Hey man, thank you so much for this review! It was super helpful as I'm planning to get a new Midi controller. Thank you for covering both the pros and cons of this setup. That transparency is so needed these days!
This is a good review. Thank you for getting into this much detail. After owning the M-Audio Axiom back in the day, I noticed these small problems too because they can really mess with your creative flow when you just need the keyboard to be a seamless extension to the music. I haven't owned an M-Audio midi controller since but I still love the way they look haha. Thanks Jake.
Wonderful objective review, I really appreciate the depth you put in, and I know the edits to show specifically why the problems exist weren't easy to do and I appreciate them. I was going go buy this as a used model (now 5 years after the video) but will now skip this model based on your findings.
Good honest review. I "Nearly" got one of these on the strength of the features it offered, but when I surfed for user reviews like yours I realised that precision and reliability are problems with it. I have some Nice Old keyboards (JX-8P, JV-80, SH-101) but I wanted a medium sized controller keyboard for general DAW duties (Presonus Studio One in my case). Resisting the seduction of drum pads and sliders I eventually went for a simple Alesis Q49, smaller desk/lap footprint. If I decide that I need for control features I can always add a Faderport or an Atom or some generic DAW controller.
That drumpad issue doesn't happen on my code 61. And if you install the free preset editor into your computer, you can set different presets for different DAWs. The code 49 can hold up to 12 presets. You can also change the range of the faders and knobs so they're not as jumpy.
There’s something about this guy I really like. I laughed 3 times for no reason. Appreciate the review also you make it easier to purchase this keyboard I WILL have it. Because I can’t afford Native Instruments
My Code 25 won't even control the play or stop buttons despite following each step strictly :( I've also fiddled around with the MIDI settings using generic controller, ports, oxygen 25 or 49/61. One thing I've noticed is that I get a message saying 'Firmware not up to date with Preset Editor' but I can assure you I've downloaded both the most up to date driver and firmware. I have changed the colours of the pads etc but it's as if messages are only being sent outwards towards the controller. If anyone could help I would be super greatful!! What exact MIDI settings has any Code 25 user got theirs to work with? Edit: Faulty MIDI power cable, swapped with my printer's & worked perfectly...
This was a super good review. There are so many reviews where all they do is just give you a close-up of the keyboard (yes, I can find pictures of it, thanks), or they just play something on it (MIDI controllers don't make any noise so what's the point of demonstrating what it sounds like?). I want to know all of the little things about it, how it feels, whether the knobs are useful, etc. and I love how you went into that level of detail. You seem to really know what you're talking about, you have a lot of experience playing piano, and it's clear you're not just trying to buy the cheapest thing possible to make beats, so I feel like we're in the same boat. Cheers!
Thank you very much! Yes, I'm also always frustrated with reviews because it's always more unpacking/showing off/rambling facts. I want to hear someone who actually spent time with the gear and knows it thoroughly. I tried to make this video as honest as possible.
@@JakeBorg Hi thanks so much for the super review. It was very helpful to understand the real problems with the midi controller. My only question is which MIDI controller do you recommend at all? I'm considering to buy new one and looking for the best :)))
@@TheMelsinka Arturia - Keylab essential - around £162 in the UK at the mo. If you're thinking about the new M-Audio Oxygen Pro then that is better than the even more new M-Audio Oxygen (MKV)
Thank you very much, I tried to be as honest as I could! There are way too many people reviewing this keyboard and most of them have not spent enough time with it :)
I have got M-Audio Code 25 and within 1 day it died, the pad lights were flickering and keyboard was not responding. Got it replaced very next day with a brand new one. The replacement worked fine for 31 days, and now I am having a peculiar problem, when I play 2/3 notes or a chord may be the keyboard simply freezes. I have to power down and restart to get it back working. I am using it on USB power and Windows USB Audio - Midi.
I have dumped my Axiom 49 because of problems. Frequent stuck midi note, sudden loss of midi, very stiff keys if you don't tock keyboard for few hours, start stop buttons don't work suddenly etc.
