. The knobs would map out okay, but there were only 4! The Triton was a $2500 board new, and it felt as good as the Technics to me. Since I wasn't using all the bells and whistles of the KORG, I sold it and downgraded to an...
3) M-Audio Pro Keys 88 - Advertised as a "stage piano" that thing is solid, but not really all that great for the built in sounds. As a MIDI controller it offered about as much as the KORG except the knobs and sliders were not mapable. The keys themselves were hard to play in that it took a lot of pressure to get them moving, then they collapsed down the rest of the key stroke. The velocity readings were always high because of this (one had to play hard to get to play evenly). I could change it to a different velocity curve, but then everything would simply be scaled down and the notes I wanted to be high velocity wouldn't be. In other words, the keyboard lacked dynamic contrast. This problem moved me to my spare "gig board"...the
4) Casio CDP100 - It has built in speakers and standard MIDI out (like the Technics), but with shorter keystroke (and less pressure needed) than the KORG and M-Audio boards. This allowed me to have expressive playing (smooth playing) without having to play hard. The problem here is that the velocity readings were all so low! Even when I did play hard, they rarely went above 75%. Finally, i was fed up. I wanted a ton of MIDI controls with accurate playing and no concern for built in sounds. This led me to the
5) Akai MPK88 - Now that I've gone through all the other boards, I can say it feels somewhere between the KORG and the M-Audio. It's heavier than what I remember the KORG being and it does a bit of that key-collapsing feel of the M-Audio, but it reads the full range of velocity as I expect them to be read! I can play soft and loud passages, and they all show up as intended. That's the most important part to me. The board could be improved by taking out some of the initial force needed to press a key, but still, it deserves a much higher rating than it's been getting for a MIDI controller.

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The Akai Professional MPK88 is a professional performance keyboard controller with MPC production controls. The MPK88 draws on the design of the popular MPK49, the first keyboard ever to features MPC pads. This first-of-its-kind keyboard is ideal for performance, starting with a premium, fully weighted, hammer-action keyboard, adding MPC pads, Q-Link controls, and a selection of MPC technologies. The MPK88 is born for the stage and is equally at home in the studio.CREATIVE INPUTMPK88 features an 88-key keyboard and 16 genuine MPC pads. The hammer-action keyboard is fully weighted and features aftertouch for expressive melodic control. The MPC pads are pressure and velocity-sensitive to capture every nuance of your creative concepts. The pads can access four banks of sounds, so you have 64 samples at your fingertips with the touch of a button.The MPK88 places dedicated transport controls within your reach for easy control of some of the most important tracking and editing controls. The MPK88 has modulation and pitch-bend wheels for expressive musicality, and two assignable footswitch inputs enable you to connect an expression pedal or other continuous controller and a footswitch for momentary controls like patch change or start/stop.
MPK88 Key Features
88-keyfully weighted, hammer-action keyboard with aftertouch for expressivemelodic creativity 16genuine MPC pads with pressure and velocity sensitivity MPCpads access four banks each for instant access to 64 samples Controlup to 72 software parameters with 24 assignable Q-Link knobs, buttons, andfaders KeySplit enables two different sounds from the same keyboard MPCNote Repeat, MPC Swing, and arpeggiator aid in creative process Transportcontrols for use with sequencers and DAWs MPCFull Level, MPC 16-Level, Tap Tempo, and Time Division assist with tempoand dynamics MIDI output over USB, bus powered, class compliant: plug and play with one USBcable Comeswith Ableton Live Lite Akai Edition software Workswith virtually all MIDI recording,sequencing, and performance software

