I appreciate how balanced and honest your reviews are--even when they send you a free copy. If I'm ever in the market for something, I check first to see if you have a review. Thanks for doing this.
I just ordered one of these under the M-Vave brand. I'm not sure what the connection is between the two companies is or if it's just a rebranding. It has the same model number - SMK25 and looks identical in all respects right down to the packaging. USB-B plugs are used for client side connections so it actually makes sense since it's both data and power. I don't have a problem with that to be honest - it's a more robust plug and usually uses a more robust cable. I think they may have put a USB C on the MkII but I'd consider that a downgrade to be honest. You really don't need a flimsy miniature connector on a midi keyboard. This also led me into some of their (M-Vave) effects pedals so I ordered the mini universe reverb pedal because it looks like it might be a lot of fun.
NGL - I actually really like your “cheap midi controller” reviews - no one else covers these units. BTW - I’ve seen this controller under several names - it looks very promising and is incredibly cheap in Mexico. The Bluetooth functionality plus infinite encoders is what catches my eye - and what “didn’t make the cut” in the Avatar keyboard I bought recently (which you also reviewed btw, thanks). Unfortunately that alone and the fact that the keys on the Avatar aren’t great (too stiff) makes me think I have to find a better alternative and get rid of the Avatar (a shame, it has nice features and build… I would keep it if the keyboard itself wasn’t so stiff).
Thanks for letting me know! I actually liked the keyboard on the avatar since it had bigger keys, but honestly my personal favorite cheap controller is the MIDIPLUS Minicontrol. This is the one I use on my setup. It's small, has more keys, real pitch and mod wheels and takes up less space on my desk.
@@demonicsweaters my thing is -> I really WANT it to be Bluetooth (hence why I got the Avatar). I actually tried it out a little more after commenting and was substantially more satisfied than originally. The parameter setup is actually very well handled so I do like that about it - too bad the keys do feel a bit too stiff (I actually originally thought they would be amazing given the size and the fact that they look more like piano keys than synth keys, but they feel a bit too stiff still). Thanks for the reviews btw! If you could sort this one doubt for me I’d be very thankful: On this current Lekato controller, can you change midi channels somehow? Or is it “single midi channel”? I know I can remap on my DAW, but I am actually looking for a midi controller which can handle that directly (and ideally, hold different CC commands and values per rotary knob per channel, so that if I switch it to control something else parameters won’t just jump around)
What is difference between this midi controller, vs. M-wave and Larlson midi controller, which look exactly similar like this one you review, are these same products but with different names? Thanks
@@demonicsweaters sir i have seen you recomending the midiplus minicontrol? how does it match up with the smk-25? considering that the smk--25 price is half of the minicontrol? (at the least here on my side of the world) (also, in the price of minicontrol, i could buy a second hand arturia minilab or akai mpk) thankyou in advanced ^_^
Is it possible to sync the keyboard's arpeggiator with a novation circuit? I'm using the circuit as master clock and I'm needing an arpeggiator as the circuit doesn't have one, but I need it to be in sync with the circuit's clock. Thanks!
I haven’t tried the transport function in fl studio, or I can’t remember if I tried it. But it should work, or you should be able to program it to work. Good luck!
@@demonicsweaters do you recommend this at all? i plan getting one over the akai mini because they work the same although im concerned about its durability and functionality.
Hej kupilam taki kontroler ale nie moge polaczyc aie z nim przez bluetooth. Jakie programy są potrzebne do obslugi tego urządzenia? Czy mozesz mi pomóc? 1:271:281:30
I would recommend investing in a good DAW first, like Reaper or Ableton. Or if you have a Mac or iPad you can use GarageBand. If you already have that, then yes. This or any MIDI controller will get you going.
I appreciate how balanced and honest your reviews are--even when they send you a free copy. If I'm ever in the market for something, I check first to see if you have a review. Thanks for doing this.
Thanks I appreciate that!
I just ordered one of these under the M-Vave brand. I'm not sure what the connection is between the two companies is or if it's just a rebranding. It has the same model number - SMK25 and looks identical in all respects right down to the packaging.
USB-B plugs are used for client side connections so it actually makes sense since it's both data and power. I don't have a problem with that to be honest - it's a more robust plug and usually uses a more robust cable. I think they may have put a USB C on the MkII but I'd consider that a downgrade to be honest. You really don't need a flimsy miniature connector on a midi keyboard.
This also led me into some of their (M-Vave) effects pedals so I ordered the mini universe reverb pedal because it looks like it might be a lot of fun.