Loved your review, on M audio code 49, your conclusion, you say go up, what would you reccomed, I had the Novation impulse 49, its more expensive, not a lot, but would you consider it a better midi controller, I also use Reaper, Maudio OK 4 split zones, great! But then if its not really as you say completely reliable, then it's a toy for a bedroom dj, I would like to hear your review on the Novation, or whatever else you may have in mind... Thanks
Great review. I was looking for another keyboard primarily to use as a DAW VST controller, and was considering this one, but your review really helped me realize that the faders do not have the precision that I need to control things like cutoff frequency. Just based upon your English, I am guessing that you are Swedish. If you live near Stockholm, do you have any recommendations on where to buy music gear or music accessories. Tack!
Thank you for your kind words! The biggest and most well-sorted in Sthlm is probably Deluxe, they have most of what you need. But I don't really like the staff, some of them are not that serviceminded at all and I get the feeling they haven't really been doing music in a while. If you are close to Uppsala, I REALLY recommend Uppsala Musikverkstad. That's my go-to-store at the moment since I'm currently residing here.
if i hit drumpad on my code 49, it only hit that one and not others also ! there is also not a single problem at my knobs or faders or the wheels.. But i bought it this week and it maybe got some problems fixed in the main time. Hey, and i also dont have a problem with power. Also if i use it with USB on my poor laptop. Maybe update this video.
hey man great video, this is a nice looking keyboard for sure but i'd like to know your opinion on a 88 key weighted hammer action piano like the m audio hammer 88
Thanks for your good review, i'm actually thinking of buying one, but there's only a couple things i want to know first: if i could use to play backing tracks on a band im working with, using the pads to play other things at the same time, and sending the metronome to the drummer so only he can hear it. Please help anyone. Thanks!
hi, thanks for this great review... I wanted to buy the Code 61, however I'm very unsure after having seen your video. What keyboard would you recommend today? I don't mind if it costs 1000$ or 2000$, just let me know what you would recommend today. I'm piano player too, so the feel of the keys should be very good. THANKS!
Hahaha you look so disappointed that I also felt this heaviness in your heart! xD Thank you so much for a good and honest review. Helped me make my decision.
My Code49 also got disconnected all the time. But another USB-cable that I had made the problem go away, so I went to the store that I bought it from and got the one it came with replaced :)
Okey bro I have one question Alesis VI61 or Maudio code 61? By the way I want to learn piano and I don't have much money I think should I buy yamaha psr 363 I don't know 🤔
Thanx, very precise analysis. I just bought the even cheaper M-Audio Oxygen 49 and discovered the power supply problem. I am a singer/songwriter and primarily guitar player. I only use the controller for composing, to get some ideas, try something new. I wouldnt use it on stage. Just need it to show other musicians the direction of the song. It works perfect for that. In general I would say. Buy the best quality you can afford. Espacially when it comes to touring and recording. The trouble is, many so called musicians pay more money for a cell phone than their instruments.
Ah man... I wanted to trust M-Audio again. I had two of their controller keyboards and both had problems after a year or two. They manage to pack so many features into their keyboards, but what's the point if they become junk after such a short time. Thanks for the honest review. I think I'll spend a bit more.
What is your opinion of the older models? I have an older M-audio Axiom Pro, and don't really feel that weak bend in the middle when playing it. It is quite rock solid, but haven't felt the Code yet.
Thank you for your in-depth review. I was deciding between this and the Akai MPK 249. The cons you listed would greatly annoy me now that I know this ahead of time so I will be purchasing the Akai tomorrow.
i own an used m code 25 since 2017 and mine works just fine when it's about integration and faders... Actually the only thing that bothers me still it's the low sensibility of the drum pads which I tried to solve through velocity settings and I still cannot feel comfortable enough to play it...
Good review man... it would be cool to see you review the Alesis vi49, it's a very similar keyboard to the M-Audio Code49 in the video, it also has 16 drum pads, semi-weighted keys, same layout and also around the same price, very similar but hopefully better quality.
Thank you! I haven't used the Alesis so I can't tell if it's good or not. I don't want to do a review when I haven't used the keyboard for a longer period of time.
Thanks a lot for this review. I have been stuck between the Novation Impulse 49 and the M-Audio Code 49. From the reviews that I've seen the Novation Impulse 49 seem to be the best within this range.
