DON'T BUY A 25 KEYS MIDI KEYBOARD! GET THIS INSTEAD

Summary

In this video, Maximals, a full-time musician with nearly a decade of experience, discusses the pros and cons of different MIDI keyboards for music production. He compares 25-key, 49-key, and 61-key keyboards, explaining how the smaller 25-key models may not be ideal for learning music or creating melodies and chords simultaneously. Maximals emphasizes practicality and ease of use, suggesting affordable alternatives like the Akai keyboard. He also highlights the importance of keybed quality and DAW integration, recommending the Arturia KeyLab for its superior build and functionality. The video also touches on the benefits of digital keyboards and standalone models for more flexible practice.

Takeaways

• 😀 Maximals is a full-time musician with nearly a decade of experience, specializing in electronic dance music (EDM) and music production.
• 😀 25-key MIDI keyboards are not ideal for beginners or producers who want to play both melodies and chords due to their size limitations.
• 😀 The analogy of a manual vs. automatic car is used to explain why smaller keyboards (25-key) are impractical for most users.
• 😀 A 49-key or 61-key keyboard is more versatile, allowing you to play both melodies and chords without limitations.
• 😀 25-key keyboards are suitable for people who travel a lot or need a portable, compact solution for live performances.
• 😀 If budget is a concern, Maximals recommends the Akai keyboard, which is similar in price to the Arturia MiniLab but offers better overall functionality.
• 😀 The Arturia KeyLab is recommended for its superior keybed feel and better build quality, providing a more satisfying playing experience.
• 😀 A standalone keyboard (not requiring a computer to function) is more convenient for practicing and writing melodies without additional setup.
• 😀 Maximals points out that MIDI keyboards with extra features like knobs and pads (e.g., Arturia MiniLab) can help improve workflow but come at a higher price.
• 😀 The difference between MIDI keyboards lies in their integration with digital audio workstations (DAWs), such as how Arturia and Akai offer different levels of functionality depending on the DAW used.
• 😀 Maximals encourages viewers to make informed decisions about which MIDI keyboard to purchase based on their personal needs and usage scenarios.

Q & A

Why does the speaker recommend against purchasing a 25-key MIDI keyboard?

The speaker believes that 25-key keyboards are limiting because they don't allow for the simultaneous playing of melodies and chords. The small size makes it difficult to learn and play complex music effectively.

What is the analogy used to explain the limitations of a 25-key keyboard?

The speaker compares a 25-key keyboard to a manual car, suggesting that while a manual car may look more luxurious, it is impractical for someone who doesn't know how to drive it. Similarly, a 25-key keyboard is not practical for musicians who need more keys to play melodies and chords simultaneously.

What does the speaker suggest as a better alternative to a 25-key keyboard?

The speaker recommends purchasing a 49-key or 61-key keyboard, as these provide more functionality and flexibility for learning and creating music. The larger size allows for playing both melodies and chords at the same time.

Under what circumstances does the speaker think a 25-key keyboard might be appropriate?

A 25-key keyboard could be useful if you travel frequently and need a portable solution, if you perform live with a built-in live feature, or if you simply want to showcase a small, compact keyboard.

What does the speaker think about the use of knobs and pads on MIDI keyboards?

The speaker suggests that many musicians, especially EDM producers, rarely use the knobs and pads on MIDI keyboards. The knobs may not offer significant utility for most people, and similar keyboards can be found without these features at a lower price point.

What does the speaker recommend for someone on a tight budget?

For those on a budget, the speaker recommends the Akai keyboard, which is similarly priced to the Arturia MiniLab but offers a more basic, cost-effective solution without knobs and pads.

What is the key advantage of the Arturia KeyLab over other keyboards?

The Arturia KeyLab is favored for its superior keybed, offering a better feel and more comfortable playing experience compared to other keyboards in its price range.

Why does the speaker mention that the Arturia MiniLab and similar keyboards require a computer to function?

The speaker highlights that the Arturia MiniLab is a MIDI keyboard, meaning it needs to be connected to a computer or a DAW to produce sound. In contrast, the Casio 870 is a digital keyboard that works independently without needing a computer.

How does a standalone keyboard like the Casio 870 benefit the speaker's practice routine?

The speaker appreciates the Casio 870's standalone capability because it eliminates the need to plug in a computer or DAW. This reduces friction in the learning process and makes it easier to practice melodies at any time.

What are the differences between Novation products and Arturia keyboards according to the speaker?

The speaker mentions that Novation products have fixed value knobs, while Arturia keyboards feature Infinity knobs, which allow for continuous rotation. The Infinity knobs are particularly useful for changing tracks in live settings, while Novation's fixed knobs may be better for visual representation during live performances.