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Novation Remote 25 SL 2-Octave Soft Label USB MIDI Keyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)I just purchased the Novation 25 SL used for $130 on Ebay.
I must say it is a great value for the money.
When you use this little keyboard with Novation's Automap software, you can control most DAWs (such as Ableton and even Protools) in a primitive way, not like a full-blown surface controller, but you can use this keyboard to do things such as stopping and starting the transport, etc.
Another great feature is the touchpad, which is great when controlling VST's filter resonances and frequencies at once. You can also control most VSTs synths with Automap, using the various knobs, faders and buttons on the Remote 25 SL.
You can even use this keyboard as a stand-alone MIDI controller, without a computer, and without Automap.
The only drawbacks i can find with this unit are:
1-The LCDs are hard to read when the keyboard is sitting flat. I wish they would have angled the LCDs towards the user.
2-I was laughing when i read about the "Superb 25-key, semi-weighted, high-quality keyboard with velocity- and aftertouch-sensitivity"
I think this has to be some kind of marketing joke, because the keyboard on my Remote 25 SL certainly does NOT feel "superb" "Semi-weighted" or "high quality". It feels light, plasticky and very cheap, like something you can expect to play on a $20 casio synth. As a matter of fact, i opened the unit and the keyboard is not really semi-weighted but uses spring resistance.
But, hey, i didn't expect much for $130.
Anyway, i recommend this nice little keyboard, which is very useful in the studio, but when getting a used one, do not pay more than $150.
btw, this keyboard's successor, the Novation 25 SL mk. II is literally identical: same layout, same plastic shell, same cheap spring loaded keyboard, same buttons, knobs and faders, except the buttons and knobs light up, that is it.
The only difference between both units is are the main cpu board and the board that contains the knobs and buttons. The rest is identical.
The Novation 25 SL mk. II's lit knobs and faders will probably come in handy if you are playing live in a dark club, but i really don't see how this plastic keyboard can stand live playing and touring abuse without getting destroyed.
Not worth $300 in my opinion, specially when you can get a used, real weighted controller for a lot less.

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Finally, producing in the dark is a thing of the past.The SL shines a light on the murky world of MIDI control by providing two huge, brightly lit LCD screens that display up to 16 control names and values simultaneously.Alongside this is the intelligent Automap Universal technology, which detects the sequencer and plug-ins in use and intelligently maps parameters to the SL's pots, switches, and sliders.With these award-winning features and a massive array of assignable controls, the SL takes the headache out of MIDI controlling, making music creation as spontaneous and exciting as it should be.Plug and Play USB connection with no drivers required for Windows XP or Mac OS X.A host of exciting software solutions, including Ableton Live Lite 6 and over 1.5 gigs of loops and samples.

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Akai MPK 49 Controller Keyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)First of all, the pads DO suck. MPC's are known for their pads so you'd think Akai would at least be able to put the same type of pad/contact design on their MPK line. Instead they put a bunch of pads with no play that feel like buttons and make the keyboard housing vibrate when you pound them. On top of that they placed the contacts so far away it's damn near impossible to get 127 velocity on the pads without going Full Level. Even my LPD8 feels better than this thing. And even though they look like the MPC1000 pads, the 1000 pads are twice as thick as the ones here. I would have loved for them to have put the 1000 pads on this. At least then I'd be able to play back a chopped loop without feeling like I'm dialing a phone number.
The best part of the controller is the control surface. The transport keys, knobs, and sliders feel great. The LCD screen looks great.
Something unique about the controller is that it has built in MIDI settings that mimic classic MPC functions (16 level, MPC swing, note repeat). Too bad the pads keep you from fully enjoying these features.
The keys are decent but slightly noisy because they vibrate on release. The controller is also one of the few 49 key controllers out there with aftertouch. I prefer the lever-like feel of the Axiom when it comes to using aftertouch but the keys here are not a dealbreaker.
There's also a simple arpeggiator you can use. It's fairly simple in that there are only 5 settings you can use to separate notes in a chord. If you've used a more sophisticated arp (like the one on a Yamaha KX8), you'll be disappointed though.
The MPK is a good controller but Akai could have done way better than this. If you're using this for the keys and control surface it's a decent investment. But if you're thinking of buying this for the pads so you can drum and play back chopped loops, get an MPD instead.

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More than just a USB/MIDI controller, the Akai MPK49 USB/MIDI Controller Keyboard helps you maximize your musical ideas on-stage or in the studio. It combines a high-quality, 49-key, semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch and 12 genuine MPC drum pads. It also offers 48 total accessible pads via 4 pad banks, and you can control up to 72 different parameters via 24 assignable Q-Link knobs, faders, and buttons as well as optional footswitches.