Karl Heinsen... Checkout the Alesis vi49 also and tell us what you think. I'm trying to decide between the Alesis vi25 or the Novation Launchkey 25. Although this video was very informative I had already scratched the M-Audio code25 off my list because I noticed the 2 big music stores in the USA, Guitar Center & Sam Ash don't even carry it, Guitar Center only lists the 61 key and Sam Ash lists the 49 & 61 key, then I looked on Amazon and they don't even list the 25key either, one of the biggest retailers in the world doesn't even carry it, that seems very weird, so I then checked the M-Audio website and they do show it there, so it does exist, or it did exist at one point. Also the very little I've heard about this keyboard has been negative, including this video, maybe stores had issues with it so they don't even carry it, who knows but i'm staying away from it! lol Btw during my research I only looked for new controllers, I'm not interested in used or discontinued gear.
Yes. I feel the same. Still cannot find perfect keys for traveling. Looks like my Roland FP30, and grand Yamaha could not be substituted by any MIDI semi-weighted keyboard.... :( Thank you for the review! Like
I bought this keyboard, used it for a week then gave it back. The drum pads sensitivity was really bad, at a lighter touch it wouldn't register at all. I guess I was touching it too lightly, but then I ended up buying the Akai MPK261 and the pads on it were pretty much spot on. I guess that makes sense because Akai MPK were the ones who started the drum pad thing. But yeah, great review, agree with a lot of things here.
Good evening Jake, i am Filipino.i am ur new subscriber, can i ask? This midi keyboard can layer sounds if we use Roland sound module or other module for this using midi out? Thank you Jake for your answer
This is a great review. Thank you. Never would have known about the keybed bending and being inconsistent in velocity response plus the bad key. I think only a handful of controllers have great velocity response unfortunately. Pads aren't much of a problem as almost every sensitive drum pad will trigger some accidentals. Only alternative that 100 percent works is to use something else entirely like MIDI Fighter buttons. What's odd to me is I have a Keystation 88es and it has always worked flawlessly. No bending, no bad keys, no power loss over usb. Only issue is the expected velocity response being ordinary. Strange.
I’ve got this midi keyboard for mainstage. I don’t understand why some knobs and faders both doing the same function? And how to fix it☹️ another problem is my english, because there is no manual in russian language
Yes, I had that exact problem! I had to update my software to get different patches you can use in different programs. It's ridiculous that's it's just not plug and play. If you wan't something mapped, that should be a choice, not the standard. Good luck with you problems, your English seems to be better then you think ;)
Hey, thanks so much for this, I was literally getting ready to pick one of these (the 61 key one) up tomorrow morning and after seeing this, decided not to. Thanks for saving me a headache! Happy new year!
@@CussCaves Ended up getting the M Audio Keystation 49es. Simple keyboard, have had it for about 6 months now and I love this thing and its portable. Its a bit cheaper than this one and I was kinda hesitant to get it at first but im glad I did. Works great with my DAW (FL studio) as well.
Had it a a while year still havent figured it out Spilled beer on the pads my bottom 8 dont work They have shitty customer service I paid the insurance and couldn't get it fixed or replaced i just went back on my keystation
Hey Jake. I think im going to go for this one since i am making electronic music (no need to use drum pads) in my house without playing live. What do you suggest?
Hey man. Firstly, really good video. Very in-depth honest review. Secondly, I'm really hoping you'll be able to help me with a problem I'm having. I just bought the Code 61 a couple of weeks ago and I'm having trouble finding anything anywhere that tells you how to link the X/Y pad up to Orb on Omnisphere 2. I know it's a long shot asking, but better than not asking at all. Subbed and liked. Keep up the great videos. Edit. I don't have a lot of the issues that you've pointed out. I don't know if that's up to a firmware update, or what. But I've been going through and testing my Code 61 as you've been mentioning the cons, and I don't seem to get any of them, apart from the pad not being very sensitive at all. Really got to press down on that sucker to get it to pick up the input. I bought the Code 61 primarily for the X/Y pad, as there doesn't seem to be many controllers that have those that were in my price range. But yeah, I totally hear what you're saying.
