Looking for the best mini midi controller for around $100

Audiojunkie

Hi everyone! Thank you for all the help!! In the end, I decided on the Arturia MiniLab Mk 2. I’ve only had a little time to play with it. I really like the “Slim” keys, which are bigger than “Mini” keys, and yet this is a Mini device. The MiniLab feels really solid, and overall, it’s a good size for portability. I can run everything straight from my phone, without a hub, if needed. Don’t mind the Capacitive sliders for pitch and mod—it feels natural to me and is easier than the controls I had on the KMI K-Board. These are just the first impressions. I’ll do a more thorough review after I’ve had time to test things more thoroughly, but the bigger sized “Slim” keys and the decent action/keybed feel won me over, I think. :-) Thank you again to all of you that helped and commented!!!!

YZJustDatGuy

@supadom said:
I've just read on Novation website that Mk 2 doesn't have a low power mode as mk1 and cannot be powered by the ipad. Might be the case of a passive hub like with MPK but can't be sure.

https://support.novationmusic.com/hc/en-gb/articles/206861799

@supadom said:
I've just read on Novation website that Mk 2 doesn't have a low power mode as mk1 and cannot be powered by the ipad. Might be the case of a passive hub like with MPK but can't be sure.

https://support.novationmusic.com/hc/en-gb/articles/206861799

This is for the Launchkey 25 not Launchkey Mini

YZJustDatGuy

@Audiojunkie said:
Hi everyone! Thank you for all the help!! In the end, I decided on the Arturia MiniLab Mk 2. I’ve only had a little time to play with it. I really like the “Slim” keys, which are bigger than “Mini” keys, and yet this is a Mini device. The MiniLab feels really solid, and overall, it’s a good size for portability. I can run everything straight from my phone, without a hub, if needed. Don’t mind the Capacitive sliders for pitch and mod—it feels natural to me and is easier than the controls I had on the KMI K-Board. These are just the first impressions. I’ll do a more thorough review after I’ve had time to test things more thoroughly, but the bigger sized “Slim” keys and the decent action/keybed feel won me over, I think. :-) Thank you again to all of you that helped and commented!!!!

Great choice. I had it for a while but it’s weight in my backpack forced me to revert back to my Launchkey mini but the build quality on the Minilab is amazing

MobileMusic

Korg nanoKEY 2
Korg nanoKEY Studio

vitocorleone123

Honestly, I think the number of keys is more important than how many knobs it has. But that's just me. I wish I'd gotten something with more keys and fewer knobs than my Akai MPK mini thing.

richardyot

@vitocorleone123 said:
Honestly, I think the number of keys is more important than how many knobs it has. But that's just me. I wish I'd gotten something with more keys and fewer knobs than my Akai MPK mini thing.

I think it depends what you're trying to do. I've got cheap Acorn 49 key for practicing piano parts, so it has enough keys for two-handed playing, and then the minilab for writing melodies and knob-twiddling. They serve different purposes.

If I ever improve my piano playing enough to justify it I would like to actually get a real piano.

Ribbon

@richardyot said:
Avoid the AKAI, it's not class-compliant so it needs a powered hub to run.

You can just use a tiny passive usb hub from the pound shop, no power needed. I barely notice mine.
I love my Akai Mini MPK2, it beats all the competition in my eyes

RUST( i )K

@Audiojunkie said:
Hi, I've been looking to upgrade from my KMI K-Board to something that offers a better keyboard feel and also some knobs for midi CC control. I'm going to post some keyboards that I have researched to some extent that may be good portable/mobile iOS midi controller replacements for my K-Board. Please, if you have a knowledge or experience in these, help me and vote for the one you truly believe is the best. I will be going to the local Guitar Center tomorrow to try several of these out and see how I feel about them, but if you have experience about compatibility, build quality, special features or known issues, your vote (and comments below) will definitely help me!! Thank you!!!

No question

No Vation

mgmg4871

Maybe an addition to your list. Great features and 32 keys. https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/KeyStep?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7Lurrvug2QIVElmGCh3viwW5EAQYASABEgJRuPD_BwE

Hmtx

If you can save up and wait for a deal... go for something bigger!

I got an Akai MPK 49 for $170 stupiddealoftheday on musiciansfriend.com. It is far better quality than those little things.

MarkR

@TheVimFuego said:

@supadom said:
I've just read on Novation website that Mk 2 doesn't have a low power mode as mk1 and cannot be powered by the ipad. Might be the case of a passive hub like with MPK but can't be sure.

https://support.novationmusic.com/hc/en-gb/articles/206861799

Interesting, my Mk 2 just plugs into the iPad and I’ve not needed a hub.

It’s a big plus for me, less cables/dongles and more mobility.

Same here. The first time I plugged my Mk2 into my iPad Pro I used the power cable, but the second time I forgot to do so and noticed the iPad was powering it! Happy days indeed...

Dham

@Ribbon said:

@richardyot said:
Avoid the AKAI, it's not class-compliant so it needs a powered hub to run.

You can just use a tiny passive usb hub from the pound shop, no power needed. I barely notice mine.
I love my Akai Mini MPK2, it beats all the competition in my eyes

I just used a small passive hub that I can leave connected to the USB cable or lightning-to-USB adapter. Works great and is so small I barely notice it.

Audiojunkie

Thanks everyone for your help!! In the end, I decided to get the Arturia MiniLab Mk 2. I’ve only had a little time to play with it. I really like the “Slim” keys, which are bigger than “Mini” keys, and yet this is a Mini device. The MiniLab feels really solid, and overall, it’s a good size for portability. I can run everything straight from my phone, without a hub, if needed. Don’t mind the Capacitive sliders for pitch and mod—it feels natural to me and is easier than the controls I had on the KMI K-Board.

[Deleted User]

How much is that little passive hub cost?

@Dham said:

@Ribbon said:

@richardyot said:
Avoid the AKAI, it's not class-compliant so it needs a powered hub to run.

You can just use a tiny passive usb hub from the pound shop, no power needed. I barely notice mine.
I love my Akai Mini MPK2, it beats all the competition in my eyes

I just used a small passive hub that I can leave connected to the USB cable or lightning-to-USB adapter. Works great and is so small I barely notice it.

YZJustDatGuy

@MusicMan4Christ said:
How much is that little passive hub cost?

@Dham said:

@Ribbon said:

@richardyot said:
Avoid the AKAI, it's not class-compliant so it needs a powered hub to run.

You can just use a tiny passive usb hub from the pound shop, no power needed. I barely notice mine.
I love my Akai Mini MPK2, it beats all the competition in my eyes

I just used a small passive hub that I can leave connected to the USB cable or lightning-to-USB adapter. Works great and is so small I barely notice it.

Cute USB Mini 2-Port USB 2.0 Hub Splitter (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FJG5T4W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_4t4GAbVMQ3P46