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Akai Pro MPK61 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Review

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(More customer reviews)I've seen only two reviews on the MPK61 having looked all over the net. Both complained of the feel of the keyboard. I'll get to that shortly.
I bought mine based on reviews of the MPK49. I also bought an On-Stage stand for it and a Behringer expression pedal. It was a quick setup - but I found almost immediately that two adjacent notes were not playing - unless I really hit them hard. So it got RMAed - no problem - the next unit was fine.
Pros:
The controls and pads were much bigger than I thought they would be - I just hadn't picked up on the size from the photo. So they are large and very smooth.
The pitch bend and mod wheels are well built (and lit up!). It doesn't look like the pitch bend would ever bias like some controllers.
The unit can run on USB power only. For all the lights on this thing you wonder how 500 milliamps manages it all. If a USB connection is not established the MPK will send controls out the MIDI connector - yet still run from USB power (say your computer is in standby but still provides USB power - actually I'm passing through a USB hub). This is useful if you just have a sound module connected to it.
If USB is established, the MIDI in connectors will pass another controller or keyboard to the computer. This keyboard actually establishes three USB MIDI connections with your computer.
Aftertouch works well.
Generally you have a lot of control over sensitivity of the keys and pads. So you can adjust things the way you like. Except....
Cons:
The guy was right about the feel of the keyboard. To be more specific - it is supposed to be a semi-weighted keyboard but the spring in the keys requires every bit of force (or more) than a fully weighted keyboard. The spring fights your fingers down and up as well. But worse, the keys are about an inch shorter than they should be - so hitting a black key requires a lot of force if you're towards the back of the key. Be prepared to learn how to play just for this keyboard. Akai should really rethink this - much less spring and longer keys.
Those two reviews also complained about the pads not working well. But I find that they work just fine as long as the sensitivity and sensitivity curve are adjusted properly - I use 14 w/curve A.
Considering I had to return the first keyboard - Akai has some quality issues.
Finally, one annoying firmware bug - a bank value of 127 for the MSB in a program change is excluded only if you try to assign it to a key. Why? For me it is a pain since all my drum kits use MSB=127.

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The MPK61 is a keyboard performance MIDI controller that expands the popular MPK line. Each MPK controller combines a piano-style keybed with a bank of genuine Akai Professional MPC pads, assignable Q-Link controllers and key technologies from the iconic MPC family of music production workstations. Producers, performers and DJs will appreciate the MPK61's mix of 61 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, 16 MPC pads with velocity and pressure sensitivity, 72 assignable Q-Link controllers, MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing and an arpeggiator. The MPK61's size is ideal for performers who need a larger keyboard than the original 49-key MPK49 offers, but also prefer the lighter weight and associated portability of a semi-weighted keyboard. The MPK61 retains the key split features from the MPK88, enabling you to divide the keyboard into two zones for performing with two different programs at once.Like its 25, 49 and fully weighted 88-key siblings – the MPK25, MPK49 and MPK88, respectively – the MPK61 empowers you to create and manipulate melodic, harmonic and rhythmic content and inspires creative production with its arpeggiator, MPC Swing and MPC Note Repeat technologies. The MPK61 comes with Ableton Live Lite Akai Edition software, one of the most popular and powerful performance and production programs worldwide. Ableton Live Lite enables musicians to spontaneously compose, record, remix, improvise and edit musical ideas in a seamless audio/MIDI environment. The MPK61 is a MIDI controller that sends MIDI data over USB for plug-and-play performance with Mac and PC. Because they are MIDI compliant, the MPK series works with virtually all MIDI recording, sequencing, and performance software for musical performers from keyboard players to producers to DJs and VJs.

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Novation Nocturn 25 USB MIDI Interface Keyboard Controller, 25-Keys, NOCTURN 25 Review