Thank you! I don't know Omnisphere so I can't help you. Try first mapping the MIDI in your DAW, then try mapping them in the plug-in. Sometimes this helps me when everything is a bit messy! All the best!
@@JakeBorg Thank you for your reply. Appreciated. I've tried doing that. I've spent many hours going through the preset editor. I think I've figured out my problem. The editor doesn't go into negative values, which is what's needed when try to use Orb. I think the only way around this is by finding a third party midi program that will let me switch to negatives, rather than working on a 0 to 127 value. But again, thank you for taking the time to reply. Really appreciate that, man.
Code 61 owner here. One irritating factor for me has been the sensitivity of the pads. No amount of tweaking got them feeling right. Another important consideration for many is that it is not USB class-compliant, which means you can't simply plug in an iPad or iPhone and use Garage Band. I use a Korg plugKEY to get around this. This setup also requires a power adaptor as described in the video, as well as your iPad/iPhone's charger. It all gets a bit irritating. Even with all of these gripes, I still feel I got what I paid for, and I don't feel cheated in any way.
Thanks for this thorough review. I saw a few positive reviews and was decided on this Keyboard but you've highlighted a bunch of things that turned me off it
I got a used M-Audio 88es years ago and it is a great workhorse, portable, etc. One of the keys sensitivity finally went out. However, one of the first things that went out was the USB connector for power and uneven connectivity. I moved to a power supply and a traditional midi connector. Manufacturing price point of course, another instance of a electronic being being taken down by a part that costs pennies. More importantly the reality of taking great care of gear at any level but especially at these price points, they cost less for a reason. Great review! I am currently considering the M-Audio Hammer 88 or the Studiologic SL88 Studio while of course wanting a StudioLogic SL88 Grand (Manufacturing issues?), VPC-1 and of yes a customized Ravenscroft Digital VPC-1. We shall see. Keep us updated.
Hey man, thank you so much for this review! It was super helpful as I'm planning to get a new Midi controller. Thank you for covering both the pros and cons of this setup. That transparency is so needed these days!
man, please, don’t stop doing this kind of videos! you’re a star, really
Thank you!
Very concise, yet detailed and practical review from real-world experience. Glad to hear some critical feedback. I have one of these and it's spot on.
This is a good review. Thank you for getting into this much detail. After owning the M-Audio Axiom back in the day, I noticed these small problems too because they can really mess with your creative flow when you just need the keyboard to be a seamless extension to the music. I haven't owned an M-Audio midi controller since but I still love the way they look haha. Thanks Jake.
Thank you so much! Your review seems to be the best and most honest.
7:13 made my heart smile..... a feeling only musicians can understand, i love what you played here.
Thank you :D
Perfect review thank you so much !
Best and honest review on this keyboard on TH-cam, thank you!
Thank you!!
this is how a review should be, not that fresh out of the box especially the one produce by a store or something. respect, i like your stuff.
Thank you! :D
Thanks a million! Coz I recently! bought the code 61 and your review is really gonna help me with that.
You're welcome!
Thank you for the good and honest rewiew! It helps a lot!
Great insightful review. Thank you.
Thank you!
Wonderful objective review, I really appreciate the depth you put in, and I know the edits to show specifically why the problems exist weren't easy to do and I appreciate them.
I was going go buy this as a used model (now 5 years after the video) but will now skip this model based on your findings.
Good honest review.
I "Nearly" got one of these on the strength of the features it offered, but when I surfed for user reviews like yours I realised that precision and reliability are problems with it.
I have some Nice Old keyboards (JX-8P, JV-80, SH-101) but I wanted a medium sized controller keyboard for general DAW duties (Presonus Studio One in my case).
Resisting the seduction of drum pads and sliders I eventually went for a simple Alesis Q49, smaller desk/lap footprint.
If I decide that I need for control features I can always add a Faderport or an Atom or some generic DAW controller.
Thank you! Good luck with your Alesis!
Very good!. This is the most honest review I've ever seen.
Thank you very much!!
excelente review agradecemos mucho tu aportacion y honestidad.
That drumpad issue doesn't happen on my code 61. And if you install the free preset editor into your computer, you can set different presets for different DAWs. The code 49 can hold up to 12 presets. You can also change the range of the faders and knobs so they're not as jumpy.