You can adjust the settings of sensitivity in the controller just press pad b and Bluetooth button 👍🏻
Noice
The app is available on their website now
NGL - I actually really like your “cheap midi controller” reviews - no one else covers these units.
BTW - I’ve seen this controller under several names - it looks very promising and is incredibly cheap in Mexico.
The Bluetooth functionality plus infinite encoders is what catches my eye - and what “didn’t make the cut” in the Avatar keyboard I bought recently (which you also reviewed btw, thanks). Unfortunately that alone and the fact that the keys on the Avatar aren’t great (too stiff) makes me think I have to find a better alternative and get rid of the Avatar (a shame, it has nice features and build… I would keep it if the keyboard itself wasn’t so stiff).
Thanks for letting me know! I actually liked the keyboard on the avatar since it had bigger keys, but honestly my personal favorite cheap controller is the MIDIPLUS Minicontrol. This is the one I use on my setup. It's small, has more keys, real pitch and mod wheels and takes up less space on my desk.
@@demonicsweaters my thing is -> I really WANT it to be Bluetooth (hence why I got the Avatar). I actually tried it out a little more after commenting and was substantially more satisfied than originally. The parameter setup is actually very well handled so I do like that about it - too bad the keys do feel a bit too stiff (I actually originally thought they would be amazing given the size and the fact that they look more like piano keys than synth keys, but they feel a bit too stiff still).
Thanks for the reviews btw!
If you could sort this one doubt for me I’d be very thankful:
On this current Lekato controller, can you change midi channels somehow? Or is it “single midi channel”? I know I can remap on my DAW, but I am actually looking for a midi controller which can handle that directly (and ideally, hold different CC commands and values per rotary knob per channel, so that if I switch it to control something else parameters won’t just jump around)
Cheers for great review smk25 upcoming travel mate
What is difference between this midi controller, vs. M-wave and Larlson midi controller, which look exactly similar like this one you review, are these same products but with different names? Thanks
It looks like one factory and different labeling
is this the same as the m-vave smk? just under a different brand name?
I'm not sure, but it very well could be
@@demonicsweaters sir i have seen you recomending the midiplus minicontrol?
how does it match up with the smk-25? considering that the smk--25 price is half of the minicontrol? (at the least here on my side of the world)
(also, in the price of minicontrol, i could buy a second hand arturia minilab or akai mpk)
thankyou in advanced ^_^
Heck yeah
Is it possible to sync the keyboard's arpeggiator with a novation circuit? I'm using the circuit as master clock and I'm needing an arpeggiator as the circuit doesn't have one, but I need it to be in sync with the circuit's clock. Thanks!
have you tried synchronizing the arpeggiator with an external sequencer?
not yet, no
do the stop and record buttons work on fl studio? like if i press the record button on the midi, will it trigger recording in fl?
I haven’t tried the transport function in fl studio, or I can’t remember if I tried it. But it should work, or you should be able to program it to work. Good luck!
@@demonicsweaters do you recommend this at all? i plan getting one over the akai mini because they work the same although im concerned about its durability and functionality.
Anyone know what the latency is like via an ipad?
ipads generally have pretty low latency with all midi gear.
I got it mainly for bluetooth but have yet tp get bluetooth to work. FL mobile galaxy, s24 ultra, M-Valve branding
I'm not sure. I haven't used Android in some time.
What do you mean you can't run ASIO driver? You can't use this keyboard while using ASIO?
I can't use ASIO and do screen capture at the same time. You will want to use ASIO while recording.
Kool
Hej kupilam taki kontroler ale nie moge polaczyc aie z nim przez bluetooth. Jakie programy są potrzebne do obslugi tego urządzenia? Czy mozesz mi pomóc? 1:27 1:28 1:30
Bluetooth is really only for ipads
can i ask for a preset for this keyboard for ableton?
Is this a good midi controller or should i buy the akai version? 🤔
I'm finding difficult to transpose with the midi keyboard please can some one help?
Bump trhis up, home someone can give us a hint
Whoops, already solved this one
Press the Oct+ or Oct- while turn the Transpose knob, thats it
What is the difference between lekato and M-VAVE?
I'm not sure
Would you recommend this for a beginner who wants to start making music?
I would recommend investing in a good DAW first, like Reaper or Ableton. Or if you have a Mac or iPad you can use GarageBand. If you already have that, then yes. This or any MIDI controller will get you going.
@@demonicsweaters does bandlab work with this one
Can i use it in reason 12?
Does bandlab work with this one
It should work with any midi controller
You remind me of tom Kenny!
Haven't heard that one before, but strangely I can kinda see it, haha.