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(More customer reviews)The general concept of the Novation Nocturn series is that you have a responsive MIDI controller that is less expensive because a lot of the display parts and intelligence are handled through Novation's AutoMap software. AutoMap can be great, but it can also be very frustrating if the mappings for different devices aren't up to date, and Novation has a poor reputation for keeping their mappings current (in particular with Reason).
I originally had an Akai MiniMPK, which worked great, but wanted something a little larger, so I figured that the Nocturn 25 was just the ticket and only a bit more expensive (and still less expensive than the MAudio Axiom Pro 25 or the Akai MPK25).
It showed up, I installed it, and everything seemed fine, until I tried to use the drum pads. The drum pads under Windows were sporadically responsive, sometimes they'd show up, sometimes they wouldn't. I tried calibrating them, and AutoMap never registered them. Hmm. This is on a Mac Pro 2008 running Win 7. On a hunch, I booted into OS X...and they work perfectly.
So it's not a hardware issue, it's software issue, and one with their drivers. According to another user on the Novation forums, he reported this a year ago and support claimed that they were aware of the problem and 'looking into it'. Non-functioning drum pads on Windows would seem to be a fairly significant issue.
Support hasn't responded to me in 3 days, so I'm guessing they're not going to address this, at which point I'll need to return this. Disappointing since I'll have to spend more money.
Overall I give it 2 stars. If you're solely an OS X user and can live with the Automap quirks, it's probably a 4 star product, but if you use Windows, one of its major features may or may not work for you at all.


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The Nocturn Keyboard from Novation is an intelligent plug-in/sequencer controller.It is a high quality professional keyboard that plays like an instrument rather than a computer peripheral.With a high quality 'Fatar' keyboard, 8 velocity-sensitive drum pads, and a total of 33 MIDI assignable controls, the Nocturn allows you to get hands-on control of your plug-in instruments, effects and sequencer. Brightly lit 11-segment LED rings around the eight smooth encoders, and backlit buttons throughout provide instant visual feedback for every physical control. All 8 oversized encoders are touch-sensitive, bringing up mapping information and automation data on DAW's with a ‘touch' mode. In addition to the high quality hardware, what really sets Nocturn Keyboard apart is the Automap control software, which is included with each Nocturn Keyboard purchase. Automap acts as a software interface for the unit. It allows you to map parameters in your software plug-ins straight to dials and buttons on the controller by simply clicking on a parameter, then touching the controller.The Automap feature also enables you to keep track of what assignments have already been made.Instead of a small monochrome LCD screen, Nocturn Keyboard displays control information where you really need it - on your computer monitor. The Automap software graphically displays Nocturn's control surface. The controllers themselves also tell you what is going on: LED rings around the 8 encoders show their current settings, and LED's behind the buttons tell you if they are on or off. The Nocturn Keyboard can be set up for use as a serious DAW/sequencer controller, including its ground-breaking Automap control of all VST/AU/RTAS/TDM plug-ins.The Nocturn Keyboard is powered by USB-saving valuable plug sockets. It can also be powered down without being unplugged, preserving battery power in laptops. Fantastic build quality, true musical instrument feel and intuitive controls are just three of the many reasons why Novation's Nocturn Keyboard is simply a joy to play.

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Akai SYNTHSTATION25 25-Key Keyboard Controller For Iphone And Ipod Touch Review

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(More customer reviews)I love the music apps on my iPod Touch, so jumped at the chance to be able to use a keyboard with one. The Akai synthstation is perfect for when you spontaneously want to play around and not boot up a computer and plug in a controller and audio interface. It reminds me of the grab and go convenience of a casio. A couple of caveats:
1) The Akai Synthstation app has some great sounds but no real time programming. I like the arpegiator but you are relegated to step programming.
2) They scrimp on the cables so you will probably want to order a mini USB cable. Not a big deal, but even my cheapo Korg controller came with a cable.
What really expanded my enjoyment of this device was the NanoStudio app that was recently updated with synthstation support and breathed new life into this device. It is a relatively pricey app but worth every penny. It has four synths and 2 drum sets and imports samples and you can program in real time or step time.
I hope other app developers follow suit, but I am wondering if the iPad is distracting them from developing for this device. Curious to hear other opinions on this.
Overall I consider this $99 well spent!


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25-key keyboard controller for iPhone and iPod touch, w/SynthStation Studio App, USB/MIDI, line & phone outs