Good ass review. Refreshing to see an actual pianist review stuff like this.
Cheers!
Thank you for your review! Useful info!
Anytime!
Great review! Thanks a lot
Awesome review, thank you!
Very nice video my man! Thank you for your honest review!
Thank you! Glad you liked it!!
Such a GOOD review! Thanks!
Thank you!!
There’s something about this guy I really like. I laughed 3 times for no reason. Appreciate the review also you make it easier to purchase this keyboard I WILL have it. Because I can’t afford Native Instruments
Sounds like a gay crush. Lol
Thank you for being honest and sharing your experience
Thank you!
Fantastic review, cheers.
My Code 25 won't even control the play or stop buttons despite following each step strictly :( I've also fiddled around with the MIDI settings using generic controller, ports, oxygen 25 or 49/61. One thing I've noticed is that I get a message saying 'Firmware not up to date with Preset Editor' but I can assure you I've downloaded both the most up to date driver and firmware. I have changed the colours of the pads etc but it's as if messages are only being sent outwards towards the controller. If anyone could help I would be super greatful!! What exact MIDI settings has any Code 25 user got theirs to work with?
Edit: Faulty MIDI power cable, swapped with my printer's & worked perfectly...
This was a super good review. There are so many reviews where all they do is just give you a close-up of the keyboard (yes, I can find pictures of it, thanks), or they just play something on it (MIDI controllers don't make any noise so what's the point of demonstrating what it sounds like?). I want to know all of the little things about it, how it feels, whether the knobs are useful, etc. and I love how you went into that level of detail. You seem to really know what you're talking about, you have a lot of experience playing piano, and it's clear you're not just trying to buy the cheapest thing possible to make beats, so I feel like we're in the same boat. Cheers!
Thank you very much! Yes, I'm also always frustrated with reviews because it's always more unpacking/showing off/rambling facts. I want to hear someone who actually spent time with the gear and knows it thoroughly. I tried to make this video as honest as possible.
@@JakeBorg Hi thanks so much for the super review. It was very helpful to understand the real problems with the midi controller. My only question is which MIDI controller do you recommend at all? I'm considering to buy new one and looking for the best :)))
@@TheMelsinka Arturia - Keylab essential - around £162 in the UK at the mo.
If you're thinking about the new M-Audio Oxygen Pro then that is better than the even more new M-Audio Oxygen (MKV)
Good review, you play awesome, thanks dude
thank you jake, this was very helpful!
You're welcome!
Thanks for the review. I considered to buy this but now Im thinking again now
fantastic honest review mate
Thank you very much, I tried to be as honest as I could! There are way too many people reviewing this keyboard and most of them have not spent enough time with it :)
very good, detail oriented review
Awesome review though. Thanks for unbiased review.
agree
The keybed is bending because it has a function meant for aftertouch.
Thank you for the honest review!
You're welcome!
I have got M-Audio Code 25 and within 1 day it died, the pad lights were flickering and keyboard was not responding.
Got it replaced very next day with a brand new one. The replacement worked fine for 31 days, and now I am having a peculiar problem, when I play 2/3 notes or a chord may be the keyboard simply freezes. I have to power down and restart to get it back working. I am using it on USB power and Windows USB Audio - Midi.
Awesome review. Almost bought this one. Thank you for the heads up. 👍🏽
Cheers, and good luck with w/e you choose!
@@JakeBorg is the alesis vi 61 better than this comparing to the problems??? i need your opinion, plz reply!!
@@amitdeypablo4127 Sorry, I haven't tried the Alesis.
@@JakeBorg :(
hey i hope you see this.
i use ableton live 10 and connected with m- audio code 61. i get signal but no sound.
help me please.
I have dumped my Axiom 49 because of problems. Frequent stuck midi note, sudden loss of midi, very stiff keys if you don't tock keyboard for few hours, start stop buttons don't work suddenly etc.
