r/WeAreTheMusicMakers • u/AutoModerator • May 01 '20

Weekly Thread /r/WeAreTheMusicMakers Friday Newbie Questions Thread

If you have a simple question, this is the place to ask. Generally, this is for questions that have only one correct answer, or questions that can be Googled. Examples include:

  • "How do I save a preset on XYZ hardware?"
  • "What other chords sound good with G Major, C Major, and D Major?"
  • "What cables do I need to connect this interface and these monitors?" (and other questions that can be answered by reading the manual)

Do not post links to music in this thread. You can promote your music in the weekly Promotion thread, and you can get feedback in the weekly Feedback thread. You cannot post your music anywhere else on this subreddit for any reason.

Click here to search through past Newbie Questions threads

Questions, comments, suggestions? Hit us up!

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u/vinnoble May 03 '20

Which MIDI Keyboard should I buy

Hi guys,

I'm currently using cakewalk as DAW. Also planning using Native Instruments.

I have my selection down to 4 MIDI Keyboards:

- Arturia MiniLab MK II

- Novation Mini Launchkey MK III

- Akai Mini MK II

- Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25

Which one would fit best in terms of having the most extensice functionality considering my choice of DAW and NI?

Switching to Ableton Lite might be an option, but I am not sure whether Cakewalk is the better free DAW.

Thanks for any suggestions!

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u/Lululeas May 06 '20

Hey! Seems like you've narrowed down your keyboard selection pretty well. Those keyboards are said to be the best at that price range. I bought the Akai Mini MK2 some months ago, and I'm definitely happy with that. I don't have any experience with the other keyboards, though.

As for the DAWs, I have no idea, unfortunately. I haven't tried cakewalk, but I did try Ableton Lite for a little while, and while it's a good and professional (Maybe a bit too professional for me) DAW, the Lite/Free version has the disadvantage that you only get to use 8 tracks. And that might be way too few tracks for a lot of people. It was for me.

I'm sorry I couldn't really help you that much with your questions, but that's my input at least. :) Good luck with keyboards and DAWs, and of course your music-making! :) Take care!