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Akai Pro MPK mini Review

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(More customer reviews)If you have spent any time reading the reviews of the LPD8 and the LPK25, rest assured you can apply them to this product as well. The MPK Mini is literally a combination of the LPD8 and LPK25; nothing less and nothing more. Which is a great thing if you've been considering both!
This is my first MPC product but I am an experienced keyboardist. The Pads are pretty nice. I enjoy how they light up when you hit them. Like others said regarding the LPD8, they aren't as sensitive as some might prefer, and I'm inclined to agree. It tends not to register some of might lighter hits, so I'm having to get used to how hard I have to hit it. No big deal. It's also nice to have the knobs. They aren't as nice as professional grade knobs, but they work nicely for such a compact unit. The keyboard has mini keys and they are very sturdy. Some complain that it feels like a toy keyboard. Of course it does, they are mini keys! The keys are fine for their purpose of capturing ideas. I do not consider them performance worthy.
For those comparing this to other 25 key midi controllers, please know what you are comparing. There's a reason this is $100. It's simply a combination of two other products. Don't complain about the lack of pitch/mod wheels. The purpose of this product is portability and to allow you to capture ideas when you don't feel like lugging around larger equipment. For these reasons, I find it to be an excellent product.
Definitely pick this product up if you're looking for something extremely portable with acceptable mini keys and very playable MPC pads.

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The Akai Pro MPK mini is an ultra-compact mini-keyboard with an impressive array of buttons, knobs and pads to provide "hands-on" performance and production control no matter your location. MPK mini strikes the perfect balance between portability and comprehensive software control by melding together the complete control offered in the popular Akai Pro MPK family with the grab-and-go convenience of the LPK25 and LPD8. With a 25-note keyboard, 8 back-lit, MPC-style pads and 8 Q-Link knobs, the MPK mini is the ultimate portable controller to get your music moving.

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Akai Pro LPK25 Laptop Performance Keyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)Akai Pro LPK25 Laptop Performance Keyboard
OVERALL IMPRESSION: NOT A TOY! This is an excellent songwriting tool, that makes music making on the go a reality. Not intended to replace your main MIDI controller.
DISCLAIMER: I am an amateur musician making songs mostly to share with family and friends. Also, guitar is my native instrument, and my keyboard skills still leave much to be desired. That being said:
I LOVE THIS DEVICE!!
PROS:
-PORTABILITY AND SMALL FOOTPRINT. I can take this thing with me anywhere and it does not take much space in my laptop bag or work-surface. I have a 20"x20" wood board that I use as a work-surface for my laptop, mouse, LPK25, and headphones. Using that setup I composed whole songs in my bed, sofa, dinner table, backyard chair, passenger seat of my car (at work during lunch time), hotel room, in-laws house...you get the idea. I also have a room with a full size desktop piled with recording equipment in my house, but I only use that setup for recording vocals, guitars, mixing, and mastering (when I have time). Most of my music creation is done with the LPK25 and my laptop.
-PLAYABILITY. Although the keys are small they are still comfortable to play without hitting more than one note at once with each finger (and I have thick fingers). The keys also have great sinth-like action.
-BUILT-IN ARPEGIATOR. I am a novice at using arpegiators but I have found the built-in arpegiator on the LPK-25 very useful and simple to use. An excellent tool to develop ideas, particularly if you (like me) are lacking serious keyboard skills.
-USB POWERED. No power brick required, and it does not drain my laptop's battery quickly either.
-PLUG & PLAY: No drivers to download and fuss with.CONS:
-VELOCITY RANGE NOT AS WIDE AS I WOULD LIKE. The difference in loudness when you press a key fast/hard VS. soft/slow is not as noticeable as more expensive controllers I have used in the past. If you are a very expressive player you won't like it this very much.UNKNOWNS:
-QUALITY & LONGEVITY: I have only owned it for a few months so I don't know how well it will stand to the test of time. But that being said as far as I know AKAI products are pretty reliable, and well built, and this product feels solid.
FINAL NOTE: Although this will be obvious to most, I think it is worth mentioning that this is a midi controller and NOT A STAND ALONE KEYBOARD. The unit makes no sounds of its own and you need a separate computer program (i.e. virtual instrument) to use it.
UPDATE 12/08/2010: I am happy to report that as of today (12/08/2010) my Akai LPK25 is still working as good as the day I bought it.

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Create melodic and harmonic riffs in seconds, anywhere, with the Akai Pro LPK25 Laptop Performance Keyboard, a scaled-down relative to the MPK series of keyboard performance controllers. Made up of 25 miniature, velocity-sensitive keyboard keys with synth action, the LPK25 is a great choice for keyboard players who want to work with software on their computer. Measuring less than 13 inches across and weighing less than a pound, it easily fits into a laptop case, backpack or messenger bag for extreme portability.

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