Loved your review, on M audio code 49, your conclusion, you say go up, what would you reccomed, I had the Novation impulse 49, its more expensive, not a lot, but would you consider it a better midi controller, I also use Reaper, Maudio OK 4 split zones, great! But then if its not really as you say completely reliable, then it's a toy for a bedroom dj, I would like to hear your review on the Novation, or whatever else you may have in mind... Thanks
Great review. I was looking for another keyboard primarily to use as a DAW VST controller, and was considering this one, but your review really helped me realize that the faders do not have the precision that I need to control things like cutoff frequency. Just based upon your English, I am guessing that you are Swedish. If you live near Stockholm, do you have any recommendations on where to buy music gear or music accessories. Tack!
Thank you for your kind words! The biggest and most well-sorted in Sthlm is probably Deluxe, they have most of what you need. But I don't really like the staff, some of them are not that serviceminded at all and I get the feeling they haven't really been doing music in a while. If you are close to Uppsala, I REALLY recommend Uppsala Musikverkstad. That's my go-to-store at the moment since I'm currently residing here.
if i hit drumpad on my code 49, it only hit that one and not others also ! there is also not a single problem at my knobs or faders or the wheels.. But i bought it this week and it maybe got some problems fixed in the main time. Hey, and i also dont have a problem with power. Also if i use it with USB on my poor laptop. Maybe update this video.
hey man great video, this is a nice looking keyboard for sure but i'd like to know your opinion on a 88 key weighted hammer action piano like the m audio hammer 88
Thanks for your good review, i'm actually thinking of buying one, but there's only a couple things i want to know first: if i could use to play backing tracks on a band im working with, using the pads to play other things at the same time, and sending the metronome to the drummer so only he can hear it. Please help anyone. Thanks!
How can I assign the transport keys to an action?
Thanks a lot. Appears to be honest and that's what we want!!
Hey man! You’ve gained another sub!
hi, thanks for this great review... I wanted to buy the Code 61, however I'm very unsure after having seen your video. What keyboard would you recommend today? I don't mind if it costs 1000$ or 2000$, just let me know what you would recommend today. I'm piano player too, so the feel of the keys should be very good. THANKS!
Really helpful! Thank you!
Nice honest review
Hahaha you look so disappointed that I also felt this heaviness in your heart! xD Thank you so much for a good and honest review. Helped me make my decision.
Thank you for your comment ;)
and what is your decision ? :)
i think i may get an Alesis v49
Hi Jake, thank you for the review. I am also looking for a MIDI controller with a good key feel. Do you have an reccomendations?
My Code49 also got disconnected all the time. But another USB-cable that I had made the problem go away, so I went to the store that I bought it from and got the one it came with replaced :)
Okey bro I have one question Alesis VI61 or Maudio code 61? By the way I want to learn piano and I don't have much money I think should I buy yamaha psr 363 I don't know 🤔
Thanx, very precise analysis. I just bought the even cheaper M-Audio Oxygen 49 and discovered the power supply problem.
I am a singer/songwriter and primarily guitar player. I only use the controller for composing, to get some ideas, try something new.
I wouldnt use it on stage. Just need it to show other musicians the direction of the song. It works perfect for that.
In general I would say. Buy the best quality you can afford. Espacially when it comes to touring and recording.
The trouble is, many so called musicians pay more money for a cell phone than their instruments.
Ah man... I wanted to trust M-Audio again. I had two of their controller keyboards and both had problems after a year or two. They manage to pack so many features into their keyboards, but what's the point if they become junk after such a short time.
Thanks for the honest review. I think I'll spend a bit more.
What is your opinion of the older models? I have an older M-audio Axiom Pro, and don't really feel that weak bend in the middle when playing it. It is quite rock solid, but haven't felt the Code yet.
Have not played a lot of older models. Only really cheap M-Audio that were way older and they were not that impressive!
same problem all m audio product
Thank you for you 🙏🏼
Anytime!
Very fair and real life review
Thank you for your in-depth review. I was deciding between this and the Akai MPK 249. The cons you listed would greatly annoy me now that I know this ahead of time so I will be purchasing the Akai tomorrow.
Thank you for your comment!
How is it??
thanks for this video borther!
Your welcome!
The best review about this keyboard ......
I have it but disapointed, as 7 weeks after mac OS 12 go live the keyboard still doesnt has updated drivers so can not use it since 7 weeks
i own an used m code 25 since 2017 and mine works just fine when it's about integration and faders... Actually the only thing that bothers me still it's the low sensibility of the drum pads which I tried to solve through velocity settings and I still cannot feel comfortable enough to play it...
Thank you!
Good review man... it would be cool to see you review the Alesis vi49, it's a very similar keyboard to the M-Audio Code49 in the video, it also has 16 drum pads, semi-weighted keys, same layout and also around the same price, very similar but hopefully better quality.
Thank you! I haven't used the Alesis so I can't tell if it's good or not. I don't want to do a review when I haven't used the keyboard for a longer period of time.
Thanks a lot for this review. I have been stuck between the Novation Impulse 49 and the M-Audio Code 49. From the reviews that I've seen the Novation Impulse 49 seem to be the best within this range.
Hope you'll be happy with you choice!
Karl Heinsen...
Checkout the Alesis vi49 also and tell us what you think.
I'm trying to decide between the Alesis vi25 or the Novation Launchkey 25.
Although this video was very informative I had already scratched the M-Audio code25 off my list because I noticed the 2 big music stores in the USA, Guitar Center & Sam Ash don't even carry it, Guitar Center only lists the 61 key and Sam Ash lists the 49 & 61 key, then I looked on Amazon and they don't even list the 25key either, one of the biggest retailers in the world doesn't even carry it, that seems very weird, so I then checked the M-Audio website and they do show it there, so it does exist, or it did exist at one point.
Also the very little I've heard about this keyboard has been negative, including this video, maybe stores had issues with it so they don't even carry it, who knows but i'm staying away from it! lol
Btw during my research I only looked for new controllers, I'm not interested in used or discontinued gear.
Yes. I feel the same. Still cannot find perfect keys for traveling. Looks like my Roland FP30, and grand Yamaha could not be substituted by any MIDI semi-weighted keyboard.... :( Thank you for the review! Like
For mobility I'd say korg microkeys, for something "good and cheap also disposable" just buy a used casio piano.
Thank you for the review! Do you have any recommendations for MIDI controllers with weighted (piano style) keys?
That woould be so helpful as well
Which keyboard in a higher prize category would you recommend ?
nice review, i like your spirit
Cheers!!
I bought this keyboard, used it for a week then gave it back. The drum pads sensitivity was really bad, at a lighter touch it wouldn't register at all. I guess I was touching it too lightly, but then I ended up buying the Akai MPK261 and the pads on it were pretty much spot on. I guess that makes sense because Akai MPK were the ones who started the drum pad thing.
But yeah, great review, agree with a lot of things here.
Hi can i ask you something what is the brand name of your mic stand.advance thank you for responding🙏
awesome review! :) im pretty sure now Im gonna buy higher price model. thanks 4 that Jake!
Thank you!
Really good review even for a non piano player! Was fun would watch again 4 out of 5 brödrostar.
Good evening Jake, i am Filipino.i am ur new subscriber, can i ask? This midi keyboard can layer sounds if we use Roland sound module or other module for this using midi out? Thank you Jake for your answer
This is a great review. Thank you. Never would have known about the keybed bending and being inconsistent in velocity response plus the bad key. I think only a handful of controllers have great velocity response unfortunately. Pads aren't much of a problem as almost every sensitive drum pad will trigger some accidentals. Only alternative that 100 percent works is to use something else entirely like MIDI Fighter buttons. What's odd to me is I have a Keystation 88es and it has always worked flawlessly. No bending, no bad keys, no power loss over usb. Only issue is the expected velocity response being ordinary. Strange.
Thank you for your comment!!
i can’t get korg plugins to work on it so frustrating
I’ve got this midi keyboard for mainstage. I don’t understand why some knobs and faders both doing the same function? And how to fix it☹️ another problem is my english, because there is no manual in russian language
Yes, I had that exact problem! I had to update my software to get different patches you can use in different programs. It's ridiculous that's it's just not plug and play. If you wan't something mapped, that should be a choice, not the standard. Good luck with you problems, your English seems to be better then you think ;)
Have you had the chance to try the 61? Which keyboard would you recommend instead? :)
Hey, thanks so much for this, I was literally getting ready to pick one of these (the 61 key one) up tomorrow morning and after seeing this, decided not to. Thanks for saving me a headache! Happy new year!
What did you choose instead?
@@CussCaves Ended up getting the M Audio Keystation 49es. Simple keyboard, have had it for about 6 months now and I love this thing and its portable. Its a bit cheaper than this one and I was kinda hesitant to get it at first but im glad I did. Works great with my DAW (FL studio) as well.
Had it a a while year still havent figured it out
Spilled beer on the pads my bottom 8 dont work
They have shitty customer service
I paid the insurance and couldn't get it fixed or replaced i just went back on my keystation
Thank You!
Anytime!
Hey Jake. I think im going to go for this one since i am making electronic music (no need to use drum pads) in my house without playing live. What do you suggest?
You should try them in a store and see what you like. Go with that!
Hey man. Firstly, really good video. Very in-depth honest review. Secondly, I'm really hoping you'll be able to help me with a problem I'm having. I just bought the Code 61 a couple of weeks ago and I'm having trouble finding anything anywhere that tells you how to link the X/Y pad up to Orb on Omnisphere 2. I know it's a long shot asking, but better than not asking at all.
Subbed and liked. Keep up the great videos.
Edit. I don't have a lot of the issues that you've pointed out. I don't know if that's up to a firmware update, or what. But I've been going through and testing my Code 61 as you've been mentioning the cons, and I don't seem to get any of them, apart from the pad not being very sensitive at all. Really got to press down on that sucker to get it to pick up the input. I bought the Code 61 primarily for the X/Y pad, as there doesn't seem to be many controllers that have those that were in my price range. But yeah, I totally hear what you're saying.
Thank you! I don't know Omnisphere so I can't help you. Try first mapping the MIDI in your DAW, then try mapping them in the plug-in. Sometimes this helps me when everything is a bit messy!
All the best!
@@JakeBorg Thank you for your reply. Appreciated. I've tried doing that. I've spent many hours going through the preset editor. I think I've figured out my problem. The editor doesn't go into negative values, which is what's needed when try to use Orb. I think the only way around this is by finding a third party midi program that will let me switch to negatives, rather than working on a 0 to 127 value. But again, thank you for taking the time to reply. Really appreciate that, man.
@@parasite-b9604 Anytime, good luck!
Code 61 owner here. One irritating factor for me has been the sensitivity of the pads. No amount of tweaking got them feeling right. Another important consideration for many is that it is not USB class-compliant, which means you can't simply plug in an iPad or iPhone and use Garage Band. I use a Korg plugKEY to get around this. This setup also requires a power adaptor as described in the video, as well as your iPad/iPhone's charger. It all gets a bit irritating. Even with all of these gripes, I still feel I got what I paid for, and I don't feel cheated in any way.
thanks man for the review i was thinthing buying this model
You're welcome!
Thanks for review. Very informative.
Thank You so much for this awesome review
Thank you! Glad you liked it!
Is it wire less like speakers underneath the board?
Can you suggest me one midi keyboard ?
With drum pads and nob's
Thank you :)
Anytime!
excellent!
Does anyone has a link to the white one?
Thanks for this thorough review. I saw a few positive reviews and was decided on this Keyboard but you've highlighted a bunch of things that turned me off it
so whats the better quality then ?
Thanks for the review and your honest opinion. I was thinking about buying this controller but now I'm not :)
Lumios Thank you!
Dont have midi channel select in painel, is a DJ keyboard.
I got a used M-Audio 88es years ago and it is a great workhorse, portable, etc. One of the keys sensitivity finally went out. However, one of the first things that went out was the USB connector for power and uneven connectivity. I moved to a power supply and a traditional midi connector. Manufacturing price point of course, another instance of a electronic being being taken down by a part that costs pennies. More importantly the reality of taking great care of gear at any level but especially at these price points, they cost less for a reason. Great review! I am currently considering the M-Audio Hammer 88 or the Studiologic SL88 Studio while of course wanting a StudioLogic SL88 Grand (Manufacturing issues?), VPC-1 and of yes a customized Ravenscroft Digital VPC-1. We shall see. Keep us updated.